Buy admission tickets in advance to get the best pricing and to ensure your date and time.  Admission fee tickets range from $9.95 to $23.95 for Cook County residents. Non-Cook County resident adult tickets will not exceed $25.95. Parking fees are a flat $8 fee year-round.

Yes. However, with the Chicago Botanic Garden’s plan-ahead pricing, guests will always experience the best pricing advantage when they purchase in advance. Prices at the door may be higher than if purchased at least one day prior.

The $8 parking can be paid at the Gatehouse and then the Garden admission ticket is purchased at the admission booths in front of the Visitor Center. Admission is not sold at the Gatehouse.
 

In most instances, no. But with the Garden’s plan-ahead pricing, it is advantageous to purchase your tickets in advance—the farther out you buy, the more you are likely to save.  Nonmembers will need to preregister for Free Admission Days.   

If you missed your entry window, you may come at a later time that day. Please check the website for last entry time based on the day of your ticket. Tickets will not be honored on another day.

There is no admission fee for children under 3 years of age.

Tickets are not eligible for an exchange or refund. The Garden offers a “rain check” only if the Garden closes due to inclement conditions or other reasons. 

An admission ticket is required for those who wish to enter the gardens, seasonal attractions, and special exhibitions and programs on the Main Island. If visitors wish to pass through on the North Branch Trail, they are welcome to do so without charge. This access is part of the Forest Preserves of Cook County trail system. 

Members of other gardens and arboreta that participate in the American Horticultural Society reciprocal admission program are allowed admission for the member named on the card and one additional guest each visit free of charge. The $8 parking fee is not included.

Because accessibility is a priority for the Garden, 52 Free Admission Days are offered per year for Illinois residents in alignment with major Chicago-area museums and Brookfield Zoo. Free days are spread throughout the year, offered during each season, and on several school holidays. 

Preregistration for nonmembers is required; parking fee applies. Visitors can preregister up to two months in advance for Free Admission Days. 
 
In addition, the following are invited to visit the Garden at no cost every day—even when admission tickets are sold out and on Free Admission Days (no preregistration required). Identification for each category is required.

• Active-duty military and/or their families
• U.S. military reservists and former POWs
• LINK and WIC cardholders
• Illinois primary and secondary educators
• Chicago Public Library Kids’ Museum Passport Holders
   

In order for all visitors to have a more enjoyable experience, we have set aside a certain number of tickets per hour for visits on Free Admission Days. Thus, nonmembers will need to preregister for Free Admission Days tickets.  

Nonmembers will have to select a date and a time of entry (on the hour). You will have that one-hour window as your entry time (i.e., 1 to 2 p.m.) to the Garden. Once on-site, you may stay as long as you would like. Note: Garden hours change seasonally.

Members can visit without preregistering, as can the following:

• Active-duty military and/or their families
• U.S. military reservists and former POWs  
• LINK and WIC cardholders
• Illinois primary and secondary educators
• Chicago Public Library Kids’ Museum Passport Holders

If you missed your entry window, you may come at a later time that day. Please check the website for the last entry time based on the day of your ticket. Tickets will not be honored on another day.

Yes, please see more information about our Equitable Admissions Pilot on the Garden’s commitment to broadening access with the intention to engage more deeply with audiences who have traditionally experienced barriers to the outdoors. 
 

Based on your employer’s level of participation in our Corporate Partner Program, you will continue to receive free admission to the Garden for yourself, and in some cases you and a guest, including parking.

Please check with your benefits administrator to verify your Garden admission benefit.

Members continue to receive year-round free parking and free admission, and depending on their membership level, free admission for their guest(s)/household. 

Yes, your parking decal still functions for free parking at the Garden. However, you will need to present your membership card at the admission booth to receive free admission into the Garden. Your temporary membership card/email can also be used for free parking and admission.

Yes, only members receive free parking. Nonmembers pay $8 per car to park.

Based on membership level, members may be able to get free admission for their guests/household.

• Individual level memberships include free admission for the member only.
• Individual Plus level memberships include free admission for the member, plus 1 guest each visit.
• Household level members receive free admission for 2 adults and children under 18 in the household.
• Household Plus level members receive admission for 2 adults and children under 18 in the household, plus 2 guests each visit.
   

Your tax-deductible membership allows you to come to the Garden for free any day, any time, giving you flexibility to enjoy the Garden on your schedule. You can avoid typically crowded days and times, giving you a better Garden experience. 

Membership benefits include the following:

• Free parking (nonmembers will still pay $8 to park on Free Admission Days)
• Free admission for you, any day/time, plus additional free admissions based on membership level   
• Members-only hours, 8 – 10 a.m. daily
• Discounts on most classes and in the Garden Shop
• Presale and discounted admission, with no service fees, for special events like Lightscape, Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns, and more  
• Members-only invitations to special events and plant sales
• Choice of membership premium upon renewal

You should bring your card each time you visit the Garden. You must show your membership card for free admission and other benefits at the Garden. If you cannot provide proof of membership (valid parking decal or membership card), you will be charged a nonrefundable parking fee. Your temporary membership card or email will work for free parking and admission until you receive your permanent materials.

You can use your digital card. Sign in to our website on your mobile phone. Go to your “My Account” page, scroll down to “Membership information,” then click on “Display Card.” You can also bring a photo ID to the Garden and obtain a temporary membership card at the Information desk inside the Visitor Center.

If you need a replacement, you can order a replacement card for $10 by stopping by the Membership Desk on your visit or by calling (847) 835-8215 ahead of time. We can email you a temporary card to use while you wait for your permanent card to arrive. There will also be a $10 charge for replacement parking decals. You can also use your digital card. 

Yes, your old membership card will work to get free admission, but please use your new card, if you have it. If you have not received your new card, please stop by the Membership Desk at the Visitor Center, or call (847) 835-8215 in advance. We can email you a temporary card to use while you wait for your permanent card to arrive.

Anyone may use the one-time use admission passes.

Members do not need to accompany those using one-time admission passes. The one-time use admission passes can be used without a member present.

Yes, you can buy online. The number you receive is based on your membership level.
 

A: No, anyone can use the free Orchid Show passes, and you do not need to accompany that person. Members can use the passes or share with friends or family to enjoy. These are one-time use passes and include admission. Parking fees apply for nonmembers.