Dog Admission Schedule
Service dogs are welcome at no cost daily, and should be identified when entering at the gatehouse.
Dogs are welcome on the Arboretum’s trails during Dog Admission Days, held on select Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to sunset and select Tuesdays from 3:00 p.m. to sunset, and from 9:00 a.m. to sunset on Tails on the Trails pet expo dates.
Arboretum members may bring dogs during exclusive early access hours from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. on Tails on the Trails dates and on Dog Admission Days that fall on Sundays.
Dogs not designated as service dogs are only allowed on the grounds of the Arboretum on designated Dog Admission Days and for Tails on the Trails events.
Upcoming Dates
Sunday, February 15, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to sunset
Dog Admission Day
Sunday, March 1, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to sunset
Dog Admission Day
Sunday, March 15, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to sunset
Dog Admission Day
Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 3:00 p.m. to sunset
Dog Admission Day
Sunday, April 12, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to sunset
Dog Admission Day
Sunday, April 19, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to sunset
Dog Admission Day
Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 3:00 p.m. to sunset
Dog Admission Day
Sunday, May 3, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to sunset
Tails on the Trails (expo from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Sunday, May 17, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to sunset
Dog Admission Day
Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 3:00 p.m. to sunset
Dog Admission Day
Sunday, June 14, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to sunset
Dog Admission Day
Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 3:00 p.m. to sunset
Dog Admission Day
Sunday, July 5, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to sunset
Dog Admission Day
Sunday, July 19, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to sunset
Dog Admission Day
Sunday, August 9, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to sunset
Dog Admission Day
Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 3:00 p.m. to sunset
Dog Admission Day
Sunday, September 13, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to sunset
Tails on the Trails (expo from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Tuesday, October 6, 2026, 3:00 p.m. to sunset
Dog Admission Day
Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 3:00 p.m. to sunset
Dog Admission Day
Sunday, November 8, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to sunset
Dog Admission Day
Sunday, November 22, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to sunset
Dog Admission Day
Sunday, December 13, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to sunset
Dog Admission Day
Admission
Dog admission is $7 per dog ($6 per dog for Arboretum members) and is available only on designated Dog Admission Days and for Tails on the Trails events. All guests must reserve a dog admission ticket for each dog, including Arboretum members. Advance purchase is recommended but not required.
February is Member Appreciation Month! Dog admission is $5 per dog for Arboretum members on Dog Admission Days in February (Sunday, February 8, and Sunday, February 15).
Arboretum general admission is required for guests who are not members. Plan ahead and save on general admission by purchasing tickets online. Tickets purchased online are always $2 cheaper. Online purchasing takes just a few minutes and can be done with a smartphone or computer.
Please have your membership card or general admission ticket, dog admission tickets, or payment ready when approaching the gatehouse.
Tails on the Trails
During Tails on the Trails events, guests can explore the Arboretum’s trails and visit a special pet expo featuring dog-focused vendors from local businesses and organizations. Shop for toys and gear, and learn about dog adoption and volunteer opportunities with area animal shelters.
Tails on the Trails expos are held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Dogs are allowed on the Arboretum’s trails from 9:00 a.m. to sunset on expo days.
Arboretum members enjoy exclusive access to the grounds from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. and may bring dogs to the Arboretum during these hours.
Please note that dogs must be attended and on a leash at all times, must stay on marked trails, and are not allowed in some locations at the Arboretum.
Upcoming Dates
Sunday, May 3, 2026
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. expo, dogs allowed on trails until sunset
Sunday, September 13, 2026
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. expo, dogs allowed on trails until sunset
Interested in becoming a vendor? Email specialevents@mortonarb.org.
Rules and Restrictions
Dogs are not allowed in the following locations:
- Children’s Garden
- Maze Garden
- Visitor Center
- Thornhill Education Center
- Administration and Research Center
- May T. Watts Reading Garden
- Firefly Pavilion
Guests who visit the Arboretum with dogs on Dog Admission Days must adhere to the following rules.
- Dogs must be attended and on a leash at all times.
- All dogs must have updated vaccinations and registrations.
- For the safety of your pet and the natural environment, do not let dogs go off the marked trails.
- Please clean up after your pet. Bags are available at the Visitor Center.
- Dogs are not permitted on Walking Plays performances, on the Illumination trail, or at other ticketed events.
Portable restrooms for humans who need to bring their dogs with them can be found at the following locations.
- Thornhill Picnic Shelter
- Prairie Visitor Station
- Big Rock Visitor Station
Visiting the Arboretum with Service Animals
The Morton Arboretum welcomes guests of all abilities and strives to create a safe, enjoyable, and engaging experience for all. To support that goal, the Arboretum welcomes all service animals, including those still in training.
Because the Arboretum does not allow pets on the grounds except on designated days, and some guests disregard this rule, staff or other guests may inquire about your service animal if it is not wearing a vest or label. To help alleviate these questions, please let the gatehouse attendants know you have a service animal with you when you enter the Arboretum so they can make other staff aware.
Learn more about accessibility at the Arboretum.
