Chicago Botanic Garden

**★★★★★ Conor Cook — a month ago

I visited the botanic gardens for the second time in December 2025. My first visit was in August 2024 but it was really cool coming to see the holiday lights. I went with some friends the first time and then with some family who lives out of state for the holiday show. We were very impressed both times! But please definitely buy your tickets in advance and be prepared for busy parking lots! (Written 12-21-25)

**★★★★★ Lily — 2 months ago

Best botanic garden ever!! Sits on 7 small lakes with incredible and diverse gardens. My personal favorite was the agricultural gardens- so gorgeous and the food is donated to families in need. We also did the Night of 1000 Jackolanters which was crowded but the artists were so talented and the trail was the perfect length. After our first visit we became members and we love going back. Cannot recommend more highly!!

**★★★★★ Spencer Thompson — 3 months ago

What a beautiful place! I was visiting Chicago to spend some time with a very dear friend and I wanted to take her somewhere to enjoy the summer before it was over, this garden was thirty minutes away from her apartment and wow! What a dream! We spent at least two hours walking around the gardens and seeing all the beauty and trying to take everything in. There were so many sections with different plants and they were all arranged so beautifully! I could spend days walking around and enjoying th

**★★★★★ KEN — 5 months ago

Don’t hesitate: We visited the park on one of its busiest days of the year, and the crowds definitely made their presence known—especially in the parking line/lot. If you haven’t prepaid for parking, expect a long wait. Pro tip: purchase your tickets and parking online ahead of time and have them ready on your phone—it’ll save you a ton of time and hassle.

For frequent visitors, a membership is well worth it. The member lines were noticeably shorter, and the family membership option is a great