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.
78 classes with availability
Paperwhite Centerpiece Workshop
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Bring the fresh beauty and fragrance of spring indoors with a living centerpiece you’ll create in this hands-on workshop. Learn how to properly force paperwhite bulbs for stunning holiday décor while discovering techniques you can reuse with other bulbs. All supplies are included, including a decorative vessel and river rock, so you can continue enjoying this seasonal gardening project at home.
Wed. Nov 4th, 6–7pm CT
(1 hour)
Demonstration Cooking: Mastering Lentils
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Discover the comforting versatility of lentils in this flavorful cooking class. Learn traditional techniques for preparing creamy dal tadka, classic moong dal with spinach, and an aromatic one-pot chana dal pilaf. Packed with plant-based protein and vibrant spices, these approachable vegetarian dishes are perfect for creating satisfying, wholesome meals at home.
Thu. Nov 5th, 6–8pm CT
(2 hours)
Demo Cooking: Macro-Balanced Soups & Stews
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Warm up with nourishing soups and stews that offer both comfort and balanced nutrition. Learn to craft flavorful one-pot meals packed with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs for lasting energy. Featured recipes include dishes like bison meatballs, tomato quinoa stew, and chicken dumpling soup. Perfect for cozy, health-conscious cooking.
Sat. Nov 21st, 11am–1pm CT
(2 hours)
Hands-on Cooking: Pot Pie
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Warm up with the ultimate comfort food: homemade pot pie. Learn to create two hearty variations, including a savory chicken, leek, pea, and mushroom pie and a rich acorn squash and Roquefort pie with tender short ribs. Discover techniques for building flavorful, satisfying pies that are perfect for cozy winter meals.
Sun. Nov 22nd, 11am–1:30pm CT
(2 hours & 30 minutes)
Demonstration Baking: Pâte à Choux
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Explore the versatility of classic French pâte à choux in this expert-led demonstration. Learn how to prepare, pipe, and cook this steam-leavened dough to create elegant éclairs, airy cream puffs, crisp crullers, and savory gougères. Gain pro tips for storing and serving these delicate pastries with confidence.
Mon. Dec 14th, 6–8:30pm CT
(2 hours & 30 minutes)
Demo Cooking: Make-Ahead Holiday Appetizers
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Impress your guests with elegant, make-ahead appetizers perfect for holiday entertaining. Learn to prepare festive bites like French gougères, delicate salmon gravlax, and a stunning puff pastry garlic butter Christmas tree. These crowd-pleasers are designed to deliver big flavor without last-minute stress.
Sun. Dec 13th, 1–3pm CT
(2 hours)
Demonstration Cooking: French Fall Classics
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Experience the cozy flavors of autumn in France with a menu inspired by the charm of Paris. Learn to prepare comforting potato leek soup, rich and savory coq au vin, and a simple yet delicious gâteau au yaourt. Discover the warmth and elegance of French home cooking while enjoying a flavorful culinary journey through the season.
Sat. Nov 14th, 2–4pm CT
(2 hours)
Botanical Covers Bookbinding Workshop
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Step into the centuries-old craft of bookbinding and learn essential techniques that have been passed down through generations. Explore paper grain, stitching, and construction while customizing your own cover, spine color, and paper style. Create three unique booklets to take home, featuring handmade covers incorporating botanicals from the Garden. All skill levels are welcome and supplies are included.
Sat. Nov 14th, 1–3:30pm CT
(2 hours & 30 minutes)
Wintering Bees in Cold Climates
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL & Virtually Online
Discover essential techniques for successfully overwintering bees in cold climates. Join our expert-led course and learn how to care for your bee colony throughout the year. Choose from on-site or online attendance options.
Sun. Nov 8th, 10am–12pm CT
(2 hours)
Bird Walk: Fall Migration
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Discover the beauty of fall migration as you join expert guides on bird walks in the breathtaking Chicago Botanic Garden. Uncover the secrets of identifying birds in their unique fall plumage, and witness the stunning diversity of warblers, vireos, flycatchers, ducks, sparrows, and hawks. Don't forget your binoculars and field guide for an immersive experience with nature.
