This was our first visit to Tyler Arboretum. My fiancé and I love botanical gardens and being in the outdoors. I had read the reviews and knew we shouldn't expect the caliber of a Longwood Gardens but we were still a little disappointed. There were plenty of walking trails but a lot of the areas appeared to be overgrown. We weren't expecting the manicured areas of Longwood Gardens but maybe something a little different. All in all the weather was beautiful and we plan to try another visit after the butterfly exhibit opens since we are in the area.
I've lived near here for over 10 years and never visited. I chaperoned a field trip and learned what I've been missing! The grounds, of course, are gorgeous. I learned so much history and so much about trees and plants. The guide we had was very knowledgeable and good with the kids. I'll definitely go back to see what else I've missed!
Beautiful property with 650 contiguous acres and 17 miles of hiking trails. The Arboretum’s collections include rare plant specimens, ancient trees and historic buildings. Walks are on level trails, and there are quiet trails away from the crowds as well as the more populated trails where families tend to visit, because of the unusual tree houses constructed throughout. The only disappointment was the structure advertised as a 'butterfly house'....basically a clear structure with a few plants and only one butterfly in the entire thing. I've been to others where there were swarms of butterflies, so this was the only let-down in our visit. There is a fee, but I used a Groupon offer for half price at the time. You can join as a member and have unlimited visits, and if you live nearby, you might enjoy having access to it at your convenience. We were there this summer, but i would love to come back in late spring when more things would be in bloom there.
Not as many formal gardens as say Longwood (and more trails vs paths so recommend sneakers vs open toed shoes). Lots to see, very well maintained and can be done in a few hours if you don't take any of the trails outside the fenced in area.
Of course we traveled to Tyler to see the treehouses. But we found so much more. This is an easy walking park, with both paved, wooded, and grassy trails. Your day could be as strenuous or easy as you wanted. The kids had such a great time exploring the tree houses and we found many hidden fairies. This was an easy drive from the Baltimore area for a day trip. We packed a picnic lunch which was great, but also needed only sell snacks.
What a fun afternoon with our 8 month old. The shade of the trees was appreciated as we hunted for tree houses. The fairy garden was darling. Take a few hours to walk around and relax.
While visiting relatives we had the pleasure of visiting the arboretum. A true delight with dedicated knowledgeable staff. We were especially pleased to find pawpaw trees in flower. Looking forward to a return visit in the fall to see the colours and fruit and nuts.
Originally was going to Ridley creek state park but saw this was next door and had unique things that we decided to go here instead. We have 4 yr old and twin 2 yr olds. This was great place for them. Got to climb on tree houses and wander around. Was sort of like outdoor jungle gym. We didn't even get to see everything after 2 hrs since kids were getting tired. Will be back to see more. I think this is good place to hit instead of long wood gardens that I really getting expensive if you have young kids (who won't appreciate aspects of long wood.) once my twins get to 3 yrs old we probably would pay for membership and get to go a few times a year (spring summer and fall).
So, we were perusing the grounds and came upon a fence, looked at our map and it looked like it would be a short cut to the maze.... NOT. An hour later feeling lost, tired and thirsty we came upon human life who told us the maze was back where we came from. We didn't finish touring the grounds so I don't know what we missed. I found the arboretum lacking but the tree houses were ok. There were a lot of kids playing around so maybe it's a good family event. Moral of the story...don't trust the map.
We visited early Spring ahead of most of the flowing vegetation on the grounds, but still appreciated the varied vegetation and natural displays through the arboretum grounds. Labeling of plants, tress and other materials are everywhere and easy to read. We walked the entire area within the deer fence on easy paved or cleared paths and all are ADA accessible and clearly marked. The grounds are beautifully laid out making it an interesting walk enjoying the outdoors. Hikers can go through the deer gates for hikes outside the fenced area, but did not do ourselves. May want to have sunscreen available on very sunny days as there paths/walkways through large areas with little or no trees.The only restroom facility is located in a building near to the visitor center and could be a long walk should you find yourself at the farthest area of the ground from the restroom. There is central picnic area with picnic tables available. There are interesting tree houses constructed throughout the grounds for kids of all sizes to climb, but only Fort Tyler is ADA accessible. Plenty of free parking. A beautiful place to just sit and ‘smell the roses’ or for an outdoor family adventure to explore.