The following events and programs are offered at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Activities are free with admission, unless noted. Nonmember admission is $14 for adults ages 18 to 64 ($9 on Wednesday), $12 for seniors ages 65 and older ($8 on Wednesday), $9 for ages 2 to 17 ($6 on Wednesday) and free for younger children. Members are admitted free. Info: (630) 968-0074 or mortonarb.org.
Frog sculptures: Ribbit! The Exhibit, showcasing 23 whimsical, larger-than-life frog sculptures fashioned from copper by North Carolina artist J.A. Cobb, are on display through Sunday, Sept. 25. Each frog has his or her own name, story and personality.
Twilight adventures: Go on a fun-filled adventure after hours at the arboretum from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 10 or Saturdays, May 28 or June 18. Hike, do activities and roast marshmallows before going on a silent tram ride through the woods after dark. Children must be accompanied by adult registrant. Plan to have at least one adult per five children and dress for the weather. Cost: $19.
Tree pose yoga: Young students learn about the environment while stretching, moving, and breathing like the creatures around them from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Mondays, May and June (except Memorial Day). Outdoors if weather allows. Recommended for children ages 3 to 6, but open to all ages. Cost: $17 per class.
Acorn Express: Take a family-friendly tram ride adventure through the arboretum from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Wednesday and Fridays in May and June. Destinations to hike, make a craft, and explore new topics each week. Cost: $5.
Bird monitoring: Learn to monitor bird populations for conservation from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 4. Bird monitoring is used to understand the health and viability of bird species and habitat restorations. Learn how to establish a monitoring program at a site and how to participate effectively in bird monitoring. Cost: $34.
Explorers backpack: Rent a self-guided family backpack and enhance your visit to the Children’s Garden from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily in May and June. Backpack rental includes science tools, guides and fun props to explore nature as a family. Cost: $5.
Aerial yoga: Aviana aerial tree yoga for adults is held 9 to 10:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays, June 8-29 or 10:30 a.m. to noon Sundays, June 5-26. Aerial yoga offers benefits to the body such as inversion therapy, myofascial release, lymphatic massage, core strengthening, and muscle lengthening. The practice is entirely safe and easily accessible for a broad range of fitness levels and offers an opportunity to exercise, stretch, relax, and even meditate while cocooned in your own colorful hammock while in an oak tree. The classes offered from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays are low-impact. Cost: $170.
Homeschool journey: Join home-school families from the Chicago area on the Acorn Express for a family- friendly tram ride adventure through the arboretum from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Monday, June 6. Destinations to hike, make a craft, and explore nature topics. Bring snacks to enjoy in the Children’s Garden picnic area after the program. Cost: $5.
Science camp: Summer Science Camp features more than 100 camps promoting active learning and outdoor exploration for kids in kindergarten through eighth grade. From June 6 through August 12, each weeklong camp immerses kids in the world of nature as they play the part of environmental avenger, build a forest fort or even wade through wetlands in search of critters that live underwater. Register: mortonarb.org.
Nature photography: Basic Nature Photography is offered 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays, June 7 and 14, and 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 11. Increase your confidence in your nature photography. You will Become familiar with your camera controls, learn basic composition, and how to transfer and edit your digital images. The Saturday session is spent practicing infield techniques. Cost: $112.
Frogs and mudpies: Frogs and Fairies and Mudpies is held 9:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 14, Wednesday, June 15, or Thursday, June 23. Children 3- to 5-years-old enjoy stories, crafts, muddy games and play in this squishy, squashy, fairy tale of a program. Cost: $25.
Frogs and fairies: Frogs and Fairies and Mudpies is held 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Thursday, June 16, Tuesday, June 21 or Wednesday, June 22. Toddlers 18-35 months enjoy stories, crafts, muddy games and play in this squishy, squashy, fairy tale of a program. Cost: $22.
Garden campout: Families pitch your tent on the lawn inside the Children’s Garden for a night filled with fun from 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 24, to 9 a.m. Saturday, June 25. Visit hands-on activity stations, enjoy snacks, night hikes, and bedtime stories. In the morning, wake to the sound of birds singing and enjoy a light breakfast and a chance to explore the Children’s Garden with your family before it opens to the general public. The rain date is June 25-26.
Craft Beer Festival: Try craft beers from more than 40 breweries while enjoying live music from country rock band Summer Son and the tree-lined grounds of the arboretum 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 25. Food available for purchase. VIP ticketholders will be admitted at noon and enjoy early access to limited release and specialty cask beers. Cost: $50 advanced purchase, $55 day-of. For VIP: $70 advanced purchase, $75 day-of (if available).
Woods and wine: Wednesdays, Woods and Wine Wednesdays are held 5:30 to 8 p.m. throughout June in the arboretum’s courtyard. Unwind with live music and drinks on warm summer evenings. Cost: $10.
Family nights: Thursday Family Nights are from 5 to 8 p.m. throughout June in the Children’s Garden. Enjoy live music, kid-friendly fare, and entertainment. Cost: $5.
