Skip to content

Outdoor Spaces

Featuring a nature-inspired playground, open green space, picnic areas, and winding pathways, the Center is a world-class outdoor destination for visitors of all ages. Connect with nature and immerse yourself in a vibrant spirit of fun, play, and community.
placeholder

Highlights

A rendering of people of all ages and skin tones gathering at several picnic tables on the John Lewis Plaza at the Obama Presidential Center.
John Lewis Plaza

Gather with neighbors and friends in a vibrant outdoor Plaza that sits at the heart of our campus. This Plaza is a dynamic space that brings people together and honors the legacy of U.S. Representative and Civil Rights Movement icon John Lewis. 

Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit & Vegetable Garden

Learn about gardening, food, and cooking in our Garden and Teaching Kitchen. Visitors of all ages can learn how to grow, harvest, and prepare fruits and vegetables.  

Great Lawn 

From casual afternoon picnics to winter sledding, enjoy a day with friends and family on our sprawling 58,000 square foot lawn. Stop by and join one of our outdoor activities hosted for the community.  

More Outdoor Spaces

  • Playground

    Delight in a variety of fun activities for children of all ages. Explore our nature-inspired Playground featuring ADA accessible swings, a duck slide, mud kitchen garden, and sensory nooks.

  • Ann Dunham Water Terrace

    Reflect with family and friends at our terrace honoring the life and legacy of President Obama’s mother. Take a break and enjoy a stone sculptural water feature created by world renowned artist and architect Maya Lin. 

  • Women’s Garden

    Wander through the renewed Women’s Garden, a sanctuary originally inspired by the 1893 World’s Fair Women’s Pavilion. 

  • Wetland Walk

    Stroll through the Wetland Walk, a family-friendly, eco-friendly haven designed to help visitors of all ages connect with nature.

  • Promenade

    Take a walk, run, or bike ride along our scenic trail while taking in beautiful views of the Jackson Park Lagoon and Wooded Island.

  • Campus Courtyards

    Explore four campus courtyards, each inspired by iconic American leaders. Opening hours may vary.

More on Campus

Social Media Preview - Garden Gatherings

Garden Gatherings

Learn more
Sustainability

Sustainability

Learn more
Performances

Performances

Learn more