Explore these frequently asked questions to learn more about Membership.
Joining
Renewing
Benefits
Gift of Membership
Usage Guidelines
Joining
How do I become a Member?
Memberships are available for purchase online, in person at Ticketing & Member Services, or by calling 610.388.1000. Phone processing fees do not apply to Membership purchases.
Can I apply my paid admission to my Membership if I decide to join?
Yes, you may apply a portion of your paid admission toward the cost of your Membership within 30 days of your dated receipt/ticket. The amount that you can apply depends on the category of Membership that you are purchasing. Unfortunately, at this time, we cannot apply this credit online. Please inquire by phone at 610.388.1000,* or stop by Ticketing & Member Services for specific details. *Phone processing fees do not apply to Membership purchases.
Can I pay for a Membership using a Donor Advised Fund?
Yes, Longwood Gardens accepts gifts from Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) as payment for Membership dues, however the Member must waive all associated non-deductible Membership benefits, which includes Complimentary Guest Tickets. Please note that the personal payment amount cannot be subtracted from the donor advised fund grant amount — bifurcated payments are not allowed.
Questions about the policies of your specific donor advised fund can be directed to your fund advisor.
Please direct Donor Advised Fund Membership payments to:
Longwood Gardens
P.O. Box 501
Kennett Square, PA 19348-0501
Attention: Membership Department (DAF)
Can I apply the concert ticket price to my Membership?
Concert nights are considered special event nights in the Gardens. You may apply a portion of a purchased non-Member ticket(s) to a new Gardens Preferred or Gardens Premium Membership. Up to 5 tickets may be applied when purchasing a Gardens Preferred Membership and up to 9 may be applied when purchasing a Gardens Premium Membership. Please ask a Guest Services Representative for details.
How do I apply the young adult discount to my Gardens1 Membership?
If you are age 25 and under and would like to purchase a Gardens1 Membership, you can apply our young adult discount to your Membership. The young adult discount can only be processed onsite, as a valid ID is needed to confirm your age. The discount can be applied after you purchase your Membership.
Do you offer any other types of discounted Membership?
We offer a Young Adult discount of $35 to Gardens1 Members who are ages 25 and under. Also, you may apply a portion of your paid admission toward the cost of your Membership within 30 days of your dated receipt/ticket. Please make sure we have your updated email address on file as we periodically send out special promotions by email. Discounts may not be combined.
Do the primary and secondary cardholders need to live in the same household?
The 2 cardholders do not need to live in the same household, but the benefits of being a Member extend to only those 2-named cardholders. Please keep in mind that all Membership correspondence and mailings will be sent only to the primary cardholder.
Do I have to have a secondary cardholder?
For certain Membership levels, a secondary cardholder is part of the package. Membership benefits extend only to named cardholders. If your Membership includes a secondary cardholder, we strongly recommend that you name a second cardholder to take advantage of all the benefits of the level of Membership you selected.
What if I have more children than my Membership level covers?
If you purchase a Gardens5, Gardens Preferred or Gardens Premium Membership, you can purchase up to five additional youth access for your Membership. Additional youth access are $10 each to add to your Membership and are valid for those ages 18 and under. Please know additional youth access can only be added when you purchase your Membership.
Can my nanny/babysitter bring my children to the Gardens using my Gardens2, Gardens5, Gardens Preferred, or Gardens Premium Membership?
Yes, your childcare provider may bring your children to the Gardens without one of the named cardholders present. Please have them stop by Ticketing & Member Services with one of the active Membership cards. We will ask them to verify the address on the Membership and give them a temporary ID for the day. Please note that all attendees ages 5 and older count towards the total number of admissions allowed per your Membership level.
Can children of Gardens2, Gardens5, Gardens Preferred, or Gardens Premium Members use a parent’s Membership card without one of the named cardholders present?
Yes, please have your child or children, ages 18 years and younger, stop by Ticketing & Member Services with one of your active Membership cards. We will ask them to verify the address on the Membership and give them a temporary ID for the day. Please note that your children count towards the total number of admission allowed per your Membership level.
Do you offer a Membership for young adults?
Young adults can purchase a Gardens1 Membership and apply a young adult discount of $35 to their purchase if they are ages 25 and under. Young adult discounts must be processed onsite.
Do you offer a Membership for families with adult children?
Yes. Gardens2, Gardens5, Gardens Preferred, and Gardens Premium allow flexible visitation which can be any combination of guests 5 years of age and older. One named cardholder must be present to gain access to the Gardens. The number of admissions is based on Member level.
I am a person with a disability and need a caregiver to assist me with my visit. What do you recommend?
A personal care attendant accompanying a Member with disabilities is able to gain access to our Gardens without being included in a Membership. You may purchase any level of Membership and visit our Gardens with your personal care attendant.
Does Longwood Gardens offer corporate or company Memberships?
At this time, Longwood Gardens does not offer corporate Memberships for a group of employees or clients. Memberships are intended for up to two individually named Members, depending on the Membership level. Named Members can visit year round and bring guests based on their Membership level.
Do you have a Lifetime Membership level?
We do not offer a Lifetime Membership and do not plan to offer this in the future.
If you recently purchased a Membership, here is what to expect:
I JOINED ONLINE: If you would like to visit Longwood Gardens soon, please bring your print-at-home temporary Membership card (received via email) for quick and easy access to the Gardens. Permanent Membership materials arrive in 2-4 weeks.
I JOINED BY MAIL OR PHONE: If visiting Longwood Gardens prior to receiving your Membership packet in the mail, please stop by Ticketing & Member Services and they will print a temporary Membership card for quick and easy access to the Gardens. Permanent Membership materials arrive in 2-4 weeks.
Can I change the name(s) on my Membership after purchase?
You may change the name(s) on your Membership at the time of renewal. If you just joined (within the past four weeks), and wish to change the name(s) on your card, you must return all of your current Membership cards to be issued cards with the new name(s).
Can my company be listed as the Primary or Secondary Member, in order for employees or clients to visit the Gardens?
At this time, Longwood Gardens does not offer corporate Memberships. The Primary and Secondary Member names are intended to be individual first and last names, as all our Members are asked to show a photo ID with a name that matches the Primary or Secondary Member name on their Membership card for access to the Gardens.
Can I upgrade to a higher level of Membership?
Yes, with the following options:
- If you have less than 2 months left on your Membership:
If you wish to upgrade any time less than 2 months prior to your renewal date, you will be asked to submit payment in full for the upgraded level. You will be given all of the benefits of the Membership level you have upgraded into and we will extend your Membership a full year from its current expiration date. - If you have more than 2 months left on your Membership:
We will extend your Membership for a full year from today's date and give you credit for the unused portion of your Membership. Call us today to learn how at 610.388.1000.
Can I downgrade to a different Membership level?
The option to downgrade your Membership level is available at your time of renewal.
When will my Membership expire?
Your Membership is valid for 1 year from the date you purchased it. You can always email membership@longwoodgardens.org or call 610.388.1000 to inquire about your expiration date.
Why isn't the tax deductible amount of my Membership 100% of what I paid?
Each Membership comes with 2 Complimentary Guest Tickets. These guest tickets have a value of $23 each. The tax-deductible portion of your Membership is the purchase price of your Membership minus $46.
Renewing
What if I have more children than my Membership level covers?
If you have a Gardens5, Gardens Preferred or Gardens Premium Membership, you can purchase up to five additional youth access for your Membership. