Please note: The Children's Garden and Maze Garden will be closed Thursday, November 21 due to weather conditions

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Children and Family Programs

Curiosity Woods Forest Play Program

Play, wonder, and explore while immersed in the natural world at The Morton Arboretum in this drop-off program for children ages 3 to 6 years.

In these three-week, mixed-ages programs, children become active learners as they follow their curiosity about the natural world and draw on direct physical and social experiences outdoors.

Through child-led nature play and exploration in the Arboretum’s East Woods, along with storytelling, sharing time, and other developmentally appropriate activities, the programs will offer participants the freedom to learn in an environment filled with wonder and new discoveries every day.

Instructor: Kathryn Neuffer, supervisor of early childhood programs, The Morton Arboretum; Megan Sneyd, early childhood engagement specialist, The Morton Arboretum

Age: Children ages 3 to 6 years

Course number: Y200

Instructors

Kathryn Neuffer, supervisor of early childhood programs, The Morton Arboretum

Kathryn Neuffer has a background in early childhood and special education. She enjoys introducing the Arboretum’s youngest visitors to the wonders of the outdoors and helping to increase children’s curiosity toward the natural world through play and hands-on experiences.

Megan Sneyd, early childhood engagement specialist, The Morton Arboretum

Megan Sneyd works with early childhood programs where she shares her love for nature with some of the Arboretum’s youngest stewards. She takes every opportunity to help people develop and strengthen their own connection with nature.

What to Know

This is a drop-off program held completely outdoors, weather permitting. Dress your young explorer for the weather. Read the Curiosity Woods Program Handbook for information on suggested clothing, program supplies, drop-off and pick-up procedures, and more.

Please note that in accordance with Illinois requirements, students may not enroll in consecutive sessions of the Curiosity Woods program (for example, enrollment in October and November sessions is not permitted). There must be a one-session break between enrollments to meet these requirements (for example, enrollment in October and December sessions is permitted).

Program Schedule

November

This program includes the following six meeting times.

Tuesday, November 5, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 7, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 12, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 14, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 19, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 21, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Locations vary

December

This program includes the following six meeting times.

Tuesday, December 3, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 5, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 10, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 12, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 17, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 19, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Locations vary

January

This program includes the following six meeting times.

Tuesday, January 7, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 9, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 23, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Locations vary

February

This program includes the following six meeting times.

Monday, February 3, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Monday, February 10, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Monday, February 17, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Locations vary

March

This program includes the following six meeting times.

Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 6, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 13, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 20, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Locations vary

Important Registration Information
Please note: Early online registration for winter (January through March) programs is open November 19 through 25 exclusively for Ginkgo Circle, Oak Circle, Hawthorn Circle, Elm Circle, and Thornhill Circle members. Registration opens to all on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
Questions about Registration
630-719-2468
Registrar-ed@mortonarb.org
Weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Format
In person
November
Tuesdays and Thursdays, November 5 through 21, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
December
Tuesdays and Thursdays, December 3 through 19, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
January
Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 7 through 23, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
February
Mondays and Wednesdays, February 3 through 19, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
March
Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 4 through 20, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Location varies
Y200
Cost: $249
Member cost: $199
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