Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens is one of the great botanical gardens in the world, and while it's technically in Kennett Square (about 40 minutes west of Philadelphia), it draws so heavily from the Philadelphia family audience that it belongs on any Philly family itinerary. The property spans 1,077 acres and includes formal gardens, a massive indoor Conservatory, a Children's Garden, and fountain displays that rival Versailles.

The Main Fountain Garden is the showpiece: 1,719 water jets choreographed to music, with some reaching 175 feet. During summer, Thursday through Saturday evening shows add colored lights and create a spectacle that genuinely competes with anything Disney produces. Kids who think gardens are boring watch the fountain show with their mouths open.

The Children's Garden is designed for play. Winding paths lead through bamboo groves, past interactive water features, through a cave with dripping water, and into a secret garden maze. The fountains are explicitly designed for kids to run through — there's no 'don't touch the water' signage here. In summer, every child in the Children's Garden is wet. Bring a change of clothes.

The Conservatory is the anchor for non-summer visits. At 4.5 acres under glass, it's one of the largest in the world, housing orchids, tropical plants, cacti, a bonsai collection, and seasonal displays. The Christmas display (late November through early January) features 500,000 lights, thousands of poinsettias, and choir performances — it's a Philadelphia holiday tradition.

Timed tickets are required and weekends sell out, especially during peak seasons (spring blooms, summer fountain shows, Christmas). Book at least a week in advance. Parking is free and plentiful. The drive from Center City Philadelphia is about 40 minutes via I-95 South and Route 1.