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
Adult Group Visit
At this time, groups with a maximum of 25 people are welcome to visit the Conservatory. One group will be welcome every 90 minutes (10am, 11:30am, 1pm, and 2:30pm) on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Preregistration is required.
Questions? Contact groups@garfieldpark.org or call 773.638.1766 x 25 to speak with Heather Van Zyl, School & Groups Program Coordinator.
Yoga
Relax and revive with virtual yoga with the Conservatory! We now offer yoga, virtually, 2nd and 4th Saturdays from 9am – 10am. 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 mwilson@garfieldpark.org or call 773-638-1766 x.16 for accommodations.
Lectures
Every second Wednesday from October through April, our free virtual lectures cover a range of topics that help us answer how plants and nature shape our identities. From food choices, to cultural uses of plants, to how we experience nature, the topics will dive into a different area each month.
Check our calendar for upcoming lectures. Lectures will resume in October 2022.
Drop-In Demonstrations
In-person beekeeping drop-in demonstrations return this June through September on Thursdays and Sundays! Drop-in to learn more about bees and their importance.
Wandering Guides
This program is currently on hold for the time being. Please check out our staff-led, live-streamed virtual tours on online calendar.
Fee-Based Adult Programs
Private Group Tours
Our Private Group Tours focus on Plants & History and Behind-the-Scenes. Each of these private tours are scheduled upon request.
Please contact groups@garfieldpark.org or call 773-638-1766 x.25 for more information on pricing and themed options. Tours are currently virtual.
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 and demonstrations! 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 virtual options.
Cancellation Policy
For all fee-based programs and tours, we are able to provide full refunds up to two weeks prior to the program date. Within two weeks, we can offer a credit for a future class, or a refund in the event that we have a waitlist for the program and we can fill your spot.
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.