Walking Plays are full-length plays, adapted exclusively for The Morton Arboretum and performed by local professional actors. A walk leader guides the audience to each scene, which takes place at several natural backdrop locations, along a one- to two-mile hiking route. Audiences are encouraged to bring water, portable chairs or blankets for seating, and bug spray.
Your ticket purchase helps support the Arboretum’s mission to plant and protect trees for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world.
2023 Season
The Mama and the Papa Goose: A Rock 'n' Roll Fairytale
Let’s go back to a “summer of love” with some geese, love and rock and roll to hear the Mother Goose rhymes as you never have before. This “mockumentary” follows the life and times of the most famous rock band in Fableland music history, The Mama and the Papa Goose. Their biggest fan, the Pied Piper podcaster, will narrate and lead the way through a groovy, sing-a-long escapade that will be great fun for the whole family.
Dates:
July 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23**, 29*, 30
August 5, 6, 12, 13, 19**, 20, 26*, 27
Performances start at 6:00 p.m. and last approximately ninety minutes.
*Indicates a low impact experience
**Indicates the availability of an American Sign Language interpreter
Anne of Green Gables
Join Anne, (with an “e” if you please!), for a most wondrous adventure, as she finds friends, fun, mischief and finally, her first true home. L.M. Montgomery’s beloved novel, including Anne’s famous line, “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers!” comes to life in the beautiful autumn scenery of the Arboretum, transformed into Avonlea. This heartfelt, often hilarious, story will delight audiences of all ages.
Dates:
September 23, 24, 30
October 1, 7**, 8, 14*, 15, 21, 22
Performance starts at 4:00 p.m. and lasts approximately ninety minutes.
*Indicates a low impact experience
**Indicates the availability of an American Sign Language interpreter
Low Impact hikes are designed for guests with lower mobility; the hike covers a shorter distance (around half a mile) at a slower pace, and stays near paved paths wherever possible to avoid chipped trails and grassy areas.
The Morton Arboretum acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency
