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.
65 classes with availability
Demonstration Baking: Lower-Sugar Baking
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Discover how to create delicious baked treats with less sugar without sacrificing flavor or texture. Explore the role of sugar and sugar substitutes in baking while learning how to choose the right type and amount for different recipes. Sample satisfying lower-sugar favorites, including gooey chocolate chip cookies, warmly spiced gingerbread, and chewy oatmeal date cookies.
Thu. Dec 10th, 11am–1pm CT
(2 hours)
Winter Bird Walk
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Take in the quiet beauty of winter on this engaging walk through the Chicago Botanic Garden. Expert guides lead you across the garden's striking landscapes while introducing you to the area's resident winter birds and the earliest spring migrants. Pack your binoculars and get ready for an inspiring look at nature in transition.
Sat. Dec 5th, 8–9:30am CT
(90 minutes)
Bonsai: Bring Your Own Tree Workshop
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Do you have a bonsai tree you’re just not sure what to do with? Bring your tree of any species for consultation with the Garden’s bonsai curator and learn new techniques for style and design in this studio-style workshop.
Wed. Dec 9th, 5–8pm CT
(3 hours)
Winter Bilingual Bird Walk
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Take in the quiet beauty of winter on this engaging walk through the Chicago Botanic Garden. Expert guides lead you across the garden's striking landscapes while introducing you to the area's resident winter birds and the earliest spring migrants. Pack your binoculars and get ready for an inspiring look at nature in transition.
Sat. Dec 12th, 2–4pm CT
(2 hours)
Fire Cider: Immunity in a Jar
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Explore the traditional art of fire cider in this hands-on herbal workshop. Learn about the history and uses of this warming folk preparation while discovering how garlic, ginger, horseradish, cayenne, and other ingredients are combined with apple cider vinegar. Sample three varieties, watch a demonstration, and create your own fire cider sample to take home along with practical guidance for future batches.
Sun. Nov 8th, 1–3pm CT
(2 hours)
More classes to explore
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Hands-on Baking: Cake Decorating
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Learn the art of cake decorating at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Discover the secrets to creating beautifully decorated cakes using quality tools and techniques. Bring home your delicious creations and impress your loved ones at your next celebration.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$118
Hands-on Cooking: Deep-Dish Pizza
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Handmade, Chicago-style pizza is totally doable at home! You will discover how to prepare all of the elements: a garden-fresh sauce, “100-turn” dough, and homemade sausage, plus techniques to bake in a home oven and still get a lacquered bottom, pillowy crust, and bubbling cheese.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$119
Hands-on Cooking: Potato and Plum Pierogi
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Discover the comforting tradition of varenyky, also known as perogies, in this hands-on dumpling class. Learn to make versatile dough, master filling and folding techniques, and create two seasonal varieties: a savory potato-onion filling and a sweet plum version. Enjoy a cozy culinary experience while building skills to recreate these beloved dumplings at home.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$119
Hands-on Cooking | Breadfruit Granola Bars
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Learn to make wholesome granola bars from scratch using nuts, dates, and nutrient-rich breadfruit flour in this hands-on cooking class. Discover simple techniques for creating delicious, gluten-free snacks while exploring ingredient choices that support both personal wellness and environmental sustainability. You'll also take home breadfruit flour to continue baking at home.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$119
Hands-on Cooking: Potatoes Three Ways
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Explore the versatility of potatoes with three distinct side dishes. Master the art of making au gratin potatoes with leeks, dauphine potatoes with a rich Roquefort cheese sauce, and crispy potato pancakes. Elevate your culinary skills and discover new ways to savor this beloved ingredient in your kitchen.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$119
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.
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
Introduction to Beekeeping
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Begin your beekeeping journey with this comprehensive, hands-on workshop covering everything from assembling your equipment and setting up a hive to locating the queen and managing the seasonal cycle. Expert instruction provides the knowledge and practical skills to nurture a thriving colony. Come with your own bee suit for a fully immersive experience.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$99
Umami in Winter Vegetables
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Umami has been described as the “fifth taste.” Learn new techniques including specialized knife cuts and how to work with sushi rice, and apply these to recipes that bring out the umami in winter vegetables. Assist in cutting vegetables to use in the featured recipes that highlight this savory taste sensation, such as Mushroom Stroganoff over Cabbage “Noodles” and a California Roll Salad. Students will sample the dishes made in this...
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$50
Experienced Yang 24 Tai Chi
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Enhance your mind-body connection through the serene practice of Yang-style tai chi. Join this class to deepen your understanding of the 24 forms and experience the meditative power of qi gong. For experienced tai chi students seeking a tranquil journey at the Chicago Botanic Garden.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
Dig, Divide, and Store Dahlias
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Gain hands-on experience preparing dahlias for the dormant winter months in our Dig, Divide, and Store Dahlias class at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Learn how to dig up, divide, and store the tubers, ensuring a vibrant display in your garden next spring. Dress for an outdoor experience and take home a pot of tubers to plant next season. Join us and reap the rewards of your labor!
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$32
Unleash Your Creativity in Photography
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Break free from routine and reinvigorate your photography with weekly assignments designed to challenge your perspective and spark creativity. Explore a range of subjects—from landscapes and architecture to wildlife and storytelling—while experimenting with techniques like photo stacking for greater depth. Ideal for experienced DSLR or mirrorless users seeking fresh artistic direction.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
Black and White Photography
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Tap into the full potential of your photographs by digging into the realm of shadows, textures, and contrasts. Get to know the craft of capturing nature in black and white, and learn how to master tonality and depth of field. Join us on this captivating journey of visual storytelling.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
Photographing Trees in Autumn Color
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Capture the vibrant beauty of autumn as you learn to master your camera and photograph the stunning colors of deciduous and evergreen trees. This course will teach you techniques to enhance the texture and pattern of evergreens and capture the changing colors of deciduous trees up close. Students with a working knowledge of DSLR or mirrorless cameras are welcome.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
Bookbinding Workshop
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Discover the art of bookbinding in this hands-on workshop series designed for beginners and creative makers alike. Learn foundational techniques including accordion folds, long and link stitches, one-page books, and Japanese stab bindings while creating seven to eight unique handmade books. With all supplies included, you'll gain the skills and confidence to continue crafting your own books, notebooks, and zines at home.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
Tree Anatomy and Physiology
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Strengthen your understanding of tree biology in this practical class designed for horticulturists, arborists, and plant enthusiasts. Learn the structure and function of different tree parts, explore key biological principles in clear, accessible terms, and discover how this knowledge supports better tree care and client communication. Portions of the class may take place outdoors, so dress for the weather.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
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.
