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    Garfield Park Conservatory

    4.8 (831 reviews)
    Closed Closed

    By appointment only

    Garfield Park Conservatory Photos

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    Sarah V.

    The conservatory is an underrated gem of the city! A great escape into nature - especially in the colder months, though when it's warmer the outside grounds are opened too! Great way to see some cool new trees and plants, get some steps in along the wandering paths and learn a little bit about the nature around you!! They have great educational programs and events as well and are really such an asset to the city!! Also the coffee stand is good for a quick coffee or iced tea and a snack when they're open!

    Christine H.

    Multiple spacious rooms with diverse flora! They even host fun events here. A great place to wander, appreciate the scenery, and talk with friends/family. I also got engaged here (and so did many other couples that day)!

    Do not climb on the rocks sign
    Larry H.

    I love to visit the Garfield Park Conservatory in the winter. When it is cold outside it is either tropical or desert climate depending on which part of the conservatory you are in. A small donation gets you entry into the conservatory. The $10 donation is a steal since, the visit feels like a small vacation to someplace warm. They still had the Holiday display up on our visit. This was an unexpected treat to see the holiday trees and poinsettias. I was disappointed that the lobby was closed and we had to trek thru the muddy makeshift rubber matting path to get to the entrance. If you can wait I suggest going when the lobby is renovated or go early on a freezing cold day when the muddy path is frozen.

    Aesha E.

    I've wanted to visit for a long time and really glad we finally got a chance to visit. The conservatory is really nice and a peaceful place to wander. There is an entrance fee if you live outside the city, but if you show your ID you get the resident rate. I learned that Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest in the country. There are some trees here that are over 200 years old! It was designed Jens Jensen, a renowned landscape architect who also helped establish the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. The Palm room was pretty neat. My favorite part I think was the outdoor garden; it was spring when we visited. The weather was great, the blooms were lovely, and it was fun to watch my little one and her friend chase each other around. The conservatory is RIGHT off of the green line, the Conservatory-Central station. I'm not sure there's actually any parking besides what you'll find on the street or in the parking lot at the park.

    "Boston cop slide" = EMG slide

    We love coming to the conservatory, and were very excited to explore the new EMT children's garden/play space today..... but omg! The slide is Dangerous!! My almost 3 year old got in line and went down, feet first and while her grandma was at the bottom to catch her- she had FLIPPED while sliding down. And ended up sliding out head first and very scared. (Anyone seen the "Boston Cop Slide" video??) After running down to meet her- I watched several children FLY out of the tube. Adults Also came down saying "did you hear me crashing in there?" And "I really hurt my elbow!" One little kiddo got out and couldn't find his mom, while crying. The slide safety should really be looked at- the descending angle is very intense!

    Arielle J.

    Affordable. Beautiful. Peaceful. Charming. Picturesque. Leaving the Garfield Park Conservatory, I felt many things. What a local gem in the neighborhood. I loved all of the greenery - including plants and flowers. I went on a cold day and it was very warm on the inside. I didn't need a jacket or a coat. The walkable area is such a tranquil experience. There were quite a few benches placed thoughtfully in areas that you can rest, reflect and get an amazing picture at while sitting. I really enjoyed my visit!

    Isheka O.

    If you love plants and live in the Chicago area you need to visit! There are different species of plants from different climates across the world present. From desert, tropical, temperate plants, etc. These plants include fruit trees, herbs, ornamentals, etc. There are also activities for the smaller kids which makes this an ideal location for family time. Entry is free for Chicago residents but you need to make a reservation ahead of time. Non-residents pay $10 to enter I believe but it is worth it. The staff is also amazing!

    Mariah C.

    Out of town guest here! This conservatory was one of my favorite things I saw in Chicago. Every room in this conservatory was pieced together so beautifully. I saw plants of all kinds, common and rare. My favorite was the pink powder puff trees, so unique and beautiful. The desert and fern rooms were gorgeous. The outside area was pretty, unfortunately the labyrinth and sensory area were closed. The children's area is currently being built and looked really cool. They also had coffee and tea which was a nice add because it was really hot. The tea was refreshing! Highly recommend! $10 for out of town guest.

    Sofia Z.

    I live close by and love going in the winter time to visit. It is a beautiful conservatory and is free to Chicago residents. The only downfall is that it can get really crowded. Would recommend going on the weekday to take the time to truly enjoy. When I was there this time they were setting up for a wedding and it was stunning.

