I bought two tickets for my mom’s birthday. I remember placing the order (2 x $200) and thinking “I hope this is worth it”.
When the experience was over I told my mom: “I think I’m going to need to do this again. Maybe even once a year.” And she responded: “I was thinking the same thing!”
I hope you find the opportunity to do this. You’ll remember those beluga eyes forever.
I share your concern, but if it makes any difference - the belugas really do appear happy. They’re playful and seem to have a sweet bond with their trainers (who are wonderful and clearly love these magical creatures).
Before the ‘experience’ it was explained that we’d meet whichever belugas were interested in coming over. So they’re not forced In any way to participate.
I’m pretty sure all of the belugas at Shedd were born there. So ‘Stockholm’ wouldn’t apply.
The beluga experience is facilitated by trainers. The two trainers I met were volunteers for years before they were elevated to their current positions. I think that demonstrates their passion for these animals. And the interaction I saw between the trainers and the belugas looked very playful and affectionate. It was a pleasure to see.
I am pretty certain the shedd is a recovery and release type of aquarium? Unless they cannot be released back for some reason and then they stay there for life. But I have been a few times and the animals look content.
Seconding this!!! I got knocked over by the sheer force of the belugas spray when we were having her do tricks 🤣 Got a pic of it too! It was so much fun, super unique and memorable experience
That’s a shame. Sorry to hear about that.
There’s an interactive penguin experience as well. Perhaps you’re able to do that? If not - a general admission afternoon at Shedd is still a great time.
Just a quick note, unless the diets have changed substantially, the beluga food at shedd was herring, capling, squid; the otters famously have the most expensive diet in the building - shrimp, clam, crab, squid, fish. They told us the reason was it's easy to hide a multivitamin in beluga food, but an otter plays with their food and they will remove vitamins that aren't mixed in smoothies.
Holy Sh*t it's that expensive now? I remember going there as a kid on Field Trips and now I feel grateful to have experienced that. Yeah ....it's freakin awesome.
I’m not sure if you’re clear on exactly what I was talking about. The experience I mentioned involves a small group of people putting waders on and getting into the water with the belugas.
If that sounds overpriced in any way I assure you it’s not. It’s an experience I’ll hold on to forever.
That place sucks. Overpriced. It's full of Bachelorette parties and groups of obnoxious people. The massages are terrible.
Much better old school bathhouses out there.
It's not very private and secluded. It's communal. So you'll have a bunch of people there. It says to be considerate to others, but, people aren't. Are you looking for massages or a bath house?
To give a second opinion for those reading - the one time I went I went early in the morning. My partner and I more or less had the place to ourselves and thoroughly enjoyed it. Def still overpriced though.
If you’re feeling generous, I’d recommend the Gourmand Gala raising money for cancer. Tickets are $200ish after fees. Insanely delicious food, open bar, and really gregarious people in the community easy to get along with.
An Art Institute membership is $115/year and includes admission for the member and a guest!
The Beluga encounter at Shedd Aquarium. I did it. And it’s FUCKING MAGICAL. Cost: $200 Worth every penny.
I did not know this was a thing and now I HAVE to do it. I fucking love belugas so much, you’ve made my day.
I bought two tickets for my mom’s birthday. I remember placing the order (2 x $200) and thinking “I hope this is worth it”. When the experience was over I told my mom: “I think I’m going to need to do this again. Maybe even once a year.” And she responded: “I was thinking the same thing!” I hope you find the opportunity to do this. You’ll remember those beluga eyes forever.
I love them too I just have a hard time with the ethics of belugas and dolphins in captivity and it’s making it challenging to enjoy :(
I share your concern, but if it makes any difference - the belugas really do appear happy. They’re playful and seem to have a sweet bond with their trainers (who are wonderful and clearly love these magical creatures). Before the ‘experience’ it was explained that we’d meet whichever belugas were interested in coming over. So they’re not forced In any way to participate.
Thank you ❤️❤️❤️ I genuinely appreciate it, I really love them too
Can't help but think it's some form of animal Stockholm Syndrome...
