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VISIT & explore

Families

A squirrel is sitting on a tree branch.
Fascinating Furry Friends
What has four legs, fur and fancies trees? Find out about some of the fascinating animals that live at the Arboretum and make a mask to take home. Daily in August, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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Library Exhibit: Plant Hunters
Library Exhibit: Plant Hunters
The exhibit features artifacts from the library’s special collection relating to famous plant hunters, and it explores modern conservation efforts by scientists at the Arboretum. Tuesdays-Saturdays, during regular library hours.
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The contains of the Family Explorer Backpack available for rental.
Family Explorers Backpack
Looking for a unique experience in the Children’s Garden At The Morton Arboretum? Rent a self-guided family backpack and enhance your visit. Available daily, April through October, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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An origami acorn made with orange paper
Garden Origami
Practice folding paper into your favorite garden shapes. Daily through October 22, 2017, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Children's Garden. Weather permitting.
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A visitor learning about endangered tree species by using the interactive panels
Vanishing Acts: Trees Under Threat Exhibit
Come learn about the gifts that the world's endangered trees give us—and how you can join the Arboretum in saving them. Daily, 7:00 a.m. - sunset
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A child making mud pies in the Mud Kitchen
Nature Play Spaces
Enjoy creative, unstructured outdoor play spaces, Mud Kitchen near Parking Lot 20 and Word Garden near Parking Lot 13. Daily, weather permitting, 7:00 a.m. to sunset
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A squirrel origami sculpture made out of metal
Origami in the Garden
Dozens of large-scale metal sculptures based on the ancient Japanese art of paper folding will engage you on paths through the Arboretum’s spectacular landscape Friday, May 19, through Sunday, October 22, 2017.
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The Acorn Express open-air Tram
Acorn Express Tram Tours
Beginning April 24, 2017 hop on the Acorn Express tram for a tour of our 1,700 acres of blooming beauty (weather permitting) narrated by one of our expert guides. Call 630-968-0074 for times and pricing.
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A family is riding the Acorn Express Adventure Tram.
Acorn Express Adventures
Join us on the Acorn Express tram for a family friendly tram-ride adventure through the Arboretum! We’ll seek out fun destinations to hike, make a craft, and explore new topics each week. Wednesdays and Fridays, April-October, 2017, 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
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Families sitting on the grass listening to live music
Thursday Family Nights
Enjoy live music, kid-friendly fare, and entertainment after-hours. Thursdays, June 15, through August 24, 2017 at The Morton Arboretum's Children's Garden. 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
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Children listening to a story
Garden Story Time
Gather in the Children’s Garden amphitheater for story time and fun. Fridays, April 7 through October 27, 2017, 11:00 a.m.
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A play taking place outdoors
Theatre-Hikes® at The Morton Arboretum
Experience the theater on nature's stage as plays based on literary tales are presented during hikes through the scenic landscape of The Morton Arboretum. Select weekends, July, August, September, and October, 2017
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Pancakes with blueberries and powdered sugar
Breakfast In The Ginkgo Restaurant
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at The Morton Arboretum in the scenic Ginkgo Restaurant! Saturdays & Sundays, 9:00-10:45 a.m. The Ginkgo Restaurant will be closed on April 15 & 16
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Apples, limes, and lemons are painted are stamped on a white background
You Say Tomato, I Say Fruit
Do you know the difference between a fruit and a vegetable? You may be surprised! Learn what makes them different and make a fall fruit print to take home. Weekends in September, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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Row of bikes to rent
Bike Rentals
Explore nine miles of paved roads that wind through our magnificent tree collections. Daily, May 27- September 4, 2017. Monday, October 9, 2017. Saturdays and Sundays, September 9 - October 29, 2017. 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (last rental is at 3 PM; bikes need to be returned by 5 PM).
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The Acorn Express Tram is moving down the road.
Acorn Express Adventures: Homeschool Journey
Join us on the Acorn Express for a family friendly tram ride adventure through the Arboretum! The first Wednesday of each Month, April 5 Through October 4, 2017 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
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A boy is with his family holding a paper lantern he made.
Family Twilight Adventures-Origami at Night: Lanterns
Join us for a fun-filled adventure after hours at the Arboretum. Explore the night's theme with a tram ride, hike, and make a lantern with your family to take home. Friday, September 8, 2017-7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
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Child looking through a spyglass at plants in a container
Happy Bee-day!
Come celebrate the Children’s Garden’s 13th birthday with a bee-utiful event! September 9 & 10, 2017. 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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A dog running the agility course
Tails on the Trails
Join us for Tails on the Trails on September 9, 2017, a "paw"fect day out with your pup as you meander down The Morton Arboretum's 16 miles of hiking trails. Dogs are only allowed on special days like these!
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A German dance trio
Passport Europe Festival
Immerse yourself in the diverse cultures of Europe with visits to our European tree collections, plus culinary delights, authentic musical performances, impressive dancing demonstrations, and much more. September 23-24, 2017, at The Morton Arboretum.
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Display of fall bulbs
Annual Bulb Sale
Shop dozens of varieties of dutch bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, iris, alliums, crocus, fritillaria, and many more. Saturday & Sunday, September 30 & October 1, 2017 at The Arboretum Store. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
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Runners participating in the Fall Color 5k Run & Walk
Fall Color 5K Run & Walk
Race in our 13th annual Fall Color 5K Run & Walk, Sunday, October 1, 2017.
