Fun for Families
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The Morton Arboretum offers a variety of family-friendly activities throughout the months of September and October, and many fun places to explore outdoors that are exceptionally beautiful during this time of year.
Children’s Garden
Far more than just a playground, the Children’s Garden is a 4-acre outdoor play space that encourages children to safely romp, climb, splash, see new things, and wonder about trees and nature. There are ponds, streams, things to climb on, and plenty of places for grownups to sit while children play. Many of its interactive features are based on tree science. It is designed for children from toddlers to 12-year-olds.
Maze Garden
Next to the Children’s Garden is a twisty Maze Garden made of living green shrubs. Find the secret to reach the big sycamore tree for a towering view! Children love to solve the puzzle.
Fall Color Festival
With the annual Fall Color Festival, The Morton Arboretum offers seasonal events and attractions to celebrate a time of transformation. Visit the Fall Color Festival Concessions tent in Arbor Court for apple cider doughnuts and other treats that are only available this time of year.
Vivid Creatures
Explore The Morton Arboretum’s newest art exhibition, Vivid Creatures. Five giant, colorful animal sculptures can be found along the Arboretum’s trails and paths. Four of the sculptures are connected by paved, accessible trails that lead around lovely Meadow Lake and through the shaded canopy of the Conifer Collection. The fifth sculpture can be reached by a woodchipped trail a little farther away.
Ginkgo Restaurant and Café
The Ginkgo Restaurant and Café is the perfect choice for lunch with friends or weekend brunch after a walk through the woods. The menu of internationally inspired meals includes vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, as well as craft beer and wines, baked goods, and coffee.
There are a limited number of tables and seating near the Café in the Visitor Center. Tables inside the Ginkgo Room are reserved for Ginkgo Restaurant guests only.
The Ginkgo Restaurant is open Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Gingko Café is open 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.