Morris Arboretum
Morris Arboretum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania is a historic public garden and educational institution. It promotes an understanding of the relationship between plants, people and place through programs that integrate science, art and the humanities.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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4.5
463 reviews
Excellent
343
Very good
98
Average
16
Poor
5
Terrible
1
podrozniczka60
New Jersey17,020 contributions
Jul 2020
We did not realize one cannot buy a ticket to visit this place at the gate other than on line ahead of time. Planning - we do not always do it! thankfully there was entry time available just 5 minutes from the time of our arrival. Do not hope for an easy process. You are expected to provide detailed information for every visitor, addresses, emails etc, create passwords just to buy tickets. Well, we got in and enjoyed it. If you have to plan the visit really ahead the weather may not cooperate so that is the minus of having to plan and pay ahead of time if you do not live nearby. The tickets were $ 20 each.
The gift shop is closed nowadays but bathrooms are open. The arboretum has a designated one way route marked allowing for the exploration of the entire place. Many beautiful nooks, gorgeous trees (like Katsura!), rose garden, sculptures - compose a pleasant walk. There is a grass picnic area for old fashioned picnicing like in Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe painted once by Édouard Manet.
Very pleasant afternoon!
The gift shop is closed nowadays but bathrooms are open. The arboretum has a designated one way route marked allowing for the exploration of the entire place. Many beautiful nooks, gorgeous trees (like Katsura!), rose garden, sculptures - compose a pleasant walk. There is a grass picnic area for old fashioned picnicing like in Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe painted once by Édouard Manet.
Very pleasant afternoon!
Written 28 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah K
Willow Grove, PA46 contributions
Dec 2019
My family and I attended an evening in December when the garden railway was lit up with holiday lights. We picked the earliest time available for this event (4:30) which was nice because it was still light out when we got there and we were able to walk through the treetop area.
While crowded, the railway was just magical! The attention to detail with the buildings from around the area was astounding. The variety of trains was fantastic as well. We went around the train area twice just to make sure we hadn't missed anything. This vent seemed expensive, but I found it worth the money for a fun holiday activity. I highly recommend it!
While crowded, the railway was just magical! The attention to detail with the buildings from around the area was astounding. The variety of trains was fantastic as well. We went around the train area twice just to make sure we hadn't missed anything. This vent seemed expensive, but I found it worth the money for a fun holiday activity. I highly recommend it!
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LCC
Erial, NJ14 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
Upon my first visit I decided to become a member! First it was a frugal move, but I knew I would return more often that way. The gardens are carefully maintained and easy to maneuver. There is a cafe and if you prefer you can bring your own food. Grandkids love it and they are free to ramble. The trains are an added pleasure with sites from Philly, all handmade and intermixed. The nest area for the kids is a big favorite too. The views from that area are gorgeous for adults while the kids play. They have had a scarecrow contest in the fall and it was a big hit for us, having a blast choosing our favorites. We are looking forward to seeing it in the spring or maybe a nice winter day. I am at peace here. Don't miss this gem!
Written 16 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gr8fish2017
Catonsville, MD175 contributions
Nov 2019
Morris Arboretum is full of beautiful and interactive gardens. The garden areas are full of surprises around every corner including sculptures, rock gardens, trails, water features, and much more. I took my five grandkids from ages 5 thru 16 and we all enjoyed exploring the different areas around the grounds.
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frank B
Harleysville2 contributions
Dec 2019
This was a wonderful family hoiday experience! Just right for the wide range of ages in our family group. The lights were beautiful and the train displays delightful. Especially loved the way the train display depicted historic homes and locations in the area. Now we are planning to become members at Morris and to visit some of the properties in Fairmount Park as well!
Written 21 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kiwiandmolly
Bourbonnais, IL171 contributions
Jun 2022
On a gorgeous morning when in Philadelphia I visited the arboretum. It was a perfect day weather-wise. The gardens were beautiful- and a great combination of sculptured gardens and some more natural. There was a good amount of information posted about the various unique plants growing there. I was impressed with the immense size of some of the trees! For a nature lover, this was an incredible place! It was easy to navigate, too. There were areas very kid friendly but more than enough for adults too. This was a great find!
Written 20 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol Ann J
Germantown, NY3,067 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Morris Arboretum is a garden for the whole family. There are plenty of areas that children would enjoy exploring, especially Out on a Limb Tree Canopy Walk, Garden Railway, Log Cabin, and Fairy Woods. The Rose Garden and Pennock Flower Walk are lovely. Oak Allee is impressive, and the Fernery is delightful. When we visited there were dinosaur figures throughout the garden, and one never knew where a dino may show up, another fun activity for children of all ages.
