Know Before You Go: Information and helpful hints for your next visit
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Children's Garden

Children’s Garden Rentals

Celebrate a special child in your life
in the Arboretum’s award-winning Children’s Garden. 

Content Detail

Lea en español.

Make a lasting impression with an event held in the Children’s Garden at The Morton Arboretum! The upper deck of the Children’s Garden picnic area can be reserved for gatherings of up to 50 people from April through October.

The entire Children’s Garden can be reserved for private evening events of up to 75 people on select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Rental fees vary depending upon the time of day and are always lower for Arboretum members. Become a member to access the best prices.

Please note that some dates and times may not be available due to holidays or other public programming in the Garden.

All rental packages include admission to the Arboretum for your guests. Optional self-guided activities are available for a small fee. Hosts may bring and serve their own food at the gathering, but please note that there is no refrigeration, dishwashing, or storage available on-site.

Rental Package Options

Mornings (April through October)

Children’s Garden Picnic Area

10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
50 guests

Cost: $450
Member cost: $375

 

Afternoons (April through October)

Children’s Garden Picnic Area

2:00–4:00 p.m.
50 guests

Cost: $450
Member cost: $375

 

Evenings (Memorial Day through Labor Day)

Exclusive use of entire Children’s Garden

Select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only

5:30–7:30 p.m.
75 guests

Cost: $650
Member cost: $550

You may arrive 45 minutes early to set up your space.

 

Please submit a rental request form to plan your gathering in the Children’s Garden. A Children’s Garden staff member will contact you to answer any questions and confirm availability.

Rental Fees

Lea in español.

Rental fees vary depending upon the time of day and are always lower for members. Become a member to access the best prices.

 

Mornings and Afternoons

Mornings (10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) and afternoons (2:00–4:00 p.m.), April through October. Includes admission to the Arboretum for up to 50 guests and exclusive use of the upper deck of the picnic shelter.

Cost: $450
Member cost: $375

 

Evenings

Friday and Sunday evenings (5:30–7:30 p.m.), Memorial Day through Labor Day. Includes admission to the Arboretum for up to 75 guests and exclusive use of the Children’s Garden.

Cost: $650
Member cost: $550

Frequently Asked Questions

Lea en español.

  • Your rental is not confirmed until you provide a signed contract and a $100 deposit. Deposits are non-refundable. Rentals are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.

    For more information about the 2025 season, please contact our rental team at cgrentals@mortonarb.org or call 630-968-2648.

  • Certain decorations are allowed. For the safety of our trees and wildlife, balloons and confetti are not allowed. Streamers, banners, and colorful tablecloths are great options.

  • Hosts will have 45 minutes to set up and 30 minutes to take down the decorations.

  • Hosts may bring and serve their own food at the gathering, but please note that there is no refrigeration, dishwashing, or storage available on-site. Outside alcohol is not allowed.

  • The Children’s Garden is a “rain or shine” facility. In case of rain, your guests can take shelter in the covered picnic area. If there is thunder or lightning in the forecast for the day of the rental, a member of the staff will contact you in the days leading up to your event to discuss options, including going forward with the event, rescheduling, or canceling with a full refund. Deposits are only refunded if the rental is canceled due to threats of lightning or thunder.

  • The host and party guests aged 3 and older are counted in the capacity limit. Infants younger than 3 are not counted.

  • Yes. Arboretum general admission is valid for the entire day of your event. Your guests are welcome to explore The Morton Arboretum grounds until closing at sunset.

  • Outside entertainment, including contracted entertainers, is not permitted in the Children’s Garden.

  • Self-guided activity boxes are available for $5 per box. Each box includes materials for one child to complete a craft to take home.

    The Paint, Sow, Grow activity box includes a 3-inch terra-cotta pot, materials to decorate the pot, and a seed to plant.

    The Build-A-Bug activity box includes crafting materials for a child to create their own insect. Insect resin specimens will be provided during the activity for children to look at for inspiration.

  • Please call 630-968-2648 or email cgrentals@mortonarb.org.

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