Chicago Botanic Garden
Classes in Chicago
The Chicago Botanic Garden is a world-renowned living museum and conservation science center that offers multiple unique nature courses spread throughout 26 gardens and four natural areas on 385 acres.
62 classes with availability
3D Embroidery: Texture, Beading, and Design
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Transform simple stitches into eye-catching three-dimensional textile art. Explore embroidery and beading techniques to create raised textures, layered details, and dimensional designs on fabric. Perfect for beginners and experienced crafters alike, this hands-on workshop encourages creative experimentation while building skills you can continue developing in your own artistic practice. All supplies are included.
Sun. Nov 15th, 1–4pm CT
(3 hours)
Winter Container Workshop
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Bring winter charm to your home with a festive seasonal container filled with fresh evergreen boughs, berries, and colorful branches. Learn how to arrange natural materials into a beautiful, long-lasting display while creating your own design in a sturdy, biodegradable container. Take home a versatile piece that can be displayed on its own or placed inside a decorative pot or urn.
Dec 3rd
10–11am CT
$112
10 Seats Left
Dec 3rd
1–2pm CT
$112
10 Seats Left
Dec 3rd
6–7pm CT
$112
10 Seats Left
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Thu. Dec 3rd, 10–11am CT
(1 hour)
Demonstration Cooking: Healthy Sheet Pan Dinners
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Reclaim your evening with quick, healthy recipes packed with bold flavors and minimal cleanup. Learn to prepare juicy steak fajitas, hearty cauliflower and chickpeas with tofu, and tender chicken shawarma paired with flavorful curried vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights, this class will give you practical techniques and delicious recipes to make satisfying meals with ease.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$94
Pressed Flower Glass Jewelry
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Capture the beauty of nature by creating one-of-a-kind glass jewelry with pressed flowers. Select delicate petals, arrange your own design, and choose glass pieces to create earrings, a necklace, or a unique key ring. With guided instruction and an emphasis on safe soldering techniques, you'll leave with a beautiful botanical-inspired accessory crafted entirely by you. All supplies are included.
Mon. Nov 9th, 1–4pm CT
(3 hours)
Demonstration Baking: Pumpkin Desserts
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Celebrate the flavors of fall with a delicious trio of pumpkin desserts that go beyond the traditional pie. Learn to create a creamy pumpkin crème brûlée, airy pumpkin cheesecake, and decadent pumpkin cake roll while exploring techniques for balancing rich, seasonal flavors. Primarily demonstration-based, the class also offers opportunities for hands-on participation.
Mon. Nov 9th, 6–8pm CT
(2 hours)
Woody Plants for Four Seasons
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Create a landscape that remains beautiful and engaging throughout the year. Explore trees and shrubs chosen for standout features such as distinctive form, colorful fruit, textured bark, and showy flowers, while learning how to combine seasonal interest for lasting visual appeal. A guided Garden walk will provide an opportunity to see these exceptional specimens in person.
Sat. Nov 14th, 9am–12pm CT
(3 hours)
Build A Terrarium Workshop
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Create your own miniature indoor ecosystem in this hands-on terrarium workshop. Learn how to layer, arrange, and plant a beautiful combination of small houseplants, rocks, and decorative elements while discovering essential care techniques. Perfect for beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts alike, you’ll leave with a unique terrarium designed to enjoy at home for years to come.
Wed. Nov 18th, 10–11am CT
(1 hour)
School Day-off Camps (Grades K-4)
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Give your K-4 child an exciting break with nature-inspired activities that blend play, art, and science. They’ll engage in outdoor learning adventures and creative projects, all while exploring the wonders of the environment. Ensure they dress for the weather and bring essentials for a day full of fun and discovery.
Nov 23rd
9:30am–3pm CT
$108
10 Seats Left
Nov 24th
9:30am–3pm CT
$108
10 Seats Left
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Mon. Nov 23rd, 9:30am–3pm CT
(5 hours & 30 minutes)
Autumn Photography at Volo Bog
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 28478 Brandenburg Rd, Illinois City, IL
Explore the enchanting beauty of Volo Bog and capture stunning images of nature's vibrant palette in this immersive photography course. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of the 47-acre floating mat of sphagnum moss, cattails, and sedges, and unveil the hidden gems of the season. Join us and unleash your creativity amidst the splendor of autumn.
Thu. Nov 5th, 9am–3pm CT
(6 hours)
Growing Microgreens Workshop
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Discover the easy, rewarding world of growing microgreens at home. Learn about their nutritional benefits, the best varieties to grow, and simple ways to add their fresh flavor to everyday meals. Plant two containers to take home and gain step-by-step guidance for continuing to grow vibrant, nutrient-rich greens long after the class ends. All supplies are included.
Sat. Nov 7th, 10–11:15am CT
(75 minutes)
Blending Mexican Spices
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Spice up your culinary skills by creating your own bold Mexican-style spice blend. Under the guidance of a spice expert, learn how to combine complementary flavors, grind and bottle your custom blend, then enjoy it in a comforting chicken tortilla soup. Tea and appetizers will round out this flavorful, hands-on experience.
Tue. Nov 10th, 5–7pm CT
(2 hours)
Free Hand Fabric Painting
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Unleash your creativity in this hands-on fabric painting workshop. Learn essential techniques, explore different brushstrokes and styles, and experiment on fabric samples before creating your own personalized tote bag. Your practice pieces can even be repurposed for future sewing projects, making this a fun and practical way to develop your artistic skills. All supplies are included.
