I work a school for special needs children and sometimes we take our students there for community outings. Sometimes the staff are helpful other times not as much.As far as the sights go it really depends on the time of year that you go.Much more to do in the spring and summer. If you go be sure to use bug spray as they can be bad at times. Relatively inexpensive outing.
Adkins has a great program where you can combine a nature walk with a lunch. During lunch, a person usually speaks about the ingredients or nature. The walking trails are very doable...not too strenuous. You can spot lots of birds and can spend as much time as you would like there.
We are outdoor lovers so since we were staying at Tuckahoe State Park for a week a visit to the Arboretum was a "must do" on our list. If you love nature you will love to stroll around the paths that go through the woods and fields. Many trees are identified with labeling, amphibians scouring across the paths and jumping into steams. Plan on at least two to three hours.
This nature facility may just be the most well maintained that my wife and I have ever seen. The trail system is extensive, through many types of habitats, and is well-marked, mowed, and graded. There are many intersecting trails, so make sure you take along a visitor guide and map. The differing habitats (meadows, forests, wetlands, streams) produce a variety of birds and plants. It's a great place for a hike of any length, and easy for all ages to handle. Also check out the well-stocked visitor center store.
The arboretum is very unique. It has gravel trails and grassy trails that guide you through the arboretum. There are signs indicating which trail you are on, but without the printed map to accompany the signs, they can be confusing. The park is divided into approximately 1/3 trees with gravel trails, 1/3 tall grass and scrubs with grassy trail, and 1/3 trees in the woods with dirty trails. I highly recommend wearing hiking shoes or athletic shoes. Sandals are not recommended because your feet can get very dirty from the dirt and gravel.I went in early October and there was no bugs. During other time of the year, recommend preparing yourself with bug spray. Not to worry, if you forgot the bug spray, the arboretum is kindly to provide some. Once you exit the visitor center/gift shop where you pay for your admission, you will find bottles of bug spray available for you to use. The restaurant is also in the visitor center/gift shop. If you are traveling with your pets, pets are welcome and please pick up after your pet.The arboretum also has a fenced in area for goats. There was a family of goats when I was there, and my dog just loved them as they loved my dog. The second they noticed my dog was approaching, the goats came out of their little house and started slowly walking toward us. They were curious, and my little dog wanted to play with them. That was the highlight of our visit.
If you are looking for a manicured arboretum with groomed specimens of rare plants, you are in the wrong place. The arboretum is maintained as a natural place showcasing native plants of the Delmarva Peninsula. It focuses on educating the public on how to manage natural areas of the region especially on protecting the Chesapeake bay and other waterways that are endangered. They offer classes and programs for children including summer camp, guided dog walks, Shakespeare in the meadow, symposia and conferences. The nursery propagates native plants and raises funds at its spring and fall plant sales. Hiking trails are sometimes rough so be prepared for a good hike; use bug spray! Trail guides are available in the Visitor Center Shop where you will also find free tea and coffee, gifts for adults and kids of all ages, and a good selection of up-to-date books. Great staff, lovely place, especially for those interested in ecology, and the environment. An unusual gem.
The parking lot is the best part of this attraction. After paying $5 per we we told to make sure we visited the goats. The goats were there to eat the honeysuck which has overrun the area. If you want to spend 1/2 hour walking around a a few acres of catterpillar invested scub land then by all means stop in. My advise is if you want to contribute to this tourist trap is to through the money out the window as you drive by and continue to the park to walk the trails.
Go have a family picnic or event. It has a pavilion for family get togethers; cook-out or just bring your basket of food and put a blanket down and relax.
Start at the informative visitor center, ask questions, and get a map. Staff are very helpful and can steer you in the direction best for what you are hoping to see. Visit the website, too, as they have many interesting activities for families, groups, and individuals, including classes. Worth the small entry fee, and a great supplement to a visit to nearby Tuckahoe State Park (which is free).
There are lovely walks through the woods here and a small stream with frogs and fish. Native plants are for sale in season. Note that there is a small charge to enter.