    Jason K.

    Fantastic conservatory on the south side of Chicago. It's indoors, so you can go in the winter too. They have a wide variety of plants and flowers on display from around the world. The staff is very friendly and thy also have a gift and coffee shop.

    Frank G.

    I was recently at the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago and loved all the different plants they have there. It's nicely taken care of. While it is out of the downtown area, it's easily accesible by metro(about 25-30 min or so). The metro service is reliable with trains every 10 min. I'm so happy I included this botanical garden in my itinerary, and you should too. I think the entrance fee should be a little bit cheaper, but it's worth overall.

    Hyun P.

    It was freezing during our Chicago trip so we decided to visit Garfield Park Conservatory on a Sunday afternoon just to be indoor. we took the Green Line from downtown, and it dropped us off right by the entrance. The admission fee was $10 per person for non resident, and they recommend purchasing tickets online in advance. The ticket asks for an arrival time, but in our experience, they didn't strictly enforce it. The conservatory is entirely indoors and feels like a giant greenhouse. they have a coat rack area, so you don't have to carry your jacket around. The conservatory has several beautifully themed rooms, including a cactus room, a fern room, and a floral plant room, etc. It truly feels like an indoor botanical garden, and it's a great place to walk around.

    Amy D.

    It's free, peaceful, and the best cure for seasonal depression. When Chicago turns to gray skies and snowy slush in January, I recommend the conservatory. It truly looks like paradise in the Midwest. I personally found the warm and humid air refreshing! - AD

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    4 months ago

    Beautiful and relaxing I always enjoy seeing the beautiful plants as well as the turtles and fish

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    Ask the Community - Garfield Park Conservatory

    Is the outdoor garden open? Their website says they are currently closed.

    Hello! The outdoor gardens, including the The Flowers of Monet exhibit in the Artist’s Garden, are now closed. The Garfield Park Conservatory is closed to the public until further notice. Please stay tuned for indoor re-opening updates and subscribe… Read more

    Is this a dangerous area in the daytime?

    No. But if you are from a suburb that's neatly manicured you will find fault with this gorgeous area

    Is it hot inside?

    I dress appropriately and watch the weather in July and August. I am always too warm but I find the experience worth the warm. I especially recommend it in February, it's like a mini tropical vacation.

    Are dogs allowed in the conservatory?

    Hello, service animals (not emotional support animals) are the only animals allowed inside or outside here at the Conservatory.

    Are there grassy areas and are people allowed to lie down?

    Yes, there are grassy areas out front, but there is even more space in the 10 acres of outdoor gardens here at the Conservatory. Specifically, the City Garden is an ideal spot for laying in the grass as well as near the Sensory Garden near the… Read more

    View All 6 Questions

    Review Highlights - Garfield Park Conservatory

    Also visit some of the outdoor gardens for a beautiful visual and olfactory explosion of sights and smells!

    Mentioned in 33 reviews

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    Millennium Park - The famous Bean

    Millennium Park

    4.6(1.5k reviews)
    4.9 miThe Loop

    The wife and I visited "The Bean" and the surrounding area for a bit…read more The mirrored bean is cool and drew a hefty crowd on this Saturday afternoon. It is pretty massive and iconic for this city. I captured some fun "funhouse" type reflection images of us in it. This area with the river makes for a nice walk and visual architecture splendor on full display. There were some huge mural water fountain art displays nearby. During the summertime water runs vertically down them.

    My friend and I were recently traveling to Chicago, and we stayed along Michigan Avenue. We didn't…read morerealize until arriving that it was so close to Millennium Park, which we spent part of one afternoon exploring. Like every other tourist, we took photo after photo at Cloud Gate, also known as "The Bean." We wandered through the rest of the Millennium Park Campus and found the entire area to be quite delightful. It was hard to believe that only yards away were busy streets and hotels and buildings. I was impressed with the level of security in place at each of the two park entrances. There are metal detectors in place and bag searches for a variety of prohibited items from weapons, explosives, fireworks, and open flames to noise makers, narcotics, drugs, and animals (other than service animals). The lines moved quite quickly. The officers were friendly but clearly focused on keeping everyone entering the park safe. Millennium Park is a world leader of art and architecture in a public, outdoor, urban setting. The Millennium Park Campus includes the Lurie Garden, the Chicago Cultural Center, Maggie Daley Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Harris Theater. The Lurie Garden is the Millennium Park's 'secret garden'. This naturalistic garden is a place of rest and renewal for humans and wildlife alike. There are also many events from summer workouts, summer music series, and summer film series to a variety of different festivals. The Millennium Park is open daily from 6 AM to 11 PM, and there is no cost for admission. The Welcome Center is open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily. The Lurie Garden will be closed through early July though. There is nearby parking in the Grant Park Garages (North & South) and the Millennium Park and Millennium Lakeside Garage. You can pay in person at each garage or pre-pay online. You can also take the CTA to Millennium Park where $5 will cover your entire trip. You can learn more about the Millennium Park at https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park.html. If you're in Chicago, you need to visit the Millennium Park!

