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Garfield Park Conservatory
Science & Nature Museum in Chicago, Illinois
Garfield Park Conservatory
Wicker Park / Bucktown
view website300 N Central Park Ave
Chicago, IL 60624
312-746-5100
Good-for-Kids Rating
BabiesToddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Garfield Park Conservatory Description
Set in the middle of historic, sprawling Garfield Park on Chicago's redeveloping West Side, Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest and most beautiful botanical collections in the country. Visit two outdoor gardens and 6+ greenhouses, including the Show House, which comes alive with displays and lights during holiday seasons. In the Sweet House, see treats like chocolate, sugar cane, figs, chewing gum, vanilla, and banana plants in their original form.
For kids, the highlight is the Children's House, a green fantasyland filled with huge vines and a seven-foot-tall seed to be climbed. Budding horticulturists -- or just the curious -- can check out rare, mysterious plants and trees like the Sensitive Plant. On the mezzanine level, there's a massive bee that needs help pollinating flowers in the room, and a fun, twisty slide.
Science & Nature Museum
Kid Tips
Toddlers & Pre-K: In the Crawling Area, little ones can explore the colors and textures of soft-form blocks and play rings, and have their own miniature green slide.
Planning Notes
- Call ahead. The Conservatory is open every day of the year, but some exhibits may close for upgrades.
- More for free. Take advantage of the Conservatory's numerous kid- and family-oriented classes, workshops, and events -- and most of them are free.
Just the Facts
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; Thursdays 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Fees: Free
Recommended Time: Half day
