Activity Overview
Located within the 184 acre Garfield Park on Chicago's West Side the Garfield Park Conservatory has stood for over a century as a not only a magnificent structure in its own right but also the home to a vast a beautiful array of different plant life. The entire conservatory is made up of six multi-faceted greenhouses and two grand exhibition halls.
Things to Do
- Educational activities and events are regularly held for children and adults. Every weekend the Conservatory holds "Plant Party Play Dates" which encourage kids to build a relationship with nature and to actively think about how they interact with the natural world on a daily basis.
- "Wild Wednesdays" see kids getting their hands dirty inside and outside the Conservatory. An animal guest often joins the group for this event too. Both the "Play Dates" and "Wild Wednesdays" are free events.
- Daily shows also take place such as the free "Trapped! When Plants Attack" which take carnivorous plants as its theme. A Farmer's Market takes place every Sunday in the Conservatory where you can purchase and learn about a range of locally grown fresh produce.
Garfield Park Conservatory Insider Tips
- Although the Conservatory is free to enter donations are always gratefully appreciated.
- There is a free parking lot to the south of the Conservatory. It is also easily reached on the green line of Chicago's metro system the El.
- Normal opening hours are from 9am to 5pm although there is a late evening opening on Wednesdays when the Conservatory closes at 8pm.