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    Palmisano Park - Palmisano Park@Night (6pm) BridgePort Cool Place for Relax/Meditation/Walk/Jogging/Exercise/fishing! Middle of the City! Nice!

    Palmisano Park

    4.7(47 reviews)
    4.7 miBridgeport

    Underrated and beautiful. It's got a fantastic view of the city skyline and there's a whole…read moreindustrial vibe going on but I don't mind it. It's serene and if it wasn't so warm I'd go to it more often. It's good for a long walk but there's no trees along that walk so I'll be frequenting more in the fall va the summer.

    Check out this incredible transformation of a quarry into a park in Bridgeport. In between it was a…read morelandfill. Palmisano Park has went through a lot of changes to be sure. A lot of nature of course. There's trails and an interpretive wetlands among the many things to come across while going through. Best to know about the transformation before going. It used to be the Stearns Quarry. The city purchased it in 2008, cleaned it up, and opened it the next year. Has lots of nature to see and more to do. There's more than a mile of paths, including recycled timber boardwalks, and walkways. At first this was the site of a coral reef if you can believe it. Limestone was formed, and there's been fossils discovered here that are now in the Field Museum. In the 1830s it became a quarry, and operated until 1970 when it became a landfill. There's a fishing pond that still has the old quarry walls. After opening this park there was cause for celebration. The community before this had a lack of green space. Have to go here if you like parks that have been restored from abandoned areas. It's quite impressive. There's all kinds of plants and wildlife.

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    Palmisano Park - Palmisano Park .BridgePort (Halsted St/Archer Ave) Cool Place for Relax/Meditation/Walk/Jogging/Exercise/fishing! Middle of the City! Nice!

    Palmisano Park .BridgePort (Halsted St/Archer Ave) Cool Place for Relax/Meditation/Walk/Jogging/Exercise/fishing! Middle of the City! Nice!

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    Maggie Daley Park - Chicago Park District - I got stuck up there, fire dot not needed

    Maggie Daley Park - Chicago Park District

    4.5(235 reviews)
    5.1 miThe Loop

    It was a random 60-degree day in late March here in Chicago. I personally have been wanting to…read morecheck out "Maggie Daley Park" in downtown. With that thought, let the exploration begin! Of course we took our kids along because they would be the ones who could take full advantage of the facilities. The park itself was quite large, but we went for the kids playground. Signs were clearly marked for direction so we got to our destination with no difficulties. Our boys definitely enjoyed the suspension bridge, though my younger one was hesitant to go on first. I did see some older kids who were climbing "outside of the bridge infrastructure. There was a note to remind anyone not to do so. Oh well, it is what it is. Even if some accidentally fell when doing risky tricks, the soft padded ground would reduce the impact. On the other hand, there was one section of playground exclusively for children older than 5 years old. The slide seemed to be more advanced for young toddlers for sure. Therefore, we performed our sightseeing duty and walked away since our munchkins were 2.5 and 4.5 years old. Our older one enjoyed the straight slides. I liked that fact there were multiple slides with various speeds so that kids would not get bored on staying on the same one. Normally I wouldn't recommend anyone to drive to downtown but we did this time. My partner was able to secure a spot via SpotHero at the Harris Theater for a reasonable price. I got there much later than our scheduled arrival time yet he was able to extend for another 30 minutes in the app. Overall, we highly recommend parents to visit "Maggie Daley Park" and let the kids release some energy. We probably will be back again to poke around other areas when spring and summer in Chicago are in full bloom.

