Throughout the years of booking birthday photoshoots for two kids, I’d done all the usual spots, like the beach, a park, and a playground. So when it came time to schedule my daughter’s birthday photos, my photographer mentioned a gem of a setting I didn’t even know existed so close to home—Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morristown. Set on over 127 majestic acres, the Frelinghuysen Arboretum has serene yet insta-worthy gardens, grounds, and trails where families can relax, learn, and explore the unique history. During the day we scheduled our photoshoot, we spent time roaming the gardens and secret pathways and admiring the mansion in awe of this gorgeous spot. Read on to learn more about Frelinghuysen Arboretum and what you can do during your visit. (featured photo credit: Friends of The Frelinghuysen Arboretum)

Frelinghuysen Arboretum

Explore the rich history at Frelinghuysen Arboretum

Listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places, Frelinghuysen Arboretum was once the country home of George Griswold Frelinghuysen and his wife, Sara Ballantine Frelinghuysen, where they spent 40 summers on the property, formally known as Whippany Farm. The mansion was built in 1891 and designed in the style of an English country estate, complete with federal urns, swages, and ionic columns. A Palladian window overlooks the Rose Garden, and the Frelinghuysen family planted trees and shrubs around the estate that are considered essential to an English-style landscape. It’s no wonder almost every nook and cranny is an ideal spot for an afternoon tea party or picnic.

Must-see spots at Frelinghuysen Arboretum

We discovered several areas of the Arboretum that are worth checking out. The woodlands and meadows surround the Colonial Revival Mansion and the mansion provides a regal backdrop. Your kids can run around while mom and dad sit royally in two wooden Adirondack-style chairs—the perfect mix of poise and play. Another area we explored was The Stone Maze, one of my daughter’s favorite spots, where she ran happily through the rock garden and pathway beneath the trees. My kids also liked the pretty gazebo nestled between foliage and wild grasslands, a prime perch to soak in the scenery and enjoy a snack. The Frelinghuysen Arboretum is full of hideaways and moments like this, and discovering them is part of the fun. 

Stop to smell the flowers at Frelinghuysen Arboretum

The true show stoppers are the flowers that peak during spring and summer. You can find daffodils and tulips opening along with flowering trees like Cherry Blossoms and Magnolias. There are also more unusual plants and flowers, like the Purple Leaf Plum, Scarlet Storm Quince, and Rosegold Pussy Willow—keep an eye out for these unique blooms within the gardens. To know what to look for, download this self-guided tour map which gives you a guide about the different gardens and what areas to see. And for all the latest flower info, check out the Facebook page for updates on seasonal flowers and trees blooming. 

What to know before you visit Frelinghuysen Arboretum

The Haggerty Education Center on-site hosts workshops, establishing Frelinghuysen Arboretum as a regional center for horticultural activities. They hold events all year, including plant sales, bird watching, and a gingerbread display during the holidays. The grounds are currently open daily from 8 AM until dusk. And if you’re thinking of doing a professional photo shoot, as I did, you’ll need a permit beforehand (our photographer secured ours for us). There are areas for strollers around the Haggerty Center and the Mansion at the Arboretum, along with several gardens and scenic areas. Further in the field are elevation changes and dirt paths, and it is more challenging to get strollers through.

For more information, visit Frelinghuysen Arboretum on their website, Instagram and Facebook.

Frelinghuysen Arboretum
353 East Hanover Avenue
Morris Township, NJ 07960 

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