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.
Late spring shrubs: Discover the glory of flowering shrubs that offer multi-season interest and how to use them in the home landscape from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, May 20. Cost: $44.
Dinner party: Guests are part of the tree-focused work of The Morton Arboretum during the 2016 Growing Brilliantly Dinner Party from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, May 21. This signature fundraising event supports the arboretum’s programs and its mission to plant and protect trees for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Cost: $500 per person. Info: Natalie Knight at (630) 719-7976.
Spring bird walks: See a pageant of spring birds such as Eastern bluebirds, rufous-sided towhees, and Eastern meadowlarks from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 21. Led by an expert guide. Dress for the weather. Cost: $8 members, $10 nonmembers; fee does not include arboretum admission.
Twilight adventures: Go on an 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.
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.
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.
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).
