Light up the night at Lightscape

Lightscape

November 14 through January 4

 

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A dazzling trail of art and light

 
 
 

Tickets are on sale now for all. Book in advance and secure your preferred slot; popular dates and times go fast!

Step into an enchanting 1.3-mile trail of twinkling lights and showstopping displays expertly curated anew each year. Bundle up, grab a hot chocolate, and see the Chicago Botanic Garden glow beyond the expected.

Bold. Artistic. Unforgettable.

 

✨ Cocktails under the lights, 21+ ✨

 
 
 

Enjoy a festive, adults-only vibe where you can be your merry ole self, complete with specialty cocktails and mocktails—November 19, December 4, and January 2.

Patterned by NaturePatterned by Nature

at the Garden this summer

From polka dots to stripes—nature’s got style.

Learn More

Chicago Botanic Garden Photo

Price Table

 

Tickets

Adult

From $26 member | $29 nonmember

Child (3 – 12)

From $14 member | $16 nonmember

Child (2 & under)

Free

Flex Ticket

  • Arrive any time on your chosen date
  • Includes parking for 1 car

$75 adult | $50 child (3 – 12) | children (2 & under) are free

VIP All Access Pass

  • Exclusive to President's Circle Membership
  • Come any day and time during event hours
  • No reservation needed

$65 per person | children (2 & under) are free

Parking

Free for members | $18 – $25 per car for nonmembers

 
 

 

 

 

 

Tickets

Adult Ticket 

From $26 Member / $29 Nonmember

Child Ticket (3 – 12)

From $14 Member / $16 Nonmember

Child Ticket (2 & under)

Free

Flex Ticket

Arrive any time on your chosen date.

$75 adult / $50 child 3 - 12 (includes parking for one car)

VIP All Access Pass

Exclusive to President's Circle Membership.
No reservation needed. 
Come any day and time during event hours. 

$65 per person, child 2 & under free 

Nonmember Parking

 
Patterned by Nature – Beats in the Garden

Beats in the Garden

with Planet Chambo and Solidarity Studios

Saturday, August 2
noon to 4 p.m.
Esplanade

Walking Tours

Patterned by Nature Walking Tours

Monday – Friday
June 9 – September 19
11 a.m., noon, 1 and 2 p.m.

Adult Ed Wellness Singing Bowl Meditation

Singing Bowl Meditation

Multiple Dates Available

Unconventional Embroidery Leaf Stitching

Saturday, August 9
9 a.m. – noon

 
 
Patterned by NaturePatterned by Nature

June 7 – September 21

June 7 – September 21

From polka dots to stripes—nature’s got style

This summer, celebrate our universal attraction to patterns through playfully planted gardens and nature-inspired art that’ll stretch your imagination. Discover installations and garden beds featuring dynamic patterns, transformational art, and upcycled fashion.

Special Event Highlight

Garden Game Nights and Puzzle Hunt
June 26, July 17 & 31, August 14 & 28, from 6 to 8 p.m.

  • Life-sized lawn games on the Esplanade
  • Pop-up bars stocked with refreshing cocktails and mocktails
  • A special puzzle hunt game designed by The Mystery League
 
Patterned by Nature – Beats in the Garden

Beats in the Garden

with Planet Chambo and Solidarity Studios

Saturday, August 2
noon to 4 p.m.
Esplanade

Walking Tours

Patterned by Nature Walking Tours

Monday – Friday
June 9 – September 19
11 a.m., noon, 1 and 2 p.m.

Adult Ed Wellness Singing Bowl Meditation

Singing Bowl Meditation

Multiple Dates Available

Short Video Hero Test

 

 

The Orchid Show

The Orchid Show: India Blooms
 

February 8 – March 23

Learn more

The Orchid Show: India Blooms

Subbrand Hero

Learn More

Camp CBG

Summer Camp

Registration is now open for Household Plus level members

Learn more

preschool

The Chicago Botanic Garden’s nature-based, developmentally appropriate preschool provides a unique learning experience for 3 to 5-year-olds. The emergent curriculum focuses on exploration and discovery in nature each day. The curriculum promotes learning and prepares children for kindergarten as they develop an appreciation for the natural world. Registration for 2025-2026 opens on January 29 at 10 am.

 

 
Nature Preschool

How is a nature-based preschool different from a traditional preschool?

  • The natural world is the catalyst for the curriculum.
  • Daily time spent outdoors in all weather (approximately half of the class time) allows for discovery in an ever-changing environment.
  • Discovery-based learning includes a hands-on approach to education.
  • Time is built in for children to observe, explore, discover, and reflect in learning activities.

