Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania — Attraction in Philadelphia

A lovely spot to spend a late morning or afternoon. Whether you visit for a boujie version of forest bathing or to let your toddler run off her excess energy, you’ll be delighted by how well maintained the grounds are, how easy it is to get around on the paved path with a stroller (or in your nicest boujie shoes), and how clean and accessible the restrooms are. And if you were hoping for a little more adventure than that, there are so many secrets of the garden to discover. My daughter and I are always discovering little treasures—secret paths amongst the Japanese maples, giant azaleas, a balustrade we fondly call “Elsa’s Castle,” a friendly pair of swans who always swim over to greet us, even little trails that go down to the banks of the Wissahickon. It can be a quick trip for some fresh air, or complete immersion into another world. We love it so much we purchased a membership and spend hours each week enjoying this idyllic urban garden.

Our recommended path for those with littles: start at the Canopy Walk, then down to the Rose Garden, over to the Fernery (can you find the tiny dino hidden here?), down the hill to the Fairy Woods to build your own fairy house (can you find the giant frog hidden here?), over to the giant willow maze for a quick game of Hide & Seek [edit: Willow Maze was removed in early 2023], then over to the log cabin (build your own log cabin with the Lincoln Logs hidden here!). After this, if you’re not too tired already, hit up the train when it’s running, then walk up the hill to the Orange Balustrade and the parking lot (maybe you will spot the resident groundhogs as you cut through on the forest path here). At this point, you’ve only seen half the place, so you’ll leave feeling eager to come back for more some...

I love coming to Morris Arboretum. I have made many childhood memories here and I still come here from time to time to see the garden railway. Since I was a kid, the rose garden has been remodeled, and the seasonal set of restrooms near the sculpture garden has been remodeled. but most of the Arboretum remains untouched. The log cabin still has a working water pump to cool your hands on a hot day, the fernery is still insanely hot, and the sculpture garden still has the bullfrog sculpture that my Aunt kissed. More on that later. The highlight of the garden railway is not the trains themselves or even the breathtaking scenery, it's the train operator, Josh. He knows just as much as I do about trains and very warm and welcoming, as all of the staff here are. Whenever Josh and I see each other we tell each other stories about trains and adventures we have had with trains, in fact, we both feel terrible for those affected by the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. Likewise, both Josh and myself are in support of the campaign to save SEPTA's Chestnut Hill West Regional Rail Line. I myself am a model railroader and if I ever get the chance to do so, I might try garden railroading. And all of this is without mentioning that my Aunt and Uncle got married here way back in 2005, hence the reason for my Aunt kissing the frog sculpture before the wedding was held here. I still remember the hot chocolate fountain. Sigh memories. Anyway, if you are ever in Philadelphia or looking for a place to get married, come here. This is the place to be. Beautiful garden, and even better...

All I have to say is wow!!!! This place is beautiful! We went for a wedding yesterday and it was gorgeous! The food was great! I got the salmon and I have to say it was the BEST salmon I've had in a really long time! Everyone who works there is soooo nice!

I have to give a personal shout out to the young lady with black hair (Aye? Spelling? Sorry!) She was I think managing outside and was inside in the store part until the wedding was over. She was so sweet to me and my son. Since my husband was in the wedding, I didn't really have anyone to help me with my dress to feed my son. No questions asked, she was happy to help me with my dress, helped me find a secluded spot and even checked up on me. Later on in the evening, helped me with my dress again and my son who was very much passed his bedtime fell asleep on me for a good portion of the reception and she was kind enough to chit chat with me while I waited for my son to wake up. She was seriously a God send for me last night. Thank you girl! Miss you already!!!

My other shout out is to the server who was working cocktail hour ( I think she was working the reception too) who simply scratched my shoulder, my son was asleep and I couldn't scratch. I know it's something small, but that really meant a lot.

Thank you to all that work there, who helped accommodate or simply answered a question

One day we'll be back to walk...