Scott Arboretum & Gardens

Nature Nook: Winter Session
2026-01-16 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-01-23 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-01-30 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-02-06 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-02-13 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-02-20 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-02-27 10:00 - 10:45 (America/Detroit) | Wister Center – Gillespie Room, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States
Calling all little nature explorers! Join Rachel Warren at Scott Arboretum & Gardens for mornings full of singing, stories, crafts and dancing. Each session is seasonally themed around nature and the garden. This program is designed for children ages 2 to 4 years old with their caregivers.
Registration Cost (includes all 8 sessions):
Members: Free
Non-Members: $40
ACCESS Cardholder: $2; call 610-328-8025 to register.
Did you know a Family level membership to the Associates of the Scott Arboretum is only $55 and includes benefits for two adults and up to four children? Become a member of the Associates of the Scott Arboretum here.
SOLD OUT
Program Details

Registration is required and includes all 8 sessions.
Class size is limited.
Registration for members includes participation for up to 4 children and their caregivers.
Registration for non-members includes one child and their caregivers.
Sessions will start in the Wister Center with a story and craft, followed by a short walk to explore a garden.
Email us if you have accessibility needs for this program.
For more information, review our program and event policies or call the Scott office at 610-328-8025.

About ACCESS
Scott Arboretum & Gardens proudly participates in the Art-Reach ACCESS program. Pennsylvania ACCESS/EBT cardholders, and Art-Reach ACCESS cardholders may receive $2 tickets for the cardholder and up to 3 guests. This discount may not be valid for special events or sold out events, or combined with other discount offers. Visitors must show their ACCESS card and valid photo ID on the day of the program. For more information about the ACCESS program, please visit art-reach.org/access.

Family Winter Tree Walk
2026-01-31 10:00 - 10:30 | Scott Arboretum Offices, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States
Bundle up and join us for a family-friendly walk through the winter landscape in celebration of Tu B’Shevat, the Jewish New Year of the Trees! Together, we’ll investigate the changes occurring during this time of year, document our findings through nature journaling and discuss our human connection to trees. This interactive walk is a wonderful way for families to enjoy nature, learn together, and honor the trees that give so much. This tour is intended for families with children ages 3 – 18 and all are welcome.
Register Now
Program Details

Registration is free, but encouraged to receive program updates.
Tours begin in front of the Scott offices (Cunningham House).
The tour will be canceled in case of inclement weather.
Email us if you have accessibility needs for this program.
For more information, review our program and event policies or call the Scott office at 610-328-8025

School’s Out: Winter Wonderland
2026-02-16 09:30 - 12:00 | Wister Center – Gillespie Room, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States
Drop by Scott Arboretum & Gardens on your day off from school to learn about the wonders of the winter gardens. Complete a winter-themed nature craft and go on a scavenger hunt throughout the gardens. Join us at 10:30 am for a free, family-friendly tour of the Arboretum & Gardens.
This is a free, drop-in program and no registration is required. It is designed for children ages 3 to 12 with a caregiver.
Event Schedule:
9:30 am – 12:00 pm: Winter Nature Crafts and Scavenger Hunt
10:30 – 11:00 am: Family-Friendly Tour of the Arboretum & Gardens

Program Details:

This event will be held in the Wister Center.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Email us if you have accessibility needs for this program.
For more information, review our program and event policies [or call the Scott office at 610-328-8025

Nature Nook: Spring Session
2026-03-06 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-03-13 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-03-20 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-03-27 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-04-03 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-04-10 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-04-17 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-05-01 10:00 - 10:45 | Wister Center – Gillespie Room, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States
Calling all little nature explorers! Join Rachel Warren at Scott Arboretum & Gardens for mornings full of singing, stories, crafts, and dancing. Each session is seasonally themed around nature and the garden. This program is designed for children ages 2 to 5 years old.

Registration Cost:
Members: Free
Non-Members: $50 for all eight sessions
ACCESS Cardholder: $2; call 610-328-8025 to register.
Did you know a Family level membership to the Associates of the Scott Arboretum is only $55 and includes benefits for two adults and up to four children? Become a member of the Associates of the Scott Arboretum here.
SOLD OUT
Program Details

Registration is required. Registration includes all eight sessions. Please note: there will be no class on April 24, 2026 in preparation for the Arbor Day Celebration on April 25.
Class size is limited.
Registration for members includes participation for up to four children and their caregivers.
Registration for non-members includes one child and their caregivers.
Siblings under 2 are welcome to attend at no additional charge.
Please list the child’s first name during registration.
Sessions will start in the Wister Center with a story and craft, followed by a short walk to explore a garden.
Email us if you have accessibility needs for this program.
For more information, review our program and event policies or call the Scott Arboretum office at 610-328-8025.

School’s Out: Spring Blooms
2026-04-01 09:30 - 12:00 | Cherry Border, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, 19081, United States
Drop by Scott Arboretum & Gardens this April Fools’ Day for some outdoor adventure, trickery, and creativity! Children ages 3-12 with a caregiver can enjoy a nature-themed craft, learn about plants that play tricks in nature, and go on a scavenger hunt throughout our gardens. Bring a picnic and enjoy the day outside! Join us at 10:30 am for a free, family-friendly tour of the Arboretum & Gardens.
This is a free, drop-in program, and no registration is required. Scott Saplings, this is a great opportunity to stamp your code catcher and pick up your spring prize!
Event Schedule:
9:30 am – 12:00 pm: Nature crafts, scavenger hunts, plant trickery, and more!
10:30 am – 11 am: Family-friendly tour of Scott Arboretum & Gardens

Program Details:

This event will be held in the Cherry Border. In case of inclement weather, we will move inside to the Wister Center.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Email us if you have accessibility needs for this program.
For more information, review our program and event policies or call the Scott Arboretum office at 610-328-8025.

