If you are ever in Delaware County and need a great place to take the kids, I highly suggest taking them to Tyler Arboretum, tylerarboretum.org. I was just there with my sister, my niece (16), my nephew (almost 9) and my daughter(almost 3), and we all had a blast...yes, even the 16 year old!
Tyler Arboretum is located in Media, Pa and encompasses a whopping total of 650 acres! (Only a few minutes outside of Chester County.) They have over 20 miles of marked nature trails, some of which have actually won awards. It is a great place to pack a lunch and picnic under one of their towering trees.
Quick History...Back in 1681 William Penn signed an agreement with Thomas Minshall, for the property that the Arboretum now occupies. The property was home to the Minshall, Painter and Tyler families. In 1944 Laura Tyler bequeathed the estate to the public as an arboretum.
The main route of the Arboretum is only a little over a mile to walk. It is very accessible by stroller, a plus, especially if you have little children. It takes you by their main exhibits, like their Magical Habitats, were the Gnomes are, see below..
They have several exhibits that house these little fellows. Not to mention fairies, hobbits, enchanted mushrooms & even frogs. My daughter, was searching this house (above) for yes, you guessed it, Gnomeo! Love it! They even have a station where you can stop and try to build your own fairy house. All of these little creature's homes were all made out of something from the woods.
Tyler Arboretum is also featuring 7 Totally Terrific Treehouses. All of which are amazing! Some have some great views and one even had musical instruments which the children could play with till their hearts content. Pictured below is their Cape May Birdhouse Treehouse, my favorite!
But do not be afraid to vary off of your path. We actually walked back to the edge of the property and got to see a Giant Sequoia tree. I had to see it, just in case I never get to make it out to California. Here's a pic...
Now unfortunately a thief, back in 1895 had topped this giant, and took it home for his Christmas Tree. This caused the tree to develop a double trunk. But this specimen is the tallest of its kind in the state of Pennsylvania! Pretty cool, huh? And it is practically right in our backyard!
Tyler Arboretum's Mission: "..To preserve, develop and share our diverse horticultural, historical and natural site resources in order to stimulate stewardship and an understanding of our living world."
I hope you enjoyed this little taste of what Tyler Arboretum offers and hopefully it has inspired you to take your family on a quick little visit!
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