Step right up and prepare to discover a whimsical world of 10,000 blooms and delightful carnival enchantment at The Orchid Show of Wonders.
From Feb. 10-March 24, the 10th annual Orchid Show at Chicago Botanic Garden will be dazzling visitors with nostalgic circus charm and breathtaking orchid displays.
Visitors can explore the garden’s indoor galleries while discovering delightful circus surprises. Walk under Ferris wheel seats, marvel at gravity-defying stunts, like unicycles on tightropes, and more as you take in the fresh, colorful scenery of beautiful orchids in bloom.
Quick details about The Orchid Show of Wonders
- Address: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
- Dates: Saturday, Feb. 10-Sunday, March 24
- Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
- Tickets: Admission to the show requires an Orchid Show ticket in addition to a general admission ticket. Orchid Show tickets: $21/non-member adults, $10/member adults, $14/non-member children ages 3-12, $7/member children ages 3-12, free for all children under 3 years old; general admission: $9.95-plus/adults, $6.95-plus/children ages 3-12, free for children under 3 years old. Free for members.
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- Parking: On-site parking is $8 per vehicle. Members can park for free.
More things to do at The Orchid Show of Wonders
- Adults can have a vibrant and unique date night at Orchids After Hours. On select evenings — Feb. 14, 16, 22 and 29, and March 7, 14, 15, 21 and 22 — from 5-8 p.m., guests can enjoy circus-inspired cocktails and treats like cotton candy and funnel cakes as they explore the marvels of the Orchid Show.
- Get kids involved with gardening at the Illinois Orchid Society Spring Show & Sale March 9-10. There will be orchid-themed activities for kids and vendors selling orchids.
- Looking to bring the beauty of the show home with you? Swing by the Post-Orchid Show Sale on March 28 for your chance to take home some of your favorite orchids that were on display. Be sure to check the Chicago Botanic Garden website and social media for updates as this event sells out quickly.
- Visit the Lenhardt Library to see colorful illustrations of Cattleya orchids published in the 19th century. Free library talks will be held at 2 p.m. Feb. 25 and March 23.
Tips for visiting Chicago Botanic Garden with kids
Use these helpful suggestions during your trip to The Orchid Show of Wonders. You can find more tips for visiting the garden in every season in our Chicago Botanic Garden family guide.
- Buy tickets in advance online to get the best deal. Ticket prices vary depending on the day. Looking to plan your visit on a budget? Check out our roundup of free days at Chicagoland museums to see when your family can visit for free! Note that free days do not include an Orchid Show ticket.
- Because the attractions at Chicago Botanic Garden are always changing with the seasons, check what’s in bloom before you go. It offers many recommendations for self-guided walks so that you can take in the most beautiful natural sights no matter what time of year you choose to visit.
- Picking or collecting plants, flowers or other greenery is not allowed. If your kiddo loves to get up close with nature, keep an eye out to ensure they don’t get too rough with any plants.
- Bikes and strollers are allowed. Rollerblades, skateboards, scooters and other sporting equipment are not allowed.
- Free wheelchair rentals are available. Chicago Botanic Garden has accessible parking and restrooms.
Other things to do nearby
- While you’re in Glencoe, use our family neighborhood guide to discover the best places to eat, shop, play and explore with kids.
- Visit Kohl Children’s Museum in Glenview and discover 15 exhibits that let kids play, imagine and learn.
- Play at Funtopia Glenview, an indoor playground with crazy climbing walls, epic slides, daunting rope courses and so much more.
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