Think the Morton Arboretum is only focused on trees? You’re wrong. Completely wrong, actually. The gorgeous mecca in Lisle does have a stunning amount of trees on display, but there is so much MORE to explore. There are beautiful gardens, restaurants, paths, but most importantly there is the fun filled childhood mecca simply called “The Children’s Garden” at the Morton Arboretum. It is a place where kids can explore nature in their own way, whether through climbing, splashing, or digging. So before you write off the Morton Arboretum for being “just trees,” read this guide to exploring the Children’s Garden at the Morton Arboretum.
This post contains affiliate links. If a purchase is made using one of these links, I will receive compensation at no additional cost to you.
The Children’s Garden
Judging “The Children’s Garden” by its name, you would think that it is a simple place with some flowers, simple trails, maybe even a water fountain. That would be quite the understatement. Instead, there are ten different exhibits to explore. Just one warning…it will take you a while to check it all out. So plan for an entire day at the Morton Arboretum, pack comfy shoes, and of course, don’t forget the snacks.
The Central Plaza is a bright and colorful way to begin interacting with nature in a hands on way that peaks little ones’ curiosity and senses. It connects the two main parts of “The Children’s Garden,” also known as the Backyard Discovery Gardens and the Adventure Woods.
Backyard Discovery Gardens
The Backyard Discovery Gardens have four different parts:
- Curiosity
- Bloom, Zoom, and Sprout
- Every Which Way
- Windmill Garden
The Backyard Discovery gardens are exactly that: things that you would discover in your own backyard. My boys had such a blast figuring out how to use different water pumps in order to help water the plants and flowers, as well as playing an acorn and nut game in order to learn about the journey each nut or acorn experiences before plopping down in our backyard.
Each one of the exhibits in the Backyard Discovery Gardens is designed to engage and prompt children to interact with nature. After about 25 minutes we finally pried our boys away from the “hands on” water fountain springs to go and get messy at the mud art station.
They were also able to get their wiggles out by climbing all over the play structures and winding walkways throughout the gardens. My boys had a blast going down the tree themed slides…and possibly even more fun scaling the wall in order to get back up to the top of the slides. My boys clearly were in garden heaven.
Adventure Woods
As much fun as we had in the Backyard Discovery Gardens, the Adventure Woods were even more fun. Think I’m over exaggerating? Not even close.
The Adventure Woods consist of:
- Wonder Pond
- Under the Trees
- Grotto and Secret Stream
- Grassy Meadow
- Evergreen Walk and Lookout
Upon entering the Adventure Woods, you will undoubtedly come across a crowd at the Wonder Pond. Why? Because you are encouraged to ditch your shoes and walk on stepping stones throughout the pond to catch tadpoles.
And guess what? It was as awesome as it sounds. Just be sure to pack an extra change of clothes just in case your little explorer missteps.
Other interactive exhibits include the different telescopes and webbed climbing mazes under the trees, as well as the rope bridges that are high off the ground as part of the Evergreen Walk and Lookout. This exhibit was labeled as “Not Appropriate for Toddlers” but I am proud to say that our two year old rocked it on his first try.
The Maze
Our favorite exhibit at the Morton Arboretum, outside of “The Children’s Garden” is the maze. There is a toddler version (thankfully you can see their cute little faces above the hedges) next to the huge hedge maze. I highly recommend that you try out the big maze with your little ones…just be sure that they are holding your hand or are only a few steps ahead.
Must Haves for your visit to the Children’s Garden at the Morton Arboretum
Here are some things that you should have on hand to make your trip to the Morton Arboretum even more enjoyable:
–A stroller. Everything is very spread out (you park far away from the arboretum, especially on weekends) so a stroller or baby wearing will benefit you immensely. You can learn all about my favorite strollers here.
–Bug spray. You are going to walk in the forest, where the bugs live. Be smart and bring bug spray and dress in long sleeve loose clothing if the weather allows.
–Hats and sunscreen. Because…you know…sunburns stink. There are so many adorable options for hats, including cute options.
–Water bottles. The Morton Arboretum only sells boxed water. You can close it using a cap, but it is a tricky drinking experience for toddlers and preschoolers. There are some spill proof water bottles and great sippy cup options.
–Your Chicago Botanic Garden (or other Botanic Garden) membership pass for free and discounted admission. Since we are members of the CBG, we enjoyed a few free entries to the Morton Arboretum.
-An extra change of clothes. As mentioned before, the Wonder Pond is truly WONDERFUL and the curiosity garden will undoubtedly help your child learn what it feels like to be splashed.
-Research the featured exhibit. From Lego structures to paper cranes, Lego structures and massive trolls, there is always something neat to hunt for at the Morton Arboretum.
If you are nature lovers, be sure to visit some of these wonderful and FREE nature centers across Chicagoland, as well as our beloved Chicago Botanic Gardens. Check here for a complete list of outdoor fun in the city and the surrounding suburbs.
Happy Exploring!
Amanda
Don’t miss a post…follow me on Blog Lovin’.
What a fun place to play and explore. That slide looks like so much fun! What kid wouldn’t love that?
This looks so fun! It is structured enough to jog the imagination, but not so structured that it removes the freedom of the kids being able to dictate their own play. I love it! – Jerusha, TheDisneyChef.com
That looks like a super fun place for families! I love that it’s free and so beautiful – a great way to experience nature.
It’s definitely not free, but it is a great place to visit with your family.
I really love places like this for families, more so than Disney or amusement parks! Looks like something my family and I would enjoy and reminds me of parks and places we had in London.
I agree with you that nature based play spaces and gardens are so much better than amusement parks!
how fun! looks like a great place to take the kids this summer!
We did a children’s garden last weekend and it was awesome. I love that it’s the season to get out and about!
That looks like such a fun place to visit! I love it when there are kid friendly places to explore!
Oh, I love the idea of a “children’s” garden! I wish we had one here. It’s a great way for kids to explore, be in nature, be physical, and have fun!
That looks super fun! There’s so much to explore and I love that even the little ones can enjoy the place.
The tad pole exhibit was so fun for them–and us as well!
What wonderful pictures and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I didn’t realize that the Arboretum had so much stuff in it.
It definitely isn’t just trees!
Oh what an awesome day of exploration. I loved bringing my kids to places like this!
So much learning and fun all at once!
That looks like a lot of fun for kids! Despite living in Chicago, I’ve never been out to the Morton Arboretum.
It is totally worth it. They are having a cool Lego exhibit soon that we can’t wait to check out!
This looks like such a fun place to visit with the kidddo during the summer! Wish we lived closer to Chicago so we could visit!!
They host concerts too, so my hubby and I can’t wait to check that out for a much needed date night!
This looks like so much fun. I would love to take my four-year old granddaughter here it looks perfect for her!
Just be sure to bring a change of clothes!
Kids will go wild at this park. Love it! Hope there’s something like this near us.
There’s so much more than just a park, too, with mud painting and other fun.
This looks like it is a great place to take the kids for a visit.