WIN 4 Passes ($88 value) to Illumination at Morton Arboretum Through January 1, 2018

ILLUMINATION: TREE LIGHTS AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM RETURNS

- Named a “can’t-miss” attraction, Illumination is a one-of-a-kind Chicago-area wintertime destination -

Celebrating its fifth year, the one-of-a-kind winter lights experience Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum returns November 17 to The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois. 

Photos courtesy of Morton Arboretum

ChiIL Mama will be out to review and shoot our own photo feature. In the meantime, it's our great pleasure to partner up with Morton Arboretum once again, to offer a sweet giveaway for our readers. 

Enter to win 4 tickets ($88 value) to Illumination at Morton Arboretum good for any date/time through January 1, 2018 and make some family memories. Our giveaway is open through midnight 12/1/17. 

ENTER HERE

From November 17, 2017 through January 1, 2018, 50 acres of the Arboretum’s majestic trees will glow in mesmerizing hues of blue, green, purple, and magenta. Along the wooded one-mile path, visitors will discover a series of experiences that encourage them to see trees in a different light. Visitors can see a grove of hemlock trees’ color transform from green to technicolor hues, and catch a glimpse of trees that appear to be gently breathing.  Additionally, visitors can hug a tree and watch it respond or enjoy a dazzling show of lights that appear to dance in the trees in time to music.  

New for 2017
This year’s event includes new features to wow event-goers, including a new way to experience Illumination! Become part of the Illumination experience by wearing programmed interactive pendants that light up in sync with the event. Also new this year will be timed admission tickets, allowing visitors to enter every half hour throughout the event. 


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Many returning fan favorites are back for the upcoming season, including:

Treemagination – Guests will marvel at projections on the trees that make it seem as though the trees are "breathing" one moment, drenched with saturated and surreal fields of color the next, only to be transformed again with amazing geometric patterns. 

Fantasy Forest – Redesigned for 2017, this experience showcases grouped white columns rising up between manicured hedges. Representing groves of trees, these structures provide the setting for sweeping beams of light that extend across the landscape and skyward in time with spirited music.  

Ornament Hill – Visitors will encounter a breathtaking and glittering vista of hundreds of giant glowing orbs nestled in the landscape and surrounded by thousands of points of LED light.

Symphony Woods – Updated for 2017, lights dance in the trees to classical music during this popular experience. 

Crystal Promenade – 24 ethereal chandeliers adorn a forest of Douglas fir and spruce trees in this fairy tale-like spot.  

Three concession tents scattered throughout the trail will feature snacks and hot beverages, including gourmet hot chocolate and visitors can stop in The Morton Arboretum’s Ginkgo Restaurant, offering a full dinner menu every night of Illumination.  Additionally, visitors can enjoy a cozy fire and a break at one of the warming areas along the Illumination path. 

“We are looking forward to our fifth season of encouraging our visitors to see trees in a different light, with visitors’ favorites, new features and ticket options to enhance the Illumination experience for our guests,” said Sue Wagner, vice president of education and information at The Morton Arboretum. “Illumination will again surprise and delight visitors with luminous color, light, and sound that will transform 50 acres of trees into something truly magical.”  

Illumination tickets range from $18 to $22 for adults and $12 to $14 for children and go on sale October 2, 2017. Members of The Morton Arboretum receive discounted ticket prices to Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum. Learn more about savings on Illumination tickets and the many other benefits of membership at mortonarb.org/join-support. For more information and to purchase tickets for Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum, visit mortonarb.org/illumination. 

The Morton Arboretum thanks PowerShares QQQ  by Invesco and ComEd for their support of 2017 Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum.  

About Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum brings light and nature together for a wintertime walk in the woods like no other. Illumination invites visitors to see trees in a different light on a one-mile walk surrounded by 50 acres of the Arboretum’s trees, brought to life with LED lights, interactive elements and sound. Live entertainment and warming stations add to the wintertime experience. With accolades from local and national media including Condé Nast Traveler and USA Today, Illumination has quickly become a winter tradition, welcoming more than a half-million visitors from throughout the United States as well as Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany since its 2013 debut season. The event is built in partnership with noted experiential lighting designers Lightswitch and production company Intelligent Lighting Creations (ILC), and features energy-efficient, eco-friendly LED lighting. 

