“A Day at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle”

As the warm weather hits our area, our thoughts turn to Summer activities. For me one of those activities is putting the top down on my car and heading to the great outdoors on our highways ( under construction, of course). Today, I met Frank and Mike ( our photographer) at The Morton Arboretum for a round of golf. No, they do not have a golf course on their vast grounds, but for the second Summer they have brought back Wonder Woods Mini Golf.

Wonder Woods is a 9 hole course ( open thru September 1st). The course is themes ( trees) so that the players are blending fun with science, sharing stories about “three rings”, “root systems” and forest biodiversity! Separate tickets must be purchased and “tee times” are done then, eliminating long lines. Frank and Mike tied for first place as I went first ( big mistake). This allowed them to see where the difficulty of each hole was, making life easier for them. Oh well, there is always next year!

FYI- getting to Lisle is fairly easy, parking is a breeze and they have some truly cool family things to see. You can also take a tour tram and get to see it all. The “Vivid” creatures are absolutely amazing. I left early, and I am in hopes that Frank didn’t take one of the animals home with him.

The Morton Arboretum June and July 2024 calendar of events
—Lineup features new Wonder Woods Mini Golf, Arbor Evenings, and Mocktails and More—

LISLE, Ill. (May 22, 2024)— In June and July, The Morton Arboretum will offer special events and in-person and online programming for all ages. Nonmember guests must reserve admission online or by phone in advance of their visit.

All fees listed are for general public admission to the Arboretum and include free parking. Information is accurate as of the date of this release. Events and programming that are sold out have not been included in this release. Members of media are encouraged to check the website prior to publication as times, dates and availability may change. For more programming information, visit mortonarb.org.

SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS

Wonder Woods Mini Golf – NEW! PHOTOS
Friday, May 24, through Monday, Sept. 2 | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
$10 for adults (Does not include Arboretum admission; timed-entry ticket required.)
$8 for children (ages 4 through 17; does not include Arboretum admission; timed-entry ticket required.)
The Morton Arboretum is teeing up for a new summertime experience—mini golf! Wonder Woods Mini Golf will run from May 24 through Sept. 2. The one-of-a-kind course will include imaginative, tree-themed features specially created by the Arboretum’s in-house exhibitions and design teams in collaboration with its science and conservation staff. From giant mushrooms to larger-than-life bugs and acorns, visitors will experience tree science in fun and unexpected ways. Scientific concepts include learning how tree rings can tell the life story of a tree to understanding how sound has the power to detect decay. The nine-hole pop-up course was custom designed with accessibility in mind, and can be enjoyed by players of all ages. Wonder Woods Mini Golf tickets must be purchased online for a specific timeslot and must be purchased in addition to Arboretum general admission. For tickets and more information, visit mortonarb.org.

Iris Society Show
Monday, May 27 | 1 to 5 p.m.
Included with Arboretum admission
Experience nearly 100 varieties of blooming irises with some available for purchase in the Arboretum’s Sycamore Room. This event is presented by the Northern Illinois Iris Society. For tickets and more information, visit mortonarb.org.

Arbor Evenings – PHOTOS
Wednesday evenings, May 29 through Aug. 21 | 6 to 8 p.m.
$15 for adults, $5 for children and free for children ages 1 and younger
Come with friends and family to The Morton Arboretum Wednesday evenings and enjoy great live music while relaxing outdoors on picturesque Frost Hill. The event begins at 5:15 p.m. with music from 6 to 8 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring blankets or chairs for lawn seating. Outside food and sealed non-alcoholic beverages are welcome. Cocktails, wine, beer, water and other beverages, along with food truck options, will be available for purchase. For tickets and more information, visit mortonarb.org.

Swing for Science
Thursday, June 20 | 4 to 9 p.m.
$75 for adults and $35 for children (ages 3-17)
Swing for science this summer! Tree champions of all ages are invited to enjoy a special night out at The Morton Arboretum’s new Wonder Woods Mini Golf experience as part of an outing in philanthropic support of the Arboretum’s science initiatives. Tickets to this fun-filled extravaganza will include mini golf, an interactive science fair, live music, games, food and beverages. For tickets and more information, visit mortonarb.org.

