Chicago Botanic Garden
add photosThe Garden continues to strive to meet the lofty goals set more than a century ago. The Chicago Botanic Garden, with its world-renowned plant collections and displays, is one of the country's most visited public gardens and a preeminent center for learning and scientific research.
The 385-acre Garden features 23 display gardens and three native habitats, uniquely situated on nine islands surrounded by lakes.
9 Reviews for Chicago Botanic Garden
26
8
'12
1 family found this helpful
"Beautiful!"
The Nitty Gritty: We went here on a Saturday afternoon during their Kite Festival. I used a Groupon which was only $10 parking (normally $20). There is plenty of parking.
The fun: We went here during the Kite Festival. There was a free tram to ride out to the Island where it was held. The festival highlights included professionals flying their kites to music. My son seemed disinterested in the flying but probably because he was too young to enjoy that sort of thing. We only had time to explore the Bonsai Island, Waterfalls, Model Railroad Garden.
Son's fav moment: Definitely the model railroad garden! We splurged and paid $5 an adult (son was under 2 so free). He loved seeing all the trains going around the miniature replicas of places, statues, monuments and more.
Parent's fav moment: The Bonsai Island. Beautiful and picturesque - take lots of pictures!
Bottom Line: Most definitely recommend. There are tons of picture opportunities, so snap away. If your kids love trains, go ahead and stop on by there. The Garden hosts lots of activities during the year, so it may be worth it to check it out!
Tip: Bring comfortable shoes and don't expect to see everything if you're toting kids.
Send a Message 
Send a Compliment
It's helpful
0 families found this helpful
"Gorgeous"
Chicago Botanic Garden is gorgeous. There are so many cool different areas. The Japanese gardens were a big hit with us. There are cool bridges and little islands, and it's a free garden. If you want to save money, park a ways away and walk, or ride bikes if you live close. There are so many different and beautiful kinds of tulips. Loved it!!!
0 families found this helpful
"LOVE!"
Super fun! I had so much fun & so did the people I went with! I cannot wait until I go again! All the activites are so much fun! The gift shops are great & so are the resturants! So much fun to spend your day here! You will have a great time being here!
0 families found this helpful
"Beautiful "
My kids and I had our first visit at the beginning of the year. What amazing grounds. Extremely large but great to explore. The kids kept interest in the different scenes, the wonderful flora, the bridges, beautiful willow trees. I took so many pictures it was incredible.
There are several 'islands' to explore with different themes (e.g. Japanese Garden) I think the most fun is going back every couple months to see the changes in the colors and what's blooming. We haven't been there for a concert but am looking forward to it.
0 families found this helpful
"Nature at it's best"
I highly recommend visiting the Chicago Botanic Gardens. I am a recreational photographer and was very inspired by the flora and fauna of the gardens. Bursts of floral color. Greener than green foliage. I took some amazing pictures. My favorite section of the garden was the Japanese Pagoda. This was a very peaceful and relaxing adventure. Bring the kiddies and help them get in touch with nature at it's best!!
0 families found this helpful
"Great place to go on a nice day"
The Botanic Gardens are set up differently than the Morton Arboretum. The Gardens have separated into different types: Japanese, rose, etc... There is plenty of room for kids to run around and great scenery for the parents. They do have picnic tables outside the gardens for a nice afternoon picnic as well.
1 family found this helpful
"Best for special events"
We were members here for a couple years and only gave it up because it's a 45 minute drive from Chicago. But it's a gorgeous place. Big space for kids to run around, lots of bike trails, and great holiday events. At Christmas there's a train exhibit we still go to, and just pay the admission (which is just parking). At Halloween there is a ton of stuff for kids. And regardless of when you go, see the train exhibit - worth the extra ticket.
And the restaurant is good too. Very nice outdoor seating area with a view over the pond.
1 family found this helpful
"Explore and enjoy nature!"
This is a wonderful place to spend a day with inquisitive kids. There is a train garden which has wonderful details to enjoy, as well as a sensory garden, which encourages children to touch and smell!
My children had a great time the last two times we visited.
Admission is free but there is a fee to park ($20 a car but free for members).
0 families found this helpful
"Beautiful & Abundant"
The spacious grounds are a riot of color in spring and summer, yet there’s a pristine beauty to them even in winter, when the snow covers everything. In fall the flowers are goners, so the surrounding trees pick up the slack by trotting out their best red-yellow hues.
What's Nearby? Hotels » Activities »
Find Hotels near Chicago Botanic Garden »
Find Activities near Chicago Botanic Garden »
Find Restaurants near Chicago Botanic Garden »
Get the inside scoop from parents who have been there!