About The Morton Arboretum
The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized outdoor tree museum and tree research center located in Lisle, Illinois. As the champion of trees, the Arboretum is committed to scientifically-informed action, both locally and globally, and encouraging the planting and conservation of trees for a greener, healthier, more beautiful world.  On 1,700 acres are 222,000 plant specimens representing 4,650 different kinds of plants, along with specialty gardens, educational exhibits, the award-winning Children’s Garden, 16 miles of hiking trails and the Visitor Center, featuring The Arboretum Store and the Ginkgo Restaurant and Café. The Morton Arboretum is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization, welcoming more than 1 million visitors and serving 44,900 member households in 2016. Learn more at mortonarb.org.  



Disclosure: It's our great pleasure to partner up with Morton Arboretum once again, to offer a sweet giveaway for our readers. They have provided us with complimentary tickets for our giveaway and for review purposes. As always, all opinions are my own.

GIFT GUIDE 2017: Click image below for more great giveaways, gift codes & ideas for holiday giving!

GIVEAWAY: 4 FREE Tickets to Morton Arboretum Illumination ($80 Value)

ILLUMINATION: TREE LIGHTS 
AT THE 
MORTON ARBORETUM 
RETURNS WITH NEW WAYS TO SEE TREES 

IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT

-this year’s event features even more lights, music and new 

kid-friendly elements-

Disclosure: Here at ChiIL Mama we're thrilled to welcome Illumination: Tree Lights back for year 2. And we're excited to partner up with Morton Arboretum on a 4 ticket giveaway. They've also sent us 4 review passes and we'll have a full recap up after we have a chance to check it out. As always, all opinions are our own. 

Enter ENTER HERE through midnight December 3rd. Passes are good for your choice of dates/times pending availability.

This November, 50 acres of vibrant LED lights will once again transform The Morton Arboretum’s treescape into a winter wonderland of color and nature, as Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum returns for its second year.

Hailed as a “must-see event” by the media in its debut season, Illumination brings lights and nature together to transform a wintertime walk in the woods into an awe-inspiring experience. 

From Nov. 21, 2014 – Jan. 3, 2015, walk a mile-long path to marvel at trees illuminated in colors like electric blue, hot pink and neon green and interact with lighted trees that respond to voice or touch.

On the Illumination trail, sing to trees to make them change color and hug trees to see how they respond, then warm up at one of our toasty fire pits. Or stop at the warming tent to grab a snack and a warm beverage.

Illumination’s 2014 season offers new features and activities for the whole family. Come out to see:

• Symphony Woods: Enchanting lights dance in synchronized patterns to seasonal music from the renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
• Meadow Lake Magic:  Light-patterned trees and a series of lit orbs dotting Meadow Lake create a visually entrancing experience.
• The popular Tinsel Colonnade will be expanded in 2014 to double its size, as cascades of multi-colored strings of LED lights hanging from the trees like tinsel.
• More kid-friendly features:  2014’s event incorporates child-friendly elements to engage the whole family, including simpler interactive stations and a scavenger hunt to find the “Glow Man” hidden along the Illumination path for a special prize.
• More live entertainment: Catch top local bands every weekend during Illumination. Check the Illumination website for the latest schedule.

“We’re thrilled to bring Illumination back for its second year, following a successful debut season,” said Sue Wagner, vice president of education and information at The Morton Arboretum. “This year’s event offers the best of our 2013 season, along with surprising and engaging new activities and experiences for all ages.”  

Built in partnership with top experiential lighting designers Lightswitch, Illumination at The Morton Arboretum features energy-efficient, eco-friendly LED lighting.

Event Dates and Ticket Prices

Illumination runs from Nov. 21, 2014 through Jan. 3, 2015. The event opens each night at 5 p.m. and runs until 9:30 p.m., with the last entry at 8:30 p.m. General admission tickets go on sale starting Wednesday, Oct. 1.  Members receive an additional discount on tickets purchased between Oct. 1 –31. Tickets are available at mortonarb.org, the Arboretum’s Visitor Services desk, or by calling 630-719-2066 ($5 handling charge for phone orders). See mortonarb.org for updated information on dates and pricing, and follow The Morton Arboretum on Facebook and Twitter for the latest event information.

