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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 1, through Friday, August 14. Children must be 4 years old by September 1, 2026, and fully potty-trained. All prekindergarten camps are half day.

Registration for 2026 Summer Science Camps opens to Tree Advocate, Thornhill Society, and President’s Council donors on Tuesday, January 6, at 10:00 a.m. Registration opens to all Arboretum members on Wednesday, January 14, at 10:00 a.m. Registration opens to all on Tuesday, February 3, 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 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, or for more information, read the Supervised Play Registration Helpful Hints document.

Once your child is registered, you will be emailed a pre-camp information packet, a registration form, and a medication authorization form (if applicable), to submit 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 8 through June 12, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Section B: June 15 through June 19, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Section C: July 13 through July 17, 9:00 a.m. to noon

See camp availability.

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 1 to June 5, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Section B: July 6 to July 10, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Section C: August 3 to August 7, 9:00 a.m. to noon

See camp availability.

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 15 to June 19, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Section B: July 6 to July 10, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Section C: July 20 to July 24, 9:00 a.m. to noon

See camp availability.

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 22 to June 26, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Section B: July 20 to July 24, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Section C: July 27 to July 31, 9:00 a.m. to noon

See camp availability.

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 (if applicable), 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 2026. Transfers will only be applicable for 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 $425 (nonmembers $470)
  • Two-Week Full Day Camps $820 (nonmembers $910)
  • Half Day Camps $235 (nonmembers $260)
  • 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 per registrant within the same week
  • 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 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 for more information, read the Supervised Play Registration Helpful Hints document.

Availability

Registration for 2026 Summer Science Camps opens to Arboretum donors on Tuesday, January 6, at 10:00 a.m.

Registration opens to Arboretum members (all levels) on Wednesday, January 14, at 10:00 a.m.

Registration opens to all on Tuesday, February 3, at 10:00 a.m.

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