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.
72 classes with availability
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)
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)
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)
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 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)
Mosaic Workshop
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Step into the ancient art of pique assiette at a renowned botanical institution. Tap into your creativity as you turn broken china and heirlooms into stunning mosaic pieces. Start collecting now for a unique, sustainable art experience.
Oct 29th
1:30–3:30pm CT
Meets 7 Times
$312
10 Seats Left
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Thu. Oct 29th, 1:30–3:30pm CT
(14 hours over 7 sessions)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Intermediate Digital Photography
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Take your digital photography skills to the next level as you explore advanced techniques and creative approaches at Chicago Botanic Garden. Enhance your photos with lead lines, manual focus, and precise aperture settings to achieve impressive and artistic images. Prerequisite: Beginning Digital Photography or consent of the instructor.
Nov 14th
9am–12pm CT
Meets 5 Times
$437
10 Seats Left
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Sat. Nov 14th, 9am–12pm CT
(15 hours over 5 sessions)
Winter Container Workshop
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Bring winter charm to your home with a festive seasonal container filled with fresh evergreen boughs, berries, and colorful branches. Learn how to arrange natural materials into a beautiful, long-lasting display while creating your own design in a sturdy, biodegradable container. Take home a versatile piece that can be displayed on its own or placed inside a decorative pot or urn.
Dec 3rd
10–11am CT
$112
10 Seats Left
Dec 3rd
1–2pm CT
$112
10 Seats Left
Dec 3rd
6–7pm CT
$112
10 Seats Left
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Thu. Dec 3rd, 10–11am CT
(1 hour)
Autumn Photography at Volo Bog
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 28478 Brandenburg Rd, Illinois City, IL
Explore the enchanting beauty of Volo Bog and capture stunning images of nature's vibrant palette in this immersive photography course. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of the 47-acre floating mat of sphagnum moss, cattails, and sedges, and unveil the hidden gems of the season. Join us and unleash your creativity amidst the splendor of autumn.
Thu. Nov 5th, 9am–3pm CT
(6 hours)
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.
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
Carnivorous Plant Terrarium Workshop
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Give your Halloween décor a creepy-cool twist with a live carnivorous plant terrarium. Learn how these fascinating plants evolved to capture and digest insects while creating a unique display to enjoy long after the season ends. You'll also discover practical care tips to help your carnivorous plant thrive at home. All supplies are included.
Thu. Oct 29th, 6–7pm CT
(1 hour)
Hands-on Baking: Fresh Breads
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Master the art of baking tender, flavorful breads with two delicious recipes. Create a savory focaccia with a crisp bottom, soft center, briny olives, fresh herbs, and pecorino Romano, then satisfy your sweet tooth with a strawberry tea bread filled with ripe berries and finished with a bright strawberry-lemon glaze. Leave with new techniques and irresistible breads to recreate at home.
Mon. Nov 2nd, 11am–1:30pm CT
(2 hours & 30 minutes)
Hands on Cooking: Star Sides
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Turn classic side dishes into the stars of the table with this flavorful cooking class. Learn to make savory stuffing with caramelized mushrooms and fresh herbs, a bright cranberry sauce infused with orange and clove, and crispy Brussels sprouts with pancetta, shallots, and dried cranberries. Discover techniques for creating memorable sides that are sure to impress.
Wed. Nov 4th, 5–7:30pm CT
(2 hours & 30 minutes)
Pruning for Professionals
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Master the art of pruning and elevate your landscaping skills with this immersive course at one of Chicago's finest botanical gardens. Learn essential techniques, explore the proper care of tools and equipment, and gain valuable hands-on experience in the field. Prepare to take your professional pruning expertise to the next level.
Thu. Nov 5th, 9:30am–3pm CT
(5 hours & 30 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.