The Morton Arboretum thanks Presenting Sponsors ComEd and BMO Harris Bank for their support of Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum.

About The Morton Arboretum
The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized outdoor tree museum on 1,700 acres. Plant collections, scientific research and education programs support the mission to plant and conserve trees and other plants for a greener, healthier and more beautiful world. Designed with natural landscapes, the grounds include the award-winning, four-acre interactive Children’s Garden, the one-acre Maze Garden, plus specialty gardens, 16 miles of trails and nine miles of roads. Visitor experiences include the open-air tram ride, guided walks, Arbor Day celebrations, concerts, art shows, the Fall Color Festival, Illumination and special exhibits. The Arboretum welcomes 885,000 visitors annually and receives support from 38,600 member households.  Located 25 miles west of Chicago in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open daily 7 a.m. until sunset. Learn more at mortonarb.org.

Disclosure: Here at ChiIL Mama we're thrilled to welcome Illumination: Tree Lights back for year 2. And we're excited to partner up with Morton Arboretum on a 4 ticket giveaway. They've also sent us 4 review passes and we'll have a full recap up after we have a chance to check it out. As always, all opinions are our own. 

TOUR THE COUNTRY WITH THE MORTON ARBORETUM’S TRAVEL AMERICA SUMMER FESTIVAL 7/5-6

Morton Arboretum's

TREE-mendous Summer Events are Fab Fam Friendly Fun!

–  The first of three cultural festivals, this July 5-6 event unfurls a roadmap to uniquely American music, performances, 

food and fun for the family  –

This 4^th of July weekend, celebrate the U.S.A. with traditional music, food and entertainment during The Morton Arboretum’s Travel America festival. The first of three new cultural festivals at the Arboretum this year, Travel America will highlight current and past American traditions including performances by Native American dancers, rollicking music ranging from blues to bluegrass and food showcasing our country’s culinary history.  

Taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 5-6, the festival will feature time-honored games like sack races, a bean bag toss, three-legged race and a pie eating contest, along with a roster of live entertainment. Additionally, festival-goers can board the Arboretum’s Acorn Express Tram to learn all about trees native to America, from Arboretum docents.

 “America is not only home to a great variety of cultural traditions, but also to a wide variety of trees that make our country beautiful, including the iconic and endangered oak tree,” said Jenelle Hardtke, Special Events Manager at The Morton Arboretum. “With storytelling and games, music native to the American experience and food from all corners of the country, Travel America will take visitors on a virtual road trip, while showcasing the trees that are so integral to our country’s history and beauty.”

Four performance areas will showcase a range of musical acts.

Show times for July 5 and July 6:

10 a.m. A trio of Chicago musicians, Lucky 3 Blues Band, delivers original music and well-known blues tunes with a twist.

10:30 a.m. In its 34^th year, White Saddle Band knocks out American hits from greats like Elvis, Hank Williams and Bob Seeger.

11 a.m.  Trio Guadalajara’s authentic Southwestern style mariachi includes influences of Mexican and South American music.

Noon The acoustic folk music of Trillium features banjo and fiddle as well as lesser-known instruments like the hammered Dulcimer.

12:30 p.m. 60s tribute band Shindig! transports audiences back in time with beloved songs from The Beatles, Sonny and Cher, The Beach Boys, and more.

12:30 p.m.  The Midway Ramblers Cajun Band’s zydeco and Louisiana blue has rung out from stages at The House of Blues and Schuba’s.

2 p.m. Performer Rick Pickren has a storied history with country and bluegrass music. A descendent of Buffalo Bill Cody, the singer-songwriter has shared the stage with country stars Dolly Parton and George Strait.  

2:30 p.m. Returning to the legendary days of the 70s, 1976 rocks out with songs from Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

Regulars on the blues festival circuit and at Buddy Guy’s Legends, the highly-acclaimed Rockin’ Johnny Blues Band will take its vintage Chicago blues sound to the stage at 2 p.m. July 5 and 3:30 p.m. July 6.

Travel America will also feature several dances and demonstrations that represent the many faces of the United States and spotlight distinctively American customs and experiences. 

