Family travel 5: Beauty is blooming

Awash in color, scent and texture, gardens are a gift from the natural world. Here are five places where beauty is blooming:

Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

Families are encouraged to explore the more than 1,000 acres of gardens, woodlands, meadows and fountains as well as a 4.5-acre conservatory that comprise this Pennsylvania gem. Ask about family story time and scavenger hunts in the children's garden, guided visits to a meadow and invigorating seasonal programs. Kids will want to scout for the dozens of whimsical animal statues that can be found throughout the garden. Visible in all sizes, shapes and colors, some are more than 100 years old . You'll also find an entire garden area dedicated to the art of topiary. Learn how the pros train plants, shrubs and trees into shapes while marveling at more than 20 examples including a 20-foot-high wedding cake topiary.

For more: www.longwoodgardens.org.

Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum, Nashville

This 55-acre botanical garden, arboretum and art museum was originally built as the home of Leslie and Mabel Cheek. Since the conversion to a community treasure in 1960, Cheekwood has presented world-class art exhibitions and spectacular gardens throughout the year. Discover 11 separate gardens and seasonal festivals that include 250,000 blooming bulbs in the spring and a mile of holiday lights in the winter. The 1.5-mile woodland Carell Trail features a diverse range of sculptures, created by artists from Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom and the U.S. The works examine the relationship between art and nature.

For more: https://cheekwood.org

Desert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix

Tucked within the red-hued landscape of Papago Park, the Desert Botanical Garden hosts one of the world's finest collections of desert plants. The garden is home to rare, threatened and endangered plant species from around the world. Families can enjoy the magical Butterfly Pavilion where beautiful winged creatures, native to the Southwest, sip nectar and gently perch on young visitors. You'll learn about the butterfly life cycle in the caterpillar nursery and observe butterflies emerging from their chrysalis. Also, check out evolving spaces for creative garden play.

For more: www.dbg.org.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden, New York

Throughout the year, toddler discovery, tree detective and family weekend programs combine to make this an outstanding place to inspire young naturalists. The Discovery Garden, created for the youngest garden guests, provides opportunities to investigate plant and animal life in an immersive landscape. Don't miss the winding pathways and unique beauty of the Japanese Gardens, for which the BBG is noted.

For more: www.bbg.org.

Magnolia Plantation, Charleston, South Carolina

See camellias, daffodils, azaleas and scores of other species in bloom within America's oldest public garden. Founded in 1676 and open for visitors since 1870, the expansive and historic plantation is home to the last large-scale Romantic Garden left in the United States. Naturalist guides will help the kids spot alligators, turtles, egrets, and herons in their native habitat while on a tram tour of the plantation's wetlands, marshes, lakes and forests. A 45-minute history tour details Magnolia's role in moving from slavery to freedom. Kids will love the petting zoo and nature center where they can get friendly with white tail deer, pygmy goats and other small creatures. Check the website for program updates.

For more: www.magnoliaplantation.com

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This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 1:18 AM.