Stressed out and need a place to unwind? Looking for a way to get rid of EVERYONE’S grumpies? Then take a trip to my favorite Chicagoland refuge, The Chicago Botanic Garden. This gem is nationally recognized for its unique exhibits, programs, and activities that help you slow down, unplug, and simply reconnect with the beauty of nature.
The Gardens
Obviously, the Chicago Botanic Garden is known for its gorgeous gardens. We visit throughout the entire year and enjoy how the gardens feature different native plants appropriate for each season (the greenhouses are our favorite winter refuge). My personal favorites are the Heritage Garden, Japanese Garden, and English Walled Garden.
My boys are fans of any and every garden that features a water fountain, and with so many of them spread throughout the beautiful and lush exhibits, it is easy to keep them excited when we walk from one garden to another. And since the Botanic Gardens are wheelchair and stroller accessible, you can explore all day long without worrying about any off limits gardens.
My boys and I also like to go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt every time we visit, looking for our favorite seasonal features.
The Water Features
The star of the show for kids of all ages (even the 90 year olds) are the unique and beautiful water features scattered throughout the gardens. There is a huge water fountain in the middle of the lake that everyone admires (especially at sunset), and the Esplanade has gorgeous staggered fountains whose relaxing sounds echo as you walk past.
Our favorite water feature is the Water Fall Garden, an interactive feature which you can climb up and enjoy from many different vantage points. The rushing of the water is so incredibly calming and the scenery is beautiful, which combines to create the perfect respite in the middle of Chicagoland.
The Model Railroad Garden
One of the most creative and intricate exhibits in the Chicago Botanic Gardens is the Model Railroad Garden. Open from May through October (whether permitting) it is a fun and whimsical exhibit that showcases 18 model trains, 50 American landmarks, 26 different bridges, and over 5,000 different plants.
It can get a bit crowded on popular weekends during the summer, so I would recommend visiting during the week or during “off peak” times on the weekends. Prices are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $4 for children 3 and over. Members receive a dollar off admission, free visits on Wednesdays (Garden Plus Members) and there are also 10 visit passes available at a discounted rate.
We absolutely love how each aspect of the Model Railroad Garden is constructed using natural materials, including twigs, bark, leaves, acorns and pebbles, along with tiny trees, shrubs, and other greenery. The handcrafted displays truly are a piece of art, and come alive during the holidays as part of the Wonderland Express as well.
Fun for Kids
In addition to the gorgeous gardens, creative water features, and fun filled Model Railroad Garden, Any time you visit, simply stop by the information desk for a scavenger hunt sheet that changes seasonally to add focus to your visit.
The Garden also hosts free story times every Monday morning at 10 a.m. Stop by for nature themed stories and activities before heading outside to enjoy the gardens.
Throughout the summer, there is a fun Dancin’ Sprouts concert series, similar to a kiddie Ravinia on the Esplanade. Different local children’s performers come every Wednesday night from 5:30-7:30. Families are welcome to pack a picnic and enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds on these unique and upbeat nights.
There are many other drop in activities, registration required classes and camps, and other family friendly activities throughout the year at the Chicago Botanic Gardens. Be sure to check out their website to see what would best suit your family.
Remember that there is a fee for parking, but general admission to the garden is free. If you can ride a bike to the Botanic Garden, it truly is the best way to get in great exercise and feed your soul.
Looking for other ways to enjoy nature? Simply search “outdoor fun” or “nature centers”.
These photos are amazing!
I am completely in love with the Water Fall garden! The Botanical Garden looks so beautiful in the summertime. I will have to stop by and explore it when I am in Chicago this summer.
My boys are enamored with the waterfall garden, too. 🙂
I have never been to the Chicago botanic gardens!! They look so relaxing and so beautiful! I love to visit gardens when we travel; I love to see all the different flowers in the different regions of the world.
This is one of the most beautiful places. It has been years since I’ve been there, but I remember it so well. I’d love to go back now and show my kids the beauty!
Oh wow! We’ve been to Chicago many times over the years, and I’ve tried to visit many of it’s awesome places to wander, but we completely missed this! Looks gorgeous!
These are some very pretty pictures. Thank you so much for sharing them with us. I would have a hard time picking out just one that I’d like the most.
Wow, this reminds me of the Lake Garden in Malaysia and the Botanic Garden in Singapore. There are so many kinds of flavors in different colors. How big is the area? Are there wheelchairs and strollers available for rent or we have to bring our own?
This is such a beautiful looking place, I love your photos! I really love taking my son to places like this, it’s great being able to let little ones run around so freely in a safe, open space. I would love to visit here if I ever find myself in Chicago 🙂
What a gorgeous place to visit. We have a place like that sort of near me, but I have never been. This makes me want to go.
I have never been to the Chicago Botanic Gardens. It does look absolutely gorgeous with so much to see and do. I probably would like the waterfalls best of I ever get there. Meanwhile I have been meaning to get to the NY Botanic Gardens (in the Bronx)–it is also calming and oh so pretty!
Looks so pretty. I’ve been to Chicago but, have never visited these gardens. I’m making a point to next time.
i have never been to chicago but whenever i will , i am going to visit these gardens for sure,these places are beautiful…thanx for sharing
Wow – wish I lived closer (I am in Florida) – what beauty! And you captured the beauty with your wonderful pics!
I’ve never been to Chicago but if I get the chance, I’ll be sure to stop by their Botanical Gardens! It looks so gorgeous, thanks for the great share! 🙂
It’s one of my favorite places!
When I travel, I see signs for botanical gardens and I have NEVER had a chance to stop at one and take in the sights. I heard the one in NY is beautiful, and I am lovin’ the water features of this one in Chicago. I’d get lost in the Water Fall Garden.
What a beautiful place to visit. I can spend all day just learning about the names of the flowers and taking photos.
They have nice landscape at chicago botanical garden. It’s such a refreshing place to visit.
Beautiful, what a very beautiful place! We recently visited a nature park and my boys had a very great time. That Model Railroad Garden looks amazing, my boys would be amaze with that!
This Chicago garden looks amazing. I love the flowers, the water and how they are organized. It is so relaxing to visit such gardens
The Botanic Garden is gorgeous any day of the year (even windy and cold days like today)!
It’s been years since I’ve see a beautiful garden. The view and design of this garden is breathtaking
The Chicago Botanic Garden is one of my favorite places to relax and unwind.
I love botanical gardens. The beauty and knowledge you find there is so amazing! We actually had a Girl Socut Troop trip to our local Botancial Garden and I was a bit nervous at first because I was uncertain whether 5 year old Girls would find it interesting. They absolutely loved it and didn’t even want to leave! Great tips and defintiely a beautiful Garden you have there in Chicago.
I feel like a garden is beautiful and diverse enough for both the young and old to enjoy!