These include:

• Bringing children’s literature to life, storyteller Chris Fascione’s one-man show entertains crowds of all ages at 10 and 11 a.m. July 5-6.
• Clad in ceremonial dress, Native Pride’s high-energy performance blends contemporary and traditional Native American dancing at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. July 5-6.
• Entertainer Cowboy Randy brings the origins of cowboy culture and folklore together with yodeling and rope tricks at 1 p.m. July 5-6.
• Line dancing is made easy with friendly instruction from Dance with Janet Line Dancers at 1 p.m. July 5.
• Performing group The Silver Bogs will lead vintage square dancing and other barn dances at 3:30 p.m. July 5 and 2 p.m. July 6.
• Storyteller Swiftdeer-Paige presents an immersive look at Native American life, emphasizing its respect for and connection to the natural world at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. July 6.
• The Cadillac Ranch Dance Team will teach line dancing moves at 3:30 p.m. July 6.

Husky Hog BBQ, Toasty Cheese, Chicago Pizza Boss, Taquero Fusion and Fasano Pie Company food trucks will offer festival-goers an abundance of casual dining choices and the Arboretum’s Gingko Grill will serve up July 4^th staples like burgers and hot dogs.

Travel America is one of three new cultural festivals on the Arboretum’s exciting roster of TREE-mendous Summer events. Click here for more information. 

About The Morton Arboretum
The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized outdoor tree museum on 1,700 acres. Plant collections, scientific research and education programs support the mission to plant and conserve trees and other plants for a greener, healthier and more beautiful world. Designed with natural landscapes, the grounds include the award-winning, four-acre interactive Children’s Garden, the one-acre Maze Garden, plus specialty gardens, 16 miles of trails and nine miles of roads. Visitor experiences include the open-air tram ride, guided walks, Arbor Day celebrations, concerts, art shows, the Fall Color Festival, Illumination and special exhibits. The Arboretum welcomes 885,000 visitors annually and receives support from 38,600 member households.  Located 25 miles west of Chicago in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open daily 7 a.m. until sunset. Learn more at mortonarb.org.

Admission Rate
Nonmember admission rates to The Morton Arboretum are $12 for adults ages 18-64 ($8 on Wednesday), $11 for seniors ages 65 and over ($7 on Wednesday), $9 for children ages 2-17 ($6 on Wednesday) and free for children under age 2. Parking is free with admission. Members receive free general admission all year long. 

Maple Syrup Fests Near Chicago #EcoFriendly #Nature

Syrup in the City

We're big fans of showing our children where their food comes from.  They've tapped Maple trees, gathered eggs from real chickens on a farm, and picked blueberries, strawberries, and apples.  It's especially important for urban kids to have that connection to nature.  

I have fond memories of maple syrup fests and tree tapping demos from my own childhood.  The best news is, if you live in or near Chicago, you don't have to go to Vermont or travel far from home.  We've gone to the Maple Syrup Festival at North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 North Pulaski Road, Chicago for years and tapped trees there as a family & with a school group. The fest runs 10am - 3pm Saturday & Sunday, March 22 & 23 & it's free. 

Make crafts, taste sap from the trees & see it boiling in a big vat outdoors & taste it once it's condensed.  Walk simple loop trails, hear a story teller, make a craft or warm up by the fire inside or out.  Click here for our past North Park Nature Center Features.

Other Area Maple Syrup Fests in the Burbs

Maple Tapping Pancake Picnic
Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle 

March 15

Here at ChiIL Mama we adore Morton Arboretum.  Click here to check out our past photo features on this true gem then sign up for some sweet, maple syrup fun this weekend.

Kids can learn how to identify sugar maples, and see how sap flows from the tree and is collected. Then they can try their hand at the auger on a fallen log and make a craft at the Shelter and see how sap is turned into the maple syrup. The Pancake Picnic includes silver dollar pancakes and bacon with four different grades of syrup to taste. Pre-registration required. 11am - 1pm. $18 members, $25 non-members, includes admission.

Festival of the Sugar Maples
Coral Woods Conservation Area, 7400 Somerset, Marengo 

March 15-16

Hear how maple syrup was discovered hundreds of years ago, learn how sap is collected from trees, and see how maple syrup is made at the evaporator. Free shuttle to breakfast on Sundays at different locations, see web site for details. 10am - 3pm. Pancake Breakfast $3 child, $6 adult.

