Philadelphia, PA

Fairmount Park
DESCRIPTION: One of the world’s largest landscaped urban parks with more than 8,900 acres of winding creeks, rustic trails, green meadows and 100 miles of recreational trails; mansions, historic landmarks, variety of outdoor sculptures, playing fields for all sports; location for several Afrocentric events

ADMISSION: free

DAYS & HOURS: daily

ADDRESS: Fairmount Park  MAP

PHONE: 215-685-0000

WEBSITE: http://www.greenspacefun.org

Rittenhouse Square
DESCRIPTION: Curtis Institute, Art Alliance, a 4-star hotel, other architecturally distinct buildings, upscale shops and restaurants surround the park; as a result, the park is often filled with artists, art patrons and events making it one of the best intimate public spaces in America

ADMISSION: free

DAYS & HOURS: daily

ADDRESS: bounded by Walnut, 18th and 20th Streets, Locust and Spruce Streets  MAP

WEBSITE: http://www.ushistory.org/districts/rittenhouse

Bartram's Garden
DESCRIPTION: Visit 44 acres of botanical garden, wildflower meadow and recreational park; large selection of nature toys in gift shop

ADMISSION: adults $5, age 62+ $4, age 12 and under FREE

DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Fri 10a-5p, Sat-Sun Noon-4p

ADDRESS: 5400 Lindbergh Blvd  MAP

PHONE: 215-729-5281

WEBSITE: http://www.bartramsgarden.org

Morris Arboretum
DESCRIPTION: A 92-acre garden containing many of Philadelphia's newest, rarest and largest trees in a romantic Victorian landscape setting; owned by the University of Pennsylvania

ADMISSION: adults $3, children $1

DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Fri 10a-4p, Sat-Sun 10a-5p

ADDRESS: 100 Northwestern Ave  MAP

PHONE: 215-247-5882

WEBSITE: http://www.business-services.upenn.edu/arboretum

Chester County, PA

Longwood Gardens
DESCRIPTION: Premier display garden featuring acres and acres of outdoor gardens and 20 indoor gardens including indoor children's garden; special activities and programs for children

ADMISSION: adults $10, children $2

DAYS & HOURS: daily 9a-5p, except major holidays

ADDRESS: 409 Conservatory Road, Kennett Square  MAP

PHONE: 610-388-1000

WEBSITE: http://www.longwoodgardens.org

Valley Forge, PA

Valley Forge National Historical Park
DESCRIPTION: Scene of the winter encampment of 1777-78 with approximately 3,000 acres to explore; biking and hiking trails;

ADMISSION: free while portions of the parking lot are closed

DAYS & HOURS: daily 9a-5p

ADDRESS: North Gulph Road and Route 23  MAP

PHONE: 610-783-1077

WEBSITE: http://www.nps.gov/vafo