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Lincoln Park Conservatory: Winter Flower And Train Show

Lincoln Park Conservatory
Lincoln Park Conservatory (Credit: CBS)

Winter Flower and Train Show

Lincoln Park Conservatory
2391 N. Stockton Drive
Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: 312.742.7736
Open daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
November 26 – January 8
Admission: Free
Chicagoparkdistrict.com

The Lincoln Park Conservatory is the perfect place to escape from the winter weather. Take off your coat, hat, mittens and scarf and soak up the sunshine as it passes through the glass-paned rooftop of this botanical garden and conservatory. Give your dry nasal passages a break and breathe in the tropical moisture that emanates from the lush foliage. It's a tropical vacation in the city.

The Winter Flower and Train Show is a must-do holiday family activity, especially for parents of choo-choo train fanatics. Make your way through the fern room to the Show House, where you'll find tens of deep red, white and pink poinsettias, a traditional symbol of Christmas. The bright Christmas colored flowers make an outstanding backdrop for family holiday photos. Model trains loop their way through the foliage and a miniature model of Chicago, made entirely of natural materials. What famous city monuments can you spot? See if you can find the little ladybug trolley, which zips to and fro through the miniature city.

The warm environment is so soothing when the weather outdoors is a bear, that you may want to plan on staying awhile. If your kids are artists at heart, bring along a simple set of watercolors and paper and have then sit on the floor or a bench and paint their favorite flower. Or send them on a treasure hunt and ask them to find a plant from seven different countries.

Amy Bocchetta is a writer, a teacher, and a mom to two kids. She lives in the city and blogs at TiramisuMom.com.
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