Pack a picnic lunch and head to the Chicago Botanic Garden, featuring 27 gardens and 4 natural areas on 385 acres. They are open 365 days a year, and there are lots of great indoor spaces and greenhouses to explore on colder days. Beautiful in every season, the Chicago Botanic Garden is the perfect place to spend the day or take a romantic stroll.

Cost: admission is free, parking is $25 - $30