Admission to the gardens is free. They do have a couple of exhibits you have to pay extra for if you want and a tram ride that is extra as well. But you certainly don't have to pay to go to those if you do not want to. Parking does cost, I think it's either $25 or $30 but given the fact that you get in for free I think it's worth it! We were actually staying at a nearby hotel that had a free shuttle there so we didn't have to pay to park. But I would have still paid if I had to because as I said it was worth it. Hope this helps!

Buy your parking in advance for faster entry. $25 per car on weekdays; $30 per car on weekends and federal holidays (includes tax) $10 for senior citizens on Tuesdays (age 62+, includes tax) $30 per van (includes tax) $65 per limousine, minibus, bus & RV (includes tax) Discounts apply for Cook County residents. The Garden reserves the right to ask for proof of residency upon entry. Wheelchairs are available free at the Information Desk in the Visitor Center. Accessible parking is located in parking lots 1 and 2. Nearly all areas of the Garden are accessible by wheelchair, as are the tram tours. Electronic Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) Electric scooters are available for rent in the Visitor Center on an unreserved, first-come, first-served basis. The following fee applies: members: $15, nonmembers $20. Please note: quantities are limited. The ECV is a single-person chair only. Young children are not allowed to operate or ride on the chair. Operators must be 16 years of age or older. All operators between the ages of 16 and 18 must have a valid driver's license and signature of a parent or guardian over the age of 21. Scooter training is provided and required, and restrictions do apply. A release form must be signed by the guest operating the scooter. At the discretion of the Chicago Botanic Garden, ECVs cannot be used under the following circumstances: inclement weather, on tram tours, in restrooms, on turf, in Greenhouses, on the Arched Bridge to the Malott Japanese Garden, on the path along the Linnaeus sculpture in the Heratage Garden, or at the Waterfall Garden, Spider Island, or the Farwell Landscape Garden. ECV users must remain on all designated pathways. The ECV must be returned before sundown. Service Animals Service animals are welcome. No pets please. More Information The Buehler Enabling Garden is a teaching garden for people of all abilities. Raised beds and container gardens highlight gardening techniques for those who use wheelchairs. Accessible restrooms are available in the Visitor Center, the Regenstein Center, and the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden. For those dining at the Garden View Café, both outdoor decks are also wheelchair accessible.