Looking for a Thursday Family Activity?

from the Morton Arobretum

Why wait until Friday for weekend family time to begin? Head over to for a new event, Thursday Family Nights. Every Thursday now through Aug. 16, from 5 - 8 p.m., families can enjoy live music, extended hours in the Children’s Garden, and more time to explore the Arboretum grounds--including the new exhibition Tree House Tales.

Discover the award-winning Children’s Garden, a four-acre garden with engaging and interactive activities that children find irresistible. Splash through streams, slide down tree roots, climb acorns, and learn all about plants, flowers, and animals throughout the garden. Right outside the Children’s Garden is the Arboretum’s Maze Garden, a half-mile tree garden filled with twisting turns and trails. At the center of the maze stands a sycamore tree with a wrap around platform, giving visitors a birds-eye view of the maze.

Once you’ve explored through the Children’s Garden and Maze, walk over to the Arboretum’s exhibition Tree House Tales. This new entertaining exhibition includes six kid-friendly, fun-filled, and educational tree houses for children ages two through 10. Each tree house is filled with activities and excitement as children play-to-learn.  

After playtime, grab a seat on the lawn for family-friendly concerts. This live music entertainment will have the whole family dancing and singing in no time. The summer line-up includes:

• July 5: “Dave Rudolf,” a Gold Record winner and Grammy nominated artist, plays beach themed music like Jimmy Buffet or Old Harry Belafonte.
• July 12: “Raisin Rhyme,” recognized leaders in children entertainment, performs   fun interactive musical shows kids can “rock out” too.
• July 19: “Jeanie B.,” delivers a mixture of bluegrass, country, blues, and enough rock 'n' roll to keep everyone dancing.
• July 26: “Little Miss Ann,” a top influential kids musician in Chicago, brings an upbeat folk rock music with positive messages to children.
• Aug. 2: “The Dreamtree Shakers,” a hip folksy musical group, performs playful tunes that will keep kids moving and shaking.
• Aug. 9: “Bari Koral,” a musical performer for children and adults, plays catchy, pop friendly tunes kids will be dancing away too.
• Aug. 16: “Zak Morgan,” a musician, magician, and comedian, performs using his three talents to encourage children to read books and exercise their imagination.

Thursdays Family Nights is an open event with the purchase of Arboretum admission. Admission is reduced to $5 after 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays, June 21- August 16. Drinks and food will be available for additional purchase.