During Tails on the Trails events, visitors can explore the on-site pet expo, featuring dog-oriented shopping from vendors representing local businesses and organizations. Learn about opportunities to adopt dogs and about options for volunteering at local animal shelters.
The upcoming Tails on the Trails pet expo event will be held on Sunday, September 10, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Dogs are allowed on the trails from 7:00 a.m. to sunset, and dog-friendly activities are available from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Morton Arboretum welcomes you and your four-legged friends to explore all that the Arboretum has to offer.
Dog and human admission passes must be reserved in advance through the Arboretum’s website. Admission for dogs is $5 per dog and will be added to the ticketing fees at the time of purchase.
Event Schedule
Pet Vendor Expo at Meadow Lake
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Locations 1, 2, and 5
Meet and greet pup-loving businesses, vet clinics, and adoption groups from the area. Enjoy samples, ask for advice, and peruse or purchase a variety of pet-friendly products.
Water Station at Meadow Lake
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Location 3
Make sure your pup stays hydrated at the water station.
Downward Facing “Doga”
10:30 to noon and 1:00 to 2:30 pm., Location 4
Stop by for a drop-in yoga class with your pup.
What’s all the “barking” about?
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Location 1
Visit the activity cart to learn about tree bark. Examine different bark and learn why all bark is not created equal. Make a tree bark rubbing, spin the Wheel of Bark, and answer a question correctly to win a treat for your pup.
Peanut Butter Tasting
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Location 4
Taste a variety of all-natural peanut butters to expand your best pal’s palate.
Tips for Visiting with Dogs
Dog admission is $5 for each dog. Human and dog timed-entry tickets must be obtained in advance through the Arboretum’s website. Tickets are not available at the gatehouse.
Have your member ID and member pass or guest ticket ready when approaching the gatehouse.
Please adhere to the following rules while visiting the Arboretum with your dog on Dog Admission Days:
- Dogs must be attended and on a leash at all times.
- All dogs must have updated vaccinations and registrations.
- For the safety of both your pet and the natural environment, do not let dogs go off the marked trails.
- Please clean up after your pet. Bags are available at the Visitor Center.
Dogs are not allowed in the following locations:
- Children’s Garden
- Maze Garden
- Visitor Center
- Thornhill Educational Center
- Administration and Research Center
- May T. Watts Reading Garden
- Thornhill Picnic Shelter
Restrooms for humans who need to bring their dogs with them can be found at the following locations:
- Big Rock Visitor Station
- Prairie Visitor Station
- Thornhill Picnic Shelter
Remember, pets are permitted at The Morton Arboretum only on specific dates. Timed-entry passes are required for guests and will be honored within one hour after the time on the reservation. Members must reserve timed-entry passes on weekends and federal holidays.
Fees and Admission
Dog admission is $5 per dog for both members and guests and is available only on special Dog Admission Days and Tails on the Trails events. Please remember that dogs are allowed at the Arboretum only on certain days of the year.
Please note that guests are required to have reserved, timed-entry passes to the Arboretum. Passes are available for purchase 30 days in advance. Members will need to reserve timed-entry passes on both weekends and federal holidays.
Both members and guests are required to have a dog admission pass for each dog accompanying them.
Visiting the Arboretum with Service Animals
The Morton Arboretum welcomes members and guests of all abilities and strives to create a safe, enjoyable, and engaging experience for all. To support that goal, the Arboretum welcomes all service animals, including those still in training.
Because the Arboretum does not allow pets on the grounds, and some visitors disregard this rule, staff or visitors may inquire about your service animal if it is not wearing a vest or label. To help alleviate these questions, please let the gatehouse attendants know you have a service animal with you when you enter the Arboretum so they can make other staff aware.
To learn more about accessibility at the Arboretum, see the Accessibility Guide.
