Breadcrumbs

Families

Vehicle-free biking

Enjoy bicycling in an "auto-free zone" on summer Friday nights, as well as Saturday and Sunday mornings, May 10 through August 31.

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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 up to 1.5 miles in hiking distance. Select weekends in August and October 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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Bike Rentals

Rent a bike to explore the Arboretum on nine miles of paved roads.

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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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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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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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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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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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Acorn Express Adventures

Join us on the Acorn Express tram for a family friendly tram-ride adventure through the Arboretum! Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, April through October, 2019, (except June 26) times vary.

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Arbor Evenings

Enjoy live music and more on Wednesdays through September 4, 2019.

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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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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 (except for August) 8:45 to 9:30 a.m.

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Tails on the Trails

Join us for Tails on the Trails on September 7, 2019 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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Annual Bulb Sale

Shop dozens of varieties of dutch bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, iris, alliums, crocus, fritillaria, and many more. Also, find fabulous pre-packaged bulb combinations for the perfect display of color, size, and shape for a beautiful spring garden! Spring blooming bulbs are a wonderful treat when the weather starts to turn warm. Come and prepare your yard for a colorful spring bouquet! Membership discounts apply; membership card required for discount. Shop early for the best selection! Opening weekend for the sale is Friday, Saturday & Sunday, September 20-22, 2019 at The Arboretum Store. 10am - 6pm each day.

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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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Trick or Trees

Kids, enjoy games and crafts. Costumes encouraged. Weekends in October and Columbus day at The Morton Arboretum. Weekends in October 2019, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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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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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 23, 2019 - January 5, 2020.

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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 28, 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, August 23 or September 6, or Saturday, September 14, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Girl Scout Campout in the Children's Garden

Join us for a camp–out designed especially for scouts! Pitch your tent on the lawn inside the Children’s Garden and get ready for a night filled with fun at The Morton Arboretum. Friday, August 23 through Saturday August 24, 2019, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Cub Scout Campout in the Children's Garden

Join us for a camp–out designed especially for scouts! Pitch your tent on the lawn inside the Children’s Garden and get ready for a night filled with fun at The Morton Arboretum. Friday, September 13 through Saturday September 14, 2019, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.
More Youth and Family Programs

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