Where: Chicago
300 Central Park Ave., directions on website
Cost: Free, donations requested for some exhibits
Hours: Daily 9AM to 5PM, Wednesdays 9AM to 8PM, some holiday closures
How to get there: Conservatory stop on the Chicago el's Green line. You can also drive, though the fre parking lot is small.
When visited: November 2009
Have you ever not bothered with a place because it's in a bad neighborhood? Well, I fell victim to this trap and missed a gem. While this probably won't be the first place you bring the kids in Chicago, it is the best conservatory I've been to. And at 4.5 acres under glass, it isn't to be sniffed at.
The conservatory building is over 100 years old, but once inside it's timeless. Some rooms will manage to make you feel spread over the centuries. The Aroid room (aka exotic houseplants) made me feel like I was in the 19th century with the giant philodendrons, but the koi and Chihuly glass told me I was in the 21st.
My daughter on the other hand, loved the play area. She got to water the plants with a squirt bottle, and later a staff person let her hold a hose. There are plenty of signs explaining the plants—clearly I might add. For most people plants may not seem too exciting, but the conservatory might fix that. Rotating displays explain some of the science: we saw "Sugar from the Sun." Kids get to see papayas, vanilla, pepper and coffee growing. The star food growing there, however, might be the bananas scattered throughout. On the weekends, there are multiple activities for pre-school and primary grade children.
Bathrooms are utilitarian, and while not having a family bathroom do have changing tables.
While it looks like there is more to see outside, this is a winner in dreary weather. You're making a visit to the tropics on your first step in. I can't wait to get back in a few months.
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