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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.

Content Detail

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

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

April, Monday and Wednesday

This program includes the following six meeting times.

Monday, April 7, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Monday, April 14, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Monday, April 21, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Locations vary

April, Tuesday and Thursday

This program includes the following six meeting times.

Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 10, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 17, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 24, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Locations vary

May

This program includes the following six meeting times.

Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 8, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 15, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 22, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Locations vary

June, Monday and Wednesday

This program includes the following six meeting times.

Monday, June 2, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Monday, June 9, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Monday, June 16, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Locations vary

June, Tuesday and Thursday

This program includes the following six meeting times.

Tuesday, June 3, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 5, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 12, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 19, 2025, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Locations vary

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