Field Trips On Your Own

On Your Own  
Field Trips

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On Your Own

On Your Own Field Trips allow your students to explore while you lead them through the Chicago Botanic Garden. Science, language arts, literature, history, geography, art, and other subjects can be explored throughout the different gardens.

Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.    
Available year-round for students and groups of all ages. (Some restrictions apply)    
Advance registration fee: $0 per bus, includes parking and general admission for everyone; space each day is limited.

On Your Own Field Trip Reservation


Unregistered groups will be charged $65 for bus parking and $7.95 per child/$9.95 per adult (minimum) per person admission fee; minimum total cost for a group of 30 students on a bus will be over $300; significantly higher on busy days. Please register your group before you arrive, and ensure that all chaperones and bus drivers have a copy of the entry ticket to ensure free admission.

Enjoy these benefits of registering for an On Your Own Group Field Trip:

  • Explore the Chicago Botanic Garden at your own pace.
  • Small, chaperoned groups may visit the Model Railroad Garden (early May – early October) and Butterflies & Blooms (Memorial Day weekend – Labor Day weekend) free of charge. Note: Exhibition entry is first-come, first-served and based on availability. Only small, chaperoned groups will be admitted at a time and entry ticket must be shown at the ticket booth to receive the discount. On busy days, expect there to be a wait. Exhibitions are open daily, weather permitting.
  • Access the public picnic area for lunch.    
     

If you have any questions, please email or call the Registrar's Office at (847) 835-6801.

 
Field Trips
 
Onsite Field Trips

Visiting the Garden

Gardens to Explore

Gardens especially well-suited for self-guided exploration are highlighted below. Please note the approximate walking distances to each garden, starting from the Visitor Center.

Native Habitats    
McDonald Woods: 0.25 miles (or less than 0.1 mile from Parking Lot 3)    
Dixon Prairie: 1 mile    

Formal Gardens    
Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden: 0.3 miles    
Sensory Garden: 0.25 miles    
Buehler Enabling Garden: 0.25 miles    
Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden: 0.2 miles

Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center    
Green roof and indoor interpretation: 0.5 miles

 

Bus Parking

Upon entry, the gatehouse attendant will direct you to your drop of and pick up location. Please make sure all teachers, chaperones, and bus drivers have a copy of the entry ticket to ensure free parking and admission to the Garden and exhibitions.

Reschedules

If a conflict arises, you may reschedule your visit once within the same season. Contact the Registrar’s Office at (847) 835-6801.

Food Consumption and Storage

On Your Own field trips have access to the public outdoor picnic area. Due to space restrictions, On Your Own groups are not permitted in the Garden View Café. Individuals may carry their lunches in backpacks or store lunches on the bus. In the event of rain, we suggest that groups eat on the bus. Help preserve the Garden’s serene atmosphere and maintain its unique and beautiful collections by keeping all food out of the gardens and trails.

Come prepared for your learning experience in the Garden. Download these quick field trip activity ideas. Explore the Garden before your visit or download our free smartphone app to help you plan.