Mocktails and More (ages 21 and older) – PHOTOS
Saturday, June 22 | Noon to 3 p.m.
$55
Stay hydrated this summer with the best nonalcoholic beers, mocktails and botanical libations around at a new alcohol-free tasting event at The Morton Arboretum. Learn about innovative companies transforming the traditional happy hour with safer, cleaner and healthier options. Enjoy live music and sample a variety of premade mocktails, botanical concoctions, CBD-infused beverages and much more. Event tickets include admission to the Arboretum, a souvenir tasting glass and unlimited tastings of nonalcoholic beverages, including custom-brewed < 0.5% ABV beer, wine, spirits, and mocktails. For tickets and more information, visit mortonarb.org.

Dog Admission Day – PHOTOS and B-ROLL
Sundays, June 23 or July 21 | 7 a.m. to sunset
$5 per dog
Dog Admission Days offer members and guests the opportunity to explore The Morton Arboretum with their canine family members. Dog-friendly days are held several times per year. The Arboretum welcomes trained service dogs daily. General admission must be reserved in advance, including tickets for dogs, which are $5 each. For Dog Admission Day tickets and information, visit mortonarb.org.

Farm-to-Table Dinner
Thursday, July 11 | 7 p.m.
Ticket prices to come
Spend a summer evening dining alfresco at The Morton Arboretum’s Firefly Pavilion. Enjoy a freshly prepared meal made from locally grown ingredients supplied by the Farm Foundation, a local organization in Oak Brook. Each course is expertly paired with craft spirits from local distilleries and wines from Lynfred Winery in Roselle, Ill. Tickets go on sale June 11 at mortonarb.org.

Walking Plays
Saturdays and Sundays, July 13 through Aug. 25 | 6 to 8 p.m. (approximately)
$25 for adults, $15 for children (ages 2-17) and free for infants (ages 2 and younger)
The Morton Arboretum’s summer Walking Plays will feature “House at Pooh Corner.” Discover the magic of A.A. Milne’s The House at Pooh Corner in a fresh, contemporary adaptation. Join Tigger and the beloved friends of the Hundred Acre Wood for a hilarious and touching journey, filled with valuable lessons for all ages. Don’t miss the chance to be charmed by “Chris” Robin and his companions on their enchanting adventure through the woods. Walking Plays are performed by professional local actors, run approximately two hours and will not exceed two miles in walking distance. “The Grimmest of Tales” Walking Plays will begin Sept. 28. For tickets and more information, visit mortonarb.org.

The Arboretum Store Summer Sale – Free with Arboretum admission!
Beginning Friday, July 26 | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily
Included with Arboretum admission
Shop early for the best selection of summer deals and steals at The Morton Arboretum Store. Sale prices on select home decor, jewelry, apparel, garden, books, and desktop items will start at 30% off. Some exclusions apply, all sales final, while supplies last. Admission to the summer sale is included with Arboretum general admission. More information will become available closer to the sale at mortonarb.org.

EXHIBITIONS 

Of the Earth – PHOTOS and B-ROLL
Open now through spring 2025
Included with Arboretum admission
Become immersed in The Morton Arboretum’s art exhibition, Of the Earth, by Polish-American artist Olga Ziemska. Experience five exclusive works created from naturally downed reclaimed tree branches and other natural materials gathered from throughout the Arboretum. This is Ziemska’s largest exhibition to date. See the latest Of the Earth press release for more information, or visit mortonarb.org.

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS

Nature Play for All – PHOTOS
Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2 | Anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Included with Arboretum admission
Children of all abilities can play and explore nature through accessible activities in The Morton Arboretum’s Children’s Garden during this special Nature Play for All weekend event. Activities include Painting with Nature, Planting a Seed, American Sign Language Storytimes, Pond Exploration, Sensory Hikes and Nature Scavenger Hunts. This event is included with Arboretum admission. A member or guest who requires the help of a companion (whether paid or unpaid) in order to visit, may reserve one complimentary admission for their companion when placing their own paid ticket reservation. Contact childrensgarden@mortonarb.org for accommodation needs. For more information, visit mortonarb.org.

Art in the Garden
Sunday, June 23 | Every 30 minutes between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Included with Arboretum admission
Let nature inspire creativity as children explore art in this hands-on discovery workshop at The Morton Arboretum’s Children’s Garden. Participants will create their own nature-inspired art piece to take home. Art mediums change monthly. This drop-in program is for children ages 3 to 8 years old with an accompanying adult. Space is limited. Program tickets are available in the Children’s Garden for the day of visit only. Tickets cannot be purchased over the phone, online or for another day. For more information, visit mortonarb.org.

Family Pride Night in the Children’s Garden
Thursday, June 27 | 5 to 8 p.m.