Are you searching for places in the area that allow you to enjoy what the outdoors has to offer?
As summer heats up, many of us are looking for an urban (or rural) oasis that will let us briefly escape the hustle and bustle of city life to enjoy the natural environment. While popular locations such as Fairmount Park West and East, FDR Park and Clark Park are typically the first locations that come to mind, Philadelphia’s privately-owned parks allow visitors to encounter the intersection of nature, education, history and community. The city is home to a number of beautiful arboretums, cemeteries, gardens and nature centers that offer visitors a wide variety of environments and experiences that aren’t replicated anywhere else in the area.
Here are seven privately-owned parks in and around Philadelphia that offer the peace and tranquility of nature in unique settings:
Arboretums
Awbury Arboretum
1 Awbury Road, Philadelphia, PA 19138
Awbury Arboretum is a 56-acre landscape nestled in Germantown. Established in 1916 by members of the Cope family for the “quiet enjoyment of nature” and educational purposes, the arboretum combines nature, history and community for all visitors. They offer a number of educational programs and events, including the Awbury Farm Market every Sunday between 1 and 5 p.m. from April through October and Wellness Walks every Monday and Thursday from 7 to 8 a.m. Awbury’s grounds are open dawn to dusk, 365 days a year, and free of charge.
Morris Arboretum & Gardens
100 E Northwestern Avenue,
Philadelphia, PA 19118
Morris is a 92-acre Victorian arboretum located in Chestnut Hill. Connecting plants, people and place, the grounds boast more than 11,000 plants of more than 2,500 species. Once visitors have observed the flora, they can view the arboretum’s beloved Garden Railway, get a bird’s-eye view of the forest from 50 feet high on the Tree Canopy Walk or take a lap around the swan pond. Now through October, Morris is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends with the last entry at 4 p.m. Tickets are free for children 2 and under, $10 for youth ages 3 to 17, $18 for seniors 65 and over and $20 for adults. Discounts are available for PennCard or ACCESS holders, students and members of the military.
Cemeteries
Laurel Hill
3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
19132 (East) and 225 Belmont Avenue,
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 (West)
The historic Laurel Hill Cemetery, arguably the most famous burial ground in the city, was the first architecturally designed cemetery in the country. Spanning 265 acres with a certified arboretum, Laurel Hill offers a beautiful place to reflect on those lost, relax in serenity and relish natural landscapes. The arboretum has a curated collection of more than 6,000 specimens of trees and shrubs along with a breathtaking display of various flowers and foliage. Laurel Hill is accessible via foot, car or public transit via bus routes 60 and 61). The grounds are open 365 days a year at no cost to the public.
Mount Moriah Historic Cemetery & Arboretum
6201 Kingsessing Avenue,
Philadelphia, PA 19142
Mount Moriah is a 200-acre cemetery that stretches across Southwest Philadelphia and Yeadon and serves as a historic burial ground and arboretum. The extensive grounds offer a space to get lost amid the historic monuments and the greenery. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities to restore and maintain the space, plus year-round events such as community days, craft markets and even an annual cemetery crawl. If you’re planning a visit, please note that the Kingsessing Avenue gate is open Friday through Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the Yeadon-side gate is only open on weekends during the same hours. The Yeadon entrance is at 1004 Cobbs Creek Parkway. Admission to Mount Moriah is free to the public.
The Woodlands
4000 Woodland Avenue,
Philadelphia, PA 19104
The Woodlands is a 54-acre active cemetery located in the University City section of West Philadelphia. With beautiful gardens, a stunning mansion and a landscape that hosts a variety of community programs, it is easy to see why the Woodlands was designated a National Historic Landmark District. Accessibility — via the 40th Street Trolley Portal, I-76, or pedestrian and bicycle pathways — is also a plus. The Woodlands is open 365 days a year from dawn until dusk.
Gardens and More
Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden
1829 East County Line Road,
Villanova, PA 19085
Stoneleigh, a Natural Lands garden that showcases native plants, is located just outside of the city and sits on over 40 acres of land adjacent to Villanova University. Home to more than 40,000 plants, the garden offers visitors a glimpse at a variety of flora and fauna and serves as a destination for the community by offering programs like yoga and summer gardening. Stoneleigh is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is only closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission is free and the paths are accessible for people of all abilities.
The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education
8480 Hagy’s Mill Road,
Philadelphia, PA 19128
• The Schuylkill Center provides visitors with 340 acres of natural lands to explore in Upper Roxborough. Accessible via car, various SEPTA routes or the Miquon train station, it is the largest privately-owned open space in the city. The center offers a variety of programs and activities for all ages, including birdwatching, artworks and nature education (there’s even a preschool). Admission is free for all. Gift shop and visitor center hours are Monday through Saturday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and trail hours are dawn to dusk.
