Chicago Botanic Garden
Back
Relax and unwind at the Chicago Botanic Garden, a place of ever-changing natural beauty that makes each visit unique. Enjoy a walk through the Greenhouses and dine at the Garden Café. What a great way to celebrate the outdoors any season!
During spring, take a walk among the beautiful gardens. During summer, register kids for the popular camp experience Camp CBG. Toddlers and teens can learn about ecology and have fun too. During the winter, you can discover the magic of Wonderland Express as the Garden celebrates the holiday season inside and out. Dazzling lights, festive miniature trains, and special events make Wonderland Express the perfect holiday destination and family tradition.
Visitor Services
Take a break in the Garden Café and enjoy their new menu, which uses locally-grown produce when items are in season. You’ll find fresh flat bread pizza’s, healthy wraps, crisp salads, tasty soups, sweet pastries and organic coffee. Open June 4 - September 5, hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, 4:30p.m. on weekends. During the summer look for the Garden Grille on Cafe Decks. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily depending on weather. Unique and beautiful gifts inspired by nature are available for every member of the family in the Garden Shop, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, and until 4:30 p.m. on weekends.
Those pondering a gift for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, teachers, graduations or weddings might consider a gift membership to the Chicago Botanic Garden. Year-round benefits include free parking and discounts on classes, tram tours and shopping. Gift memberships can be purchased by calling (847) 835-8215, or by visiting ChicagoBotanic.org/member.
Admission to the Garden is free. Select event fees apply. Parking is $20 per car. For information about any of the Chicago Botanic Garden’s programs and events, call (847) 835-5440, or visit ChicagoBotanic.org.
Things To Do in Chicago Botanic Garden
The Chicago Botanic Garden hosts a market every first and third Sunday of the month where local, sustainable farmers and producers bring their produce for purchase. The market is free for visitors and is located on the Esplanade. Visitors are also able to purchase a special bag at the Garden Shop in which they can carry their purchases home.
The market runs June 5 - October 16. For a list of vendors and more information please visit the Farmer's Market"website.
To celebrate the winter season, The Chicago Botanic garden introduces the "Three Friends of Winter" exhibit. This exhibit follows the Japanese tradition in which the pine, plum and bamboo symbolize how we endure adverse conditions and gain strength.
The exhibit starts out with a Bonsai Silhoutte show in which popular silhouttes from the gardens Bonsai collection are featured. Each is placed with an accent feature, a incense burner or pottery, and are featured in the Japanese gardens. Familys can walk among the gardens as well as enjoy Japanese folk tales and lectures on the exhibit.
The exhibit runs January 28- 30 from 10 a.n. to 4 p.m. Saturday, January 29 Anne Shimojima will be sharing traditional Japanese stories at 1 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday there will be lectures about the exhibit at 2 p.m. For more information please visit the Three Friendswebsite.
For a list of classes and to register visit the Family Classes tab on their webiste.
THe Chicago Botanic Garden hosts "Islands of Serenity:The Japanese Garden Exprience during the winter months to honor the Japanese tradition of renewal.
Running January 15 through February 13, this exhibit features 13 interprative panels placed among the Japanese gardens. Visitors are invited to walk among the gardens to experience spritual renewal and relaxation.
The exhibit is open daily and runs through February 13. For more information please visit website.
Hours
Open Daily: 8a.m. - sunset
Admission
Free, but parking charge applies