Maple Sugaring Days

Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville 

Saturday 10 am-4 pm, Sunday 1-4 pm. $12/adult, $10/senior (62), $8/youth (4-12).

March 15-16

Learn how the early settlers of Naperville tapped maple trees and then turned the sap into maple syrup. Learn to dance a reel, watch cooking demo, see how sap is turned to syrup, make a leaf rubbing and enjoy a Maple Popcorn Ball treat.

Sugar Bush Fair

Spring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg

March 22-24

See authentic demonstrations of maple syrup production, a pioneer sugar camp, children’s puppet show and a hayride. Then enjoy a delicious breakfast of pancakes with real maple syrup, sausage, juice and coffee. 9am - noon. General admission is free, with tickets required for breakfast and available at the Nature Center two weeks before the event. Pre-sale tickets are $3.50 for a half stack and $4.50 for a full stack. Day-of prices are $4 for a half stack and $5 for a full stack.

Winners Announced: 4 Tickets to Illumination at Morton Arboretum & Little Miss Ann at Beat Kitchen #giveaway

Big congrats to ChiIL Mama's ticket winners this week.

Lindsay J. won 4 free tickets to Illumination at The Morton Arboretum ($40 value) out of 370 entries!   Click here for more details on Illumination.  

Sujal P. won 4 tickets to Little Miss Ann at Beat Kitchen THIS Sunday at noon out of 35 entries.   Click here for full show details and to enter to win 4 tickets to any/all Concerts for Kids Shows through January.   ChiIL Mama is elated to be back as press sponsor for the 3rd year now.   Come chiIL out with us every Sunday, with family friendly music in many genres, aimed at kids birth through age 10 with their parents.   Beat Kitchen knows parents AND kids rock!


Follow ChiIL Mama on Facebook & Twitter to be the first to know about our rockin' giveaways.   Then enter like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often.   Tickets are Chicago based.   Our other giveaways are open nationwide, to anyone in the USA. 

Right now we're in the middle of ChiIL Mama's Holidaze 12 Days of Giveaways.   Check back daily for great new reviews, video interviews, and free goodies for YOU to win.   

All remain open for entries through midnight December 14th, so spread the word!   We have something for all ages and include giveaways from American Girl, Hex Bugs, K'NEX, Hasbro, Activision, and many more.

WIN 4 Free Tickets to The Inaugural Year of Illumination at Morton Arboretum 11/22-1/4

Illumination at Morton Arboretum (4 free tickets-up to $40 value)  

ChiIL out with ChiIL Mama and one of our favorite natural spaces in the region, The incomparably beautiful Morton Arboretum!   They've created a completely unique, interactive, eco-friendly holiday light show like nothing you've ever seen before.   We'll be reviewing and bringing our readers a photo filled recap, but there's no substitute for getting out there and seeing it for yourself.   

Click here to check out our recent fall Morton Arboretum photo feature.   Then come back in the chilly winter evenings and see it in a completely new light!

*Click here to enter for your chance to win 4 free tickets from ChiIL Mama*. 

Giveaway open through midnight Dec 4th with our winner announced here and via e-mail.   Winner's choice of dates pending availability.

Illumination: Tree Lights At The Morton Arboretum

Illumination will engage your senses with dazzling projections, trees that respond to your touch and sound, and vivid, electric colors throughout. 

Plan Your Experience:

Illumination is an outdoor event on a one-mile, gently rolling, paved path that takes approximately one and one-half hours to complete. Please dress for the weather. Food and beverage concessions are available for purchase. 

Walking along the paved trail you can:

• Hug a tree to make it grow brighter
• Sing to a tree and watch it change color
• Interact with light and color with a swipe of your hand
• And many more surprising experiences around every turn! 

Also be sure to:

• Warm up next to fire pits while enjoying hot cocoa, s’mores, and other delights
• Visit the Enchanted Railroad and stop in to browse the holiday wares at The Arboretum Store
• Enjoy energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly LED lighting that provides beautiful, powerful color while consuming only half the power of traditional incandescent lights

SCHEDULE AND LOCATION:

November 22 to January 4, 2014*
4:30 with last entry at 8:30 p.m. 

