Looking for a unique summer outing? Shimmering Summer at Chicago Botanic Garden transforms the gardens into a giant bubble hunt, with larger-than-life reflective bubbles tucked throughout the grounds. We recently visited with the family and had so much fun searching for each bubble while exploring the gardens. Add in a stop at the Model Railroad Garden, and you’ve got a great way to spend a summer afternoon.
Disclosure: Our admission tickets were provided for review purposes. As always, all opinions are my own.
Looking for more summer fun? Check out this huge list!
Getting Started at Chicago Botanic Garden’s Shimmering Summer
Before you head out on your giant bubble hunt, there are a few things to know.
First, you’ll need to pay for parking. There are several parking lots throughout Chicago Botanic Garden, so I recommend taking a photo of your parking lot or making a note in your phone. Trust me – it’s easy to forget where you parked. If you haven’t purchased tickets yet, you can do that before entering.
Tip: Check if your local library offers Museum Adventure Passes. Score free admission, although parking is not included.
The best part? Shimmering Summer is included with regular garden admission, so there’s no extra ticket required. Before starting your adventure, stop inside the Visitor Center to use the restrooms and grab a garden map. Then you’re ready to start searching for bubbles!
Where to Find the Giant Bubbles at Chicago Botanic Garden
Bubble Hunt Location #1: Visitor Center
As soon as you walk into the Visitor Center, make sure to look up! The first giant bubbles immediately catch your eye and give you a sneak peek of what’s waiting throughout the gardens.
It’s the perfect way to kick off your bubble hunt.
Don’t Miss the Model Railroad Garden
Before continuing our giant bubble hunt, we made a quick detour to the Model Railroad Garden.
I’m so glad we did because it ended up being one of our favorite parts of the day! Look closely and you’ll spot famous landmarks from around the country, all made from natural materials. It was fun trying to spot places we’ve visited while trains chugged through the displays. Seeing Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends brought back memories of when our oldest was obsessed with trains.
We spent about 20 to 30 minutes here and easily could have stayed longer. If you’ve never visited before, I definitely recommend adding it to your day.
Bubble Hunt Location #2: Buehler Enabling Garden
Next up was the Buehler Enabling Garden.
This one was an easy stop to find right along the path. We loved getting up close to the giant bubbles and, of course, couldn’t resist stopping for a few photos.
Bubble Hunt Location #3: Serpentine Bridge
This was my favorite stop of the entire bubble hunt. The giant reflective bubbles floating near the water created such a beautiful scene, especially with the clouds reflected inside them. Between the bubbles, the bridge, and the surrounding gardens, it’s easily one of the prettiest spots in the exhibit.
Before you leave, take a peek into the water below. We spotted fish swimming around, which made the stop even more fun.
You can even spot the final bubble location from here.
Bubble Hunt Location #4: Festival Field
Festival Field has the largest collection of giant bubbles, and every few steps reveal a completely different reflection. We had so much fun walking around each one to see what we’d discover next.
This was our favorite place to stop for photos. The larger-than-life bubbles made the perfect backdrop for selfies and family pictures.
Bubble Hunt Location #5: Farm on Ogden
A fifth installation is located at Farm on Ogden in Chicago. We didn’t make it there during this visit, but it’s worth noting if you’re hoping to see every bubble location.
Is Shimmering Summer Worth It?
Yes!
If you’re already planning a visit to Chicago Botanic Garden, I definitely recommend timing your trip around Shimmering Summer. The giant bubbles add a fun, interactive element to an already beautiful destination.
While I probably appreciated the flowers and gardens the most, the kids had fun searching for each bubble location and exploring the Model Railroad Garden along the way. It turned an afternoon stroll through the gardens into a scavenger hunt.
Make sure to add this unique experience to your summer bucket list!
Good to Know Before You Go
- Shimmering Summer is included with admission.
- Allow about one hour to one hour and a half for the bubble hunt and Model Railroad Garden.
- Serpentine Bridge offers the best scenic views of the bubbles, in my opinion.
- Festival Field offers the best close-up bubble photos and a chance for a family photo with so many bubbles.
- The gardens are spacious and never felt crowded, even on a busy Saturday.
- Check the event calendar before your visit. Special Shimmering Summer weekends include Circus Skills & Play (June 27-28), Bubble Play with Glowby the Bubbler (July 25-26), and additional family-friendly activities throughout the summer.
- Next time, we’re hoping to return for Butterflies & Blooms, which was simply too hot for Grandpa during this visit.