Please note: All children must be fully toilet trained before attending classes.

Ann Haley Teaching

Any Questions?

Contact: Ann Halley, director of early childhood programs and preschool director  
Email: Click here to show mail address  
Phone: (847) 835-8238

 

Nature Preschool is a member of the Alliance for Early Childhood and a member of Natural Start Alliance.

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Today's Events Block

plant giveaway

Plant Giveaway

May 14 – September 28
Wednesday – Friday: 
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 
Saturday & Sunday: 
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Patterned by Nature – Beats in the Garden

Beats in the Garden

with Planet Chambo and Solidarity Studios

Saturday, August 2
noon to 4 p.m.
Esplanade

Orchid Show Landing Page

A Celebration of Color in Full Bloom

Through the harmony of tradition and modern design, the Orchid Show immerses you in the beauty of India. Behold a magnificent floor-to-ceiling peacock, its sweeping tail crafted from hundreds of orchid blooms. Marvel at a towering banyan tree with cascading roots and branches intricately enmeshed with vibrant orchids. Discover bursts of pigmented powders reflecting the vivid hues of Holi, the festival of colors.

Adult: $12 member / $22 nonmember
Children ages 3 – 12: $8 member / $15 nonmember
Children 2 & under: Free

Plus and donor member Free Tickets
You have free tickets to the Orchid Show as part of your member benefits. Log in to your online account (or create one). Click “View Benefits” to reserve your tickets. Please note that tickets are limited and may sell out, especially on weekends, so reserve your timed tickets early to guarantee entry. You can upgrade your membership to receive free tickets.
 

General Public
Orchid Show tickets include Garden admission, but parking is not included; and free Garden admission days do not include Orchid Show ticket.
 

Orchids After Hours

Orchids After Hours

February 21, 28
March 7, 13, 14, 20, 21
5 to 8 p.m.

Every Friday of the Orchid Show and select Thursdays come mingle with the colorful blooms and enjoy a vibrant night out featuring cocktails and delicious bites for purchase. Separate ticket required.

 
The Orchid Show: India Blooms
The Orchid Show: India Blooms
The Orchid Show: India Blooms
 

Photographers’ Hours

Tuesdays: 8:15 to 9:45 a.m. 
& 4:15 to 5:45 p.m.
Pre-show ticketed access for photographers; capacity is limited.

Weekend Orchid Marketplace

February 8 – 9, 15 – 16, 22– 23
March 1 – 2
Shop for orchids, growing supplies and more from featured vendors.

Illinois Orchid Society Show & Sale

Saturday & Sunday, March 8 – 9
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
See orchid displays, arrangements, a judged show, plus shop orchid products.

Indian Community Marketplace

Saturday & Sunday, March 22 – 23
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Meet and shop for Indian products from local small businesses.

Rare Book Exhibition

February 8 – March 23
at the Lenhardt Library
See Eye of the Artist: Rare Book Illustrations of India’s Flora
Free Talks: Friday, February 21 & Saturday, March 8, at 1 p.m.

Post-Orchid Show Plant Sale

Thursday, March 27 at 9 a.m.
Buy plants from the Orchid Show while supplies last.

Interested in orchids?

Take a class

 

Group Visits

Arrange a visit for your group of 15+

Request Now

Orchid Show Landing Page 1

A Celebration of Color in Full Bloom

Through the harmony of tradition and modern design, the Orchid Show immerses you in the beauty of India. Behold a magnificent floor-to-ceiling peacock, its sweeping tail crafted from hundreds of orchid blooms. Marvel at a towering banyan tree with cascading roots and branches intricately enmeshed with vibrant orchids. Discover bursts of pigmented powders reflecting the vivid hues of Holi, the festival of colors.

Adult: $12 member / $22 nonmember
Children ages 3 – 12: $8 member / $15 nonmember
Children 2 & under: Free

Plus and donor member Free Tickets
You have free tickets to the Orchid Show as part of your member benefits. Log in to your online account (or create one). Click “View Benefits” to reserve your tickets. Please note that tickets are limited and may sell out, especially on weekends, so reserve your timed tickets early to guarantee entry. You can upgrade your membership to receive free tickets.

General Public
Orchid Show tickets include Garden admission, but parking is not included; and free Garden admission days do not include Orchid Show ticket.

 
 

Orchids After Hours

February 14, 21, 28
March 7, 13, 14, 20, 21
5 to 8 p.m.

