This 385-acre/156-hectare green space is about a 45-minute drive north of the city in suburban Glencoe. Japanese and English gardens are just two of 26 specialty gardens, which also include natural Illinois prairies and one charming waterfall. More than 250 species of birds have been sighted in the gardens. Evening Island and the displays in the visitors center are especially pleasing to children. There are two very nice cafes. Daily 8 am-sunset. Free admission, but parking is US$15 per car, and tram tours are US$5 adults, US$3 children. 1000 Lake Cook Road (follow the Kennedy Expressway [Interstate 90/94] west to Edens Expressway [I-94] and U.S. Route 41), Glencoe. Phone 847-835-5440. http://www.chicago-botanic.org.