I’m pretty sure all of the belugas at Shedd were born there. So ‘Stockholm’ wouldn’t apply. The beluga experience is facilitated by trainers. The two trainers I met were volunteers for years before they were elevated to their current positions. I think that demonstrates their passion for these animals. And the interaction I saw between the trainers and the belugas looked very playful and affectionate. It was a pleasure to see.
I am pretty certain the shedd is a recovery and release type of aquarium? Unless they cannot be released back for some reason and then they stay there for life. But I have been a few times and the animals look content.
Right?!? Had never crossed my mind, but now it’s 100% on my to-do list. Sounds amazing!
Seconding this!!! I got knocked over by the sheer force of the belugas spray when we were having her do tricks 🤣 Got a pic of it too! It was so much fun, super unique and memorable experience
There’s nothing quite like hugging a beluga whale. I can’t wait to do it again.
You get to hug a whale!? 😮
Yep. First part of the experience for me. I even got to scratch his tongue! It was amazing. I hope everyone reading this buys a ticket.
If I didn't have a shellfish allergy I would give this a try 😭
That’s a shame. Sorry to hear about that. There’s an interactive penguin experience as well. Perhaps you’re able to do that? If not - a general admission afternoon at Shedd is still a great time.
I may look into doing the otter one with my partner, thank you for the recommendation!
Just a quick note, unless the diets have changed substantially, the beluga food at shedd was herring, capling, squid; the otters famously have the most expensive diet in the building - shrimp, clam, crab, squid, fish. They told us the reason was it's easy to hide a multivitamin in beluga food, but an otter plays with their food and they will remove vitamins that aren't mixed in smoothies.
Thank you so much for this!
Holy Sh*t it's that expensive now? I remember going there as a kid on Field Trips and now I feel grateful to have experienced that. Yeah ....it's freakin awesome.
I’m not sure if you’re clear on exactly what I was talking about. The experience I mentioned involves a small group of people putting waders on and getting into the water with the belugas. If that sounds overpriced in any way I assure you it’s not. It’s an experience I’ll hold on to forever.
You're getting into the water with them lol? I'm so jealous. Yeah I must've misunderstood.
Maybe a trapeze class with TSNY? Or go see a play, or a tasting menu would be cool!
Ohh trapeze class sounds amazing! Thanks for the recs!
Check out Actors Gymnasium for classes!
TSNY is now Get a Grip Trapeze - highly recommend!!
Can get two tickets to a ton of events for that much. Won’t be amazing tickets typically but still fun. CSO, Joffrey, musicals, Bulls/Blackhawks.
Aire ancient baths or a cooking class at the chopping block
Aire ancient baths
That place sucks. Overpriced. It's full of Bachelorette parties and groups of obnoxious people. The massages are terrible. Much better old school bathhouses out there.
Any you'd recommend? Was considering going to Aire with the wife but maybe we'll reconsider.
King spa
It's not very private and secluded. It's communal. So you'll have a bunch of people there. It says to be considerate to others, but, people aren't. Are you looking for massages or a bath house?
To give a second opinion for those reading - the one time I went I went early in the morning. My partner and I more or less had the place to ourselves and thoroughly enjoyed it. Def still overpriced though.
She's more looking for a good massage. I'm more of a sauna/steam and cold plunge kind of guy.
A selection of the best chocolate shakes in the world at Wiener’s Circle.
💀
A City Pass is $150ish.
Hamilton is in town
Check animal encounters at the shedd.
Half hour of bowling at Lucky Strike
$250 in cash.
If you’re feeling generous, I’d recommend the Gourmand Gala raising money for cancer. Tickets are $200ish after fees. Insanely delicious food, open bar, and really gregarious people in the community easy to get along with.
2 hours with a hooker that charges 100 per hour and tip 50
Hookers and meth.
You can get some cool deals at Steppenwolf if you want to gift a season membership! https://www.steppenwolf.org/memberships/