What to do with a Baby/Toddler in Chicago: Chicago Botanic Gardens

I'll be doing a series of posts of what to do in Chicago and the northern suburbs with a baby/toddler.

1)  Chicago Botanic Gardens (Glencoe)  (see below)

2)  Lincoln Park Zoo (Lincoln Park)  coming soon

3)  Peggy Nortebert Nature Museum (Lincoln Park) coming soon

4)  Kohl's Children's Museum (Glenview) coming soon

5)  Chuckee Cheese (Skokie) coming soon

6)  Shedd Aquarium (Downtown) coming soon

7)  Wagner Farm (Glenview) coming soon

8)  The Beach!  Greenwood Beach (Evanston)
9)  Millenium Park (Loop)

10) Yet to be discovered ... please let me know if you have any tips!

Henry and his new friend, William, love the Chicago Botanic Gardens.  The grounds are expansive, gorgeous and quiet.  They both got soaking wet playing with the water in the above photo - so bring a change of clothes.  Although we haven't become members yet, I think we'll probably take the plunge at some point this year.  The entrance fee is $20 per car, so we've been leaching off of friends and family up until now.  Going just 4 times a year would make the annual $70 membership fee worth it.  I hope to also visit in the winter for snow shoeing!

There is also an outdoor electric train exhibit that is amazing - although there is an additional fee.  All the buildings and trees are made of organic materials and the trains pass over bridges, through tunnels, etc.  The exhibit shows famous American landmarks and the trains have historic significance as well.  It's fun for all (parents included) on a beautiful day.