My mother has always loved flowers. She wants to be surrounded by flowers, whether at a manicured garden or the garden center at the hardware store. So naturally, growing up I always insisted that I didn’t appreciate “nature” and instead wanted to see man-made art and architecture.
However, since becoming a mother, I have an entirely new appreciation for gardens. They are the perfect place to enjoy both nature and human creativity, and offer an opportunity for my toddler to explore. Not to mention many of them are free and it’s a nice change from playgrounds. Visiting a garden has become our favorite family activity and in this post I’m sharing all of our favorite gardens in New Jersey (with bonuses in Pennsylvania and New York).
Van Vleck House & Gardens
This free house and garden in Montclair, NJ is a favorite! I love to visit by myself for reading and reflecting time, and it was a huge hit with my son who loved exploring the ramble paths.
The Frelinghuysen Arboretum
I was introduced to this free arboretum in Morristown, NJ by friends who used to take their children here. We had a great time together and have gone back again as a family since. My friends gave me the pro tip that there is library with a great children’s section nearby if you want to extend your outing.
Greenwood Gardens
These are beautiful gardens in Millburn, NJ, featuring multiple lakes and a farm! There are manicured gardens and open grass areas. The farm is small, and my son was excited to see the ducks. There is an entry fee.
Laurelwood Arboretum
I haven’t taken my son to this garden in Wayne, NJ yet, but it’s on our list! I visited growing up and remember enjoying all of the water features at this free garden.
Essex county park & Verona Park
While not technically gardens, both of these parks have beautiful lakes to walk around and playgrounds for your children to burn off extra energy!
Longwood Gardens (Pennsylvania)
This photo is from 2011, but this is a garden that I can’t wait to go back to. This is a massive place with phenomenal water features and a wide variety of gardens and greenhouses. I have plans to go back very soon!
Storm King Art Center (New York)
The day we visited Storm King is one of my favorite of the summer. We went on a whim after a trip to West Point didn’t work out, and we ended up renting bikes and enjoying a long ride and lunch on the grounds. We took it slow and made many stops, and my son had the greatest time.
Do you have any garden recommendations? I can’t get enough!
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