On Valentine’s Day, plus every Friday of the Orchid Show and select Thursdays come mingle with the colorful blooms and enjoy a vibrant night out featuring cocktails and delicious bites for purchase. Separate ticket required.

Buy Member Tickets

Buy Non Member Tickets

Photographers’ Hours

Tuesdays: 8:15 to 9:45 a.m. 
& 4:15 to 5:45 p.m.
Pre-show ticketed access for photographers; capacity is limited.

Weekend Orchid Marketplace

February 8 – 9, 15 – 16, 22– 23
March 1 – 2
Shop for orchids, growing supplies and more from featured vendors.

Illinois Orchid Society Show & Sale

Saturday & Sunday, March 8 – 9
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
See orchid displays, arrangements, a judged show, plus shop orchid products.

Indian Community Marketplace

Saturday & Sunday, March 22 – 23
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Meet and shop for Indian products from local small businesses.

Rare Book Exhibition

February 8 – March 23
at the Lenhardt Library
See Eye of the Artist: Rare Book Illustrations of India’s Flora
Free Talks: Friday, February 21 & Saturday, March 8, at 1 p.m.

Post-Orchid Show Plant Sale

Thursday, March 27 at 9 a.m.
Buy plants from the Orchid Show while supplies last.

Interested in orchids?

Take a class

Plant Information

Smart Gardener

Night of 1,000   
Jack-o'-Lanterns

October 16 – 20 & 23 – 27

6:30 – 10:30 p.m. (last entry at 10 p.m.)

What's Blooming?

Get a sneak peek of seasonal highlights and learn where to find your favorite blooms before you visit.

Ticket Sales

Members: August 21  
Public: August 27

 

Lost & Found

After Hours Buzz

Thursday evenings: 
July 18 & 25, August 22 & 29 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Buy Tickets Now

 
 
 

After Hours Buzz   
August 24, and September 14 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Learn More

 
 

Book in advance to secure your preferred slot; popular dates and times go fast!

Nonmember Parking

 

Ticket Prices

AdvanceDay Of
Adult Ticket$30 member / $34 nonmember$33 member / $37 nonmember
Child Ticket (3 – 12)$17 member / $19 nonmember$19 member / $21 nonmember
Child Ticket (2 & under)Free
Flex Ticket$75 per person (includes parking for one vehicle)
VIP Pass$60 per person (President's Circle members only)  
Call the President’s Circle hotline for more information at (847) 835-6925 with any questions.
 
 

Book in advance to secure your preferred slot; popular dates and times go fast!

 
 
 

Ticket Prices

Advance

Day Of

Adult Ticket
$30 member / $34 nonmember
$33 member / $37 nonmember
Child Ticket (3 – 12)
$17 member / $19 nonmember
$19 member / $21 nonmember
Child Ticket (2 & under)
Free
Free
Flex Ticket
$75 per person (includes parking for one vehicle)
VIP Pass
$60 per person (President's Circle members only)       
Call the President’s Circle hotline at (847) 835-6925 with any questions.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fall Festival & Bulb Sale
October 4 – 6, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

 

Patterned by Nature

at the Garden this summer
From polka dots to stripes—nature’s got style

 
plant giveaway

Plant Giveaway

May 14 – September 28
Wednesday – Friday: 
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 
Saturday & Sunday: 
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Patterned by Nature – Beats in the Garden

Beats in the Garden

with Planet Chambo and Solidarity Studios

Saturday, August 2
noon to 4 p.m.
Esplanade

Private Events Test

Impeccable Planning

Whether you’re planning a grand wedding celebration or a sophisticated corporate reception, we partner with the best in décor, entertainment, and event management.

 
Private Events
 

Vendors

Private Events Vendors
 

Join us in creating unforgettable experiences at one of Chicago’s most beloved destinations. We are always looking for high-quality vendors to enhance our events and provide exceptional services to our visitors. If you wish to be considered for our preferred vendor list, please reach out to us at Click here to show mail address for more information.

 

Questions? Read through our FAQs for more information or contact us at 847-835-8370.

Field Trips Test

Virtual Programs
Fieldtrips Online

Learn More

Mondays – Thursdays, online
Grades: preK – 12 

 
On-Site Programs
Field Trips On-Site

Learn More

Weekdays, 10 & 11:30 a.m.
Grades: preK – 12

 
On Your Own Field Trips
Field Trips On Your Own

Learn More

Weekdays, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
All ages

 
Homeschool Field Trips
Homeschool Field Trips

Learn More

Select Fridays through March
Ages: 5 – 14 (+ younger siblings)