Sun. Nov 15th, 10am–1pm CT
(3 hours)
Demonstration Cooking: Kombucha
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Discover the art of brewing kombucha at home in this hands-on and flavorful class. Learn about essential ingredients, fermentation, home-brewing basics, and ways to customize flavors to suit your taste. Sample different teas and commercial kombuchas before walking through the brewing process and leaving with the knowledge and supplies to start your own batch at home.
Sun. Nov 15th, 1–3pm CT
(2 hours)
Hands-on Baking: Pumpkin Spice Breadfruit Muffins
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Bake delicious pumpkin spice muffins while discovering the versatility of breadfruit flour, a gluten-free, nutrient-dense ingredient from a climate-resilient tropical tree. Learn simple techniques for creating moist, flavorful muffins while exploring connections between nutrition, cooking, and environmental sustainability. Take home breadfruit flour and a repeatable recipe to continue baking at home.
Tue. Nov 17th, 11am–1pm CT
(2 hours)
Dried Flower Arrangement
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Preserve the beauty of the season with a custom dried floral bouquet designed to last through fall and beyond. Learn best practices for drying flowers at home, then explore how to combine color, texture, and height to create a balanced, eye-catching arrangement. Leave with a one-of-a-kind bouquet and practical skills for preserving your favorite blooms.
Wed. Nov 18th, 1–2:30pm CT
(90 minutes)
Junk Journaling
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Turn everyday scraps and keepsakes into meaningful works of art through the creative practice of junk journaling. Use stickers, receipts, tickets, vintage ephemera, and other treasured bits to create pages that capture memories and personal stories. Enjoy a relaxed communal crafting experience with all supplies provided, including unique deadstock and vintage materials.
Thu. Nov 5th, 5–7pm CT
(2 hours)
Beginner Bird Walk Dixon Prairie
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Explore the diverse birdlife of Dixon Prairie on a guided evening walk, spotting songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors in their natural habitat. No prior bird-watching experience is needed, making this a perfect introduction to the world of birds. Observe seasonal avian activity while gaining tips on identification and behavior. Binoculars are recommended but not required for this immersive experience.
Tue. Nov 10th, 3–4:30pm CT
(90 minutes)
Birding the Barbara Brown Nature Preserve
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Discover the ducks, shorebirds, and other waterfowl that inhabit diverse habitats from mudflats to prairies. Learn identification tips and observe bird behavior up close along scenic trails. Bring your binoculars and field guide to lift the experience as you explore these vibrant, dynamic ecosystems.
Thu. Nov 12th, 8–9:30am CT
(90 minutes)
Seasonal Tree Walk
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Surround yourself with the beauty of nature on a captivating journey through the shifting landscapes of the Chicago Botanic Garden. Uncover the hidden stories and secrets of the distinctive trees that anchor each section of the garden during this enlightening morning walk.
Wed. Nov 18th, 9–10:30am CT
(90 minutes)
Invasive Plants in the Chicago Region
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Discover the hidden dangers that invasive plants pose to our economy, environment, and health in this eye-opening course. Uncover their ability to thrive and spread outside their native habitats, and gain valuable insights on how to mitigate their impact.
Sat. Dec 12th, 9:30–11:30am CT
(2 hours)
Reviews of Chicago Botanic Garden
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Demonstration Baking: Challah Making and Shaping
Excellent class from a knowledgeable baker. Exceeded my expectation as I'm hard of hearing and she wore a device so I was able to hear the demonstration. Pick up some good information for different challah shapes. -
Demonstration Baking: Challah Making and Shaping
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Spring Containers at the Garden
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Embroidery Basics: Onsite
The instructor was great. Good pace. -
Painting the Natural World
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Needle-Felted Halloween Friend
This is the second time I’ve taken a class with this instructor. She provides plenty of materials to fit everyone’s tastes and preferences and is positive, supportive and respectful in how she leads the group in learning new skills. The only reason that I have not given 5 stars is because she can be a little too soft spoken making it hard to hear everything she is saying. Otherwise, very fun, and her classes attract fun folks to spend a few hours with creating felted treasures. -
Beginning Digital Photography
Exceptional! The instructor was inspiring and being in the Chicago Botanic Gardens was inspiring and a perfect setting to hone my photo skills. I highly recommend this course and I will be taking the intermediate. -
iPhone Photography
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Spring Containers at the Garden
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Painting the Natural World
Judith was great! Can’t do next session, but will be back! M -
Wet-Felted Rose Workshop
Enjoyed learning the art of wet felting. Will definitely sign up for another class. -
Introduction to Houseplant Care
I loved the class, I learned a lot of things because I am a new learner in this subject, but I needed more time to take more notes -
Fiber Arts: Winter Bird Ornament
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iPhone Photography
I definitely learned from this class, although it was a bit disorganized. The instructor covered how to use the editing tools within the Camera app on the iPhone as well as an app called Snapseed. He also recommended a variety of other editing apps. He showed us examples of photos he had edited. The class was listed as 6 PM - 8:30 PM and actually was 6:30-8:30 PM. For the first class, I waited on Zoom from 6 PM wondering what was going on. The instructor would benefit from a planned curriculum. He seemed to meandered through tools and his own photos with a lot of repetition. -
Hands-on Baking: Cake Decorating
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Hydrangeas for the Home Garden: Online
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Creating a Garden Sanctuary: Online
Helpful. Good intro but not what I expected. -
Needle-Felted Pumpkin
The course was fun! Well organized, clear instructions and positive feedback. I love the pumpkin I made. My only criticism is that there is insufficient handicap parking at the learning center. In my opinion, all of the spaces right at the learning center should be reserved for handicapped people. -
Forest Bathing Experience
Loved this class! -
Elements of the Garden: Patios
It was a good class. I learned a lot. The instructor was quite informative and obviously an expert in this field of study.
