In Lisle, The Morton Arboretum’s Children’s Garden might be the happiest four acres in Illinois: a wonderland of tree forts, streams to splash in, climbing nets, giant acorns and a pond boardwalk, all designed so kids can explore nature with their whole bodies. Nearby, the Maze Garden challenges families to find its center (there’s a lookout for the lost).
Beyond the garden, 1,700 acres of woodlands, prairies and lakes roll out in every direction, with family programs, nature play days and trolley tours through the seasons. Founded in 1922 by Joy Morton of Morton Salt fame, the Arboretum is Chicago’s tree museum – and its children’s garden is where future tree-huggers are made.
