Explore

Nature Play For All

Visit the Children’s Garden to play, wonder, and explore nature through accessible activities.

Content Detail

Children of all abilities can play and explore nature through accessible activities in The Morton Arboretum’s lush 4-acre Children’s Garden during this special Nature Play for All weekend event, organized in collaboration with Benedictine University and SEASPAR, the South East Association for Special Parks and Recreation. Activities include Painting with Nature, Planting a Seed, American Sign Language Story Time, Pond Exploration, and Sensory Hikes.

Please reach out to childrensgarden@mortonarb.org with any questions or requests for accommodations. You may also visit the Children’s Garden Access and Inclusion page for information on sensory bags, social stories, and other resources. An indoor quiet space is available in the Children’s Garden for members and guests who want to use a calm, private area during the event.

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.

Activities

Stop by anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and experience Nature Play for All activities throughout the Children’s Garden.

Main Lawn

Painting with Nature
Use natural materials to paint a masterpiece.

Make a Nest
Learn about birds’ nests, and use clay to make your own.

Backyard Discovery Gardens

American Sign Language Storytime
Visita quieter area of the garden for a nature-themed story in English and American Sign Language.

Planting a Seed
Play with soil and plant a sunflower seed to take home.

Wonder Pond

Pond Exploration
Investigate the tiny inhabitants of Wonder Pond under a magnifier.

Adventure Woods

Sensory Bins
Play with sticks, rocks, flowers, and other natural objects in a quieter area of the garden.

Natural Loom
Weave with grasses, willow branches, and other natural materials.

Conifer Trail

Guided Sensory Hikes
Use all of your senses to discover what’s around you.

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