Visiting Philadelphia gardens at dusk is perfect for a romantic walk or a fun outing with friends and family. As night falls, the garden takes on a whole new dimension—fireflies dance, crickets chirp, and flowers are covered in a veil of golden light. Check out these nine gardens within a short drive of Philadelphia where you can experience the serene sounds of nature or a lively concert on a summer night.
1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348 • longwoodgardens.org
Extended Summer Hours (through August 30, 2023):
Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10:00am–10:00pm
Timed tickets required.
Enjoy extended weekend hours during the summer months (open until 10pm) Thursday through Saturday. Catch an illuminated fountain show, live music in the beer garden, or theater performance. Round out the evening by grabbing dinner or snacks at their on-site restaurant, cafe, or beer garden.
1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803 • nemoursestate.org
Third Thursdays Extended hours:
June 15, July 14, August 17 • 10:00am–8:00pm
Paid admission, members free.
Starting at 5:00pm, enjoy live music in the gardens with beer, wine, food trucks, and half-price admission.
5105 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE 19807 • winterthur.org
Select evening hours for special tours, events, and classes. Paid admission or event fees, see website for more information.
One of the perks of joining an evening class or tour at Winterthur means getting to experience the garden after hours. Upcoming evening events include:
200 Hagley Creek Road, Wilmington, DE 19807 • hagley.org
Summer Nights, Wednesdays through August 30 from 5:00–8:00pm. Admission on Wednesday evenings is $5 per person, free for Hagley Members and children under six. Tickets are available at the gate.
Relax and enjoy an after-work stroll along the Brandywine’s most beautiful mile on summer Wednesday evenings from June through August.
Bring the whole family for summer fun in a beautiful outdoor setting. Bring a picnic or sample local food trucks. Dogfish Head craft beer and Woodside Farm Creamery ice cream are also available for purchase. Dogs welcome! Learn More
3120 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin, DE 19707 • mtcubacenter.org
Twilight on the Terrace on Fridays, July 14, 28 & August 18th & September 1st from 5-8pm. Included with admission, members free.
Unwind from the week with a bite to eat while enjoying live music on the terrace and evening access to the gardens. Food, beer, and wine will be available for purchase. Learn more
786 Church Road, Wayne, PA 19087 • chanticleergarden.org
Extended hours until 8pm on Friday evenings through Labor Day. Paid admission, members free. Parking reservations required.
Pack a picnic and enjoy golden hour anywhere in the garden (typically picnicking is only allowed in designated areas). afterwards, stroll the 35-acre pleasure garden as the sun sets and the fireflies start to twinkle.
1829 East County Line Road, Villanova, PA 19085 • stoneleighgarden.org
Summer-sational Nights Extended hours until 8pm on select Fridays, July 14, 21, August 11, 18. Free, registration required.
Pack a picnic and your favorite beverage and head to Stoneleigh for a sunset stroll. The garden unfolds throughout summer with colorful blooms, entrancing wildlife, towering trees, and inspiring vistas. Bring a chair or blanket to relax on the Great Lawn.
80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, NJ 08619 • groundsforsculpture.org
Extended hours until 9pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Labor Day. Paid admission (free for Members). Discounted rates available after 5PM.
Enjoy the beautiful and expansive grounds with a Picnic in the Park from Rat’s Restaurant (on-site). Afterwards, stroll the 42-acre living library of native and exotic trees and flowers. Marvel at the impressive outdoor sculpture collection as the sun goes down and stars begin to twinkle.
370 Lancaster Avenue, Haverford, PA 19041 • haverford.edu/arboretum
Open dawn until dusk every day. Free admission.
This 216 acre arboretum boasts 2.2-miles of Nature Trails which roughly follows the perimeter of the Haverford College campus. Stroll through their historic tree collection (including the Treaty Elm and 8 State Champion Trees) or sit and enjoy the duck pond during golden hour.
Night time events are weather dependent. Be sure to check each garden’s website or contact them directly for current hours and admission fees. Have you been to one of these gardens? Share your photos on social media with hashtag #AmericasGardenCapital!
