LISLE, Ill. (Jan. 16, 2026)— Beat the winter blues by enjoying the wellness benefits that nature and trees provide. Scientific studies show that spending time among trees can help reduce stress, improve mood and support overall well-being—even in the colder months.
The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois, offers a wide range of outdoor activities, seasonal exhibitions, family-friendly programs and winter wellness experiences that invite visitors to embrace the beauty and benefits of nature all season long.
Outdoor art: Vivid Creatures
Bundle up and explore Vivid Creatures, the Arboretum’s colorful outdoor art exhibition featuring five larger-than-life animal sculptures created by Portland-based artists Heather BeGaetz and Fez BeGaetz. The vibrant works celebrate animals essential to the Illinois ecosystem and provide striking photo opportunities against winter landscapes.
Four of the sculptures are located along the paved, ADA-accessible paths near the Visitor Center and remain accessible throughout winter. The inclined, chipped hiking trail to the fifth sculpture—Spectra, the brittle button snail on the hill and visible from I-88—is closed during the winter season and will reopen in the spring. The exhibition is included with Arboretum admission and open through spring 2027.
Dog Admission Days
Explore the Arboretum’s 16 miles of trails with canine companions during select Dog Admission Days in winter. These designated days are the only times non-service dogs are permitted on the grounds, offering unique opportunities for scenic walks and winter photo ops.
Dog tickets must be purchased in advance and are $7 per dog, in addition to general Arboretum admission for human guests. Trained service dogs are welcome daily.
Guided hikes and forest therapy
Let a naturalist or certified guide lead the way during winter hiking and wellness programs. Forest Therapy Walks, including sessions for the LGBTQ+ community and allies, invite participants to experience the calming practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, through mindful movement and sensory awareness.
Visitors can also enjoy daytime guided hikes along lesser-known trails or explore the Arboretum after dark during Full Moon Guided Hikes, when moonlit paths offer a peaceful and memorable winter experience. Program fees vary.
Or take one of these walks recommended from the Arboretum’s staff to explore the tranquility and special beauty of winter.
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing
When there are four or more inches of snow, guests can traverse the winter landscape by snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on designated trails. Rentals for adults and children are available on a first-come, first-served basis on days when snowfall permits it, or visitors may bring their own equipment. Rental fees are in addition to Arboretum admission.
Children’s Garden and family-friendly winter learning
The Arboretum is a natural playground for kids in the wintertime. The Children’s Garden, included with Arboretum admission, remains a hub for discovery during winter, offering engaging programs that inspire curiosity and creativity. The four-acre enclosed, accessible play space is designed as a safe place for children to freely explore nature play on their own year-round.
Families can also enjoy special drop-in programs at the Sterling Morton Library during the colder months. Wednesday Storytime at The Morton Arboretum invites young children and their caregivers to enjoy nature-themed stories and interactive activities weekly. Tales from the Great Outdoors features children’s book readings, crafts and early literacy resources. Both are included with Arboretum admission.
Preschool-aged learners can explore age-appropriate STEM concepts in The Science of the Seasons ($27 per session), a hands-on program that combines stories, simple experiments and short nature hikes to help children understand how the natural world changes throughout the year.
For more suggestions to get the kids outdoors this winter, visit mortonarb.org.
Scenic driving tours
Even on blustery days, visitors can experience the Arboretum’s beauty from the comfort of their cars by exploring nine miles of paved scenic roads. Thirty-three parking areas make it easy to stop for short walks, photos or peaceful views of lakes, woodlands and outdoor art. (Pro tip: Warm up with a beverage or snack from the Ginkgo Restaurant and Café in the Visitor Center before heading out.)
Wildlife spotting
Winter makes wildlife easier to spot as animals move through open landscapes and bare trees. White-tailed deer are commonly seen, and visitors may also encounter coyotes, owls and a variety of resident and migratory bird species that call the Arboretum home. Educational programs help visitors sharpen their observation skills. In Winter Wildlife ID and Tracking, participants learn how to identify animals through tracks, signs and behavior. Beginning Birdwatching offers a hands-on introduction to bird identification, birding equipment and the habits of Illinois birds, combining classroom learning with guided outdoor observation. Both of these programs are $39 each per person.
Nature photography
Winter offers unique opportunities to capture the subtle beauty of trees, snow-covered landscapes and wildlife. Nature photography programs like Basic Nature Photography introduce beginners to camera settings, lighting techniques and composition through a combination of classroom instruction and outdoor fieldwork. Classes like Macro Photography: Seasonal Transitions guide participants to capture the intricate details of seasonal change at the Arboretum. Both of these multi-session courses are $180 each per person.
Winter wellness programs
In addition to outdoor exploration, the Arboretum offers a robust lineup of winter wellness education programs and seasonal special events designed to support physical and mental well-being. Offerings include mindful movement classes, yoga, sound meditation, creative retreats, nighttime walking meditation, and movement-based workshops inspired by nature.
Seasonal events
Seasonal highlights also include popular winter events such as Chocolate Weekend, Valentine’s Day dining experiences ($130 per attendee), Juniper Junction model trains, the Bonsai Silhouette Show, immersive culinary programs like Dining in the Dark ($80 per attendee) and lively, ages 21+ evening events like Howl at the Moon ($50-60 per attendee) with dueling pianos and the Winter Whiskey Tasting (Event ticket: $60. Designated driver ticket: $30). Chocolate Weekend, Juniper Junction and the Bonsai Silhouette Show are included with Arboretum admission.
For a full schedule of winter programs, events, and ticket information, visit mortonarb.org.