    We met friends with their kids at the Maggie Daley Park area of Chicago's Millennium Park before a…read moreday of shopping (Feb 2026). It's a bit of a walk in, and the path from the southwest corner of the park at Columbus & Monroe is longer but less-steep than the winding path uphill from the southeast corner at Lakeshore & Monroe. You get some lovely views of downtown Chicago. We continued past the (seasonal, of course) ice-skating ribbon, because we were not prepared to skate. There are several play areas of swings, slides, and climbing structures, some intended for (and with signs to indicate) specific age ranges. The giant slides and towers, and the ship-shaped climber, were very popular. Busy, but not over-crowded. It was quite entertaining, and we played there over 1.5 hours!

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    Maggie Daley Park - Chicago Park District
    Maggie Daley Park - Chicago Park District
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    Ping Tom Memorial Park - Ping Tom Memorial Park @ Chinatown,Chicago IL .

    Ping Tom Memorial Park

    4.3(88 reviews)
    4.8 miChinatown

    Beautiful place to get on a boat or just hang out in Chinatown. It also has great views of the…read moreskyline. Ping Tom Memorial Park is one of the bigger parks along with being a stop on the Chicago Water Taxi. Lots of events go on here. There's also athletic fields and a playground. Another park that got made from something that was abandoned. It used to be a railyard. This was quite a transformation. Good location by the river. In 1998 the Park District started changing the railyard into this park, and it opened the next year. It's named after Chinatown's most important civic leader. Ping Tom created the Chinese American Development Corporation, which created the outdoor shopping mall Chinatown Square. Before this park, there wasn't much green space in Chinatown. The park has a fieldhouse that was opened in 2013. It's named after former Advisory Council President Leonard Louie. This has a fitness center, a gymnasium, and pool. Best known feature in the park is probably the boat house. This has a dock than can be used by the public. Also there's a pavilion that looks like a pagoda next to here. The boat house has kayak rentals in summer. Has to be the best outside feature in Chinatown to be honest. It's got some pretty good views of the skyline. This is also a stop on a unique form of public transportation.

    I've heard of this park but have never been whenever I'm in Chinatown. Now I know where the water…read moretaxi stops. There are bathrooms here. It's hidden away in a corner of Chinatown. It's nice to have greenery & it's very safe with lots of people waiting in line for the water taxi.

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    Ping Tom Memorial Park - Ping Tom Memorial Park @ Chinatown,Chicago IL .

    Ping Tom Memorial Park @ Chinatown,Chicago IL .

    Ping Tom Memorial Park - Ping Tom Memorial Park @ Chinatown,Chicago IL .

    Ping Tom Memorial Park @ Chinatown,Chicago IL .

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    Ping Tom Memorial Park @ Chinatown,Chicago IL .

    Earl J Field Memorial Playground

    Earl J Field Memorial Playground

    4.4(9 reviews)
    7.5 mi

    We stopped here whilst waiting for our pizza order to be done. It was just alright; I was rather…read moredisappointed. There are two sections to the park, with the big rocket being the centerpiece. It's huge, multiple levels. There are at least three slides coming out from it. Lots of places for kids to climb and scurry and jump. But that part was too big for my kiddo so we went to the smaller section a few steps away. There was a structure to climb, several slides, some bars, and then even a little further away a bunch of swings. I tried to keep her from seeing the swings, to be honest, since I didn't want to have to deal with an upset kiddo when we had to leave without enough swing time. She played around a bit but didn't seem as interested in the playground. We went down a slide or two, but some of them had standing water since it has been a bit rainy recently. The playground isn't technically fenced in, but it is effectively so because it's behind the practice courts which are all fenced in. It'd be hard for your kid to get away from you. There's a parking lot for the Norridge Park District building but the neighborhood parking could be tricky, especially in the summer because there is restricted parking from Memorial Day to Labor Day (ostensibly because of the large pool structure that would keep the residents from having any parking for three months otherwise). The terrain of the park is wood chips and soil, decidedly not my favorite (maybe especially after a rain) and she got dirty pretty quick. I may bring her back when she's old enough to play on the rocket ship, but this won't be a park that we return to much if ever.

    Very very nice huge playground in the woods. The air is clean, the people are nice... I wish we…read morelived closer :))) it has actually 3 playgrounds near to each orher

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    Earl J Field Memorial Playground
    Earl J Field Memorial Playground - Lookout tower

    Lookout tower

    Earl J Field Memorial Playground - Toddler playground

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    Toddler playground

    Garfield Park Conservatory - parks - Updated June 2026

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