Breadcrumbs

Families

Build-a-Tree Eco-Workshop

Use natural and recycled materials to build your own nature keepsake to take home at The Morton Arboretum. Daily June through October, 2018, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Summer Clearance Sale

Save on home decor, jewelry, books, desktop, apparel, and more. July 27 through August 24, 2018

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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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Acorn Express Tram Tours

Hop on the Acorn Express tram for a tour of our 1,700 acres of blooming beauty narrated by one of our expert guides.

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Troll Tram Rides

Explore Troll Hunt from the comfort of our motorized open-air tram. Daily beginning August 13, 2018

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Troll Hunt

Journey through our far-reaching forest to hunt for six colossal trolls crafted from reclaimed wood by Danish artist Thomas Dambo.

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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, 2018, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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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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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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Troll Archives

Find a one-of-a-kind book related to the trolls you are hunting in the Sterling Morton Library. Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Saturday

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Arbor Evenings: Music and More

Wednesday is the new Friday! Unwind with wine and a live concert outdoors on summer evenings. Wednesdays, June 6 through August 29, 2018.

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Acorn Express Adventures

Join us on the Acorn Express tram for a family friendly tram-ride adventure through the Arboretum! Wednesdays and Fridays, April-October, (except Friday, July 20) 2018, 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

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Thursday Family Nights

Enjoy live music, games, and crafts after-hours Thursdays, June 14, through August 16, 2018 at The Morton Arboretum's Children's Garden. 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

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Garden Story Time

Gather in the Children’s Garden for story time and fun. Fridays, June through October, 2018 11:00 a.m.

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Walking Plays at The Morton Arboretum

Walk along with theater performers and experience classic Brothers Grimm tales a new way: surrounded by nature! All Walking Plays are approximately 90 minutes in length and will not exceed 2 miles in hiking distance. Select Weekends August and October, 2018

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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.

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Tree Pose Family Yoga

Experience nature from a new angle through fun animal and tree yoga poses! Mondays, May through October, 2018, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

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Nature Play Date

Join us for a play date among the trees! We’ll hop on the Acorn Express Tram and head to one of the Arboretum’s Nature Play Spaces. Last Tuesday of each month, June through September, 2018, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

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Sensory Friendly Sundays

Sensory Friendly Sundays offer the opportunity for families, with sensory needs, to experience a less crowded Children's Garden with minimal noise. First Sunday of May through October.

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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 4 Through October 3, (except July 4) 2018, 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

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Tails on the Trails

Join us for Tails on the Trails on September 8, 2018, 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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Annual Bulb Sale

Shop dozens of varieties of bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, iris, alliums, crocus, fritillaria, and many more.

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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. Saturday, September 22, and Sunday, September 23, 2018.

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Nancy Neill Designs Trunk Show

Shop for expertly made jewelry with whimsical themes for gifts or for yourself from by local designer Nancy Neill. Sunday, September 30, 2018, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m

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Fall Color 5K Run & Walk

Run for the trees at the 15th annual Fall Color 5K Run and Walk, Sunday, September 30, 2018.

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Scarecrow Trail

Admire creations from local scout troops and vote for your favorite scarecrow. Daily in October, 2018. 7:00 a.m-sunset

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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 8, 2018 (Columbus Day), 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Meet the Beekeeper

Come meet the Arboretum’s beekeeper, learn about bees, sample honey, and shop. October 8, 2018 from noon - 3:00 p.m .

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Glass Pumpkin Patch

Explore a dazzling collection of hand-blown glass pumpkins and other autumnal designs at The Morton Arboretum, October 10 through 14, 2018

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Boo Breakfast

Join us for BOO Breakfast, complete with visits from favorite characters. Costumes encouraged. Sunday, October 28, 2018, 9:00 a.m

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Gnome Hunt

Can you find all of the gnomes hiding in The Morton Arboretum's Children's Garden? Daily November 2018 through March 2019, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Winter Play

Join us in the Children's Garden for winter time fun! Daily November 2018 through March 2019, in the Children’s Garden from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Weather permitting.

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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 2018 through March 2019, 11:00 to 11:45 a.m.

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Nature Artists’ Guild (NAG) Holiday Exhibit of Natural History Art

Enjoy more than 150 works of art celebrating nature and see demonstrations by the artists. Saturday and Sunday, November 3 and 4, 2018, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Dog Admission Day

Hit the trails, at The Morton Arboretum, with your canine friend on the following Saturday, November 3, 2018, 7:00 a.m. to sunset.

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Gnome Globes

After taking a hike through the Children’s Garden to hunt for all of the hiding gnomes, create a keepsake, gnome globe of your own. Weekends, November 2018 through February 2019, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

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Members’ Extra Discount Weekend

The Morton Arboretum members, enjoy extra savings in time for the holidays. November 9-11, 2018 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

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Veterans Day-Veterans Free

All veterans free November 11 and 12!

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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. November 16, 2018 - January 1, 2019

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Happy Thanksgiving-FREE Admission

Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy FREE admission at The Morton Arboretum. All buildings and the Children's Garden will be closed. Thursday, November 22, 2018

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Supper with St Nick

Make this holiday season special by joining us in the Thornhill Mansion for an elegant family supper. Thursday, December 20, or Friday, December 21, 2018

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Happy Holidays - Free Admission

Enjoy free admission on Christmas Day at The Morton Arboretum! Tuesday, December 25, 2018. Buildings, Children’s Garden, and Illumination are closed.

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Enchanted Railroad

Watch an intricate railroad travel through a wonderland at a child-friendly level. January 18 through February 24, 2019

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Husky Heroes

Save the date, January 26 and 27, 2019 to see Siberian husky sled pulling, skijoring, and speed demonstrations at The Morton Arboretum. Please leave pets at home.

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Chocolate Weekend Member Night

For Arboretum members only. Shop Chocolate Weekend vendors before the crowds arrive. Friday, February 8, 2019

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Chocolate Weekend

Discover chocolate’s deeply rooted tree history as you taste and shop for treats! Shop, sample, and celebrate chocolate indoors. February, 9 and 10, 2019

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Nature Connects

Calling all LEGO® fans! Don't miss Nature Connects Friday, May 24 through Sunday, September 15, 2019

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Children’s Garden Campout

Join us for a campout designed especially for families! Pitch your tent on the lawn inside the Children’s Garden and get ready for a night filled with fun at The Morton Arboretum. (SOLD OUT) August 17 through 18, 2018, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.
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 24 through Saturday August 25, 2018, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Tree Pose Family Yoga

Experience nature from a new angle through fun animal and tree yoga poses at The Morton Arboretum! . Mondays, May through October, 2018, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Cub Scout Campout in the Children's Garden (6-11 years)

Join us for a camp–out designed especially for scouts at The Morton Arboretum. Friday, September 14 through Saturday September 15, 2018, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Family Twilight Adventures

Join us for a fun-filled adventure after hours at The Morton Arboretum to explore the night's theme with a tram ride, activities, and a hike. Fridays, August 31 or September 7, or Saturdays, July 28, August 11, or September 15, 2018, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
More Youth and Family Programs

Please check our Calendar of events for more youth and family programs.