Every year, it feels like something is missing until we visit Longwood Gardens, a historical garden and grounds in Kennett Square, PA. With themed events throughout the year, it’s become a tradition for my family to visit this Brandywine Valley, Pennsylvania, attraction in any season. My kids are always thrilled to watch the trains go over the bridges and under the tunnels at the Garden Railway, to admire the beautiful fountain shows during the summer, and to see the twinkle of over half a million lights at A Longwood Christmas. We’ve found that the garden is different every season, making no two visits alike. Scroll down for info on what to do at Longwood Gardens, and if you want to stay local, there are plenty of gardens in NJ to visit as well. (featured photo credit: Eileen Tercha, Longwood Gardens)
Longwood Gardens
A historic beginning and thriving future
In the early 1900s, wealthy entrepreneur Pierre S. du Pont purchased the grounds to preserve them after learning that the original Quaker farmstead was being sold. He created his first garden, a 600-foot-long Flower Garden Walk, and twenty years later, he built The Conservatory and opened the grounds to the public. Today, Longwood Gardens is known worldwide for its horticultural enrichment, and visitors come every year to view the indoor and outdoor horticultural displays across 1,100 acres, divided into six areas known as districts. Along with the outdoor gardens, the Conservatory District is the jewel of the gardens—it has retained many of its original plants since its opening in 1927. It offers lush displays year-round in rooms highlighting the light and beauty of the building’s 19th-century architecture. We are always in awe of the fountain shows with dazzling displays at the Open Air Theatre or the Main Fountain Garden, which shoots out 35,000 gallons of water daily during spring and summer.
Spring blooms
As the weather warms and flowers begin to bloom in late March, everything erupts with color. It’s the time for flowering trees, tulips dotting the walkways, and the gardens bursting back into life. The Open Air Theatre comes alive in mid-April with a dazzling display set to music, and the Wisteria Garden alone is worth the visit in May to see the purple and white blooms. You also won’t want to miss the magnolias, ephemerals, and the Idea Garden (which now includes the redesigned Ornamental Kitchen Garden), with bulbs and artful botanical combinations emerging throughout the season.
Summer at Longwood Gardens
Summer is magical at Longwood Gardens, where the flowers bloom all season, and over 1,700 jets of water shoot into the air during the Festival of Fountains from early May to late September. At night is when the magic happens—the fountains illuminate, and the light and water dance along to the accompanying live music. You can also stroll through the Rose Arbor or cool off in the Conservatory to check out the largest Aeolian organ ever constructed in a residential setting at Longwood Gardens. The organ comprises 10,010 pipes divided into 146 ranks, and its powerful sound echoes through the Conservatory.
Fall at the gardens
Don’t miss the fall season when the gardens change into a fiery medley of oranges, reds, yellows, and deep burgundy. Whether you are visiting for the Chrysanthemum Festival starting in October or to see Autumn’s Colors, fall is packed with fun displays. We always look forward to the Garden Railway—this whimsical model railway is a highlight of our trip, where dozens of diesel, steam, and specialty locomotives zoom around the tracks. Littles and bigs can anxiously watch as trains weave in and out of tunnels and peek out from behind buildings on over 500 feet of track. And for Thomas fans, spot everyone’s favorite train character and his friends zooming around the railway, which is a real treat.
Experience the Magic of the Illuminated Fountain Performances at Longwood Gardens
Running seasonally, the Illuminated Fountain Performances are a breathtaking blend of art, nature, and technology. Set against the backdrop of a beautifully landscaped five-acre garden, these 30-minute shows transform the night with choreographed jets of water that twist, spin, and soar in perfect sync with music and a vibrant spectrum of lights. Whether you’re seated near the action or standing back to take in the full view, this is an unforgettable evening experience for all ages.
Just for kids
Secret stairways, hands-on water features, draping vines, and hand-crafted sculptures are just some of the unique things you’ll find in the Indoor Children’s Garden, where kids of all ages (and adults, too!) can explore a garden made for fun. Longwood Gardens originally built the indoor garden in 1987, and it’s now a must-see on any visit. Pick up a paintbrush to “paint” the dragon’s teeth with water, or “chase” the water up the fountains as it hops from one spray to the next. Outdoors, your kiddos won’t want to miss climbing to the top of one of three tree houses. Longwood Gardens also has a variety of events for families and kids, from youth workshops to nature strolls. You can also print out activities, including coloring pages and activity sheets, to do at home or bring to the gardens.
Feast your eyes on holiday delights at Longwood Gardens
For a real seasonal treat, take a trip to see A Longwood Christmas when it twinkles with half a million lights along Flower Garden Drive starting on November 20, 2026, through January 10, 2027. Look out for this year’s Gem theme as you see the grounds, conservatory, and Large Lake decorated and illuminated. The 200-foot-long Meadow Tunnel, with nearly 20,000 sparkling lights, shifts from bright rainbow to soft colors for a galaxy effect. Outside, the treehouses are decorated and ready for kids to climb. The largest Canopy Cathedral Treehouse (inspired by a Norwegian Church) is two stories, but when you reach the top, you are rewarded with gorgeous views of the lights and the lake below. Indoors, the East Conservatory is home to the holiday exhibit, featuring flickering lights and trees. The stunning Exhibition Hall, including the Conservatory, features breathtaking attractions and is a favorite with our crew.
New dining experiences at Longwood
Experience the newer, Longwood Reimagined spaces, including the renovated West Conservatory and outdoor landscapes. What’s also noteworthy is the popular on-site restaurant 1906, which has moved into the new space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Main Fountain Garden. The restaurant features furniture crafted from reclaimed wood from Longwood trees, along with a new menu featuring new selections and seasonal ingredients. And don’t miss the renovated Fountain Room, offering seasonal soups and salads, a kids’ menu, and seasonal treats like a hot chocolate station featuring everything from fresh whipped cream to crushed peppermint, plus three hot chocolate flavors.
FAQs
How much are tickets to Longwood Gardens?
Tickets start at $20 depending on the season, and children under four are free. Timed Admission Tickets are required daily from opening to closing, and you can purchase them online.
Is it easy to get around with a stroller?
Most paths are paved, and strollers are allowed on the grounds; however, a few areas are inaccessible. The Lookout Loft Treehouse is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.
Are there changing tables and nursing areas?
Private changing tables are available in each restroom, and a nursing room is along the Green Wall in the Conservatory (FYI, there are substantial private bathrooms along the Green Wall).
Are there educational opportunities?
If you want to learn more about horticulture, Longwood Gardens offers classes and workshops for kids and adults, as well as online courses.
Is there a lot for my kids to do?
There is plenty for kids to do at the gardens, from the Flower Garden Walk to the treehouses to the Indoor Children’s Gardens. They also have family and kid-friendly events and activities that you can print out before you visit.
What are the food options?
You can’t bring in food, but Longwood Gardens has plenty of options. There’s 1906, a full-service fine-dining restaurant in a new location in Longwood Reimagined, offering an elevated dining experience with a new menu. More casual spots are The Cafe, an outdoor beer garden with wood-fired pizza, or a BBQ grill hut with burgers and dogs. There are also little stands throughout, offering snacks and small bites. No matter where you stop, make sure to enjoy a steaming cup of their famous mushroom soup, available in many food locations on the grounds. And don’t miss the new Fountain Room to take a break for desserts and beverages.
Learn more about Longwood Gardens through its website, Instagram, and Facebook.
Longwood Gardens
1001 Longwood Road
Kennett Square, PA 19348
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