shedd aquarium: Brookfield Zoo. Its a little cheaper than the Shedd Aquarium and there is A LOT more to see/do at Brookfield Zoo. You can see everything in the Shedd Aquarium in about an hour. It will take you at least 3-4 hours to see everything at Brookfield Zoo; that's how big it is. Plus, Brookfield Zoo also has a dolphin show where the trainers have the dolphins and sea lions perform all kinds of tricks. Shedd Aquarium doesn't.|||Both are worth the cost of admission, but I personally prefer Shedd Aquarium. If you go to the aquarium, it is also worth paying the extra fee to go in the oceanarium. They have a dolphin show in there, as well as larger animals such as sea lions, whales, and penguins. The exhibits are well designed and there is also a tidal pool tank where you can touch things. It's also fun to watch the divers feed the animals in the big tank at the entrance to the aquarium (check the times when you enter-they do it several times a day). The Amazon exhibit is also really neat. The shark one is new since I've been there, but I'm sure it's worthwhile as everything else in the aquarium is. If you're going to Chicago in the summer, you will also appreciate the air conditioning inside the aquarium instead of the zoo!|||I prefer the Shedd, where the dolphins and belugas look happy, unlike the legged creatures at the zoo. Last time I was at the zoo, I was disgusted by the way the visitors were acting. And I'm not talking the kids, who were generally fascinated by the animals and fairly well-behaved; I'm talking about the grown-ups. I saw adults banging on exhibit windows, provoking animals, etc..... It was very disrespectful. Late add: The Shedd DOES have a dolphin show....|||they're actually both very nice attractions, really just matters if you'd prefer animals or aquatic fish. i'd prefer the aquarium myself.|||the shedd is good for all your fresh and salt Waiter life from the sea i enjoy the zoo also Brookfield and also Lincoln park zoo downtown on the lake there bout good|||Shedd Aquarium!|||Brookfield zoo to me because it doesn't just have aquatic animals!|||both but...preferabbly i choose the shedd(you can pet sting rays!)