Walking Plays

Walk along with theater performers surrounded by nature.

Walk along with the action of your favorite literary tales performed live among 1,700 acres of trees and beautiful landscapes. All Walking Plays are approximately 90 minutes in length and will not exceed two miles in hiking distance.

Walking Plays are full-length plays, adapted exclusively for The Morton Arboretum, performed by professional local actors. A walk leader guides the audience to each scene, taking place at several natural backdrop locations, along a one-to-two-mile hiking route. Audiences are encouraged to bring bug spray, water, and portable chairs or blankets for seating.

2022 Season

A Walk with Joy

A Walk with Joy is a centennial celebration, giving a more personal look into the life of arboretum founder, Joy Morton. Beginning in 1922, on the eve of opening The Morton Arboretum to the public, Joy falls into a dream, where he revisits his own memories and travels into the future, all the way to present day. He is guided by a “salty”, contemporary version of the Morton Salt Girl, who leads the way with wit, warmth and humor.

Dates:

July 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31
August 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28
Performances start at 6:00 p.m. and last approximately ninety minutes.

Winnie the Pooh

Winnie The Pooh is a classic adaptation of the first book in the famous series by A.A. Milne. Set in our very own version of the “100 Acre Wood” we meet Christopher Robin, Pooh and his forest companions as they find friendship, mischief and honey! A frolic to entertain the whole family, these delightful stories celebrate imagination, music and play, leaving everyone feeling young at heart.

Dates:

October 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30
Performances start at 4:00 p.m. and last approximately ninety minutes.

Accessibility

Each month the Arboretum will offer a Low Impact Hike, designed for guests with lower mobility. These hikes cover a shorter distance (around half a mile) at a slower pace and stay near paved paths wherever possible to avoid chipped trails and grassy areas.

American Sign Language Interpreter Dates: Sunday, July 24, Saturday, August 13, & Saturday, October 15

Low Impact Hike Dates: Saturday, July 30, Saturday, August 20 & Saturday, October 22

View the Accessibility Guide for more detailed information.

To rebook your tickets for any 2022 performance, please contact tickets@mortonarb.org with the following information:

Order number
New requested booking date for any 2022 Walking Plays
Phone number and your name in case we need to contact you

There will be a $5 surcharge per order. We require at least 24 hours’ notice to allow us time to update your order and send new tickets. Rebooking is based on availability. If an event date is sold out, we are not able to move your tickets to that date. Sending your request by email helps us process requests in a timely manner.

If the event is canceled by The Morton Arboretum due to inclement weather, all ticket holders for that date will be emailed with specific instructions on how to rebook their performance.