FREE ADMISSION DAYS at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Parking is not included. Preregistration is required.

The Garden, located in Glencoe, Illinois, is also a wheelchair-friendly place with its wide, paved paths and automatic, sliding glass entryways. Almost all areas of the Garden are accessible by wheelchair, including the tram tours. Wheelchairs are also available at no cost at the Information Desk in the Visitor Center.

The beauty of 365 acres of nature at the Chicago Botanic Garden can be a relaxing and healing experience for all.

Admission prices vary by day, but you can also cut down on expenses by visiting on free admission days for Illinois residents and their guests.

The dates for free admission for 2025 are as follows:

January 6-12, 20
February 2-7, 17
March 17-20
April 7-11
May 6, 8
June 10, 12, 19
July 8, 10
August 5, 7
September 9, 11, 30
October 2, 13
November 3-7, 10, 11
December 8-14

Reservations must be made online in advance. Free admission days do not include parking. Parking is $10 per car, for example. For updates or further details, check the Chicago Botanic Garden website.

Other COST-FREE Admission Options with FREE PARKING …

ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY

For U.S. military personnel and/or their families, the Chicago Botanic Gardens provides free admission and free parking. No need to pre-register. Please bring ID to show at the entry gatehouse (one car/van per entry) and at the entrance to the Visitor Center.

U.S. MILITARY RESERVISTS AND FORMER POWs

Free parking and free admission for one person is offered for U.S. military reservists and former POWs. Preregistration is not needed. Please bring ID to show at the entry gatehouse (one car/van per entry) and at the entrance to the Visitor Center.

LINK AND WIC CARDHOLDERS

Visitors with a state-issued EBT card (LINK card) or WIC card and anyone in their household will receive free admission and free parking. Please bring ID to show at the entry gatehouse (one car/van per entry) and at the entrance to the Visitor Center.

ILLINOIS EDUCATORS

Free parking and free admission for one Illinois primary or secondary educator is offered at the Garden. A valid educator ID is needed to present at the entry gateway (one car/van per entry) and at the entrance to the Visitor Center.

KIDS’ MUSEUM PASSPORT

If you have a Kids’ Museum Passport from the Chicago Public Library, a family of four will be allowed to visit the Chicago Botanic Garden at no charge. For free general admission with the pass, there must be at least one child under 18 and a maximum of two adults. Parking for one car/van is included. Bring your Chicago Public Library Passport to present at the entry gateway and at the entrance to the Visitor Center.

Check the website for any updates or call Customer Service at the Chicago Botanic Garden at 847-835-6801 with any questions.

Smoother Life is not sponsored, affiliated, or associated with the Chicago Botanic Garden.