The village of Morton is located in the middle of America’s heartland. Established in the 1800’s, Morton built its early reputation on bricks and drainage tiles. Today, they are better known as the “Pumpkin Capital of the World”. In the 1920’s, a canning plant was built, now owned by the Nestle corporation and most of the rich farmland around Morton is dedicated to growing pumpkins for the cannery. Much of the canned pumpkin consumed around the world comes from the village of Morton.
The growing community hosts an annual pumpkin festival, which brings in visitors from all over the state. If you are planning a trip here with the entire family, find out more about the best family-friendly things to do in Morton, Illinois.
1. The Cookery Inc.
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Cookery is your partner in learning new recipes and cooking techniques with its culinary workshops and services. As best connections are shared over food, the family can immerse in a workshop to introduce the kids to an educational cooking experience and for parents to further hone their skills in the kitchen. The Cookery offers private cooking workshops and hands-on kids classes where the power of cooking is taught in a multitude of fun and creative ways. Private classes are completely customized to each group and preference.
It strongly advocates eating well through making and cooking your own food and ensures that this value is emphasized in its classes. In addition to culinary workshops, The Cookery also provides catering services with a unique menu that fits your needs.
The Cookery Inc.
Address: 2029 S Main St., Morton, IL 61550
Website: The Cookery Inc.
2. Birchwood Park
Posted by Cindy Sherman on Thursday, 11 May 2017
Morton prides itself on its growing network of parks. At the top of the list is Birchwood Park. This recreational facility has everything you need for a fun filled day with the family. Here you will find four softball fields, so bring some gloves and a ball. The little ones will love climbing on the playground equipment.
Bring a picnic lunch or you can grab a bite to eat at the snack stand, located in the park.The park also features a stocked pond for fishing or you can just enjoy feeding the many ducks and geese. You will also find shaded areas for relaxing while the kids play.
Birchwood Park
Address: 355 W. Birchwood, Morton, IL 61550
Phone Number: +1 (309) 263-7429
Website: Birchwood Park
3. Morton Aquatic Center
Kids enjoying their summer break! This is my reason for everything ♥️?
Posted by Destiny Murrell on Tuesday, 11 June 2019
If you are visiting during the summer months, be sure to plan a trip to the Morton Aquatic Center. The public pool is open from May until the end of August. Morton’s public pool has waterslides, a high and low diving board and the deep end is marked with buoys, to help keep little swimmers from getting hurt.
You are not allowed to bring in your own food or coolers, but there is a concession stand by the restrooms. Swimming lessons are available on weekday mornings and Friday afternoons the pool hosts an adult aquacise class.
Morton Aquatic Center
Address: 451 E Idlewood St, Morton, IL 61550
Phone Number: +1 (309) 266-7631
Hours of Operation: Daily 1:00 - 7:00 PM
Ticket Prices: 5 USD, under 2 & over 65 are free
Website: Morton Aquatic Center
4. Safari Bowling Alley
Posted by Safari Bowl on Friday, 13 February 2015
What could be more fun than knocking down some pins while throwing back some brews? If you agree, check out Safari Bowling Alley and include it on your list of Morton activities. Open bowling is available every day, but they do host leagues twice a year. Besides the bowling, many of the locals come here for the craft beers and food. If you hit the snack bar, be sure to try their famous spicy cheese balls.
Rumor has it that this bowling alley is haunted. Some folks have reported hearing pins being thrown in the back when no one was there. Another story is told of a young girl who haunts the bathroom. So come to bowl or come to ghost hunt, you decide.
Safari Bowling Alley
Address: 628 W David St, Morton, IL 61550
Phone Number: +1 (309) 266-7010
Hours of Operation: Tuesday 5:00 - 8:00 PM, Friday 5:00 PM - 1:00 AM, Saturday 12:00 PM - 1:00 AM, Sunday 2:00 - 8:00 Pm
Facebook: Safari Bowling Alley
5. Morton Cinema
Posted by Morton Cinema on Thursday, 18 May 2017
The Morton Cinema is located in the Field Shopping Center and features six giant screens, packed with action, romance, sci-fi, or just good clean fun for the kids. Matinees are shown every morning for just 3.99 USD and you get a free small popcorn.
When the temperatures start to climb, along with the humidity, you could find yourself searching for “cooling activities near me”. Well, an air conditioned movie theater is just the ticket. With six screens, all showing a different movie, you are sure to find one that everyone will be entertained by. Check the website for current movies and show times.
Morton Cinema
Address: 2115 S Main St, Morton, IL 61550
Phone Number: +1 (309) 263-7909
Hours of Operation: Doors open 9:30 AM
Ticket Prices: Sunday - Thursday before 6:00 PM: 4.50 USD, after 6:00 PM: 5.50 USD, Friday & Saturday before 6:00 PM: 5.50 USD, after 6:00 PM: 6.50
Website: Morton Cinema
6. Morton Roller Rink
The Morton Roller Rink opened 55 years ago as an outdoor skating rink. The local roller rink used to be a great place for kids to spend a weekend afternoon. Sadly, most skating rinks have closed their doors, except in Morton! After 55 years, the roller rink still supports Morton, Illinois’ tourism and is a great place to spend a fun evening with your family. They host family-friendly events throughout the year, so be sure to check their website. Since they pride themselves on being family-friendly, you never have to worry about the type of music being played. Benches are located around the rink for non-skating parents. The cost to rent skates is only 3.00 USD and the rink is available for birthday parties.
Morton Roller Rink
Address: 216 S First Ave, Morton, IL 61550
Phone Number: +1 (309) 266-5261
Hours of Operation: Friday - Sunday 7:00 - 9:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday afternoons 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Admission: 5.00 USD
Website: Morton Roller Rink
7. Northwood Park
Sherry Jester saw this little guy earlier this week as I was playing disc golf in Morton Illinois.
Posted by Karl Simmons on Friday, 9 May 2014
Up for a challenging round of disc golf? Grab your Frisbee’s and a picnic lunch and head over to Northwood Park. The large, wooded park has a nationally rated disc golf course, for a guaranteed good time in the summer. In the winter, be delighted by two hills, excellent for sledding.
You can appreciate the beautiful nature trails and playground, any time of the year. You will also find a covered picnic area, with charcoal grills and plenty of seating. Be sure to keep your eyes open, you never know when you will spot one of the many bird species who call the park home.
Northwood Park
Address: 22216 N Main St, Morton, IL 61550
Phone Number: +1 (309) 263-7429
Website: Northwood Park
8. Morton Community Bikeway
Bicycle enthusiasts will love the Morton Community Bikeway. The paved trail runs for 2.5 miles (4km), starting downtown. At the head of the trail, you will find parking spaces, a covered shelter, and a water fountain, so be sure to fill up before heading out. The scenic bike trail connects with the Fon-Du-Lac River Trail, providing you with beautiful views of the river. It is pet-friendly, but be sure to sure to use the designated potty stops, marked along the trail.
Morton Community Bikeway
Address: Corner of Jefferson Street, Downtown Morton, IL, 61550
Website: Morton Community Bikeway
Old fashioned family fun
Morton, IL, prides itself on its pumpkins and family values. This growing community doesn’t have a lot of fancy theme parks or outrageous attractions. What it does have are some good, old fashioned, family fun activities. So put down the cell phones and the iPods and spend some quality time with the whole family. Whether you choose an indoor movie or outdoor park, you are guaranteed to have a good time.
Frequently asked questions about the family-friendly things to do in Morton, Illinois
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