As part of the excitement of all things Philly Flower Show this month, my
3 year old and I visited Longwood
Gardens in Kennett Square last week. Given the cost of admission and
the size of our family (5 kids), we haven't been to the Gardens in a few
years. This time I had a Groupon deal for $9 for adult admission, and my 3
year old was free.
I can't tell you how much fun we had exploring the recently renovated
Children's Garden in the Conservatory! No longer a small room in the
Conservatory, the Garden now takes over about a space about 100 feet by 30
feet at the front of the building near the main entrance with stroller
parking right outside the Garden. A guide sits outside the garden in case
you need assistance.
Designed with young children in mind, the space is full of visual and
audio surprises. Making use of children's love of water play, the
designers set up about 6 different spots for children to use water
creatively. In a small room reminiscent of a Chinese temple, children can
use paint brushes to paint the slate tiled walls. Elsewhere, they can
follow water as it jumps from spigot to spigot up and down a ramp.
Just outside the mysterious grotto with its fantastic animals is a small
fountain with toys and scoops for little ones. Nearby is a small xylophone
for entertainment.
Our visit wasn't complete without a wander through the different displays
in the Conservatory looking for all the orchids on
display. There has always been a main display room for the orchids near
the fernery; however, with the special exhibit, the orchids are tucked
into the different rooms in the Conservatory. One particular orchid caught
our eye - a mint green one with a grey bulb by the banana trees.
When You Go
Longwood Gardens
Hours: 9:00
a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Daily
Admission
Adults: $18 (Non-Peak/$25 (Peak)
Seniors: (ages 62+) $15/$22
Students: (5 - 22) $8/$11
Children 4 & under: FREE/FREE
Directions
Ways to Save
- Groupon
Deal - Membership
through Pennsylvania Horticultural Society providing reciprocal
admission through the American Horticultural Society
Barb is a mom of 5 kids who spends her day keeping track of socks,
stuffed animals, library books, and a 3 year old when she isn't writing
about all the frugality, gardening, cooking, and reading she manages to
fit in between the chaotic moments. See how she holds down the fort and
saves a few dollars at A Life in
Balance.
