5 Reasons to Visit Before the Sun Sets on Summer

Photo: Rob Cardillo

 
Summer is winding down but there is still a lot to do in the garden at Morris Arboretum. Here are 5 reasons to visit before the sun sets on summer.

1. The cooling power of trees and bubbling fountains provide a perfect respite of tranquility from the hustle and bustle of the city. It can be as much as 10-15 degrees cooler under the shade of a big tree, and Morris Arboretum has a lot of state champion trees! Learn More
    
2. Patrick Dougherty’s stick sculpture, A Waltz in the Woods lures art lovers and children alike with its seven 25-foot tall twisting towers that you can roam through, or race in and out of. Learn More
    
3. Out on a Limb takes you high up in the treetops on a canopy walk that requires no climbing. Or you can scamper onto the Squirrel Scramble, a hammock-like rope netting and pretend you’re a squirrel peering down from 50 feet up. Learn More
    
4. The Garden Railway presents Art & Architecture with Philadelphia sculptures like Rocky and The Thinker, along with architecture from afar like the Eiffel Tower. And that is just the back drop for model trains zipping in and out of tunnels, through bridges, and under trestles on a quarter mile track. Labor Day weekend is Circus Week at the Garden Railway. Come see the Big Top and the circus trains take over the tracks. Learn More
    
5. Sculpture Scavenger Hunt Open your eyes to art in the garden with the new Sculpture Scavenger Hunt.  Pick up a clue sheet at the Visitor’s Center now through October, and solve 10 riddles to find 10 sculptures, each with a secret code attached.  Guests who decipher the cryptic message will receive a complimentary pack of Play Doh® to create their own work of art. Get the Guide

What to do with all that summer energy?

Summer's here: It's hot, the days are long, and the kids are full of energy!
Camp and swim clubs provide daytime relief for many during these school-free days, but what to do when the sun starts to set and the kids are still searching for something to do?

Thursdays to the rescue!
Morris Arboretum is open late (until 8:30pm) every Thursday during the summer months. It's a unique opportunity to pack a picnic dinner, bring a blanket, and enjoy the garden in a light that's not typically available to visitors. Kids will love catching fireflies too!

If you're looking for something a bit more high energy, be sure to come down this Thursday, July 18 for Let's Move! Garden Dance Party. The Let's Move! initiative was launched by the First Lady, Michelle Obama, to help solve the challenge of childhood obesity and promote a healthy future. Sounds by Shelly Disc Jockey Services will be on hand to lead the party in fun and engaging games and choreography. Free with admission. 

Love live music? Back by popular demand is our XPN Kids' Corner Concert Series! This year's line-up includes the amazing sounds of Alex & the Kaleidoscope Band, Trout Fishing in America, and The Suzi Shelton Band. For the first time, we are offering advanced online ticketing. Purchasing tickets early saves money and time at the gate on the night of the event. Don't forget your lawn chairs and blankets, although we're sure the family will be too busy dancing to use them!

Click here for more family fun events.
Below: A video clip from our latest Summer Solstice Salsa Party! 

A Summer Adventure Like No Other

It may be winter now, but any experienced parent knows summer will be here before we know it. That means sunshine, warm weather, and the kids constantly asking "What are we doing today!?" Summer camp to the rescue!

We know there are many choices out there for parents to select from, but we've got a few good reasons why Morris Arboretum's Summer Adventure Camp is like no other:

1. We've got bugs... BIG BUGS! This summer 11 huge bug sculptures are invading our garden and we've got some pretty exciting activities planned around them that will keep campers hopping (grasshopping that is!).
    
2. An Elevated Experience! One of our most popular garden features, Out on a Limb Tree Adventure becomes a place for campers to take part in yoga, storytelling, and more all among the tree canopy.
    
3. Delightful Discounts! Register before March 1 and receive 10% off camp tuition. Discounts are also given to siblings.
    
4. Something for Everyone! Our camp provides a beautiful, natural setting with diverse programming that includes wetland discovery, arts & crafts, cooking, journal writing, critter collecting, and even treasure hunts!

Dates & Details:

Four Sessions to Chose from: June 24-28, July 8-12, July 15-19, and/or July 22-26
Time: Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm
Cost: $265 for Morris Arboretum members; $285 for non-members 
2013 Registration is now open, sign up today: http://bit.ly/MACamp2013