Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Rating
Price
Free
Duration
1-2 hours
Best Ages
All ages
About
Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit, New Jersey is a free, 12.5-acre botanical garden that earns its 4.8 rating through genuine beauty and accessibility. Open 7 days a week from 7AM to 7PM, it's among the most flexibly accessible nature spaces in the region.
This listing appears in the Philadelphia batch — Summit, NJ is about an hour from Philadelphia, making it more immediately relevant for northern New Jersey families or as part of a broader New Jersey day trip rather than a direct Philadelphia excursion.
The garden is known for its spectacular spring displays: a field of tens of thousands of daffodils in early April and azalea gardens at peak in May. The Children's Garden area is designed specifically for young visitors. Woodland paths, the Whale Pond, and formal garden areas provide walking routes for all fitness levels.
Admission is completely free. Open every day. Pack a picnic and bring comfortable shoes. Summit's downtown is a short walk away with excellent dining on Springfield Avenue for a post-garden lunch.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Not Available
Kid Meals
N/A
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Spring for flower peak; open 7AM daily which is excellent for early morning family walks
Wait Times
No wait
Nearby Food
Summit, NJ downtown has excellent dining on Springfield Ave — restaurants, cafes, and ice cream within walking distance of the arboretum.
Why Kids Love It
Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit, NJ has spectacular daffodil and azalea displays in spring that kids love running through. The Whale Pond area and woodland paths provide nature exploration that doesn't require a structured visit. Open until 7PM means you can bring kids after school for outdoor time without feeling rushed.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Note: This is in Summit, NJ — about 1 hour from Philadelphia. More relevant for families in northern NJ or as part of a New Jersey day trip.
- Free admission 7 days a week.
- Spring (April-May) is peak for the famous daffodil field and azalea garden.
- Open 7AM-7PM every day — extremely flexible for family schedules.
- The Children's Garden is designed specifically for young visitors.
What to Bring
- Picnic food and blanket
- Water bottles
- Comfortable shoes
- Camera for spring flower photography
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$0 — free admission.
Pack a picnic.
Tips to Save
- Completely free admission.
- Open from 7AM every day — ideal for early morning nature walks before the day gets busy.
- Pack your own food.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 7AM-7PM
- Monday
- 7AM-7PM
- Sunday
- 7AM-7PM
- Tuesday
- 7AM-7PM
- Saturday
- 7AM-7PM
- Thursday
- 7AM-7PM
- Wednesday
- 7AM-7PM