One of my favorite aspects of parenting is watching my child’s imagination grow. Listening to their creativity blossom as they pretend play is truly music to my ears. Fairy gardens are a magical way for children to make believe. They explore nature, practice expressing their ideas, and create a world that is all their own. Three local homeowners have gone above and beyond our wildest dreams with their fairy gardens.
If your child becomes inspired to create their own fairy garden, scroll down for links to local garden centers and retailers.
Fairy Gardens in the Western Suburbs
As a reminder, the owners of these fairy gardens spend countless hours perfecting the details of the design they’ve built on their private property. Please keep an extra close eye on your children and encourage them to be respectful while looking at (not touching!) the fairy gardens.
400 Block of N. Park Boulevard (East Side of the Street) in Glen Ellyn
Look for two white benches outside a white picket fence to find this fairy garden near downtown Glen Ellyn, which is named “Fairy Lake”. Special shoutout to Glen Ellyn Mom’s Village for helping us find this one!
When we arrived, our eyes were immediately drawn to the live fish in the center of the pond. Quite a few fairy homes surround the water, with a small section for beach guests.
Animals, creatures, fairies and human figurines are scattered around the grounds. The smaller details in each character sparked curiousity in my girls. Even an open door or a mythical creature they’ve never seen created a conversation.
The grounds of “Fairy Lake” are completely enclosed within the fences of the property. The owners have kindly placed two benches in front of the fairy garden so guests can see over the fences.
One small note about visiting: parking is prohibited on Park Boulevard directly in front of the house. You’ll need to park on a side street and walk up a few houses. Pay attention to signs to ensure you aren’t ticketed. The house is also very close to stores and restaurants in downtown Glen Ellyn. Stop for an ice cream treat or a lunch at 2Toots!
Maple Lane and Willow Road, Naperville
Naperville’s fairy garden is at a private residence on the north east corner at the intersection of Maple Lane and Willow Road, just a few minutes from the Riverwalk and downtown.
Four stores replace the stones in the retaining wall lining the sidewalk. These stores include an incredible amount of detail, down to the ketchup and mustard bottles on the restaurant countertops, or the timely paper hearts hanging in the front windows.
Mermaids, fairies, hedgehogs, and even Buzz Lightyear enjoy this magical land of bridges, towers, and water features above the wall. Every new feature was met with a gasp or a “Mom! Look at this!”
In just our short visit, my girls disappeared into their own imaginations and made up stories about the figurines, and what they’d do if they could join them.
5025 Caroline Avenue, Western Springs
This is Jackie Alberico’s fourth year creating fairy gardens in her yard. There are several displays throughout the yard of their corner lot as well as on the ledge by their front windows. Guests are encouraged to stick to the path in front of the windows. Please do not allow your children to climb on the ledge for viewing.
No time of year feels more magical in our house than Christmas. To see Santa, snowmen, elves and all our holiday favorites in one fairy garden was absolutely awesome for my girls.
Fairy Door Scavenger Hunt in Western Springs
Jackie Alberico, owner of Fairy Grandmother Gardens, created a Western Springs Fairy Door Trail. You need to look high and low at the following locations to spot the doors and small gardens where the fairies live. It’s fun to spot one on a walk!
Springdale Neighborhood:
- 6 doors on 51st Street (5 on the North side of the street by Caroline Avenue and close to Willow Springs Road, 1 on the South side of the street)
- 1 on the north side of Courtland Circle and 1 on the south side
- 2 on Caroline Avenue (West side of the street near Springdale Park)
- 2 on Johnson Avenue (East side of the street, South of Springdale Park)
- 1 on Howard Avenue (North side of the street, very closer to Springdale Park)
- 3 on 53rd Street (North side of the street)
- 1 on Clausen Avenue (East side of the street)
Old Town South Neighborhood:
- 1 on Grand Avenue (West side of the street)
Downtown Western Springs
- 2 South of the train tracks in front of businesses
You Can Design A Fairy Garden, Too!
Interested in starting your own fairy garden at home? Michaels and Hobby Lobby are some larger craft stores that may still have supplies in stock. You can also visit your local garden center for plants, fairies, stones and other accessories. Some of our favorites are:
The Growing Place Garden Center
2000 Montgomery Road
Aurora, IL 60504
(630) 820-8088
Wannemaker’s Home and Garden
1940 Ogden Avenue
Downers Grove, IL 60515
(630) 852-0700
Luurs Garden Center
5200 Butterfield Road
Hillside, IL 60162
(708) 449-5208
Vern Goers Greenhouse
5620 S. Oak Street
Hinsdale, IL 60521
(630) 323-1085
The Growing Place Garden Center
25w471 Plank Road
Naperville, IL 60563
(630) 355-4000
Pioneer Garden & Feed
118 S Villa Avenue
Villa Park, IL 60181
(630) 832-0815
Prosek’s Greenhouse
28W140 High Lake Road
Winfield, IL 60190
(630) 231-4992
Looking for more outdoor fun? Check out our full guide of outdoor activities.
2 Comments. Leave new
Hi,
You should add the fairy garden on Vernon and Rochester in Brookfield. They have a very elaborate and beautiful fairy garden that they set up each spring. It is a hidden treasure of the neighborhood. 🌷🍄
Thanks for letting us know. We’ll check it out!