Explore the 100 Acre Woods at a magical new fairy garden in West Woodlawn.
Based on the beloved Winnie the Pooh series, the free fairy garden features handcrafted miniature homes, hands-on nature activities and other fun, fairy-themed props for imaginative play.
Quick details about the 100 Acre Fairy Garden
- Address: The Orchard of the Ancestors, E. 60th Street and S. St Lawrence Avenue, Chicago. Located on the south end of Washington Park.
- Hours: Dawn to dusk, daily
- Cost: Free!
- Parking: Street parking is available. This map shows nearby parking garages and lots, which may charge a fee.
The whimsical playscape is a partnership between Woodlawn-based nonprofit organizations HelloBaby and Blacks in Green (BIG). HelloBaby is a free-of-charge, drop-in play space for babies, toddlers and their caregivers. The organization also provides families with caregiving resources and community support. BIG is a national organization that works towards environmental justice and economic development.
Together, the organizations have created a safe, magical space for local children that captures their imaginations while encouraging an appreciation for nature.
“We see too much concrete, cement, asphalt, and steel in cities,” BIG’s Master Gardener Duane Jarrett said in a press release. “It’s important for children to get out and discover nature. They need the ability, in the city, to discover nature and to learn to be comfortable with it. In this day and age here, I don’t think there are enough places to feed children’ fantasies. And I think those fantasies are one of the most important parts of childhood.”
After an outdoor play session at the fairy garden, check out these other activities for families in the Woodlawn and Hyde Park neighborhoods. Inspire your child’s imagination and curiosity at a nearby museum, or enjoy more of the Great Outdoors at a scenic park, beach or garden.
Other things to do nearby with kids
- Keep on playing at Washington Park! The south playground is located just around the corner from the fairy garden. The park also has a sprayground, fountains and sculptures, natural areas, sports fields and more for families to enjoy.
- Visit HelloBaby for story time, family classes, parenting resources and more.
- Take a scenic walk along Promontory Point, a peninsula with green spaces and campfire pits that offers gorgeous views of Lake Michigan, or take a stroll through the Japanese garden in Jackson Park.
- Visit the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center to learn about African American culture and history, from the past to present day. Admission is free on Wednesdays!
- Enjoy free admission every day at the Smart Museum of Art.
- Discover 400,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits at the Museum of Science and Industry, one of the largest science museums in the world.
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