(credit: http://www.mortonarb.org)

Morton Arboretum

4100 Illinois Route 53
Lisle, IL 60532
www.mortonarb.org

The Morton Arboretum sits on 1,700 acres of trees, shrubs and plants from around the world. The Morton Arboretum is dedicated to the conservation and planting of trees. With beautiful grounds, scenery and nature everywhere you look, it’s a great place to visit on a Spring day in Chicago. As flowers start to bloom and plants awake for the season, the views at The Morton Arboretum are truly breathtaking.

The Morton Arboretum also offers classes, activities and educational programming for people of all ages. Participate in a class or just visit The Arboretum to ring in Spring!

(credit: http://www.chicago-botanic.org)

Chicago Botanic Garden

1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022
www.chicago-botanic.org

The Chicago Botanic Garden, is home to world-renowned plant collections and is one of the country’s most visited public gardens and a preeminent center for learning and research. Visit the garden in full bloom this Spring. See all the Garden has to offer on a narrated Tram Tour. Sit back and enjoy a guided tram car around the perimeter of the Garden. Tours are open to all visitors and no reservation is needed (Beginning April, 15). Tickets are $3-6 (varies by age/membership).

(credit: http://www.garfield-conservatory.org)

Garfield Park Conservatory

300 N. Central Park Ave
Chicago, IL 60624
www.garfieldconservatory.org

Plan an outing this Spring to Chicago’s premier conservatory. With two exhibition halls and 6 greenhouses, there’s tons of lush trees, plants and flowers to see. One great perk- The Garfield Park Conservatory is free! Donations are always welcome to certain events and exhibits. This Spring enjoy azaleas, hydrangeas and Easter Lilies in full bloom. Check the events page for the most current events at the Conservatory.

(credit: http://www.lpzoo.com)

Lincoln Park Zoo

2001 N. Clark St

Chicago, IL 60614

www.lpzoo.org

Find a world of wildlife surrounded by the city’s skyscrapers at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest in the nation founded in 1868. This may just be the wildest hot-spot in the city! Families can play and learn for free and there are two sections of the zoo dedicated to children; the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo and Farm-in-the-Zoo.

(Credit: naturemuseum.org)

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

2430 N. Cannon Drive

Chicago, IL 60614

www.naturemuseum.org

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is home to over 75 species of butterflies, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals and even an ant farm. This wildlife museum focuses on teaching visitors about conservation, and caring for the nature around us. With beautiful grounds next to the Lincoln Park Zoo, you can spend the whole day outdoors, soaking up the end of cold weather, nature and wildlife.

Lauren Wulf, CBS Local Chicago