April showers bring us the most beautiful May flowers in Chicagoland! The sight of the first colorful blooms of the season peaking out remind us spring (and warmer weather) is coming. My kids are also very eager for the vibrant colors of the tulip fields. Tulip season is quick, be sure to capture as many family photos as possible before you miss it. Tulips usually bloom mid-April through mid-May, so check out this list of the best spots to see tulips and make a date with your family to stop and smell the flowers soon.
Sunken Gardens at Phillips Park in Aurora
1000 Ray Moses Drive
Aurora, IL 60507
Admission:
Free!
The Sunken Gardens at Phillips Park are expecting over 10,000 tulips in 15 different varieties this year! The garden, located at Phillips Park in Aurora, is handicap accessible, close to parking and has a multi-level walkway system. Also enjoy the triple tiered fountain, a focal point at the center of this lovely oasis. The garden is near the zoo entrance, and the visitor center (with restrooms).
Make it a combo-trip, by visiting the free Phillips Park Zoo in the same location, then heading to the secret Mastodon Island playground for a fun day that is absolutely free!
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N. Central Park Avenue
Chicago, IL 60624
Admission:
Free for all City of Chicago Residents with ID
Non-Chicago Resident Adults 18+: $10
Non-Chicago Resident Children 7-17: $10
Free for Children 0- 6
If you have never been to the Garfield Park Conservatory, it is a must see. With indoor and outdoor exhibits alike, it has something for everyone. In early spring, be sure to check out the outdoor Artist’s Garden that is flooded with tulips. Be sure to also check out the 2026, Spring Flower Show: Showers of Flowers. This exhibit has over 80 hanging baskets on display overhead and spring favorites-including more tulips at foot. This exhibit is included in your admission ticket.
Magnificent Mile Tulips and Trumpets
Magnificent Mile
Chicago, IL
Various Locations in the city, check for updated tulip events here.
The official Tulip season opens in April in Downtown Chicago. This celebration of spring is quickly becoming a spot for photographers to capture the beauty of the colors amongst the city landscape. We loved seeing tulip beds around the city, with tulips planted around Michigan Avenue and surrounding streets. This year, enjoy Tulips and Trumpets where you can enjoy free jazz music along the Magnificent Mile. See if you can spot the 5 giant tulips on your hunt, as you enjoy the sounds and colors of the season on a trip downtown with your family. Tulips and Trumpets is only running for a limited time.
Tulip Fields at Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022
(847) 835-6801
Admission:
Entrance fees vary depending on date of visit. Parking has to be purchased separately.
Visit Chicago Botanic Garden in April through mid-May to see the beauty of 750,000 tulips (yes, you read that right!) in their Circle Garden. We love the model railroad garden that showcases 18 model G-scale trains running on 18 tracks and features over 50 miniature American landmarks. The Nature Play Garden opens mid April to November for children to roll, climb and discover.
Tulip Time in Holland, Michigan
42 W. 8th Street
Holland, MI 49423
Admission to the festival:
Free!
If you really love tulips, consider taking the 1.5 hour drive to the Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Michigan. This incredible display of blooms makes the trip worth it! Tulip Time is scheduled for May 1-10, 2026. This event has now run for 97 years and continues to draw a crowd to view over six million tulips blooming throughout Holland. The tulips are not in a single location and can be found within a 4 mile radius of Downtown Holland.
There are all kinds of events lined up, including music, Dutch Dance performances, a family carnival, pickle-ball tournament, a tulip run (5k, 10k and Kids Fun Run), a walking tour, and more.
Kuipers Family Farm Midwest Tulip Fest
1N290 Watson Road
Maple Park, IL 60151
Admission:
Weekday admission: $17.99 per person (online); $19.99 at the door
Weekend admission: $22.99 per person (online); $24.99 at the door
Children Under 2 are free.
*add on a U-Pick Tulip Carrier (fits 10 tulips) for $19.99
The annual Midwest Tulip Fest opens April 11, 2026. Their website notes that almost 1 million tulip bulbs were planted across 8 acres in late fall of 2025 and will be expected to pop up in this spring. Weather is always a factor for bloom, so be sure to check their “Bloom-o-Meter” to find the best time to go.
Besides the Instagram-worthy photos with your family, this place is a hit with our kids because of their playground, play areas and a huge slide. There is also a small store where you can buy farm fresh seasonal goodies. Be sure to check their Facebook page for updates.
