Eden Place Nature Center

At Eden Place Nature Center, we provide a range of ongoing programs and seasonal activities. We work to design age appropriate activities for our visitors and encourage adult caregivers to participate in the learning process with their children through play and exploration.

The primary focus at Eden Place is cultivating healthy, thriving and biologically diverse ecosystems. We care for our plants using only organic methods and we focus on cultivating native plant species that will provide habitat for local wildlife.

Contact number: (773) 624-8686

Location: 4417 S. Stewart Avenue, Chicago 60609

Learn more here.

Garfield Park Conservatory

Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the nation’s premier conservatories, with six multi-faceted greenhouses and two grand exhibition halls.

Tour the conservatory…imagine strolling through prehistoric ferns, stepping across trickling waterfalls, and experiencing a botanic haven in the City. Where your children can run, laugh, and learn. Discover a world under glass where plants are accessible, understandable, and most importantly fun!

Contact number: (312) 746-5100

Location: 300 North Central Park Ave., Chicago 60624

Learn more here.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

After you’re done strolling through the lovely Lincoln Park, take your children to the Notebaert Nature Museum, where you can all learn about Illinois and prairie nature. The butterfly and green home displays are sure to impress you all, while you explore everything from the cicada to the water turtle and the way a river works. In all, a delightful way to learn local nature with your family. The museum also hosts a series of field trips and workshops.

Contact number: (773) 755-5100

Location:2430 North Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614

Learn more here.

Lincoln Park Zoo

One of the nation’s oldest, the quaint Lincoln Park Zoo is also situated in the beautiful, surrounding Lincoln Park. Meet Anna and Lee, the polar bears, check out the zany penguins and make sure that you take your children to the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo. Beyond having an amazing collection of animals for an inner-city zoo, it also has a formidable calendar, with events that range from Storytime with Mr. Singer to SuperZoo Picnic and Jammin’ at the Zoo (where you can hear the likes of Los Lobos play). A winner for children and parents of all ages.

Contact number: (312) 742-2000

Location: 2001 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614

Learn more here.