A summer full of programs, events

Public gardens in the area have a jam-packed spring and summer list of events.

Here are some examples.

Morton Arboretum in Lisle

• Children and adults can interact with 11 oversized animal homes nestled throughout the arboretum's woodlands, wetlands and prairie during "Animal Houses," an outdoor exhibit May 22 through Nov. 15. Kids can climb up, into and through the Squirrel Drey, pretend to go underwater in the Pollywog Pond, and they won't have to hold their noses in the Skunk Den.

• Legendary Motown recording star Smoky Robinson headlines a concert weekend. Here's the schedule: Keb' Mo', blues musician, 6 p.m., July 24; Smoky Robinson, 6 p.m. July 25; Ralph's World family concert, July 26.

• If you enjoy the arboretum's theater-hikes, this one is informational and suitable for families. "Mountain Days - The John Muir Musical" tells how the founder of the national parks system tried to balance his love of family with his compulsion for the outdoors and the politics of preservation. Tickets are $10-$25 for 3 p.m. on weekends in June.

• Only adults should attend the theater-bike, however, because the play is David Mamet's "The Duck Variations." Bring your own bike. Tickets are $17-42 for 5-7:30 p.m. June 6, (low impact), June 7, July 5, Aug. 2, and Sept. 6.

• Spencer Barrett of the University of Toronto will talk at 7 p.m. June 2 about how Charles Darwin's studies in his own garden shape the discussion of plant evolution and adaptation today.

• Hikes for all ages explore the natural habitats surrounding the Children's Garden. Songs and games accompany the 45-minute drop-in walks at 1 p.m. June 4 and 18, July 2 and 16, and Aug. 6 and 20. Admission is $11 for adults ($7 on Wednesday), $10 for seniors, ($6 on Wednesday), $8 for children aged 2-17. Parking is free, and some events require additional tickets.

Visit mortonarb.org or call (630) 968-0074.

Cantigny in Wheaton

• Cantigny's 18,000-square-foot greenhouse will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., today, May 3. Self-guided tours, expert gardening advice, demonstrations, workshops, kids' activities, plants for sale and free refreshments are featured. Free with regular $5 parking fee.

• A Vintage Baseball Tournament starts at 9 a.m. June 13. Four teams will compete in a tournament as it was played in Civil War times. Special guest President Abraham Lincoln will throw out the first pitch. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Free with regular parking fee.

• Fine Arts Festival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21, will see 150 artists displaying and selling their art work. Free with $5 regular parking fee.

• "Bee Movie" will be shown at dusk on Thursday, June 25. "Over the Hedge" shows July 30. Grab a picnic basket and a blanket for these family events that are free with regular parking fee.

• Wheaton Symphony Orchestra presents "The 60s Show" at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 11, in a Ravinia-style concert. On July 25 the DuPage Symphony Orchestra performs "A Tchaikovsky Spectacular." The West Suburban Symphony Orchestra presents "Vive la France" on Aug. 15. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 day of show. For more information call (630) 260-8162.

•Free outdoor concerts at 3 p.m. every Sunday.

• Kids concerts or story telling: Neil Whitham at 11 a.m. June 14; Dave Rudolf's Beach Party at 2 p.m. June 27; Jim Gill at 2 p.m. July 11; Macaroni Soup! at 11 a.m. July 26; and Chris Fascione at 11 a.m. Aug. 9.

Parking is $5 regular or $2 off-peak (before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.). More information at Cantigny.org or call (630) 260-8162.

Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe

• Almost every evening early June through early September, except for Sundays, there's an event - often musical - going on to take advantage of the longer daylight.

• The garden is home to the American Flower Show Series, including celebrations of rhododendron, bonsai, roses, bromeliads and orchids. Visit Chicagobotanic.org/flowershows.

• Learn about children's celebrations in Japan during the Malott Japanese Garden Children's Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17. In addition, on the first and first and third Sundays, June 7 through Oct. 4 (except Aug. 16), there are more family activities at Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/forfamilies.

• On Saturday, May 23, celebrate the release of the book, "Edible Wild Mushrooms of Illinois and Surrounding States," with co-authors Gregory M. Mueller and Joe McFarland. The $37 fee includes a book. Preregistration is required. Call (847) 835-8261, or visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school.

• The garden hosts a wine festival on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, featuring more than 40 exhibitors. Tickets are $25 in advance; $30 at the door. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/winefestival.

• A kite festival on Saturday, Aug. 8, and Sunday, Aug. 9, includes stunt kite-flying performances set to music.

• All About Peppers Weekend teaches about growing and using peppers of all kinds­ Saturday, Aug. 22, and Sunday, Aug. 23. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/chef/pepper.

Parking is $20 per car; free for garden members. For information, call (847) 835-5440.