With the Garfield Park Conservatory gardens as the backdrop and classroom, adult learners can get hands-on experience with our knowledgeable staff and volunteers. Our Adult Programs range from a casual drop-in to in-depth classes and workshops, providing a place to expand your knowledge. For those wanting a long-term learning experience, please check out our volunteer program page for more information.
Free Adult Programs
Drop-In Demonstrations
For summer 2025, Beekeeping Demonstrations are Sundays and Thursdays from June through September. Also this summer, Composting Demonstrations return! Check our calendar for specific dates and times.
Fee-Based Adult Programs
In-Person Yoga
Join us for in-person yoga in Horticulture Hall. Offered on one Wednesday each month. Fee: $5
These sessions are meant for any experience level, though let us know if it’s your first time or if you have any accommodations we should keep in mind. Email access@garfieldpark.org or call 773-638-1766 x.16 for accommodations.
Check out our online calendar to register for upcoming classes!
Private Group Tours
Our Private Group Tours focus on Plants & History. Each of these private tours are scheduled upon request.
We are excited to bring private group tours back to the Conservatory! See the details and link below to request a tour:
Private Guided Tour details: Private tours at Garfield Park Conservatory are led by our volunteer tour guides. Private tours last approximately 45 minutes to an hour and cover a wide range of topics including plant specifics, architecture, and the history of the Conservatory. Tours are designed for adult visitors.
Scheduling: Guided Tours must be requested at least two weeks in advance.
Available days: Tours can be scheduled during the following hours: Wednesdays from 10am to 8pm, Thursdays through Saturdays, 10am to 5pm
Group Size: The minimum group size is 2 people. For the optimal experience, we limit each guided group to 10 people with a maximum of two tours happening at the same time. Each start time can accommodate up to 20 people. If your group is larger than 20, we will have staggered start times.
Tour Pricing for Groups:
Chicago Residents
Private tours start at $100 for groups of 2-10 people. For groups larger than 10, there’s an additional $10 charge per person. All group members must provide proof of Chicago residency.
Non-Chicago Residents
Non-Chicago residents pay the standard $10 admission fee per person in addition to the private tour fee. Private tours start at $200 for groups of 2-10 people. For groups larger than 10, there’s an additional $20 charge per person.
Mixed Residency Groups
If your group includes both Chicago and non-Chicago residents, the non-Chicago residents will need to pay the $10 admission fee per person in addition to the private tour fee.
Questions: please reach out to groups@garfieldpark.org
Click Here to request a Private Tour
Adult Classes
A wide range of classes from beekeeping to gardening to art-based classes are offered throughout the year. Some classes are in-person while others are offered virtually. All of the classes offered are taught by knowledgeable GPCA staff or teaching artists with a focus on experiential learning.
Private Group Classes or Demonstrations
We offer a range of options for private group classes! Whether you’d like to arrange a hands-on class to make terrariums, learn about beekeeping or composting, we likely have an option to suit your interests!
Please contact groups@garfieldpark.org or call 773-638-1766 x.25 for more information on pricing and a full menu of our current options.
Cancellation Policy
For all fee based programs: If cancelling…
- …two weeks prior –> Full refund (minus processing fee)
- …between two weeks and 48 hours prior and there is a waitlist –> Full refund (minus processing fee)
- …between two weeks and 48 hours and there is not a waitlist –> Credit to be used by June 30th*
- …within 48 hours –> Credit to be used by June 30th*
*If there is an upcoming program with the same cost, you can request to have your ticket transferred to that program
Photography
All visitors to the Garfield Park Conservatory, and to Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance events and programs, may be photographed and/or filmed by staff or hired photographers. These photographs and videos may be used in Chicago Park District and/or Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance printed materials, on our website, and/or in other Conservatory promotional materials. Your attendance serves as consent to be photographed and/or filmed. If you are interested in a Photography Permit or Media Permit, Click here.