Brookside Gardens

Brookside Gardens offers 50 acres of stroller-friendly exploration with something magical for every season. Kids delight in the whimsical Children's Garden with interactive features, the seasonal Butterfly Garden (summer months), and the fairytale-like conservatory filled with tropical plants year-round.

• ✓Wings of Fancy live butterfly exhibit (seasonal, small fee applies)
• ✓Children's Garden with interactive, kid-friendly features
• ✓Two conservatories with tropical and seasonal displays
• ✓Japanese-style garden with koi pond
• ✓Wide paved paths perfect for strollers, bikes, and little walkers

1. 1.Arrive early on weekends (between 7-9 AM) to enjoy the gardens before crowds and catch morning butterfly activity when they're most active
2. 2.Download or pick up a free garden map at the Visitor Center and create a scavenger hunt for kids to find different themed gardens
3. 3.Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the designated areas, as there's no café on-site and food options nearby are limited
4. 4.Don't miss the Children's Garden section near the visitor center,it's specifically designed with kid-sized features and interactive elements
5. 5.Visit the Wings of Fancy Butterfly Exhibit (late spring through early fall) on a sunny day when butterflies are most active

Spring (April-May) for blooming azaleas and tulips, or summer (June-September) for the butterfly exhibit. Weekday mornings offer the most peaceful experience with fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures for exploring.

Admission is FREE year-round. Ample free parking is available at the Visitor Center lot. No food service on-site, but picnicking is permitted in designated areas. Restrooms and water fountains available at the Visitor Center.

The famous Wings of Fancy Butterfly Exhibit runs May through September (small admission fee). Garden of Lights holiday display typically runs in December. Spring features spectacular azaleas and tulips, while fall offers beautiful foliage. The conservatories provide indoor exploration year-round, making winter visits enjoyable too.

Head to downtown Wheaton (5 minutes away) for kid-friendly options like Sabor de Mi Tierra for Mexican favorites or Pho Thom for family-friendly Vietnamese cuisine. The nearby Westfield Wheaton Mall also has a food court with multiple quick options.