Families are in for a whole new world of fun upon their next visit to the Garfield Park Conservatory.
Chicago Park District (CPD) officials and members of the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance came together Thursday to debut the new outdoor Child Wild Exploration Garden.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes-look at the space and what to know.
All about the new Child Wild Exploration Garden at the Garfield Park Conservatory
The new Child Wild Exploration Garden spans 4 acres and is designed for children ages 0-16, according to a release.
The space boasts interactive play features emulating different ecosystems, including a sand pit, logs and rocks for climbing, walking paths, and shade structures.
The garden is the first of its size in the U.S. in a densely populate urban area.
“The Park District plays a crucial role in the lives of millions of park visitors by providing access to natural environments prime for exploration like the Garfield Park Conservatory,” said CPD Superintendent and CEO, Carlos Ramirez-Rosa.
“With the opening of the Child Wild Exploration Garden, we are ensuring children in our city have a place to get active, discover nature’s beauty and take a moment to breathe.”
The outdoor play area will be open to visitors year-round. Weekly hours are as follows:
- Wednesday – 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Thursday – Sunday – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Reservations are required for the Child Wild Exploration Garden, separate from tickets for the Garfield Park Conservatory. Click here to make yours and learn more information.
