Longwood Gardens
World-class gardens that actually work with a stroller and a toddler.
The Quick Version
- • Plan 2-3 hours — longer if your kids love water features or the indoor conservatory.
- • Strollers are welcome everywhere and rentals are available at the entrance.
- • The outdoor Children's Garden (seasonal) and the indoor Children's Corner are the big draws for little ones.
- • Parking is free and plentiful, but weekends fill up — arrive before 10:30 AM.
Best Ages
3+
Plan For
2-3 hours
Adults
$25-30 (varies by season)
Kids
$13 (ages 2-18)
What to Expect
Longwood is genuinely world-class and surprisingly family-friendly. The scale can feel overwhelming on a first visit — don't try to see everything. Pick two or three areas and take your time. The outdoor gardens are beautiful but spread out; the indoor conservatory is the anchor and works in any weather.
With little kids, your visit will center on the Children's Garden (seasonal, typically May-September), the conservatory's Children's Corner, and the main fountain garden. The rest is beautiful walking — which is great if your kid is in a stroller or carrier, but less great if they want to touch everything (the gardens are look-don't-touch).
The vibe is calm, spacious, and well-maintained. Staff are friendly. It's a place where you can exhale a little — the paths are wide enough that a meltdown isn't a scene.
Who It's Best For
Toddlers love the water features and wide paths. Preschoolers thrive in the Children's Garden. Kids under 2 will enjoy the ride but won't get much from the gardens themselves. Elementary-age kids appreciate the fountains, treehouse, and conservatory.
Highlights
Children's Garden
Ages 2-8The star attraction for families. Interactive water features, a cove garden, a secret room, and a maze. Kids can splash, explore, and run. Open seasonally (typically May-September). Budget at least 45 minutes here.
Indoor Conservatory
All ages4 acres under glass — orchids, tropical plants, ferns, bonsai, and seasonal displays. The Children's Corner has hands-on elements. Climate-controlled, which makes it the go-to on hot, cold, or rainy days.
Main Fountain Garden
All agesSpectacular fountain performances (check the daily schedule at the Visitor Center). The scale impresses even toddlers. Evening illuminated shows in summer are magical but may be past bedtime.
Treehouse
Ages 3-10Elevated walkway through the canopy with a treehouse structure. Short but delightful. In the Meadow Garden area — easy to miss if you don't look for it on the map.
Italian Water Garden
Ages 5+Quieter, photogenic, and a nice stroller walk. The symmetry and reflections captivate older kids. Less crowded than the main fountain area.
What to Skip with Little Ones
- • The Idea Garden and trial gardens — these are for serious gardeners, not toddler entertainment.
- • Trying to see the entire property in one visit. You'll burn out and so will the kids.
- • Evening fountain shows if your kids are under 4 — the wait is long, it's past bedtime, and the crowds are thick.
- • The formal rooms in the historic Peirce-du Pont House — beautiful, but a 'don't touch anything' situation.
Logistics
Admission
Adults
$25-30 (varies by season)
Kids
$13 (ages 2-18)
Under
Under 2 free
Timed tickets required — book online in advance, especially weekends and holidays.
Membership tip: A family membership ($170/yr) pays for itself in 3-4 visits. Also gets you reciprocal admission to 300+ gardens nationwide through the American Horticultural Society.
Getting There
Parking
Free. Multiple large lots off Route 1. Follow signs to the main visitor entrance.
On busy weekends, the closest lots fill by 10:30 AM. The overflow lot is a short walk. There are accessible spots near the entrance.
Entrance
Main Visitor Center entrance. Grab a map — it's a big property (1,077 acres, though the garden areas are a manageable ~200 acres).
Parent Logistics
Excellent stroller access throughout. Wide paved paths, elevator access in the conservatory, ramps everywhere. Single and double stroller rentals available at the entrance ($7/$10). Bring your own if you can — rental supply is limited on busy days.
Multiple restroom locations: Visitor Center, Conservatory, East Conservatory Plaza, near the Beer Garden, and by the Children's Garden. All clean and well-maintained.
Changing tables in most restroom facilities. The Visitor Center restrooms are the most spacious.
Mixed. The conservatory is fully covered. Outdoor gardens have tree-lined paths in some sections, but the meadow and fountain areas are exposed. Bring hats and sunscreen in summer.
Food & Snacks
1906 restaurant (sit-down, reservations recommended), the Cafe (counter-service sandwiches, salads), and seasonal outdoor food stands near the Beer Garden. The Beer Garden serves local craft beer and wine — a real perk for parents.
Snack strategy: The Cafe is solid for a quick lunch. Prices are what you'd expect ($12-18 for a meal). Pack snacks for the stroller — there are plenty of benches for a picnic break. Outside food is officially discouraged in the gardens but nobody's checking your diaper bag for goldfish crackers.
Pro Tips
- ✓ Check the fountain show schedule before you go — they run at specific times and are worth planning around.
- ✓ The Beer Garden is a legitimate perk. One parent watches kids on the nearby lawn while the other grabs a drink.
- ✓ Bring a change of clothes if the Children's Garden is open. Kids will get wet.
- ✓ The gift shop is excellent but positioned right at the exit — brace yourself or plan a budget.
- ✓ Weekday mornings in September are the best-kept secret: summer crowds are gone, the Children's Garden is still open, and the weather is perfect.
- ✓ Download the Longwood app for an interactive map — it's actually useful, unlike most venue apps.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings are the sweet spot — smaller crowds, cooler temps in summer. Saturday mornings fill fast. Sunday afternoons are the busiest.
Seasonal Notes
Spring (April-May) for tulips and blooms. Summer for the Children's Garden water play and fountain shows. Fall for chrysanthemums. Winter for A Longwood Christmas — spectacular but crowded; book timed tickets early.
Rainy Day?
The conservatory alone is worth the trip on a rainy day. Four acres of indoor gardens, the Children's Corner, and the Cafe are all under cover. Budget 90 minutes indoors easily.
While You're in the Area
Kennett Square's main street has good lunch spots (Talula's Table for a splurge, Lily Asian for casual). Longwood is 10 minutes from Winterthur if you want a two-venue day — though that's ambitious with little ones.