Local Activities

Bring the whole family to discover how to love and care for trees at the Morton Arboretum! With 16 miles of hiking trails and nine miles of driving and biking roads, there's something for everyone. Kids can learn about the diverse collection of trees from around the world while enjoying the beautiful natural landscapes. And you can be sure to find plenty of educational activities to keep them entertained. Open 365 days a year from 7 a.m. to sunset, the Arboretum is the perfect place to spend a day or more outdoors. The Arboretum is also committed to protecting and preserving our environment. They conduct leading scientific research on tree health and improvement and collaborate with organizations throughout the region and around the world to ensure trees thrive. By visiting the Arboretum, you can be part of a greater effort to plant and conserve trees for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Make sure to check out the Arboretum’s website for more information about their mission and upcoming events.

At ClaySpace NFP, our goal is to be a home for a growing clay arts community. We offer a wide variety of ceramics classes, from introductory to advanced levels, and host workshops by nationally and internationally recognized visiting artists. Our diverse group of instructors brings a vast array of knowledge and experience to the studio. We strive to provide an opportunity for everyone to explore and expand their personal artistic growth. ClaySpace NFP is committed to serving the needs of our members and the community. We are dedicated to providing a safe, creative, and supportive learning space for ceramics students of all experience levels. Our mission is to nurture creativity, foster community, and provide access to the ceramic arts. We strive to make our studio a welcoming space for both experienced and beginning ceramicists, and to foster an appreciation for the medium of clay.

The Morton Arboretum is a public garden and outdoor museum with a wealth of experiences for the whole family. Situated on 1,700 acres of land, there are over 200,000 cataloged plants, from 4,100 different species. Families can explore the trails, drive or bike around the grounds, and take a break in the 4-acre interactive children's garden or the 1-acre maze. The Arboretum is also a place of education, with courses in ecological restoration techniques as well as credit courses through the Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area. Schulenberg Prairie, a Midwest pioneer in prairie restoration, is one of the largest restored prairies in the Chicago suburban area.