The garden is built around the philosophy of 'nature-play,' encouraging unstructured interaction with earth, water, and plants.
The landscape design specifically uses native plant species to mirror the surrounding prairie and woodland biomes.
The suspension bridge allows visitors to walk at a canopy level, providing a unique vantage point of the arboretum's tree collection.
The garden is subdivided into distinct 'rooms' or areas, each focusing on a different element of nature, such as soil or hydrology.
The Children's Garden is an interactive outdoor educational space located within The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois. The site spans four acres and is designed to immerse children in nature through sensory exploration. Key physical features include a hedge maze, a canopy-level suspension bridge, and various climbing structures. The area incorporates native Midwestern landscaping to demonstrate local ecosystems to younger visitors. Water play areas and digging zones are integrated into the garden layout to encourage tactile learning. The facility is situated as part of the broader 1,700-acre arboretum grounds.
The elevated suspension bridge offers a panoramic view looking back over the hedge maze and garden greenery.
Bring a change of clothes and water shoes, as children frequently engage in splash-based water play.
Check the Morton Arboretum’s official website for seasonal events, as the garden hosts themed educational programming throughout the year.
Sunscreen and hats are recommended, as the garden features significant open areas with limited artificial shade.
Do not assume the garden is a standard playground; it is an educational space where climbing on specific structures is encouraged while others are protected for conservation.
Open seasonally; some water features and specific interactive areas may be disabled or closed during late autumn and winter months.
Footwear is required at all times; do not pick plants or flowers.
