Some people can receive free tickets based on their employment: Chicago police officers and firefighters, educators from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin, and active duty US military personnel may receive a free ticket on any day. The same is true for employees of Shedd's corporate partners (listed here). Use this page to reserve your Corporate member tickets.
Chicago Public Library card holders can check out a "Kids Museum Passport." You check the passport out from your local library and reserve a spot using the "Reserve Your Tickets Today" button in the Museum Passport section of this page. Your group must include at least one child under 18, and the passport is good for up to 2 adults.
If you are a member of another zoo or aquarium, you may be able to receive half-off with the AZA reciprocal program. A list of eligible zoos and aquariums is here. This may not be offered to members of nearby zoos, including Lincoln Park Zoo and Milwaukee County Zoo (Brookfield Zoo is not part of the reciprocity program so members would also not be included). If you are a member of a zoo that participates in the program, go to this page, and reserve your tickets using the link in the AZA Reciprocal Membership section.
If you're on vacation (or stay-cation) and visiting a lot of museums, the City Pass could help you save money (although you're not likely to save the 50% they claim). You need to visit 3-4 museums for the purchase to really save money, especially if you're a Chicago resident. The passes give admission to 5 different attraction in a 9 day period.
The Go Pass is another alternative for potential discounts if you're visiting many museums. Again, savings depend on your plans and which museums you'll visit. Shedd is only included in the All-Inclusive pass, and not the Explorer pass.
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