Written 4 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert S
Lawrence, KS2,657 contributions
Aug 2019
The Morris is a wonderful place for a quiet, beautiful stroll. We went in early August, on a good weather day, and had a love ly time.
The tree adventure area is a must see for folks with children. It is up in the trees and has great views, and quiet spaces.
We liked the sculpture around the park.
The tree adventure area is a must see for folks with children. It is up in the trees and has great views, and quiet spaces.
We liked the sculpture around the park.
Written 16 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JudeD242
Farmington, CT52 contributions
Sept 2021 • Family
The Morris arboretum grounds were expansive but very walkable. There was an excellent map to follow to hit all high points. The paths were well marked and there were many benches to take a break and take in the peaceful surroundings. While we were there at the end of the flowering season it was still a worthwhile visit. The rose garden was large and I can only imagine how beautiful it must be when in bloom. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable and a joy with which to interact. While this arboretum is not as large as Longwood Gardens, to me the plus was that it was nearer to Philly so it made for an easy trip that still left part of the day to do other things. I would definitely visit again.
Written 9 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The3ofus60614
Raleigh, NC226 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
The landscaping creates a delightful panorama of visuals. Greenery with a variety of trees of mature height rise above the grass. Raised beds with greenery and plants are placed next to the paved path for an intimate view along with those tall trees behind in the meadows. The rose garden was unusual in our experience. We truly enjoyed the colorful and varied textures of complimentary flowers and plants with the roses set amongst them. So much more interesting than the usual roses along a wall and in rows.
Nicely paved path. The train feature is charming even if not running because, again, the landscaping is so eye-appealing.
The Morris is worth a visit and I would say 1 1/2 hours of enjoyment.
Nicely paved path. The train feature is charming even if not running because, again, the landscaping is so eye-appealing.
The Morris is worth a visit and I would say 1 1/2 hours of enjoyment.
Written 21 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No pets.
They put this online:
Here are 5 differences between a park and arboreta/botanical garden:
Parks are intended mostly for recreation vs. arboreta/botanical gardens which focus on Plant Science Research, Education, Conservation and Horticultural Display.
Parks have functional landscapes and plantings such as playing fields and picnic groves, vs. arboreta/botanical gardens’ curated labeled living collections, interpreted exhibits, and managed habitat areas.
Parks are typically publicly funded by taxes vs. arboreta/botanical gardens which are typically community supported by gifts, memberships and use fees.
Parks encourage sports and dog walking vs. arboreta/botanical gardens where sports and pets are not permitted.
Parks typically trend toward monoculture with little biodiversity (with exceptions for managed natural areas) vs. arboreta/botanical gardens, which are typically high in biodiversity.
Written 23 October 2018
Do we need reservations for the fall weekend at the Arboretum, we are members....
Written 26 July 2018
I don’t think you need one unless you’re trying to do a special event
Written 31 July 2018
I believe that you can. In addition, there is a cafe with a limited menu for food to purchase.
Written 9 May 2018
Can you buy tickets online or you just show up ?
Written 12 December 2017
I just showed up and a very nice man at the gate sold me the ticket and told me what plants were looking good at the moment, how long it would take to get to different bits, and the things he thought I ought not to miss.
Written 12 December 2017
I am planning a day of various activities... How much time should I allow to visit the arboretum (in particular the train display)?? Thank you in advance... Ex. Is one-hour sufficient? 1 1/2 hours... I have 15 years that will have attention spans that expire!!
Written 24 November 2017
For 15 yo, probably 1.5 +/- .5 hrs. For adults, 2-3 hrs. Adjust downward for cold/hot seasons and possibly upward for spring / fall.
Written 24 November 2017
If I recall correctly, the big treehouse with the nets is not entirely accessible. In general, though, it shouldn't be too much of a hassle.
Written 21 September 2017
I found it a fascinating place and the paths very easy to amble along. The answers here have all been assuming the question is about wheelchair users. If limited mobility, there were quite a few benches to stop and take a breather. How interesting it would be for visually impaired people I don't know - it doesn't have a lot of scented plants, for example.
Written 22 September 2017
Culture266399
Providence, Rhode Island
I'm going to be in the area at the end of February. Is there going to be much to see? Or should I wait more until the spring?
Written 21 October 2016
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