Morris Arboretum Tours and Activities

First planted by its namesake, John Morris, in the late 1800s, the Morris Arboretum stretches across 37 hectares and includes wetlands, cultivated gardens, fountains and nurseries. Wander amid the same trees Morris did way back when and imagine how the gardens must have looked before he filled them with myriad plant species from all over the world. The arboretum is now owned and run by the University of Pennsylvania as both a public amenity and a centre for university research.There are in excess of 13,000 plants, trees and flowers in the arboretum, each of which has been labelled. You can wander amidst these at your own leisure, or take part in one of the many organised guided tours available. There are plenty of these to choose from, with everything from sculpture-based tours to interactive ones targeted at the kids.Speaking of the kids, there are also plentiful other activities available in the arboretum offering a chance for some family-friendly fun. Try the Tree Adventure or the Out On A Limb canopy walk to get a genuine bird's eye view of the surrounding area from between the branches of the ancient trees.Naturally, those with a love of gardening will be in their element at the arboretum. The 8-sided fernery glasshouse is a major favourite with most visitors, while the Horticulture Complex offers plentiful information on how various species are propagated. Head to the Japanese water garden for a moment of pure relaxation, or laze amid the heady scents of the serene rose garden.Morris Arboretum is located 24 kilometres from central Philadelphia and there is a fee to be paid on entry. Opening hours vary according to the season so it's a good idea to check for up-to-date information before your visit.