Breadcrumbs

Families

The Arboretum Store Clearance Sale

Starting Monday, December 30, shop for discounts of 30 to 60 percent on select winter merchandise. Plus, members still receive their 10 percent discount.

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Winter Play

Join us in the Children's Garden for winter time fun! Daily November 2019 through March 2020, in the Children’s Garden from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Weather permitting.

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Gnome Hunt

Can you find all of the gnomes hiding in The Morton Arboretum's Children's Garden? Daily November 2019 through March 2020, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Enchanted Railroad

Watch an intricate railroad travel through a wonderland at a child-friendly level. Friday, January 17 through Sunday, February 23, 2020.

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Sensory Friendly Times at Enchanted Railroad

Since some children may be overstimulated by the sights and sounds of the Enchanted Railroad. Special times have been created to accommodate these families.

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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. On view now through June 2020.

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Cross-Country Ski & Snowshoe Rental

When there is four inches or more of snow on the ground at The Morton Arboretum, trails are available to cross-country ski or snowshoe. The rental season runs November 29, 2019 through March 13, 2020.

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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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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 through March 2020, 11:00 to 11:45 a.m.

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Husky Heroes

Join us on January 25 and 26, 2020 to see Siberian husky sled pulling, skijoring, and speed demonstrations at The Morton Arboretum. Please leave pets at home.

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Little Trees Open House

“Little Trees” is an immersive outdoor nature-based learning experience for children ages 3 to 5 years old at The Morton Arboretum. Join us for our open house on Friday, January 31, 2020, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

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Member Appreciation Month

Members enjoy the following benefits during the month of February. Thank you for your support!

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Dog Admission Day

Hit the trails, at The Morton Arboretum, with your canine friend for our next Dog Admission Day on Sunday, February 2, 2020.

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Chocolate Weekend Member Night

For Arboretum members only: Enjoy exclusive shopping hours and a beverage on Friday, February 7, 2020.

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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, 8 and 9, 2020

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Valentine for the Birds

Celebrate your love for nature on Valentine's Weekend in the Children’s Garden! Saturday and Sunday, February 15 and 16, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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Spring Fun!

Celebrate the arrival of Spring with games, art and play. Saturday and Sunday, March 21 and 22, 2020, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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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 or Fridays, April through October 2020, 11:00 to 11:45 a.m., or Tuesdays, June through October 2020, 1:00 to 1:45 p.m.

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Trees around the World

Did you know the Morton Arboretum has trees from around the world? Explore unique trees from around the globe and how different cultures celebrate trees.. Daily in April, 2020, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Garden Story Time

Gather in the Children’s Garden for story time and fun. Fridays, April through October, 2019, 11:00 a.m.

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Nature Artists’ Guild (NAG) Spring Exhibit

Enjoy more than 150 works of art celebrating nature and see demonstrations by the artists. Saturday and Sunday, April 4 and 5, 2020, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Breakfast with the Bunny

Hop on over for tasty springtime buffet featuring a visit from the Easter Bunny. Friday, April 10, or Saturday, April 11, 2020.

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Easter Brunch

Celebrate Easter with your loved ones while savoring a delicious meal and the breathtaking view of Meadow Lake. Sunday, April 12, 2020.

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Feathered Families

Spring is full of nesting, tweeting feathered friends! Discover the world of eggs, baby birds and their parents in this self-guided hands-on discovery activity. Daily in May 2020, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Tails on the Trails

Join us for Tails on the Trails on Sunday, May 3, 2020 for 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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Mother’s Day Brunch

Celebrate Mom with a fabulous brunch against the blooming backdrop of Meadow Lake. Sunday, May 10, 2020. Tickets to go on sale March 17, 2020.

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Human+Nature

Human+Nature

Opening June 12, 2020

The Morton Arboretum’s next major exhibition, Human+Nature (pronounced: Human Nature), will highlight the deep connections between people and trees.

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Destination Asia Festival

Explore the diverse cultures of Asia through music, dance, food, and trees. Friday, July 31, through Sunday, August 2, 2020 Included in Arboretum admission.

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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 19, and Sunday, September 20, 2020.

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Boo Breakfast

Join us for BOO Breakfast, complete with visits from favorite characters. Costumes encouraged. Saturday, October 31, 2020

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Veterans Day

Veterans and those who accompany them to The Morton Arboretum in the same vehicle will be admitted free on Monday, November 11.

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Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum

An interactive light show filled with dazzling, vivid projections on trees that respond to your touch and voice. See trees in a different light November 2020 - January 2021.

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Gnomes in the Kitchen

Join us in the Children’s Garden for this interactive gnome-themed story and baking hour. We’ll use forest ingredients to prepare a treat for ourselves and our forest friends at The Morton Arboretum. Saturday, February 1, 2020.
Birdhouse Workshop

Learn about birds and decorate a wooden birdhouse to take home at The Morton Arboretum. Saturday, February 22, or Sunday, February 23, 2020, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., or 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Family Maple Tapping Hike

Join us on a family-friendly syrup stroll through the woods to explore the history of maple tapping at The Morton Arboretum. Sample sweets from maple trees, craft a syrup-inspired snow globe next to a toasty fire, and even make your own maple flavored ice cream! Saturday, March 21, or Sunday, March 22, 2020, times vary.
More Youth and Family Programs

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