LISLE, Ill. (April 29, 2026)— Spring is in full bloom at The Morton Arboretum, where flowering trees, vibrant landscapes and fresh air invite visitors to explore seasonal beauty while enjoying the physical and mental health benefits of time spent outdoors across its 1,700 acres.

Research shows that time among trees can reduce stress, boost mood and support overall wellness. In recognition of National Mental Health Awareness Month in May, the Arboretum highlights programs and experiences that encourage mindfulness, relaxation and connection with nature.

From blooming tree collections and outdoor art to seasonal events, family activities and guided wellness programs, late spring and early summer offer some of the most dynamic opportunities to visit.

Spring blooms and scenic exploration
Spring is a great time to visit the Arboretum, with flowering trees, striking garden displays and lush greenery creating a refreshing and immersive outdoor experience. Across the grounds, visitors will find a wide variety of color, texture and seasonal interest, with new highlights emerging along the main driving route and throughout the collections.

With 16 miles of hiking trails and nine miles of paved roads for driving or biking, guests can experience popular locations for seasonal color and scenic views at their own pace. Thirty-three parking areas make it easy to stop and explore—making now an ideal time to catch the final wave of spring color. Visitors can follow weekly Bloom Reports on mortonarb.org to discover what is currently flowering and plan their visit.

Outdoor art: Vivid Creatures
Discover Vivid Creatures, the Arboretum’s vibrant outdoor art exhibition featuring five colorful animal sculptures as tall as trees created by artists Heather BeGaetz and Fez BeGaetz.

Set among blooming trees and gardens, the sculptures are inspired by real wildlife found in Illinois, including a white-tailed deer, blue dasher dragonfly, sandhill crane, brittle button snail and fox squirrel. Part of the Arboretum’s long-standing tradition of presenting art in nature, the exhibition invites visitors to explore its grounds while encountering imaginative, larger-than-life works that reflect the region’s ecosystems.

Four sculptures are accessible within the core Visitor Center area, while Spectra, the larger-than-life snail sculpture visible from I-88, can be reached via an inclined hiking trail.

The exhibition is included with Arboretum admission and open through spring 2027.

Seasonal events and experiences
Spring and early summer bring a lineup of outdoor events that celebrate the season’s energy and longer days. Highlights include:

• Tails on the Trails (May 3), a dog-friendly event with a pet expo and activities
• Tequila Dinner (May 7), a 21+ evening featuring a five-course dinner paired with tequila tastings, live music and Meadow Lake views
• Spring Wine Tasting (May 9), featuring more than 80 wines in a scenic outdoor setting
• Arboretum Book Club (May 12 or June 16), a new drop-in program included with Arboretum admission where visitors can bring any book to read outdoors, or pause for quiet reflection and conversation with fellow readers in Arbor Court and surrounding areas
• Wonder Woods Mini Golf (opening May 22), a nine-hole, tree-themed course blending play with tree science
• Arbor Evenings (beginning May 27), weekly live music performances on Frost Hill
• Firefly 3K Fun Run (June 19), a family-friendly sunset run through tree-lined landscapes
• Blues, Brews, and BBQ (June 20), combining live music, craft beverages and seasonal flavors
• Jamming with Jules (June 25), a family-friendly concert featuring children’s performer Jules, known from Ms. Rachel, plus optional ticketed meet-and-greets

These events offer opportunities to enjoy the Arboretum in new ways—from relaxed evenings outdoors to lively seasonal celebrations.

Guided hikes and forest therapy
Reconnect with nature through guided experiences that emphasize mindfulness and sensory awareness. Forest Therapy Walks, including Spanish-language sessions and offerings for the LGBTQ+ community and allies, invite participants to slow down and engage with the forest through the practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. Led on various dates by certified guides, these walks focus on breathing, observation and presence, helping participants reduce stress and restore focus.

Additional seasonal guided experiences include a Summer Solstice Hike (June 20), Twilight Tram and Hiking Tours (April 30 and June 25), and a Nighttime Walking Meditation (June 27).

Program fees and schedules vary.

Wellness programs for mind and body
The Arboretum offers a wide range of spring and early summer wellness education programs. Offerings include yoga, live sound meditation, movement-based classes and immersive daylong retreats that blend guided practices with the calming influence of trees and open space.

Highlights include the Wellness Retreat (June 6), a full-day experience focused on gentle movement, meditation and reflection in nature, and Being and Making in Nature (June 20), a daylong retreat combining a guided forest therapy walk with hands-on artmaking using natural materials.

Across the grounds, visitors can also enjoy self-guided wellness experiences throughout the season, from quiet reflection in the Fragrance Garden to peaceful walks along the Meadow Lake path and shaded woodland trails. Throughout May, visitors can even stop along Frost Hill to snap a photo at our “selfie station,” created in partnership with the DuPage County Health Department, for National Mental Health Awareness Month.

Children’s Garden and family-friendly activities
Spring is an ideal time for families to explore the Arboretum together. The four-acre Children’s Garden offers streams, climbing features and nature-based play areas designed for children of all abilities. Seasonal programs encourage hands-on exploration, creativity and outdoor discovery. Families can enjoy:

• Wednesday Storytime at The Morton Arboretum, featuring nature-themed stories and activities weekly, including a bilingual storytime and hands-on activity in partnership with YWCA Metropolitan Chicago for Children’s Mental Health Week (May 6)  
• Art in the Garden (May 10 and June 21), a drop-in program where children create nature-inspired artwork
• Nature Play for All (May 31), offering inclusive, sensory-friendly activities

A special highlight this season is the Gabby’s Dollhouse Fairylandia Tour (June 6–7), featuring garden-themed crafts and optional character meet-and-greets.

Dog-friendly days
Select Dog Admission Days and special events like Tails on the Trails offer opportunities for guests to explore the Arboretum with their canine companions. These designated days are the only times non-service dogs are permitted on the grounds. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are $7 per dog, in addition to general admission.

Nature photography and creative inspiration
Spring’s eye-catching colors, textures and natural light provide ideal conditions for photography and artistic exploration. A range of classes and workshops invite participants to build creative skills while connecting more deeply with the landscape. Programs such as the Photography Tram Tour offer guided access to some of the Arboretum’s most scenic locations, while Mindful Photography blends forest bathing with hands-on image-making in an immersive outdoor setting.

Art-focused classes draw inspiration from seasonal beauty, including Pastel Workshops: Spring Flowering Trees and Exploring Landscape Through Color, a six-week course combining outdoor observation with studio practice to develop skills in color, technique and composition. Visitors can also join relaxed, outdoor experiences like the Plein Air Community Meet-Up, designed for artists of all levels to sketch and paint in nature.

Additional offerings expand creative exploration across disciplines, including Living Landscapes: A Writing Portfolio Workshop, a four-week course that guides participants in developing an original nature writing portfolio through reading, writing exercises and discussion.

These programs encourage participants to slow down, observe seasonal details and capture the beauty of trees, flowers and wildlife.

Plan your visit
With lush landscapes and events filling the calendar, now is an ideal time to experience The Morton Arboretum. The Arboretum’s First-Time Visitors Guide can help guests plan a full day of adventures, from navigating scenic driving routes to exploring gardens and trails and discovering seasonal highlights at their own pace.

For a full schedule of spring programs, events, ticket information and bloom updates, visit mortonarb.org.