The thought of spring makes me think of nothing more than the perfect weather and colorful blooms. My family loves taking time out to enjoy the vibrant colors in tulip fields and grabbing as many photos as we can during the tulip season.
Tulips usually bloom mid-April through mid-May, so reference the list below of the best places 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
10,000 hand planted tulips every year! The garden, located at Phillips Park in Aurora, is handicap accessible and has a multi-level walkway system. Also, enjoy the triple tiered fountain, a focal point at the center of this lovely oasis. There is no cost to visiting the Sunken Garden. Pair the day by visiting the free Phillips Park Zoo in the same location, then heading to the Mastodon Island playground for a fun day that is absolutely free.
Kuipers Family Farm Midwest Tulip Fest
1N318 Watson Road
Maple Park, IL 60151
This annual event’s 2023 date hasn’t been chosen yet, but estimates are mid-April to mid-May. Their website notes that 500,000 tulip bulbs were posted across 7 acres in the November of 2022 and will be expected to pop up in this spring. This is a family favorite for us, as you can see from the photo. Beside Instagram-worthy photos with your family, this place is a hit with our kids because of their playground and play areas and a huge slide. Weekend food trucks will be lined up during the tulip season. Be sure to check their Facebook page for updates.
Flowers on Fargo in Geneva
Fargo Boulevard (just west of Rte. 31)
Geneva, IL 60134
It is pretty unbelievable that this is someone’s front yard. Yes – this is located at a private residence in Geneva! Located on Fargo Boulevard, just west of Route 31, they simply request that you kindly stay on the grass and do not enter the private property. You are welcome to tag your tulip viewing adventures on their Instagram page @FlowersOnFargo.
Tulip Time in Holland, Michigan
42 W. 8th Street
Holland, MI 49423
Tulip Time is scheduled for May 6β14, 2023. This event has now run for 92 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, an artisan market, a walking tour, art exhibits, a 5/10k run, and more! View the daily schedule here.
Tulip Fields at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle
4100 IL-53
Lisle, IL 60532
(630) 719-2424
Take in the colors of spring at the Morton Arboretum. Exact dates have not been announced, however the tulip blooms typically takes place late April through early May. Besides a beautiful hike, there’s a great children’s playground to check out while you’re there. Wednesdays are their discount admissions days; all other days are $11β$16 depending on age. See ticket information.
Tulips at Lilacia Park in Lombard
150 S. Park Avenue
Lombard, IL 60148
Don’t be fooled by the name of the park, they also have multiple beds of tulips in the spring! Visit the park between May 6 and May 21, 2023 to see 700 lilacs and 25,000 tulips. Easy paths which make this place extremely kid friendly. There is no charge to visit this park. Check out their event calendar listing to enjoy other events planned this spring.
Downtown Naperville
Naperville, IL 60540
A couple of years ago, the Kidlist team discovered that 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. There are often great events planned in and around this bustling shopping district, too. Check the calendar to plan your trip out.
Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook
100 Oakbrook Center
Oak Brook, IL 60523
Oakbrook Center is locally known for their vibrant tulips every year. Shop around outdoors and enjoy the fresh air among the flowers. This year they have also installed a tulip house photo op near the fountain in front of Crate & Barrel. Here’s another great tip, too: Oakbrook Center usually gives away their tulip bulbs in exchange for donations! We update this article yearly with all the details; stay tuned for 2023.
Cantigny Park in Wheaton
1 S 151 Winfield Road
Wheaton, IL 60189
(630) 668-5161
Another family favorite, Cantigny is filled with color with their big beds of tulips amidst their 29 acres of gardens. There’s also a fabulous playground and a nice picnic if you pack a lunch. My kids love checking out the army tanks and the war museum while we are there. Admission is free; see parking fees, which are generally $5 to $10.
Richardson Adventure Farm Tulip Festival in Spring Grove
909 English Prairie Rd
Spring Grove, IL 60081
(815) 675-9729
Visit Richardson’s mid-April through mid-May to see over half a million tulips! They have live music on Saturday and Sunday afternoons as well. Friendly dogs are welcome if they are on a leash. Regular activities and events include live music, food trucks and more. Check their Facebook page for updates on blooms and special events.
Tulip Fields at Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe
1000 Lake Cook Road,
Glencoe, IL 60022
(847) 835-6801
Visit Chicago Botanic Garden in April through mid-May to see the beauty of thousands of tulips 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. Entrance fees vary depending on date of visit. Parking has to be purchased separately.
Magnificent Mile in Chicago
Locations vary in the city.
We were pleasantly surprised to see tulip beds around the city last year. It is fast becoming a spot for photographers to capture the beauty of the colors amongst the city landscape. Tulips are planted around Michigan avenue and surrounding streets. Enjoy the colors while you’re busy shopping, dinning, or just taking a stroll downtown.
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:
- Johnson’s in Hobart, IN has u-pick zinnia fields in July.
- Nettle Creek in Morris, IL is a lovely lavender farm also blooming in July.
- And, you can also check our 10 Sunflower Fields near Chicago to visit in August and September!
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.