Ribbon-cutting ceremony set for Thursday, April 30 for Chicago’s year-round nature campus. Public Opening Friday, May 1, 2026
CHICAGO, IL [April 23, 2026] — The Chicago Park District (CPD) and the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance (GPCA) are proud to announce the grand opening of the new and reimagined Elizabeth Morse Genius (EMG) Children’s Garden, which has been closed since 2020. The 6,000-square-foot space is designed to inspire wonder, creativity and connection to nature, in every season. To honor this occasion, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Thursday, April 30 at 10:00 a.m. at the Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave. The exhibition will open to the public on Friday, May 1 at 10:00am. Reservations with timed ticket entry to visit the EMG Children’s Garden are required and can be secured at garfieldconservatory.org/tickets beginning Friday, April 24 at 12 p.m. Admission fees are waived for Chicago residents and members.
“The new EMG Garden reflects our commitment to creating spaces where every child can feel seen, inspired and connected to the natural world,” said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. “This garden is about more than play; it’s about belonging and discovery for every child who explores our indoor nature oasis.”
“This transformation represents years of collaboration and community vision,” said Jennifer Van Valkenburg, President & CEO of the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance. “The EMG Children’s Garden invites every family to experience the joy, beauty and healing power of nature, right here in the heart of Garfield Park.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
The revitalized EMG Children’s Garden marks a new chapter for nature and play in Chicago by transforming how children and families experience the natural world. Blending nature, science, play and imagination, the garden offers free and accessible opportunities for exploration.
The updated EMG Children’s Garden features a variety of interactive zones designed to spark curiosity and creativity, including the Curiosity Canopy, The Lucky Climber, and the Art and Sculpture Gallery. Each space offers hands-on opportunities for children to explore science, nature, and the arts in meaningful and imaginative ways.
The Curiosity Canopy welcomes visitors to view the Conservatory’s plant collection from a breathtaking new angle, high above the ground. This elevated walkway offers a new vantage point over the EMG Children’s Garden, the Desert House, and the surrounding outdoor landscapes. The Canopy also serves as the gateway to The High-Biscus Climber, a 20-foot net climbing structure that challenges children to explore new heights while providing a panoramic view of the Conservatory’s gardens and glasshouses. Nearby, comfortable seating and an accessible elevated activity area ensure adults can relax and participate.
A Garden Designed for Every Child
The EMG Children’s Garden was designed to welcome every child. With ADA-accessible pathways, a wheelchair-friendly spiral ramp and a dedicated sensory-friendly area, the garden ensures that children of all abilities can play and learn together. These inclusive design features elevate the Garfield Park Conservatory & Gardens as one of the nation’s most accessible nature campuses.
A Community Effort Years in the Making
This project reflects the collective power of community and collaboration by combining art, nature, education, and inclusion to foster human connection and environmental stewardship. Through the dedication of local families, educators, donors and civic leaders, the EMG Children’s Garden stands as a living testament to what’s possible when a community comes together to reimagine the future of play and learning in nature. Donors raised approximately $6 million in private contributions to reinvent a space for creativity and finding joy in connection to nature.
To learn more about the Garfield Park Conservatory’s program offerings, visit garfieldconservatory.org.
FAQ:
Q: What is it?
A: An indoor area of the Conservatory with large scale structures that engage children in active gross motor play, as well as active discovery of natural landscapes. An ADA accessible ramp spirals to the 38 ft. high glass ceiling, with a slide, lookout nooks and a climbing tower. The space includes a toddler area, art and nature gallery and a family bathroom facility.
Q: Will the hours of the children’s garden be different than the Conservatory?
A: Hours of operation will be the same as the Conservatory. Timed entry for the EMG Children’s Garden is required. Hours are Wednesday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Thursday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Reservations for a combo ticket are available on our website and are free for Chicagoans and all children under 0 – 6. Non-Chicago residents will pay admission to the Conservatory, the EMG Children’s Garden is included and is not an add-on cost. Admission is waived for members. Learn more at our website www.garfieldconservatory.org/tickets.
Q: Do parents need to get tickets to visit the children’s garden?
A: Yes, any individual visiting the EMG Children’s Garden will need a combo ticket with timed entry to visit.
Q: Are there any new or existing programs in the EMG Children’s Garden?
A: Family Programs will be on pause throughout May while our Nature Education Teachers focus on observing how families are interacting with the space. Our regularly scheduled programming will resume in June outside in Play and Grow Garden unless otherwise noted.
Q: What is the capacity?
A: Timed ticket entry allows 100 persons with an expected dwell time of 30 minutes.
Q: Are there age, height or weight limits?
A: There are no age limits; the space is ideal for children ages 0 – 8. The slide is recommended for children ages 5 – 12 weighing more than 15 lbs. and less than 250 lbs. The toddler area is recommended for children under 5.
300 N. Central Park Ave.
Chicago, IL 60624
United States