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

Top Five Philadelphia Gardens

by Cecily Kellogg

March 17, 2009

Spring is coming (I swear, it really is!) and Philadelphia is full of some of the most amazing gardens in the world. Below you'll find my favorite five flower spots here in the Philadelphia area; please feel free to add your ideas as well in the comment section!

1. Longwood Gardens. You cannot beat Longwood Gardens. Between the amazing indoor flowers, the fantastic childrens garden (including a great bunch of water features, so bring an extra shirt), the music performances (with dancing fountains, natch) and the endless, endless flowers, you will have a great time at Longwood. One caveat: the admission is pricey, so if you plan to visit often, get a membership. Open 9-5 until March 31, then 9-6, and by May there are extended evening hours. There is a cafe on site (under construction until March 27). Admission: $16 for adults, free for children under four, $6 for children five and up.

2. Bartram's Garden. This lovely spot, hidden away in a neighborhood in Southwest Philadelphia, next to the Schuykill River, is beautiful in spring. Not only does it offer a wide variety of plants and trees, but it is small enough for the smallest explorers to see every beautiful blossom. Best of all, the grounds themselves are free. Pack a lunch, and have a lovely time exploring this hidden treasure!

3. Camden's Children's Garden. A perfect spot to visit when you feel like riding the ferry from Philadelphia but don't want to go to the Aquarium! This lovely children's garden offers nearly five acres of interactive exhibits including a great train and a year-round butterfly garden. Open Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10am-5pm. Admission is $6 for adults, and $4 for children over three.

4. Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve. Oh, how I love this place. Admittedly, I am a wildflower nerd (identifying wild plants and flowers is my hobby), so it's not a shock. But this is a great spot to hit on your way up to visit New Hope; the kids can run themselves out enjoying the amazing flowers and you can then shop and eat in peace in New Hope itself. Heh. Best of all, admission is free.

5.  Chanticleer. This remarkable 35 acre garden in Wayne is just a beautiful spot. Open from April to October, you will find so much to admire and enjoy in this historical garden! With plenty of nearby restaurants, you will find this an excellent spot to visit with your little ones. Admission is $6 for those 16 and up, and free to anyone under 16. Enjoy!

Morris Arboretum

by Cecily Kellogg

September 15, 2008

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  Read more...

Enjoying the Green Thumbs of Others

by Cecily Kellogg

September 15, 2008

I don't have a green thumb. In fact, I would describe my thumbs as black. I cannot keep plants alive to save my life. Every single year I buy beautiful hanging baskets of flowers for my porch, and WITHOUT FAIL a month later they have no blossoms and are half dead. I have no idea what I do, but it's clear that plants HATE me. Luckily, Philadelphia has lots of other folks with green thumbs. In  Read more...