*Event closed November 28, December 2, 9, 16, 24, 25.

Conifer Walk and Meadow Lake Trail

Building and grounds hours vary during Illumination. Please see admission & hours page for more information. 

FEES AND ADMISSION: 

Tickets: 
Member: $10 Adult/$5 Child (2-17)
General Admission $15 Adult/ $10 Child (2-17)
A $5 transaction fee will apply to all phone orders.
General Admission: Daytime Arboretum admission for the same day as your Illumination ticket is included with your ticket price.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION: 

BY PHONE: Call 630-725-2066, Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

IN PERSON: Stop by the Arboretum Visitor Center during open hours.

ONLINE: BUY TICKETS NOW

Advance ticket purchase encouraged.

PHOTO RECAP: The Morton Arboretum Blogger Brunch & “People’s Choice” Scarecrow Voting Begins #FallFun #EcoFriendly

Here at ChiIL Mama we're all about nature, camping and green living and I've made a point to raise kids who adore the outdoors.  We need to go where the trees are taller than the buildings to recharge.  Yet, that said, I'm afraid I'm guilty of urban dweller syndrome.   That's the problem where we forget to frequent awesome suburban resources, because they seem sooooo far away... but really they're not more drive time than getting across town.   

We'd been to Morton Arboretum several times during the past decade, as my kids have grown.   Yet somehow I forgot how much fun we had there.   And it's not so far from Chicago.  Thank YOU Morton Arboretum, for reminding me just how awesome you are.

It was our pleasure to spend yesterday with a small group of bloggers at the internationally renowned Morton Arboretum for brunch and a tram tour, on a gorgeous fall day.   We'll be covering a LOT more of their fam friendly fare and holiday fun going forward.   True, heading out there for 9am brunch in the heart of rush hour sucked, and took over an hour from the NW side of the city (Logan Square/Avondale), but coming back at 1pm was a 35 minute breeze.   It can seriously take me that long to go 5 miles in cross town traffic!   And the payoffs for the trek out to Lisle are beyond worth it!   I felt so relaxed and recharged after spending a morning in the woods.

Get away from the city crowds.   Mom and More's daughter was digging the space to run and galumph, with just a shadow for company!

It was a joy to catch up with lots of our blogger friends including Christine of Green Parent Chicago, where I also write guest posts.   Check out my Green Lollapalooza post here.   I also enjoyed some sweet photo ops, shooting the little lovelies from Houseful of Nicholes, Mom and More and French Foodie Mom.   

Ladybug from Houseful of Nicholes was enjoying her beeswax crayon set & butterfly coloring book at brunch.   It was her actual 5th birthday and she was pure joy in action all morning!

This little cutie from Mom and More devoured her fruit plate so she'd have energy for exploring the woods.

Chef Druck (French Foodie Mom) and her daughter, getting out of the kitchen and into the arboretum!

Ladybug styling with Black Walnut in hand and shape/color bracelet on the wrist.   Morton Arboretum tram rides give little kids the bracelets so they can play at finding things to match the colors and/or shapes along the ride!

Midwestern Fall 

I'm completely enthralled with the STRENGTH BENCH and hope I can find it again!   I want to do a photo shoot here with my 10 year old daughter, Supersonic Sage, the gymnast.   She's all about being mighty and strong.   Yet it's sometimes the quiet strength of yoga versus the intensity of conditioning that gives her the inner strength to be an excellent athlete and to be better than her temper and tween moodiness.  

 
She knows what it feels like to come home with trophies and a wall full of blue ribbons, and win first in state.   And she knows what it feels like to break an ankle and to fall off the beam at state last year, the one time it counted, after doing it flawlessly a zillion times.   She knows how it feels to try a hundred frustrating times and not nail a new skill.    It takes more true strength to fail gracefully!   Being among trees can teach patience and calm stillness, and there's something incredibly strong about this amazing space.

Spruce Plot:

This was one one of my favorite places for sure!

The Children's Garden is a delightfully magical place:

The Morton Arboretum is a hands on... shoes off kind of space to explore with all your senses.