Dogwood Doggie Day Out
2026-04-11 09:30 - 12:00 | Wister Center – Gillespie Room, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States
Bring the pups to Scott Arboretum and Gardens’ inaugural Dogwood Doggie Day Out! This casual, drop-in event is for people and their leashed pets to explore the blooms of spring, including our flowering dogwood trees.
Activities will include a dog-friendly guided walking tour of the dogwoods, self-guided stroll, and interactive activities to learn about dogwood trees. Meet adoptable dogs from a local shelter and stop by the membership table for a special dog-themed giveaway. A limited number of dogwood trees and doggie goodies will be available, while supplies last.
Events Schedule:
9:30 am – 12 pm:

Dogwood activity station
Scott Arboretum & Gardens member doggie swag giveaway (one per membership, while supplies last)
Visit with adoptable dogs from a local shelter
Dogwood tree giveaway
Self-guided tour

10 – 11 am: Dog-Friendly Dogwood Tour
Program Details:

This event will be held in the Wister Center Parking Lot.
In case of inclement weather, the event will be held inside the Wister Center.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Pets must be on a leash at all times to be in compliance with Swarthmore Ordinance 949.608.02.
Email us if you have accessibility needs for this program.
For more information, review our program and event policies or call the Scott Arboretum office at 610-328-8025.

Spring Crum Woods Hike
2026-04-18 10:00 - 11:30 | Matchbox, 500 College Ave, Swarthmore, PA, 19081
Experience the spring awakenings in the Crum Woods! Discover flowers, listen to the babbling creek, and take a deep breath as you enjoy a meditative moment in the woods. Our Crum Woods hike will be led by a horticulturist on staff who can answer your plant questions and provide you with a rich wealth of knowledge during your tour.
We recommend this hike for adults and children ages 5 and up. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Register Now

Program Details

Please note this tour has a different departure location than other tours.
This event is free, but registration is encouraged to receive program updates.
This tour will depart from the front of the Matchbox building.
Please park in the Field House Parking Lot and walk to the departure location, following Arboretum logo signs.
The tour will be canceled in the event of inclement weather.
For more information, review our program and event policies or call the Scott office at 610-328-8025.

Accessibility:

This program is NOT wheelchair or stroller accessible.
Participants must be able to hike on unpaved, hilly surfaces for about 2 miles, with exposed roots and rocks. There is a brief, uphill walk from the parking area to the departure location.
Email us if you have other accessibility needs for this program.

Arbor Day Celebration
2026-04-25 10:00 - 13:00 | Wister Center – Gillespie Room, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States
Celebrate Arbor Day at Scott Arboretum & Gardens! Enjoy a tree-themed scavenger hunt, learn from expert arborists, participate in engaging tree activities, and explore the stunning spring gardens. Take home a free sapling to plant in your garden (one per family, while supplies last).
Join us at noon for our Arbor Day Tree tour led by a member of our horticulture staff.
Event Schedule:
10 am – 1 pm: Arbor Day Scavenger Hunt, Tree Activities, and Tree Giveaway
noon – 1:00 pm: Arbor Day Tree Tour
Program Details:

This event will be held in the Wister Center and surrounding gardens.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Email us if you have accessibility needs for this program.
For more information, review our program and event policies or call the Scott office at 610-328-8025.

Art in the Garden: Youth and Family Workshop
2026-05-02 09:00 - 10:30 | Wister Center – Gillespie Room, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States
Join Young Rembrandts at Scott Arboretum & Gardens for a fun morning of art and nature—a perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day! Each participant will design a beautiful flower creation using watercolor pencils while being immersed in the springtime garden. The workshop’s step-by-step guided instruction allows participants of all abilities to thrive in a collaborative environment. This program is open to children ages 5 and up with their caregiver.
Registration Cost:
Member: $20
Non-Member: $30
ACCESS Cardholder: $2; call 610-328-8025 to register.
Register Now
Program Details

This workshop is for participants ages 5 and up; no experience needed.
All children must be accompanied by a caregiver.
Registration is required for each child and adult participating.
Please include the first name of all participants during registration.
Registration includes all supplies.
Workshop limited to 24 people.
In case of inclement weather, this workshop will be held in the Wister Center.
Email us if you have accessibility needs for this program.
For more information, review our program and event policies or call the Scott office at 610-328-8025.

About ACCESS
Scott Arboretum & Gardens proudly participates in the Art-Reach ACCESS program. Pennsylvania ACCESS/EBT cardholders, and Art-Reach ACCESS cardholders may receive $2 tickets for the cardholder and up to three guests. This discount may not be valid for special events or sold out events, or combined with other discount offers. Visitors must show their ACCESS card and valid photo ID on the day of the program. For more information about the ACCESS program, please visit art-reach.org/access.

Rose Celebration
2026-05-20 16:00 - 19:00 | Dean Bond Rose Garden, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States
Celebrate one of summer’s most prized flowers with a free event for the whole family, including appreciating the beauty of the Dean Bond Rose Garden, learning about roses, enjoying live music, and more!
