Nature Play For All

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

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 the Benedictine University Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum and SEASPAR, the South East Association for Special Parks and Recreation. Activities include creative nature art, seed planting, bilingual storytimes, pond exploration, and sensory hikes.

This event is free and included with Arboretum general admission. Those who require the help of a companion (whether paid or unpaid) may reserve one complimentary admission ticket.

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

Activities

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

Main Lawn

Bilingual Storytime
Listen to stories read in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language.

Bubble Machine
Play in the bubbles created by a bubble machine.

Chalk Drawing
Be colorful and creative with chalk.

Obstacle Course
Traverse an obstacle course made of pool noodles, hula hoops, and natural materials. The course is adaptable to meet different sensory and physical needs.

Nature Yoga
Learn yoga poses named after plants and animals.