Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Philadelphia, PA

I generally enjoy arboretums, being kind of a plant nerd (but not a gardener; odd, isn't it?). I love seeing plants in all stages of their lives, memorizing their Latin names, and I completely enjoy walking long beautiful cultivated paths and pretending it is my private garden. Oh, and I like taking my kid with me.

Morris Arboretum is one of those beautiful spots in Philadelphia. Located in the Chestnut Hill area (but only just barely--it borders Plymouth-Whitemarsh township), this spot is filled with the best of any arboretum--both beautiful cultivated gardens and wild corners that are filled with local wild plants and wild life.

Morris offers a multitude of classes and programs for families, if you prefer a structured activity instead of just random wanderings like me. They offer events right through the winter too--Morris is not one of those spots that go dormant in the winter. This fall you'll find a Scarecrow Walk, a Bug Olympics, Build a Birdfeeder, and a Holiday event among others.

But one of the best features for kids at Morris is the Garden Railway, open from May to October 13. This beautiful miniature railway featuring model trains runs through a quarter mile track in the summer gardens. Best of all, this year it featured the "Architectural Wonders of the World," including the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, and the Eiffel Tower. Kids love running along the train and checking out these mini-wonders.

Best of all, Morris features a lovely cafe with perfect offerings for kids, including the toddler favorites of PBJ and grilled cheese (not, you know, together. Ew). The caf is reasonably priced as well. If the cafe isn't your cup of tea, nearby Chestnut Hill is a shopping and dining Mecca, so you won't go hungry.

Morris does have an admission fee--$10 for adults, $5 for kids over three (two and under are free), but they offer very reasonable family membership of $75 a year (and it includes two free passes for guests).