DOWNTOWN — Shedd Aquarium's request to scrap its tiered passes in favor of flat rates will be heard next week after the city's park board canceled its Wednesday meeting, city officials say.
City residents 12 or older would pay $19.95 to get into the Shedd while children three to 11 years old who live in the city would pay $14.95 under the proposed fee changes.
The flat rates would replace Shedd's current tiered approach, which allow visitors to pay for access for more exhibits.
Adults who live in the city currently pay $5 for general admission, $27.95 for a "Shedd Pass" and $36.95 for an "All-Access" pass.
The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners was set to vote on the proposed changes Wednesday, but canceled its meeting due to a lack of quorum, a park district spokeswoman said. Shedd's request will now be heard May 17.
The Shedd, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, was hoping to implement the changes by July 1. The majority of Chicagoans who visited the Shedd last year opted for the more expensive tiered passes and would have paid less through the new flat rate. About 35 percent of Chicagoans who visited the Shedd last year got in with general admission and would have paid more.
Admission would definitely go up for suburbanites and people who live outside Chicago.
Adults who reside outside the city would pay $39.95; non-resident children's admission would be $29.95.
Non-city residents now pay $8 for general admission, $30.95 for a "Shedd Pass," and $39.95 for an "All-Access" pass.