Daily admission to Kuiper’s includes access to the Tulip Fields, Spring Fun Farm attractions, Scenic Trails and exploration of the seasonal farm-stand.
Tulip Fields at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle
4100 IL-53
Lisle, IL 60532
(630) 719-2424
Admission:
Members are Free!
Children 3 and under -Free!
Daily Admission for adults is between $15.95 and $21.95 for adults depending on the day (save $2 per ticket by purchasing online).
Daily Admission for children is $11.95–$17.95 also depending on the day.
Wednesdays are their discount admissions days; See ticket information.
Take in the colors of spring at the awesome Morton Arboretum. Exact dates have not been announced, however the tulip blooms typically takes place late April through early May. Monitor the Arboretum’s Bloom Report to get up to date information on the status of the tulips.
Besides the beautiful scenery, there are tons of kid-friendly trails, the children’s playground and garden to check out while you visit.
Tulips at Lilacia Park in Lombard
150 S. Park Avenue
Lombard, IL 60148
Admission:
Free!
Don’t be fooled by the name of the park-Lilacia Park also has multiple beds of tulips in the spring! Visit the park during Lilac Time from May 2-17, 2026 to see 700 lilac bushes and 35,000 tulips. Easy paved paths make the park stroller and kid-friendly. There is street parking around the entire park, and a shared parking lot on the east side off Park Ave. The park is open dusk to dawn.
This year’s event schedule includes live music, story time, tours, plant sales, wine tasting, and even a 5K.
Downtown Naperville
Naperville, IL 60540
Admission:
Free!
Downtown Naperville is filled with tulips in the spring! Between strolling, dining and shopping, be sure to stop for a photo or two. Downtown Naperville always has lots to offer aside from great dining options and shopping, including a short walk to the DuPage Children’s Museum. Check out Central Park, a completely updated park in the heart of Downtown. There are often events planned in and around this bustling shopping district, too. Check the calendar to plan your trip out.
Richardson Adventure Farm Tulip Festival in Spring Grove
909 English Prairie Road
Spring Grove, IL 60081
(815) 675-9729
Admission:
Daily Admission (ages 13 and up): $20
Daily Admission (ages 4-12): $17
Ages 3 and under Free!
Richardson’s 2026 tulip fields are anticipated to open in mid-April depending on the local weather. Richardson’s has over 1 million tulip and daffodil blooms on over 5 acres! Regular activities and events include live music on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, free games, food trucks and more. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome. Admission fees include one free tulip, and season passes are also available for purchase. Check their Facebook page for updates on blooms and special events.
Cantigny Park in Wheaton
1 S 151 Winfield Road
Wheaton, IL 60189
(630) 668-5161
Admission:
Admission is free; see parking fees, which are $6 weekdays and $16 weekends in April
A local favorite of ours, Cantigny Park’s gardens are filled with their big beds of tulips amidst 29 acres of manicured gardens. There’s also a wooden playground in addition to the tank playground. It’s a great picnic spot if you plan to spend the day.
More Flower Fields Near Chicago
If after you visit the tulip fields you are in search of more picture-perfect blooms, we have the goods for you! Check out what’s ahead:
- Nettle Creek in Morris, IL is a lovely lavender farm that blooms in mid June. Check their website for up to date information.
- Check out the Wildflower Farm in Monee, IL for fun activities and summer events.
- In the summer, check our 19 Sunflower Fields near Chicago to visit in August and September!
- Visit Proclamation Farms in Wilmington and check out the u-pick experience in their flower field and local farm-stand.
How long do tulips bloom?
Tulips usually bloom 1-2 weeks when the temperatures remain around 45-55 degrees. However, if the temperature rise, tulips may only bloom 1-2 days and then wither from the heat.
When is the best time to see tulips?
Tulip season is in April and May, depending on the variety. Your best bet is to figure out which tulip field you would like to visit, then keep an eye on their social media account for their stunning photos of tulips in full bloom.
I’m interested in growing tulips at home. When should I plant them?
It’s best to plant tulip bulbs in the fall, before the ground freezes. Tulip bulbs need to experience the cold winter temperatures and take root before emerging in the spring. Then you can have your own fields of tulips!
We have the guides for the best spring activities in Chicago’s suburbs on our website, then check out our Instagram and Facebook accounts to see what we’re up to around town.
1 Comment. Leave new
This is the most helpful site for things to do with my grandson and family.
Thank you so much for all the work you put into it.