Morris Arboretum

Just in case you are thinking by now that I have the perfect kids who always cooperate and enjoy learning, let me put your mind at ease…I do not.  This trip almost turned me into “Day Tripper Lady,” gonna leave those kids at home next time.  I took advantage of a day off of school to visit, but I think my children had visions of playing at home with friends, so that was part of the problem. Just a lot of arguing, complaining, and picking at each other, enough that we made the decision not to eat dinner out on the way home and they got vegetables and plain rice for dinner.  Hey, saved us money!

This beautiful and innovative oasis of green is located in Northwest Philadelphia in Chestnut Hill (one of my most favorite small towns to visit…quaint, historic, and upscale…be sure to at least drive through it!) I discovered it during our Germantown trip and knew we had to come back to spend a day here.  Just an hour and twenty minutes away from us and off the turnpike, getting there was easy…well the driving part, not the whiny kids part.  Morris Arboretum is the official arboretum of Pennsylvania and contains some of the oldest trees in the state.  In the late 1800’s, the property was owned by a wealthy brother and sister who developed their estate grounds into beautiful gardens.  In 1932, the University of Pennsylvania took over the property and it became an arboretum.  Technically an arboretum is a preserve for trees, but this delightful place contains so much more than its name suggests.

Situated in 175 acres of lush green, there are walking paths woven throughout the property you can stroll.  I would liken it to Longwood Gardens although there is not as much an emphasis on perfectly manicured gardens and landscaping, however maybe more unique displays and activities perfect for children.  I enjoyed that along with the natural botanical elements, there were man-made elements that added surprise and whimsical beauty.  Many sculptures dotted the landscape, along with yarn art covering trees and bridges.  The large garden railway was a real hit with the kids.  Props were made with natural materials and buildings were designed to mimic real landmarks from around the Delaware Valley.  I enjoyed finding places I have visited such as Independence Hall, Cliveden, and the Betsy Ross House.  Lilah squealed with delight when Thomas the Tank Engine chugged by. I noticed many moms with toddlers congregating around the railway, and we definitely spent a good amount of time there.

The other highlight was the “Out on a Limb” Tree Maze.  Unlike anything else I’ve ever seen, it is a boardwalk woven up high in the tree tops.  There is a large bird’s nest for the kid’s to sit in, and their favorite was the roping suspended 50 feet above ground they could climb on and lay in for a bird’s eye view of the tree canopy.  It makes for a cool picture! Even little Lilah could crawl on it, and it made for a relaxing break in our walk.

We only covered about two-thirds of the property and we stayed for about four hours, so it is definitely a full-day trip. A visitor center has a small gift shop and there is a café attached with covered outdoor seating.  We packed a lunch and ate at the picnic tables to save money. I imagine fall would be a beautiful time to visit, maybe late October on a nice day.  The autumn leaves would be spectacular!! There is a special scarecrow display from October 1-23 which looks fun.

When it was all said and done, the children were glad they went and they agreed they would like to go back sometime….maybe….if we bring some earplugs for the car ride.

Admission:  $17.00-adults, $9.00-children 3 and over. (Interesting money saving idea…if you walk or bike in, admission is only $9-adults and $5-children.  Admission is paid from your car as you enter the parking lot.  There would be free places to park in the town, but it would probably be at least a half mile walk, then you spend your time walking in the arboretum, so I didn’t think it would be a good idea for us.)

Hours:  10am-4pm daily (weekends April-October open until 5pm)

Morris Arboretum

100 E. Northwestern Ave.

Philadelphia, PA 19118

(215) 247-5777

Visit http://www.business-services.upenn.edu/arboretum/index.shtml for more information!