Adult Programs
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.
Drop-In Programming
During your visit, stop by our drop-in demonstrations to learn about beekeeping, composting and more. These programs are advertised on our online calendar – beekeeping is active during the warmer months and composting is year-round.
We also offer Wednesday evening programs for adults with a rotating schedule of art, music, cooking and greening demonstrations as well.
These programs are free and are included in your General Admission ticket to visit the Conservatory & Gardens.
Classes
If you prefer learning from an instructor or want to go deeper into the subject matter, we also offer classes and workshops. Long-form educational programs for adults range from 60-90 minute workshops to 6-hour in-depth learning experiences. Subjects vary but include beekeeping, gardening, composting and art. We also offer wellness programming including sensory centered meditations and gentle yoga practices.
These classes are offered with an additional fee, many with scholarship options and discounts for GPCA Members, Volunteers and Conservatory Neighbors.
Cancellation Policy
For all fee based programs:
Full refund (minus processing fee).
Full refund (minus processing fee).
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.
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.
Private Group Tours
Our Private Group Tours focus on Plants & History of the Conservatory and Gardens.
Each of these private tours are scheduled upon request. See the additional details to learn more about Private Group Tours.
To request a tour, please follow the link below.
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.
Guided Tours must be requested at least two weeks in advance.
Tours can be scheduled during select times on Wednesdays through Sundays.
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.
Tours are priced at a tiered flat rate based on group size:
$100 for 2-10 people
$200 for 11-20 people
$300 for 21-30 people, etc.
Please reach out to [email protected]
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.
Are you interested in a Photography Permit or Media Permit?