Breadcrumbs

Families

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 2019.

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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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Bike Rentals (April 26 - October 27, 2019)

Explore nine miles of paved roads that wind through our magnificent tree collections.

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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, 2019, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Arbor Weekend Celebration

Celebrate Arbor Day in the Children's Garden all weekend long! Friday, April 26–Sunday, April 28, 2019, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

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Trash to Treasure

Discover the world of recycling through fun games and make a recycled craft of your own to take home. Daily in April, 2019, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Arbor Day Tree Planting and Story Time

Bring the children to meet Curious George, hear Curious George Plants a Tree, and join in a tree planting. Friday, April 26, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.

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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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Dress Like a Tree, Get In Free

This Arbor Day, celebrate trees by dressing like one! On Friday, April 26, 2019 get free admission to The Morton Arboretum when you dress like a tree. One free general admission per costumed individual (not applicable to school groups).

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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 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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Arbor Day Block Party

Cyclists and foodies, enjoy vehicle-free roads, live entertainment, and a food truck social in celebration of Arbor Day!

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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 through October, 2019, times vary.

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Toad-ally Tadpoles

Prince, frog, or toad…can you guess what our tadpoles turn into? Look at pictures, get fun facts, and make a toad-ally cool tadpole to take home. Daily in May, 2019, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Sensory Friendly Sundays

Experience a less crowded Children’s Garden with minimal noise, suited to families with sensory needs. First Sunday of the month, May through October, 2019 8:45 to 9:30 a.m.

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Tails on the Trails

Join us for Tails on the Trails on May 4 and September 7, 2019. 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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Tree Pose Family Yoga

Experience nature from a new angle through fun animal and tree yoga poses! Mondays, Mondays, May through June (except Memorial Day), 2019, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

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Mother’s Day Brunch

Celebrate Mom with a fabulous brunch against the blooming backdrop of Meadow Lake. Sunday, May 12, 2019. Tickets on sale March 19, 2019.

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Nature ConnectsⓇ: Art with LEGOⓇ bricks by Sean Kenney

Calling all LEGO® fans! Nature Connects is back by popular demand, Friday, May 24 through Sunday, September 15

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Big and Little Play

Come out to the garden for a day of play! We’ll have games, blocks and LEGO® bricks of all sizes for children all ages! Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26, 2019, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Extremely Interesting Reptiles and Amphibians

Maybe you already know about bullfrogs and box turtles, but did you know that Illinois is home to skinks, soft shell turtles and worm snakes? Daily in June 2019, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Arbor Evenings

Enjoy live music on Wednesdays, June 5, through August 28, 2019.

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Reptiles Rule

From tails to scales, reptiles have it all! Scholarly Scales will be in the garden with turtles, snakes, and lizards. Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9, 2019, noon to 3:00 p.m.

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Thursday Family Nights

Enjoy live music, games, and crafts after-hours Thursdays, June 13, through August 15, 2019 at The Morton Arboretum's Children's Garden. 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

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Walking Plays at The Morton Arboretum

Walk along with theater performers surrounded by nature! All Walking Plays are approximately 90 minutes in length and will not exceed 2 miles in hiking distance. Select Weekends in July, August, and October 2019

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Destination Asia Festival

Explore the diverse cultures of Asia through music, dance, food, and trees. Friday, August 2, through Sunday, August 4, 2019 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 21, and Sunday, September 22, 2019.

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Scarecrow Trail

Admire creations from local scout troops and vote for your favorite scarecrow. Daily in October, 2019. 7:00 a.m-sunset

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Fall Color 5K Run & Walk

Satisfy your inner champion on our scenic, rolling course through the crisp autumn air at our 16th annual Fall Color 5K Run and Walk at The Morton Arboretum.

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Glass Pumpkin Patch

Explore a dazzling collection of handblown glass pumpkins and other autumnal designs. Save the date, October 9 through 13, 2019

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Dog Admission Day

Hit the trails, at The Morton Arboretum, with your canine friend for Dog Admission Days on March 2 and November 2 from 7:00 a.m. to sunset.

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Veterans Day-Veterans Free

All veterans free November 11 and 12!

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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 21, 2019

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Family Twilight Adventures

Join us for a fun-filled adventure after hours at the Arboretum to explore the night's theme with a tram ride, activities, and a hike. Friday, May 10 or June 28, or Saturday, May 25 or June 8, 2019, 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.
Children’s Garden Campout

Join us for a campout designed especially for families at The Morton Arboretum! Friday, June 21 through Saturday June 22, 2019, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.