We are looking forward to your visit to The Morton Arboretum. The Arboretum offers a 1,700 acre classroom for your students to explore. Included below are resources to help you plan your trip for your students. We offer both guided and self guide field trip programs in the fall, spring and summer. Registration for fall opens the first week in August and the fall season runs from September-mid-November. Registration for spring programs opens the first week in January and runs from April-the first week in June. Limited guided programs are available in the summer (June-August).
Guided School Field Trip Programs
In order to help you and your students prepare for your trip- Please view our video:
Policies and Procedures:
Review the Guided Field Trip Program Letter, for details on how to prepare for your trip 3 weeks, 2 weeks and 1 week prior to your scheduled field trip date. Based on what type of trip you have registered your group for, choose the correct corresponding Letter:
My group is registered for a GUIDED program only: 
GUIDED-School Programs Info Letter.2016-12.13.16.pdf
My group is registered for a GUIDED and SELF-GUIDED program: GUIDED-SELF GUIDED- School Field Trip Information Letter-12.13.16.pdf
Chaperone Information to share:
Additionally, we encourage you to utilize our chaperone information letter. This letter will help prepare your chaperones/parents/additional teachers and aids for your upcoming field trip. For you convenience, this letter is also available in Spanish:
Chaperone Information Letter.Spanish
Onsite Map
Guided programs meet at Parking Lot 21 on the west side. You will want to share this information with your bus driver, and let them know they are expected to stay onsite during your visit:
West Side Map TO P21_P29 (1).pdf
Organize your group with our Field trip planning template:
Organizing your groups? Use our Guided Field Trip Template Organizer to help you organize your student groups.
Guided Program Template for creating student groups: 
Field Trip Group Planning Template (1).docx
Prepare your Students for the Field Trip:
For program vocabulary and additional activities visit: http://www.mortonarb.org/learn-experience/school-groups (and review your grade level and the section with your scheduled program)
Get to know the Arboretum, before your visit. View our online exhibits through Google Cultural Institute: https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/beta/partner/the-morton-arboretum
Self-Guided School Field Trip Programs
Policies and Procedures:
Review the SELF GUIDED Trip Program Letter, for details on how to prepare for your trip 3 weeks, 2 weeks and 1 week prior to your scheduled field trip date.
SELF GUIDED-School Field Trip Information Letter-12.13.16.pdf
Children's Garden Information for Self Guided Groups:
We look forward to welcoming your group to the Children's Garden, where kids can explore, learn, and play among trees and the natural world!
The Children's Garden was founded on the premise that children are naturally curious, eager to explore, and learn best through hands-on engagement with the world of nature in a safe and welcoming space.
Please be aware of the following logistical information for a visit to the Children's Garden and refer to the SELF GUIDED Trip Program Letter above for the full details:
- Groups coming to the Children's Garden should park in Parking Lot 1 (P1).
- The Children's Garden opens at 9:30am daily.
- Each group of 1-20 students must have 3 chaperones.
- There is no reserved space for lunch. All picnic tables and the picnic lawn are available on a first come, first served basis.
- The Children’s Garden will close in the event of severe weather.