Summer Living
Make warm happy memories at the Garden this summer.
Explore these experiences included with your admission and find all-ages fun.
Free with admission
Included With Your Visit
Model Railroad Garden
May to October, weather permitting
Step into a world of G-scale (garden scale) inspiration with 19 model trains running on 19 tracks, passing by miniature American landmarks and surrounded by more than 300 plant varieties.
Butterflies & Blooms
End of May to Labor Day, weather permitting
Immerse yourself in a habitat filled with hundreds of live tropical butterfly species from around the globe, as well as species native to Illinois.
Grand Tram Tours
Late April through October, weather permitting
Join a 35-minute narrated tour to get acquainted with the Garden’s history and science, take in beautiful views, and stop off (optional) to tour additional Garden sites. Board at the Welcome Plaza.
Morning Music
Tuesdays & Thursdays through August
Enjoy hour-long, meditative music performances from McGinley Pavilion, overlooking the Great Basin and Evening Island. Offerings include jazz, chamber, and carillon music.
Music on the Esplanade
Mondays & Wednesdays through August
Evening music performances at the Garden are fun for the whole family! Unwind and savor summer with jazz, world music, rock, and more. Bring a picnic or purchase food and beverages on-site.
Garden Highlights Walking Tours
Weekdays, June through September
Join a free 45-minute, volunteer-led walking tour of some of the Garden’s best-loved sights. No registration required; meet at the “meet here” sign in the Crescent Garden. Tours at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. Check at Visitor Services in case of weather cancellations.
Garden Chef Series
Select Saturdays, June through October
Live cooking demos are back in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden amphitheater, showing off recipes that use fresh produce from the Fruit & Vegetable Garden and Windy City Harvest farm sites.
Nature Play Garden
Open mid-April through mid-November
The Nature Play Garden at the Regenstein Learning Campus features a series of multisensory areas and makes a great addition to your family’s visit.
View a calendar of all upcoming events.
Summer Dining
Pair your visit with a delicious treat!
Enjoy the taste of fresh seasonal favorites as you soak in the Garden's sunny views.
For garden fresh menus paired with the best view in town, stop by the Visitor Center to grab a bite. If you prefer to stay inside, The Garden View Café is open daily, or dine outdoors surrounded by beauty at The Garden Grille, open select hours through summer.
Check out more outdoor dining options, open select hours through summer, weather permitting. Relax with a drink and a casual bite at the Rose Terrace Beer Garden, or stop by the Garden Vine at the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden for fresh smoothies, salads, and more on weekends.