Who's hiding in the Children's Garden? Most of the little critters are hibernating, but bring your best "I Spy" skills to find the gnomes hidden throughout the garden.  A sign at the entrance of the Children's Garden gives directions. All visitors welcome to this free drop-in program.

November 1-February 29 (weather permitting)
Daily; 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 
All ages 
The Children's Garden

Wednesdays & Fridays, November-March
11-11:45 a.m.
Story time meets in Sterling Morton Library
Followed by guided hike

February 1 & 3: The theme will be chocolate!

$4 Member ($5 Non-member Child)
Adult must accompany child (no cost)

Suggested for ages 3-5.

Registration open now until start of the event. Sign up now to reserve your spot! Normal admission fees apply.

SIGN UP:
ONLINE (Pick from dates below:)

CALL 630-719-2464, Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
VISIT The Visitor Center, daily during regular hours

Not a Member? Join or renew today!

The program is supported by a grant from

Activities may include snow fort building and scavenger hunts.

January and February (weather permitting)
Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Join us on February 1, 3, 4, & 5 for a 15 minute glimpse into outdoor play that will have a chocolate theme and a free cup of cocoa. On February 1, 3, 4, & 5 only.

Our Celebrating Chocolate Festival has something for everyone. Scroll down to find kids activities and classes.

Tastings & Classes

Saturday, February 11
Truffle Making Workshop
11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.
Thornhill Education Center
$23 members ($28 non-member)
Discover the secrets to making these delicious treats during this hands-on workshop led by an expert chocolatier.

Sunday, February 12
Chocolate "Sushi"
11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.
Thornhill Education Center
$32 ($37 non-member)
Roll up your sleeves and get ready to make chocolate "sushi" during this hands-on workshop.

Saturday, February 18
The Botany of Chocolate
1–3 p.m.
Visitor Center
$22 ($29 non-member)
Explore the history, culture, and science of chocolate.

Sunday, February 19
Chocolate & Wine Pairing Class
3-5 p.m.
Ginkgo Restaurant
$20 Members ($25 non-members)
Explore the mystical union of wine and chocolate.

Saturday, February 25
Chicago's Sweet Candy History
9:30-11 a.m.
Ginkgo Restaurant
$23 members (non-members $28)
Enjoy a chocolate-themed brunch as historian and author Leslie Goddard shares the sweet history behind tasty treats like Dove chocolates.

Sunday, February 26
Chocolate and Beer Pairings
3-5 p.m.
Ginkgo Restaurant
$30 ($35 non-member)
A lively two-hour session of chocolate and beer tastings featuring Leinenkugal beers, including the award-winning "Big Eddy."

All February
Chocolate Exhibit
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Visitor Center
This mini exhibit highlights the growing, harvesting, and production process of chocolate and its relationship to trees. Free with Arboretum admission.

All February
Chocolate-themed products
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Arboretum Store
Purchase chocolate-themed gifts and sweets.

Events for Kids

Sunday, February 19
Kids Chocolate "Pizza" Party
11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.
$10 ( $15 non-member)
Children will learn how to make a chocolate pizza and other chocolaty treats.

Monday, February 20 (President's Day - no school!)
Kids Chocolate Crepe Workshop
11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.
Visitor Center
$20 ($30 non-member) 
Discover how to make chocolate crepes and sample chocolates in this cooking class for kids.

Ticketed events on sale NOW

ONLINE
Call 630-725-2066, Monday-Friday; 10a.m.-3 p.m.
In person at The Visitor Center, daily during regular hours 

Not a Member? Join or renew today.

Calling all chocolatier vendors! Please contact Anne Stratton at 630-725-2067 to learn more about Celebrating Chocolate opportunities at the Arboretum.

Get your Chocolate invitation and application.

Something new has sprouted at Yorktown Center! It's our nature-themed "Morton Arboretum Adventure Treehouse" for children! Located at Grand Court inside the shopping center, our innovative 1,000 square-foot indoor play center invites kids to discover more about trees and nature through play and exploration. The play area boasts frogs, flowers, and acorns for climbing and education factoids for learning.

Monday, February 20
(President's Day -  no school!)
Kids Chocolate Crepe Workshop
11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.
Visitor Center
$20 ($30 non-member) 

Do something creative while the kids are off from school! Children will learn how to make chocolate crepes with fresh berries and homemade whip cream in this hands-on workshop with professional chef, Laura Valcour of Chefs for a Day. Discover the history of chocolate and how it comes from trees. Taste different kinds of lip-smacking-good chocolate. Each participant will receive a chocolate certificate, chef's hat and recipes. Ages 8-15. Space limited.

Tickets on sale January 2, 2012
ONLINE
Call 630-725-2066, Monday-Friday; 10a.m.-3 p.m.
In person at The Visitor Center, daily during regular hours

$5 processing fee, per order, on phone & internet orders

Not a member? Begin or renew a membership now.

Chef Laura Valcour, of Chef's for a Day, is a graduate of the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago (Le Cordon Bleu). She combines over 25 years experience in restaurants, catering, and cooking instruction for children and adults. Her work earned the prestigious Illinois State Board of Education "Those Who Excel Award of Excellence" for her contribution in promoting nutrition education. Chef Laura has recently appeared on ABC/7, WGN/9, and CBS/2. She is also the Coordinator for the Burr Ridge Farmer's Market.

Sunday, February 19
Kids Chocolate "Pizza" Party
11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.
$10 ( $15 non-member)

Yummy chocolate! Children will learn how to make a chocolate pizza and other chocolaty treats to take home. Ages 4-8. Space limited.

Tickets on sale January 2, 2012
ONLINE
Call 630-725-2066, Monday-Friday; 10a.m.-3 p.m.
In person at The Visitor Center, daily during regular hours

Not a member? Begin or renew a membership now.