Fall is one of the most gorgeous times at Morton Arboretum.   They have a multicultural woodland of trees literally from around the world, so they have a one of a kind explosion of color that can't be seen anywhere else in the region! The grounds were still lush, green and still blooming with a riot of fall flowers as of yesterday, but with the crisp, cool weather and shorter sunlit hours it's only a matter of time till the vibrant reds, yellows and oranges are everywhere.

We learned so much on the tour that I didn't know, and we'll be doing more arboretum features soon and ticket giveaways for our readers, too. 





Morton Arboretum is ideal for all ages and fitness levels.   The tram is a great way for the very young, old or differently ables to cover a lot of ground.   For fitness buffs and the active, there are loads of hiking and biking trails.   There's even an on site bike rental with traditional, tandem, and tow behind options!   Once there's at least 3" of snow, you can rent cross country skiis or snow shoes and explore.

For now, come check out the scout-crows, done by local boy and girl scout troops.

We are seeing the first signs of fall here at The Morton Arboretum as the leaves being to change - and as the scarecrows go up around Meadow Lake! We have a whopping 45 scarecrow entries this year, submitted by our area Boy and Girl Scouts - plus one scarecrow by the Arboretum's own Nature Artists Guild. 

CAST YOUR STRAW VOTE FOR BEST SCARECROW AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM

Local Girl and Boy Scout Troops to showcase 45 unique scarecrows at The Morton Arboretum

The Scarecrow Trail returns to the Morton Arboretum this year, featuring 45 hay-men and-women decorated by local Girl and Boy Scouts.

For one month only, the Scarecrow Trail features a variety of scarecrows made by scouts from troops in Addison, Arlington Heights, Aurora, Batavia, Bolingbrook, Darien, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Lemont, Lisle, Lockport/Homer Glen, Lombard, Naperville, Oak Park, Orland Park, Oswego, Plainfield, Prospect Heights, Roselle, Schaumburg, Westmont, Wheaton and Woodridge.

This year’s scarecrows come with some imaginative names, including Earth’s Minions Unite!, Nature Fairy, Nature Bob Solar Pants, Flower Queen, Minecraft Cub Scout, Corn-e with a Mustache, Lady Ga-Garbage, Caught in a Web of Brownies and Nature Fairy.

Visitors are invited to vote for the “People’s Choice” Scarecrow. Ballots are available at the start of the trail and can be returned to the Visitor Center. The winning scarecrow will be announced in early November.

The Scarecrow Trail is part of the Arboretum’s Fall Color Festival. Throughout the month of October, visitors can enjoy juicy brats, build-your-own taffy apples and other mouth-watering bites available for purchase in Arbor Court. Plus, sample complimentary wine tastings. The festival will be open weekends in October and Columbus Day, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Fall Color Festival kicks off with the 10th annual Fall Color 5K Run & Walk and Kid’s Dash on Sunday, October 6. The Scarecrow Trail is free with admission to the Arboretum.

For fall color updates, visit mortonarb.org or call the Bloom 'n Color Hotline at 630-719-7955.

About The Morton Arboretum

The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized outdoor tree museum on 1,700 acres. Plant collections, scientific research and education programs support the mission to plant and conserve trees and other plants for a greener, healthier and more beautiful world. Designed with natural landscapes, the grounds include the award-winning, four-acre interactive Children’s Garden, the one-acre Maze Garden, plus specialty gardens, 16 miles of trails and nine miles of roads. Visitor experiences include the open-air tram ride, guided walks, Arbor Day celebrations, concerts, art shows, Fall Color Festival, and special exhibits. The Arboretum welcomes more than 800,000 visitors annually and serves more than 35,600 members. Located 25 miles west of Chicago in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open daily 7 a.m. until sunset. Learn more at mortonarb.org.

ChiIL Tips:
Rent a backpack for family friendly fun!

Admission Rate 

Nonmember admission rates to The Morton Arboretum are $12 for adults ages 18-64 ($8 on Wednesday), $11 for seniors ages 65 and over ($7 on Wednesday), $9 for children ages 2-17 ($6 on Wednesday) and free for children under age 2. Parking is free with admission.

From the Children's Garden, maze and trails to the spacious gift shop, your visit to Morton Arboretum is sure to be a memorable one!

ChiIL Out With ChiIL Mama at The Morton Arboretum.   Highly Recommended!