Garfield Park Conservatory set to open revamped Children’s Garden

Starting May 1, kids can once again play among the exotic plants of the Garfield Park Conservatory as the 118-year-old institution opens its renovated Elizabeth Morse Genius Children’s Garden to the public.

“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 in a press release. “This garden is about more than play; it’s about belonging and discovery for every child who explores our indoor nature oasis.”

After 20 years of wear and tear on the original play area, the Conservatory decided that the space needed a makeover. Now, children can enjoy a variety of interactive zones, including a toddler area, an art and nature gallery, and a towering structure called the High-Biscus Climber. The 20-foot net climbing structure provides a panoramic view of the Conservatory’s gardens and glasshouses.

Jennifer Van Valkenburg is President and CEO of Garfield Park Conservatory.

“We are thrilled to be able to provide this improved resource to the community,” she said in a statement. “We wanted to ensure it would be available for even more generations to experience a connection to nature year-round through immersive play and exploration.