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Scarecrows that look like the Peanuts Cartoon charaters
Scarecrow Trail
Admire creations from local scout troops and vote for your favorite scarecrow. Daily in October, 2017. 7:00 a.m-sunset
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Trick or Trees
Trick or Trees
Kids, enjoy games and crafts. Costumes encouraged. Weekends in October and Columbus day at The Morton Arboretum. Weekends in October and Monday, October 9, 2017 (Columbus Day), 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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Bees on a honeycomb
Meet the Beekeeper
Come meet the Arboretum’s beekeeper, learn about bees, sample honey, and shop. Monday, October 9, 2017 from noon - 3:00 p.m .
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Some of the glass pumpkins in the Glass Pumpkin Patch
Glass Pumpkin Patch
Explore a dazzling collection of 4,000 hand-blown glass pumpkins and other autumnal designs in mesmerizing colors, shapes, and sizes. At The Morton Arboretum, October 11- 15, 2017. Sales begin ​October 13 at 1:00 p.m.
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Carved pumpkins with smiling and scary faces
Family Jack O' Lantern Hikes
Join us on a family-friendly jack o' lantern lit hike to explore the night life of owls, bats and spiders at The Morton Arboretum. October 14 , 15, 21, or 22, 2017. Times vary. Register NOW.
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Adults and children dressed up
Boo Breakfast
Join us for BOO Breakfast, complete with visits from favorite characters. Costumes encouraged. Sunday, October 29, 2017, 9:00 a.m
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A small gnome hangs from a tree
Gnome Hunt
Can you find all of the gnomes hiding in The Morton Arboretum's Children's Garden? Daily November 2017 through March 2018, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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Child making a snow angel
Winter Play
Join us in the Children's Garden for winter time fun! Daily November 2017 through March 2018, in the Children’s Garden from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Weather permitting.
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Story time
Arbor Reading Adventures
Join us in the Sterling Morton Library for this popular and interactive story time! Best for ages 2-6 with adult. Wednesdays and Fridays November 2017 through March 2018, 11:00-11:45 a.m.
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Artist demonstrates linoleum block printing for an engaged group of observers.
Nature Artists’ Guild Holiday Exhibit
Enjoy more than 150 works of art celebrating nature and see demonstrations by the artists.Saturday, November 4 and Sunday, November 5, 2017. 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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A dog at Dog Admission Day
Dog Admission Day
Hit the trails, at The Morton Arboretum, with your canine friend on the following Saturday, November 4, 2017, 7:00 a.m. to sunset.
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Arboretum Store customer looking at holiday ornaments
Members’ Extra Discount Weekend
The Morton Arboretum members, enjoy extra savings in time for the holidays. November 10-12, 2017 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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Veteran's get in free on Veteran's Day
Veteran's Day-Veterans Free
All veterans free today, November 11!
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Illumination, Treemagination. Colors splashed across the hemlock trees.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
See trees in a different light. Our interactive experience filled with dazzling projections, trees that respond to your touch and voice, and vivid, electric colors throughout. Open Friday, November 17, 2017 through Monday, January 1, 2018​. (Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day along with the following Mondays, November 20 & 27 and December 4, 11, & 18.) Tickets on sale Monday, October 2, 2017
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St Nick arriving at The Morton Arboretum
Supper with St Nick
Make this holiday season special by joining us in the Thornhill Mansion for an elegant family supper. Thursday, December 21, or Friday, December 22, 2017
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Snowy larches around Meadow Lake
Happy Holidays - Free Admission
Enjoy free admission on Christmas Day at The Morton Arboretum! Sunday, December 25, 2016. Buildings, Children’s Garden, and Illumination closed.
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Photo of child with a Siberian husky
Husky Heroes
Save the date, January 27 and 28, 2018 to see Siberian husky sled pulling, skijoring, and speed demonstrations at The Morton Arboretum. Please leave pets at home.
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Chocolates wrapped in boxes and bags tied with bows
Chocolate Weekend
Discover chocolate’s deeply rooted tree history as you taste and shop for treats! Friday, February 9, through Sunday, February 11, 2018. Shop, sample, and celebrate chocolate indoors.
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Girl Scout Camp Out in the Children's Garden
Join us for a camp-out designed especially for scouts at The Morton Arboretum. Friday, August 25 through Saturday August 26, 2017, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.
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Family Twilight Adventures
Join us for a fun-filled adventure after hours at the Arboretum to explore the night's theme with a tram ride, activities, and a hike. Fridays, August 25 or September 8, 2017, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. or Saturdays, August 19 or September 16, 2017, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
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Acorn Express Adventures: Homeschool Journey
Join us on the Acorn Express for a family friendly tram ride adventure through the Arboretum! The first Wednesday of each Month, April 5 Through October 4, 2017 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
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Family Jack-O'-Lantern Hikes
Join us on a family-friendly jack o lantern lit hike to explore the night-life of owls, bats and spiders at The Morton Arboretum. Saturdays, October 14 or 21, or Sundays, October 15 or 22, 2017, 6:00 through 8:30 p.m., (Last hike starts at 7:00 p.m.)
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Acorn Express Adventures
Join us on the Acorn Express for a family friendly tram-ride adventure through The Morton Arboretum! Wednesdays and Fridays, April through October, 2017, 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. (except April 28, week of June 19, and July 7)
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Family Explorers Backpack
Rent a self-guided family backpack that will enhance your visit to The Morton Arboretum. Daily, April through October, 2017, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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Gingerbread House Workshop
Take a winter walk, find out what sweet treats grow on trees, then decorate a keepsake, light-up, chipboard gingerbread house with natural materials to take home at The Morton Arboretum. Saturday, November 18, 2017, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., or 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
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Gingerbread Tea Party
Enjoy a cup of tea and sweet treats as we celebrate the holidays with a tea party at The Morton Arboretum. Saturday, December 10, 2016, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. OR 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
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