presented by Busey Bank

Registration opens at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12. Individual weeks of Camp can fill quickly. Registration links will be available here.

Allerton Summer Day Camps get your child outside all day to discover art, nature, and science through hands-on exploration. Campers are split into two age groups: 5- to 7-year-olds (Acorns) and 8- to 11-year-olds (Adventurers), and will spend their time doing whole-group and small-group, structured and camper-led exploration activities in the great outdoors.

Camp will provide your child with opportunities to learn new skills, exercise responsibility, and understand their place in the natural world — in addition to playing games, making new friends, and having a whole lot of fun!

(Adventurers also have the opportunity to go to the Monticello Family Aquatic Center twice a week. Read more in the FAQ section below.)

Each week of camp features a different theme and requires registration for each week.  View each week’s description here.

Registration Options

Register online (RECOMMENDED): Links to each week of camp will be available on the “Youth” section of our event calendar on March 12 at 9 a.m. You will be able to fill out the registration form and pay for as many weeks as you need online.  (If a week of camp is sold out, you will automatically be asked if you would like to be put on the wait list.)  If you need assistance, please contact Sarah at sputman2@illinois.edu.

Register in person: Complete this form and bring it to the Gift Shop of the McCraw Family Visitor Center (Wednesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Be sure to check camp availability before submitting registration in person. Check individual camp availability on the “Youth” section of our event calendar.

If your camper will need disability-related accommodations to participate, please contact Sarah at sputman2@illinois.edu.

Frequently-Asked Questions

Adventurers-Only Information (8-11-year-olds)

Our youth programs strive to connect children with the beauty and art of nature, beginning a lifelong relationship and fostering appreciation for our natural world. Allerton offers a variety of outdoor experiences and educational opportunities, whether it’s running among the Fu Dogs, reflecting with a nature journal, or just throwing sticks in the Sangamon River.

Summer Day Camps

Allerton Summer Day Camps get your child outside all day to discover art, nature, and science through hands-on exploration. Campers, split into two age groups: 5 to 7-year-olds (Acorns) and 8 to 11-year-olds (Adventurers), will spend their time doing whole-group and small-group, structured and camper-led exploration activities in the great outdoors. 

Camp will provide your child with opportunities to learn new skills, exercise responsibility, and understand their place in the natural world — in addition to playing games, making new friends, and having a whole lot of fun!  

Registration for 2026 Day Camp will open on Wednesday, March 12th!

Annual Family Campout and Exploration

Typically held the last weekend in September, this hassle-free camping experience provides families with the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and learn about nature. Hike with biologists, see wildlife up-close, relax by the campfire, and sleep under the stars (or in your tent)!

Field Trips

With nature, art, and history converging in one exceptional place, teachers have the opportunity to conduct hands-on lessons of multiple subjects. School groups are welcome to visit year-round for self-guided outings. Bring your classroom or camp to Allerton to experience and explore everything it has to offer! Download the Garden Tour and Mansion Tour outlines to use as your group explores the grounds. If you are arriving by bus, please park in the Main Parking Lot, which has easy access to picnic tables, restrooms, and water fountains.

For more information, contact Olivia at owarren@illinois.edu or call 217-333-3287.

Allerton is a magical place to visit year-round, but when the weather is less than perfect – you might need a little encouragement to venture outside. Thousands of visitors have found that our annual winter events and adult summer camp are the perfect motivation!

Winter Events

Take some time to enjoy special moments and warm memories with our annual visitor-favorite winter events:

Held the first weekend in December, the Holiday Showcase features specially-selected artisans and businesses selling their products, a lunch buffet, carriage rides, and festive performances.

Holiday GLOW begins in December and runs through the end of the year, giving visitors the chance to experience Allerton’s statuary and gardens through an enchanting stroll of lights and lighted artwork.

Both little ones and adults enjoy finding the magic of Christmas with an afternoon of Sweets with Santa in the historic Mansion.

The Winter Solstice Bonfire brings out thousands of people to enjoy the “shortest day of the year” with a stroll through GLOW, food trucks, and the lighting of the bonfire.

Camp Lost Garden

Whether you’re looking for a getaway with friends or loved ones, a solo adventure, or even a secluded spot for team-building — Camp Lost Garden is your answer. Illinois’ premier adult summer camp features all your favorite classic camp activities – arts, crafts, games, campfires, hikes, and more. It’s all included in your registration fee, as well as all meals and unlimited beer, wine and soda.

Campers can commute, stay in the Mansion or guesthouses for a discounted rate, or tent camp.

Camp is typically held the third weekend in June.

presented by Cim-Tek Filtration

Since our Concert Series began in 2013, it has grown in many ways—from establishing a more professional feel and consistent schedule, to increasing attendance and sponsor support. But the overall goal of bringing generations together to enjoy live music in nature remains the same.

Thanks to our sponsors, attendees, musicians, and volunteers for making the Concert Series a success, year after year.

Herbold Family Trust

Kelly’s Accounting Service

Concert Series FAQ