KENNETT SQUARE, PA — A visit to one of Chester County’s most celebrated destinations will soon be available at whatever price guests choose to pay.
Longwood Gardens is inviting visitors to experience its world-renowned landscapes, fountains, conservatories, and summer displays during a special Pay What You Wish Day on Monday, June 22, as part of the nation’s America 250 celebration.
The one-day event offers guests the opportunity to explore Longwood’s 1,100 acres of gardens, woodlands, meadows, and attractions for an admission price of their choosing, making one of the region’s premier cultural destinations more accessible to a broader audience.
Visitors can enjoy the Gardens during the height of the Festival of Fountains season, when vibrant summer blooms, spectacular water displays, and immersive outdoor experiences are in full swing throughout the property.
“At Longwood Gardens, our mission is to bring joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning,” said Paul B. Redman, president and CEO of Longwood Gardens. “We have a number of programs to make our Gardens accessible and with Pay What You Wish Day, we are adding another way for more people to experience Longwood.”
Guests attending on June 22 will have the chance to explore many of Longwood’s signature attractions, including the 32,000-square-foot West Conservatory, the relocated Cascade Garden, and the expanded Idea Garden, all of which debuted as part of the Longwood Reimagined project.
The day also offers opportunities for families to participate in guided Family Nature Strolls and enjoy Longwood’s famous fountain performances throughout the afternoon.
Pay What You Wish Day is part of Longwood’s broader effort to expand access to the Gardens. Existing accessibility programs include discounted admission for ACCESS and SNAP EBT cardholders, caregiver admission, the Longwood Welcomes initiative, and partnerships with libraries in targeted communities throughout Chester County and Wilmington, Delaware. Community access programs are supported by Aqua, an Essential Utilities company.
Because attendance is expected to be high, advance reservations are required, and ticket quantities are limited.
Event Details
- What: Longwood Gardens Pay What You Wish Day
- When: Monday, June 22, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348
- Cost/Tickets: Admission is pay what you wish; advance reservations required and quantities are limited
- More Info: https://longwoodgardens.org
Highlights
Visitors can enjoy:
- Festival of Fountains displays through Sept. 27
- The new West Conservatory
- The relocated Cascade Garden
- The expanded Idea Garden
- Three treehouse experiences
- Giant water platters and interactive water features
- Meadow Garden trails filled with summer wildflowers and grasses
- Family Nature Strolls at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. (capacity limited)
- Fountain performances at 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m., and 5:15 p.m.
For those who have never visited Longwood Gardens—or longtime fans looking for another reason to return—the June 22 event offers a rare opportunity to experience one of the nation’s premier public gardens while celebrating both summer and America’s 250th anniversary.
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