January Events

Winter Activities to Warm the Whole Family At The Morton Arboretum

LISLE, IL (October 29, 2009) -"Yule" get lost in a frenzy of fun following clues around the Arboretum during the "Yule Log Hunt." After the brightly-decorated Yule Log is found, return for a log-sawing celebration, bonfire, caroling, and hot cocoa. Plus - how can a "tree cookie" be entertaining? Find out before the hunt at the "Colossal Cookie Caper." Dress for hiking and cold weather. All ages, Visitor Center area.
January 3: 1-3:30 p.m.

Still a young bud? Join in the "Yule Twig Hunt." This kid-size event sends little guys and gals around to find a pint-size "Yule Log." This drop-in, self-guided activity is fun for parents and their kids, and provides a memorable outdoors experience. All ages, The Children's Garden.
January 3: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

It's barktastic! The annual "Husky Heroes" weekend brings you three enjoyable events.

Sit, stay and watch incredibly talented Siberian husky sled dogs show their skills during the "Dogsled Spectacular." The dogs and their owners put on a thrilling display of dogsledding in a gorgeous field with majestic trees. Some of the dogs partner with a "best friend" on skis and demonstrate their talents in skijoring. Afterward, visitors can reward these sweet and docile beauties with a belly rub! Dress for the weather. All ages, Visitor Center area.
January 30 and 31: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Help a husky find its forever family. "Meet the Huskies" that only want a loving home. Adopt A Husky, Inc. will be onsite with some of the darlings that are available to adopt. Visitors can fill out an application if they are interested in one of the beautiful animals. Can't adopt? Adopt a Husky is also looking for foster families. All ages, Visitor Center.
January 30 and 31: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

More than your average dog! Learn how the amazing husky has forged its own role in Alaskan history during "Husky Legacy." This presentation tells the story of how huskies helped humans in the Alaskan wilderness in the early twentieth century. Watch the film, The Last Great Race to discover more about huskies. Complimentary tickets are available at the Visitor Center one hour prior to show. All ages, Administration Building.
January 30 and 31: Noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m.

How close have you been to a real, live raptor? Get up close to birds of prey like those that live at the Arboretum or in your neighborhood! Learn about the fascinating world of hawks and owls - those you see only in the day, or only at night - in "Meet a Raptor." Cost $15 with discounts for Arboretum members. Ages 8 and up. Thornhill Education Center.
January 30: 1 - 2 p.m.

Embrace the snowy season and snowshoe across the Arboretum's winter wonderland. Visitors may bring their own snowshoes to explore the grounds from 7 a.m. to sunset or rent some of ours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily in the Visitor Center when there is four inches or more on the ground. Quantities are limited and it is first come, first served!
Cost is $8 for up to three hours, discounts for members.

Crawl, touch, and create a puppet during "Groundhog Daze!" This Groundhog Day celebration has a tunnel for kids to explore, introduces them to real fur, and allows them to create their own groundhog puppet and put-on a puppet show themselves, using a puppet stage we provide. All ages, the Children's Garden.
January 30 and 31: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (weather permitting)

Calling all cool kids! Get out and stretch your legs with "Cool Kids Nature Hikes." Take a 20 minute hike followed by a warm cup of cocoa. Hike theme changes every 2 weeks and depends on weather conditions. All ages. The Children's Garden.
November 27 - February 28: weekdays, 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and weekends, 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

It's a SALE! The Arboretum Store's semi-annual clearance sale weekend with up to 40% discounts on apparel, home décor, jewelry, books and more! Shop early for the best selection. All ages, The Arboretum Store.
January 16 and 17: 10 a.m. -4 pm.

Search for gnomes in the Children's Garden this winter in "Gnome Hunt." Bring your best "I Spy" skills to find all 24 gnomes hidden throughout the garden. We'll provide a checklist so you can keep track of them. All ages, the Children's Garden.
November 1-February 28 (weather permitting) 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Make special family memories with the miniature "Enchanted Railroad," which this year travels to the woods of The Brothers Grimm's Hansel and Gretel, where the poor lost brother and sister encounter the tempting gingerbread house of the wicked witch. Visitors will feast their eyes on the little candy cottage that tempted the children to take a bite, and watch a flock of meddlesome birds eat the breadcrumbs which the siblings had scattered behind them to mark their trail home. All ages. Special Events Room.
November 27-January 3: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Years' Day

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, the fox and the gray squirrel have a large presence in the Chicagoland's urban parks. Join Joel Brown to learn about the ecology of squirrels and gain a better understanding of wildlife in your own backyard with "Squirrels at the Arboretum." Dr. Brown is a Professor of Biology at University of Illinois at Chicago, and one of the founders of ‘Project Squirrel,' a citizen science project tracking squirrel behavior. Tickets are $22, discounts for Arboretum members. Children ages 8 and up are welcome with an adult registrant. Thornhill Education Center.
January 16: 1 - 3 p.m.

Take your friends to hear a fun story in "Arbor Reading." All ages, the Arboretum Store.
Fridays January-March: 11 a.m.-11: 20

The Morton Arboretum gratefully acknowledges Arboretum View Animal Hospital, sponsor of "Husky Heroes."

Unless otherwise specified, all Arboretum events and destinations including the Children's Garden are free with Arboretum admission. The 2009 rates are:
$11/adult, ($7 on Wednesday), ages 18-64
$10/senior, ($6 on Wednesday), ages 65 and over
$8/child ($5 on Wednesday), ages 2-17
Under age 2 is free
Parking is free

The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized 1,700-acre outdoor museum with collections of 4,117 kinds of trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world. The Arboretum's beautiful natural landscapes, gardens, research and education programs, and year-round family activities support its mission - the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Conveniently located at I-88 and Rte. 53 in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from 7 a.m. Central Time until sunset. The Children's Garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., March through October, and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., November through February. Visit Press Room at www.mortonarb.org, or call to learn more.

Media Contact: Gina Tedesco, 630-725-2103, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Allison Phelps, 630-719-5768, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it