Seasonal Events Abound At Morris Arboretum This Fall

CHESTNUT HILL, PHILADELPHIA — Morris Arboretum is getting into the autumn spirit and is planning to host a slew of seasonal events soon.

Fall events at the arboretum include a spooky scarecrow walk, wine and cheese wander through the trees, a look into the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania, and a pumpkin carving party.

"Fall is an especially exciting time to come to the Arboretum," said Bryan Thompson-Nowak, Director of Education. "The garden is absolutely spectacular, and when you have such beautiful surroundings and these great events, it makes your visit all the more worth it."

Be sure to see the miniature replica of the Jersey Shore’s Lucy the Elephant during Garden Railway: America’s Roadside Attractions while perusing the Arboretum’s popular model trains chugging along on a quarter mile of outdoor track.

And don’t miss the end of the arboretum's Summer of Swings exhibition, extended by popular demand, where you can play on swings and try cool experiments.

Learn more about our fall events online here.

Morris Arboretum is open weekdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekends 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Below is the schedule of events for fall at Morris Arboretum:

Summer of Swings—Extended Through Oct. 2

Free with Arboretum admission

Morris Arboretum invites you to explore our new seasonal exhibition Summer of Swings! By popular demand, Summer of Swings has been extended through October 2. Visitors of all ages can experience the Arboretum in a totally new way—while perched on one of 10 swings placed strategically across 92 acres. Play on the swings, try some cool physics experiments, and just have fun!

Evening Wine and Cheese Wander

Thursday, Sept. 29 | 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Meet at Widener Visitor Center

Member Price: $40 | Non-Member Price: $45

Join us for an after-hours wander through the Garden at your leisure. Each stop will feature staff-favorite wines and cheese plates to enjoy. Sites will be open from 5:30–7:30 pm and guests can arrive when it is convenient for them. Last arrival should be no later than 6:30 pm to allow time to visit each site. To register online, visit morrisarb.org/classes or call 215.247.5777 ext. 125.

Spooky Scarecrow Walk

Oct. 1 through Oct. 31

Free with Arboretum admission

October is “ArBOOretum” month, and the scarecrows are back! More than 30 scarecrows will be on display throughout the Arboretum beginning October 1 through Halloween! The theme this year is “Spooky Scarecrows.” Be sure to vote for your favorite, which will determine the top prize winners!

Culinary Wednesdays

Five consecutive Wednesdays starting Oct. 5, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Widener Visitor Center

Member Price: $40 | Non-Member Price: $45

Join us for garden-inspired culinary courses such as Botanical Mixology and Holiday Desserts to Live For. This series is a multisensory treat! Grab a friend and sign up for a delicious fall season. All class prices include recipes, tastings, and/or take-home elements. To register online, visit morrisarb.org/classes or call 215.247.5777 ext. 125.

Garden Railway: America’s Roadside Attractions

Through Monday, Oct. 10

Free with Arboretum admission.

Final weeks! View a wide range of model trains zipping in and out of tunnels and over bridges along a quarter mile of spectacular outdoor track. This season’s theme, “America’s Roadside Attractions,” features miniature replicas of some of this country’s most iconic roadside attractions, including Randy’s Donuts, the World's Oldest Largest Pecan, and a 10-foot-tall Jolly Green Giant. It will feel like you’ve traveled all over the U.S. without leaving Chestnut Hill!

Pumpkin Carving Party (Ages 8+)

Saturday, Oct. 22 | 10:30 a.m. to noon

Widener Visitor Center Tent

Member Price: $40 | Non-Member Price: $45

Come along to our workshop and learn how to carve amazing pumpkins! We will supply the pumpkin along with all the specialized equipment you need for carving, as well as patterns and ideas to help you make a spectacular pumpkin.

Trick or Treat Trail

Saturday, Oct. 29 | Sunday, Oct. 30, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Free with Arboretum admission

Come in costume and walk along our Spooky Scarecrow loop for trick-or-treating and candy for the kids! Our volunteer guides will be dressed for the holiday as well.

This is Lenapehoking: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Thursday, Nov. 3 | 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 pm.

Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118

Member Price: $20 | Non-Member Price: $25

In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, Adam DePaul, storykeeper of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania, will share stories of the Lenape and their relationship to the land—past, present, and looking into the future. The evening begins with a tribal drum performance led by Chief of Ceremonies Chuck GentleMoon DeMund and the Itchy Dog Singers, a group within the Lenape Nation. Reserve your spot for the lecture at morrisarboretum.org.

Tuesday Night Nature: A Virtual Speaker Series

Four consecutive Tuesdays starting Nov. 8, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Each Session: Members: $20 | Non-Members $25

Series Price: Members: $60 | Non-Members $75

Tuesday Night Nature brings expert voices from afar to the comfort of your home. Tune in to these live, online lectures and learn about Nature’s Best Hope from acclaimed author Doug Tallamy; the garden design principles of Piet Oudolf; the cultural importance of seed keeping; and more. To register online, visit morrisarb.org/classes or call 215.247.5777 ext. 125.