Sat. Nov 21st, 8–9:30am CT
(90 minutes)
Natural Dyes: Paint, Dye, and Stitch
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Explore the art of natural dyeing in this hands-on workshop series. Learn to prepare textiles and apply vibrant, plant-based dyes to cotton, silk, and thread. In later sessions, enhance your fabrics with embroidery stitches to create truly unique, hand-crafted textiles. All levels welcome; supplies included.
Oct 23rd
9:30am–12:30pm CT
Meets 5 Times
$419
10 Seats Left
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Fri. Oct 23rd, 9:30am–12:30pm CT
(15 hours over 5 sessions)
Beginner Knitting
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Start your knitting journey with confidence in this beginner-friendly workshop series. Learn essential techniques such as casting on, knitting, purling, fixing common mistakes, and binding off through personalized, step-by-step instruction. By the end of the course, you'll have the skills to create your first scarf, complete with a pattern to continue practicing at home. A supply list will be provided.
Oct 22nd
2–4pm CT
Meets 4 Times
$224
10 Seats Left
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Thu. Oct 22nd, 2–4pm CT
(8 hours over 4 sessions)
iPhone Photography: Advanced Features
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Grow your iPhone photography skills with advanced techniques and personalized guidance. Build expertise in exposure and focus, portrait mode, live photos, and other features to lift your images. Receive expert feedback through guided practice and image critiques, helping you capture stunning, high-quality photos with confidence.
Nov 1st
1–4pm CT
Meets 3 Times
$224
10 Seats Left
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Sun. Nov 1st, 1–4pm CT
(9 hours over 3 sessions)
Macro Photography: The Unseen World
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Discover the hidden beauty of the small in this immersive macro photography class. Learn techniques like focus stacking, creative lighting, and close-up composition while capturing subjects such as flowers, water droplets, and insects. Gain hands-on experience in both studio and outdoor settings, plus post-processing in Lightroom, Photoshop, and Helicon.
Nov 10th
9am–12pm CT
Meets 5 Times
$469
10 Seats Left
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Tue. Nov 10th, 9am–12pm CT
(15 hours over 5 sessions)
Botany 2
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Investigate the captivating world of plant growth and development in this advanced botany course. Look at the intricate processes of seed germination, water movement, photosynthesis, and symbiotic relationships. Prerequisite: Botany 1.
Nov 2nd
6:30–8:30pm CT
Meets 7 Times
$462
10 Seats Left
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Mon. Nov 2nd, 6:30–8:30pm CT
(14 hours over 7 sessions)
Nature and Rhythm Fitness
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Step into the energetic world of SALSArobics® at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Take in the beauty of nature while moving to the rhythms of Latin America. Build strength and condition your body with fun, dynamic routines suitable for all fitness levels. Get ready to move, sweat, and have a great time!
Oct 24th
9:30–10:30am CT
Meets 5 Times
$99
10 Seats Left
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Sat. Oct 24th, 9:30–10:30am CT
(5 hours over 5 sessions)
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.
Sun. Oct 25th, 1–3pm CT
(2 hours)
Singing Bowl Meditation
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Settle into deep relaxation with the soothing vibrations of crystal singing bowls, easing you into a meditative state of acceptance. As you lie comfortably, the frequencies help you tune into your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, supporting profound calm. No prior experience is needed to enjoy this peaceful, restorative practice.
Nov 4th
6:30–7:45pm CT
$44
10 Seats Left
Nov 17th
6:30–7:45pm CT
$44
10 Seats Left
Dec 14th
6:30–7:45pm CT
$44
10 Seats Left
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Wed. Nov 4th, 6:30–7:45pm CT
(75 minutes)
Photoshop 2
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Push your Photoshop skills further with an in-depth exploration of selections and layers. Learn techniques for photo restoration, layer masking, sky replacement, and people extraction. Grow your expertise in collaging and understanding photo resolution to lift your digital editing capabilities.
Nov 9th
1–3:30pm CT
Meets 6 Times
$437
10 Seats Left
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Mon. Nov 9th, 1–3:30pm CT
(15 hours over 6 sessions)
Living Succulent Pumpkin Centerpiece
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Learn how to create a stunning fall centerpiece that will leave your guests in awe. Discover the secrets to planting and maintaining a beautiful succulent pumpkin display. Don't forget to bring your apron, gloves, and hand pruners for this hands-on workshop.
Fri. Oct 23rd, 10–11:30am CT
(90 minutes)
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.
