Morton Arboretum
The following events and programs are offered at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Activities are free with admission, unless noted. Admission is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors 65 and older, $9 for ages 2 to 17, free for younger children. On Wednesdays, admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $6 for ages 2 to 17. Members are always free. Info: (630) 968-0074 or mortonarb.org.
Theatre hike:“James the Giant Peach” is brought to life by Theatre-Hikes at 1 p.m. weekends in August. Each performances lasts about 2½ hours. Cost: $12 arboretum adult members, $19 nonmembers; $8 child member, $13 nonmember. Info: mortonarb.org or (630) 725-2066.
Summer bird walks: Learn about summer resident birds with an expert guide from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, Aug. 17. Cost: $8 members, $10 nonmembers plus admission for each walk. Register: mortonarb.org/education or (630) 719-2468.
Clearance sale: Find bargains on home decor, apparel, jewelry, gardening items, books and more from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Aug. 18 at The Arboretum Store.
Woods & wine: Enjoy drinks, a cheese buffet and a menu offering an assortment of tapa plates to purchase wile listening to the music of Midnight Band from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 21 in Arbor Court. For adults 21 and over. Bring own lawn chair. Cost: $10 member, $15 nonmember; arboretum admission fee waived at 4:30 p.m. Ticket includes one drink, cheese buffet and live music. No reservations required.
Monarch madness: Explore the world of monarch butterflies with a up-close look at tiny butterfly eggs, learning how scientists tag butterflies for research and taking home milkweed seeds to start your own butterfly feeding ground from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 24 in the Children’s Garden.
Underpainting in pastel: Learn underpainting techniques to bring more color, vibrancy and interest to a pastel painting from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 24. Cost: $55 members, $65 nonmembers. Register: mortonarb./education or 630) 719-2468.
Fall birds: Learn about migrating fall birds and newly arrived winter residents from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays, Aug. 25 to Sept. 29. Cost: $178 members, $209 nonmembers. Register: mortonarb.org/education or (630) 719-2468.
Butterflies: Learn fascinating facts about butterflies and create a butterfly disguise to take home from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily in August in the Children’s Garden.
Dragonflies: Did you know that dragonflies can live under water for years before we see them fly? Learn about the life cycle of a dragonfly and make a winged craft to take home from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily in August in the Children’s Garden.
Big Bugs: David Rogers’ Big Bugs exhibit runs through Sept. 8. On display are an oversized beehive, lady bug, assassin bug, damsel fly, spider, daddy long legs, praying mantis, dragonfly, grasshopper and three ants. Children receive a free bug detective guide.
Potable plants: Take an open-air tram ride and find out what woody plants give us beverages, then end the evening with a thematic cocktail or iced tea from 5:30 to 7 p.n, Sept. 20. Cost: $19 members, $22 nonmembers. Register: mortonarb.org/education or (630) 719-2468.
Story time: Gather for story time at 11 a.m. Fridays through Oct. 25 in the Children’s Garden amphitheater.
Acorn Express: Climb on the Acorn Express, the arboretum’s open-air tram, to seek out fun destinations and to make a craft from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays, through October. Cost: $4 member, $5 plus admission for others.
Family backpack: Go on an educational adventure by grabbing a backpack filled with science tools, guides and props from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through October in the Children’s Garden. Cost: $4 members, $5 nonmembers per backpack.
50 treasures: The Sterling Morton Library celebrates its golden anniversary with a “Tales and Treasures” exhibit showcasing 50 rare items from its collections through Dec. 28.