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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 at the Arboretum, along with storytelling, sharing time, and other developmentally appropriate activities, these programs offer the freedom to learn in an environment filled with wonder and new discoveries every day.

Instructors: Megan Sneyd, early childhood engagement specialist, The Morton Arboretum; Angela Santoro, early childhood program instructor, The Morton Arboretum

Age: Children ages 3 to 6 years

Course number: Y200

Instructors

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.

Angela Santoro, early childhood program instructor, The Morton Arboretum

Angela Santoro leads early childhood programs and assists with the Youth Volunteer program, sharing her love of nature with a wide range of Children’s Garden visitors. She enjoys working with children of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers.

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.

See Education Program Policies for information about cancellations, refunds, and scholarships.

Program Schedule

September

This program includes the following six meeting times.

Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 24, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Meadow Lake picnic area (parking lot P-1), East Side

October

This program includes the following six meeting times.

Tuesday, October 6, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 8, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 15, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 22, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Meadow Lake picnic area, (parking lot P-1), East Side

November

This program includes the following six meeting times.

Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 5, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 19, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Outdoor Classroom, Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side

December

This program includes the following six meeting times.

Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 3, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 10, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 17, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Outdoor Classroom, Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side

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