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Summer Science Camps

Prekindergarten Summer Science Camps

This summer, unlock your child’s imagination with
interactive outdoor adventures amid 1,700 acres of trees.

Content Detail

Explore summer science camps that offer opportunities to play, paint, explore, and learn for children in prekindergarten. Designed by Arboretum experts, summer science camps provide a foundation for the next generation of young conservation and environmental scientists, artists, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Week-long camps run Monday, June 2 through Friday, August 15. Children must be 4 years old by September 1, 2025, and fully potty-trained. All prekindergarten camps are half day.

Registration for 2025 Summer Science Camps is open to Arboretum donors on Friday, January 3, at 10:00 a.m. Registration will open to Arboretum members on Wednesday, January 15, at 10:00 a.m. Registration will open to all on Tuesday, February 6, at 10:00 a.m.

For questions about registration, email registrar-ed@mortonarb.org or call 630-719-2468 Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Learn more about each camp below:

Parents requiring additional schedule flexibility can choose additional supervised play options that extend pick-up and drop-off times. After selecting the camp(s) your child will attend, select the option “add more to your cart” to review additional supervised play options. If you already registered for summer camp and need to add Supervised Play, register here for Supervised Play, or if you need help, read the Supervised Play Registration Helpful Hints document.

Once your child is registered, you will be emailed a pre-camp information packet, registration form, and medication authorization form (if applicable), to send back before camp begins.

Accessibility

The Arboretum strives to provide accessible experiences for all children. Contact the camp and scout supervisor at 630-719-4890 or kphelps@mortonarb.org to discuss your child’s needs prior to registration.

 

Summer Science Camps are generously supported by:

Growing Up Green

Half Day Camp

How do animals and plants grow up with roots, scales, or tails? Dive into the life cycles of green creatures around the Arboretum and see them up close!

Section A: June 9 through June 13, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Section B: June 16 through June 20, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Section C: July 14 through July 18, 9:00 a.m. to noo

Hopping Through Habitats

Half Day Camp

Some animals dig, some fly, and some swim. Join this adventure in animal movements as we explore how animals move around the Arboretum.

Section A: June 2 through June 6, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Section B: July 7 through July 11, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Section C: August 4 through August 8, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Painting with Plants

Half Day Camp

Explore your artistic roots. Touch, explore, play, and paint with all the parts of a plant and discover what each part does.

Section A: June 16 through June 20, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Section B: July 7 through July 11, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Section C: July 21 through July 25, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Splashing Around with Science

Half Day Camp

Observe, guess, test, and splash your way through science experiments in this fun-filled outdoor lab adventure.

Section A: June 23 through June 27, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Section B: July 21 through July 25, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Section C: July 28 through August 1, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Registration, Cancelation, Transfer, Late Pickup, and Refund Policies

Registration

Space is limited. Preregistration is required and payment is due in full at the time of registration. Camp registration closes at 4:00 p.m. the Monday prior to the next camp’s week. All camp forms, including a medication authorization form with doctors’ signatures, must be in before the start of camp.

Refunds

We are unable to give refunds for camp within three weeks of the start date of the camp. A $45 nonrefundable processing fee is included in each camp registration fee. We are unable to refund for missed days of camp, including if missing one week of a two-week camp session. If your child is unable to attend camp due to medical reasons or illness, you may receive a refund with a doctor’s note. For questions regarding refunds or cancelations please contact the registrar’s office by email at registrar-ed@mortonarb.org or by phone at 630-719-2468 Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Cancelations

The Morton Arboretum reserves the right to cancel a camp due to low enrollment. Camp participants will be refunded in full for cancelations.

Transfers

We are unable to transfer students to a different camp within three weeks of the start of the registered camp. Given current registration and limited availability of camp openings, transfers will be limited for 2025. Transfers will only be applicable from a camp of equivalent pricing. A $15 transfer fee will be assessed at the time of transfer. Additionally, we are unable to accommodate transfers between identical camp titles in the same week.

Late Pickup

If a child is picked up late, parents/guardians will be assessed a $15 late fee per child for pickup 15 minutes late and $1 per minute thereafter.

Pricing

  • Full Day Camps $420 (nonmembers $465)
  • Two-Week Full Day Camps $810 (nonmembers $900)
  • Half Day Camps $230 (nonmembers $255)
  • Morning Supervised Play (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.)
    $60 (nonmembers $70)
  • Midday Supervised Play (noon to 12:30 p.m.)
    $15 (nonmembers $20)
    Free with purchase of two half day camps
  • 30-Minute Afternoon Supervised Play (3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
    $15 (nonmembers $20)
  • Afternoon Supervised Play (3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.)
    $90 (nonmembers $106)

Supervised Play

Parents requiring additional schedule flexibility can choose additional supervised play options that extend pick-up and drop-off times as needed. After selecting the camp(s) your child will attend, select the option “add more to your cart” to review additional supervised play options. If your child is already registered for summer camp and you need to add Supervised Play, follow the links below.

Register here for Supervised Play, or if you need help, read the Supervised Play Registration Helpful Hints document.

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