Who’s up for a tropical getaway? How about a free tropical getaway? Through Feb. 28, the Volunteer Park Conservatory is waiving admission for everyone, thanks to a donation from the Bennett-Shear family. It’s a gift from the children in honor of their parents’ 40^th wedding anniversary – how sweet is that? If you’ve never been before, now is the perfect time to check out this beautiful indoor botanical garden.   The historic Victorian-style building, built in 1912, is located on the north end of Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill. The greenhouse is maintained at a balmy 65 to 80 degrees, and showcases lush plant life from around the world. There’s no nicer quick escape on a cold and dreary day.   Each of the five rooms features a different environment: bromeliads, ferns, palms, cacti and a seasonal display house. We oohed and ahhed over the exquisite orchids and the humongous air plants. The kids will get a kick out of the carnivorous plants – Venus fly traps, sundews and pitcher plants – in the fern room. It’s also fun to point out the giant jade tree that started growing from a cutting in 1916. I feel like I’m stating the obvious, but really, everybody please don’t touch the plants. The visitor count has bumped up since the free admission period began Dec. 24, but it wasn’t crowded at all on the weekday morning we visited. The walkways are narrow and groups are encouraged to spread out as to not block the path. Leave the stroller in your trunk if you can. Formal photography shoots aren’t allowed during regular public hours, but casual photography and artwork are okay. Everyone was taking pictures. The flowers are so pretty it’s impossible not to! The Conservatory was free to the public until 2013. Even now, regular admission isn’t much – just $4 for adults, and free for kids 12 and under. If you like what you see, mark your calendar for the Conservatory’s regular free days: the first Thursday and the first Saturday of every month. We have a feeling you’ll be back.   Parents should know: Basic park restrooms are located next door to the Conservatory. I wouldn’t send the kids in there by themselves, though, because of the homeless men camped next to the women’s restroom. Give me all the liberal grief you want, but my priority is the kids’ safety. The Asian Art Museum, also in Volunteer Park, is closed for renovation. No food or drink is allowed inside the Conservatory. There isn’t any food for purchase inside the park, but just two blocks away is the charming Volunteer Park Café (1501 17th Ave E). Breakfast is served all day, and the people-watching is especially good. (That expensive, studied casual look! I’ll never figure it out.) Kids will also love: Volunteer Park’s recently-renovated playground, with two big play structures, a zip line and a cool sculpture to climb. The wading pool is closed for the season, but it’s worth coming back for in the summer. You can see Lakeview Cemetery through the chain link fence north of the playground. If you’re up for a bit of a hike, the entrance is on 15^th Ave E and up the hill, you’ll find the graves of Bruce Lee and his son, Brandon. The water tower observation deck is open daily at 10 a.m. If a 3-year-old can power up those 107 steps, this out-of-shape mama had no excuse. At the top are displays about the Olmsted parks in Seattle, and terrific free views of the city. If you go Volunteer Park Conservatory 1400 E Galer St Open Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open year-round including all non-Monday holidays. Free admission for everyone through Feb. 28. Beginning March 1, adults $4, youth (13-17) $2 and kids 12 and under are free. Free parking. My story in on ParentMap here.   .