The Morton Arboretum is debuting a new nature-themed mini golf course just in time for summer. Beginning Friday, May 24, families can tee off at Wonder Woods, a pop-up putt putt attraction featuring nine holes that are as educational as they are fun.
Quick details about Wonder Woods Mini Golf
- May 24- Sept. 2, 2024
- Address: The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL-53, Lisle
- Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. The last tee time is 5 p.m.
- Best for ages: 4-plus
- Cost: $8/adult member, $6/child memBer, $10/non-member adult, $8/non-member child. $2 for an additional round. Note: A mini golf ticket is required in addition to a general admission ticket.
Wonder Woods is a whimsical mini golf game decorated with giant mushrooms, acorns and more treetop elements. Each hole tells a different story about local trees and ecosystems.
“People enjoy connecting to trees and nature through the Arboretum’s outdoor exhibitions,” said Amy Scott, head of exhibitions, in a press release. “This imaginative mini golf course will be another fun way to develop an appreciation for trees, their benefits and their vital importance to a healthy environment.”
As players putt their way through a tree canopy, they’ll learn how sound waves can detect decay in trees. Other environmental lessons and themes incorporated into the new course include tree rings, fungi, climate change and biodiversity.
Wonder Woods is an exciting summertime addition to the Arboretum’s family programming, but it isn’t the only kid-friendly way to learn about local ecosystems. Check out these tips for planning your family’s next outdoor mini golf adventure, then discover even more educational nature activities for families at the Morton Arboretum.
Tips for visiting Wonder Woods at the Morton Arboretum
- Mini golf tickets must be purchased online for a specific time slot and in addition to general admission.
- Looking for family fun on a budget? Admission is discounted on every ticket on Wednesdays.
- Each mini golf party can have up to six players.
- Players must be at least 4 years old. Children younger than 4 can be on the course with their families, but cannot play.
- The course is wheelchair accessible.
- If you need snacks or a lunch break, bring a picnic or a brown bag lunch. A full menu and concessions — including vegan and gluten-free options, coffee and alcohol — are also available for purchase at the Ginkgo Restaurant and Cafe.
- Personal strollers are allowed, but there are no rental strollers available. Scooters are not permitted.
More things to do with kids at the Morton Arboretum
- Play, splash and explore at the four-acre Children’s Garden, an imaginative nature playground that includes climbing structures, secret streams, accessible paved paths and wooden bridges and much more for your little explorers to discover.
- Take on a challenge by visiting the Maze Garden, a living puzzle made of shrubs. There’s also a toddler maze that offers an age-appropriate challenge for little ones.
- Ride the Acorn Express Tram and tour the arboretum’s woodlands, wetlands and prairies on a one-hour guided tour. Great for little legs that aren’t up for walking the trails for too long! There is a $6-10 fee per person to join the tour.
- See Of the Earth, an outdoor art exhibition that features five sculptures made of found materials.
- Catch live music in the arboretum on select evenings during Arbor Evenings.
- Check the calendar for a variety of family and children’s programming, including gardening classes, family hikes, summer science programs and even seasonal baking classes.
Other things to do with kids near the Morton Arboretum
- Looking for more opportunities for outdoor play? The Sensory Garden Playground is thoughtfully designed for children of all abilities. Follow walking paths, explore the fully-accessible treehouse, play at the horse-themed playground and discover sculptures, music and more.
- Splash around at the Sea Lion Aquatic Park, a water park with a Tot Pool, water slides, sand play area, zero-depth pool and more.
- Order food from a local eatery and enjoy it at Bubblehouse Brewing Company, a kid- and dog-friendly taproom that has board games to keep the little ones entertained while you enjoy a drink.
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