Whether you walk or drive past the gates of the Van Vleck House & Gardens, it’s a magical experience that feels as if you entered a secret garden. The green oasis is just steps away from the busy urban vibe of downtown Montclair and features the 140-year-old Van Vleck House, formerly a private estate spanning 12 acres. My family and I found this green garden to be peaceful, and there are plenty of things to do at Van Vleck, whether it be classes, special events, or lovely nature walks. Scroll down for more on what we did and where to go at Van Vleck House & Gardens. (featured photo credit: istock/Brian Logan)
Things To Do At Van Vleck House & Gardens
The Van Vleck House & Gardens are worth a visit any time of the year. Photo Credit: @vanvleckhouseandgardens
Watch the Butterfly Garden come to life
We started our adventure at the Smith Visitor Center, where we watched a video and looked at informative displays about the garden. Then we made our way back to the Landrum Butterfly Garden, where my kids were amazed at the cool layout—the entire garden was shaped like a large butterfly. The kids loved exploring the space, and it was a bonus that there were benches and trees overhead so that we could take a break in the shade.
The Edible Garden at Van Vleck is full of fruits and vegetables that go to support Toni’s Kitchen. Photo Credit: Madina Kpandja
Exploring the gardens
After we finished exploring the Butterfly Garden, we made our way past the Edible Garden, with growing fruits and veggies. We then climbed the stairs to the Woodlands Area, which was lush with greenery. As we passed through the pergola, we admired the Rhododendron Walk and Mother’s Garden, but what really got our attention was the whimsical and interactive Fairy Garden Trail. The trail featured fairy houses, which the kids loved to explore, and they were thrilled to see that Van Vleck provided little pinecones, sticks, and acorns so that they could enjoy leaving a gentle mark on the fairy homes and path.
It’s fun to watch kids react to the plants and wildlife around the Van Vleck, especially when a bunny jumps out from under the bushes. Photo Credit: Madina Kpandja
Finding nooks and crannies
Walking through the garden was a quiet and peaceful experience, with quite a few little areas to see something new, from the Wildflower Meadow to the perfectly pruned Tennis Court Garden. Along the way, we were able to identify everything from a Pink Flowering Dogwood to a Star Magnolia to a Scarlet Firethorn. We followed the path revealing the prettiest views and since they mark each bloom and plant, we learned a lot about horticulture at each stop. The beehives were also a highlight for the kids, as they discovered parts of a beehive and their roles in the honey bee society.
Entering the stunning McMullen Wisteria Courtyard, the purple blooms are worth the trip. Photo Credit: Madina Kpandja
Enter a wisteria haven
As we stepped onto the Bingham Formal Garden, the perfectly cut lawn under us was a favorite spot for our kids to walk through. The area was framed by tall trees and blooming plants, and my daughter mentioned that the lawn looked like a huge green carpet. As we walked further down the path, we made our way up to the Van Vleck House, which gave villa vibes with its huge floor-to-ceiling windows, large columns, and a water feature right in the center. But, the grand finale was seeing the purple wisteria dangling from the upper balcony of the Van Vleck House. It was the perfect place to take some family photos and let the kids explore the perfectly pruned area.
The Van Vleck House & Gardens has something to see 365 days a year. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
What to know before you go
The grounds are open to the public 365 days a year from dawn to dusk and are admission free. Shelf-stable food donations are always welcome and can be placed in the collection bin in the Visitor Center. While in the Visitor Center, be sure to visit the Tiny Gallery to enjoy the work of local and guest artists. The parking lot is small, so street parking is available. If the Van Vleck Street lot is full, the North Mountain Avenue lot is recommended. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as there are many places to explore on foot. Benches are available if you need a break. The entire garden is fenced in, making it a great place for children to explore, but kids should be supervised and respectful of the grounds. Strollers can be used in some parts of the gardens, but using a carrier is easier due to narrow and bumpy walkways. The garden is not picnic-friendly, so plan to eat before or after your visit. You can check what is blooming before your visit and find out about family classes and events throughout the year, including Autumn’s Best Online Sale in August, Scarecrows in the Gardens in October, storytimes, and Holiday Events at Van Vleck in November.
For more information, visit the Van Vleck House & Gardens website, Instagram, and Facebook.
Van Vleck House & Gardens
21 Van Vleck Street
Montclair, NJ 07042
Become an NJMOM Insider! For all the best things to do with your family around New Jersey, sign up for our weekly newsletter, delivered right to your inbox. Don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured on our social media.
