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Scout Groups

Help your scout group share adventurous discoveries in the great outdoors at The Morton Arboretum.

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Search for hidden geocaches, spy on nighttime critters, or uncover easy ways to recycle and save trees during guided or self-guided group outings.

Programs are offered for groups of 5- to 12-year-olds during weekday afternoons, nights, or weekends at a reasonable cost. Activity patches are available for purchase with all youth group programs. Self-guided visits for groups are available Spring, Summer, and Fall. Guided programs available in Spring (April through early June), and Fall (September through mid-November).

Scout visits (guided or self-guided) are perfect for

  • Girl and boy scout troops
  • School and church youth groups
  • Homeschool and parent groups
  • 4-H and ecology clubs
  • Summer day camp field trips
  • Daycare field trips

For groups larger than 30 youths looking for summer programming, please visit the Field Trips and School Groups page for additional options. 

Merit Badge Programs

The Morton Arboretum also offers merit badge programs led by certified merit badge counselors. Gain skills and knowledge about forestry, wildlife, history, and more among the trees of the Arboretum.

Guided Programs

The Morton Arboretum provides guided visits that inspire the explorer in children. Programs are 1.5 hours in length, and there are morning, afternoon, and evening options. 

Guided programs are available throughout the year. Please dress for the outdoors, and wear sturdy shoes. Programs are not canceled due to inclement weather, such as cold, heat, rain, or wind.

Guided Program Times

Afternoon adventures: Monday through Thursday, 4:15 to 5:45 p.m.

Night Spies: Tuesday and Thursday evenings, April 7:45 to 9:15 p.m.; May 8:00 to 9:30 p.m.; September 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.; October 6:30 to 8 p.m.; limited availability the first week of November 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday mornings adventures: Saturdays, 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.

Guided Program Fees

  • The $150 fee includes up to 15 scouts, four chaperones, and a $15 non-refundable registration fee.
  • The $250 fee includes 16-30 scouts, eight chaperones, and a $15 non-refundable registration fee.
  • Patches are available for purchase at the time of registration and cost $4 each.
  • Additional chaperones are charged the current admission price.
  • There are no refunds for cancellations made less than 3 weeks in advance.

Guided Programs

 

Cool Cache

Fourth through Eighth Grade | Spring, Fall

Get ready for a guided geocaching adventure using our hand-held GPS units. Learn the basics of geocaching. This program meets most of the requirements for the Junior Geocacher badge. Badge/patch not included.

Woodland Wonders

Third through Eighth Grade | Spring, Fall

Take a walk through the trees while learning about tree ID, forest habitats, and the benefits of trees. This program meets most of the requirements of the Into the Woods or Cadette Trees badge. Badge/patch not included.

Night Spies

Kindergarten through Sixth Grade | Spring, Fall

Spy on nature’s night critters to find out who's croaking, prowling, hooting, and howling as you hike the moonlit trails. The program meets most of the requirements for the Cadettes Night Owl badge.

Spy on nature's night creatures to find out who's croaking, prowling, hooting, and howling as you hike the moonlit trails. The programs meets most of the requirements for the Cadettes Night Owl badge. Badge/patch not included.

Please note: Night Spies times vary month to month. This program is offered Tuesday and Thursday evenings only; April 7:45 to 9:15 p.m.; May 8:00 to 9:30 p.m.; September 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.; October 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Self-Guided Adventures

Register your youth group, scout troop, day camp, or daycare for a self-guided visit at The Morton Arboretum. Adventures can expand throughout the Arboretum’s 1,700 acres of trees, woodlands, and prairies. Backpack programs include tools to inspire hands-on learning.

Self-guided visits are available throughout the year. Please dress for the outdoors, and wear sturdy shoes. Visits are not canceled due to inclement weather, such as cold, heat, rain, or wind, and chaperones are responsible for supervising their scouts at all times.

Self-Guided Visit Times

Children’s Garden visits: March through October, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily; November through February, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily

Backpack adventures: Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Self-Guided Visit Fees

  • The self-guided visit fee is $105 per group.
  • The fee includes up to 15 youths, four chaperones, and a $15 non-refundable registration fee.
  • Patches are available for purchase at the time of registration and cost $4 each.
  • Additional chaperones are charged the admission price.
  • Additional youth are $6 per youth.
  • There are no refunds for cancellations made less than three weeks in advance.

Self-Guided Visits

 

Backpack Program: Hidden Habitats

Kindergarten through Fourth Grade | Spring, Summer, and Fall

Explore the Arboretum ecosystems, and search for animal homes as you hike and participate in hands-on activities. Backpack reservations are required (30 youth maximum).

Backpack Program: Tree-mendous Trees

Third through Eighth Grade | Spring, Summer, Fall

Explore The Morton Arboretum, and take a fresh look at trees! Learn about the intricate workings of the inside of a tree, and discover how to identify trees. Backpack reservations are required (30 youth maximum).

Children’s Garden

Kindergarten through Third Grade | Spring, Summer, and Fall

Enjoy the wonders of nature in the Children’s Garden. Splash through secret streams, climb colossal acorns, and slide down giant tree roots.

Throughout the Arboretum

For all ages | Spring, Summer, and Fall

Plan your own adventure at the Arboretum. Walk our 16 miles of paved or wood-chipped trails; be sure to notice the trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and critters as you go. Touch the rough bark of trees, or study the different shapes of leaves. Biking is also allowed on paved roads (helmets required).

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