Nature and social connections have both been proven to have positive mental health benefits. Gather a group of friends and explore The Morton Arboretum to discover resources and activities rooted in nature and mindfulness.
More than anything, this is a day to slow down and to deepen your connection to nature, to yourself, and to the people who matter most to you. Science backs all of it—time in nature, mindfulness, and meaningful social connections are some of the most powerful things we can do for our mental health. It’s part scavenger hunt, part wellness retreat, and entirely good for you!
Wellness Activities
Follow an adventure map and visit outdoor wellness stations where you and your group can explore a wide range of nature-based mental health practices:
- Yoga
- Stretching
- Forest therapy
- Therapeutic horticulture
- Sensory reset ritual
- Watercolor
- Ephemeral art
- Nature journaling
- Kundalini yoga
- Values reflection
At each station, you’ll get an introduction to the activity, learn about why it works, and try it for yourself before collecting your stamp and heading to the next stop. Complete your adventure card and everyone in your group will walk away with a special prize!
Program Schedule
Two-hour and four-hour Thrive Outside Wellness Adventure sessions are available. Sign up for a two-hour session to visit four wellness stations, or a four-hour session to unlock all 10 stations and receive a Thrive Outside drawstring bag packed with goodies to enjoy throughout the day. See a full Program Schedule.
This program is co-presented by The Morton Arboretum and NAMI Illinois.
Instructors: Stations are led by NAMI Illinois mental health professionals and wellness instructors from The Morton Arboretum.
Age: 13 and older
Course number: WELL350
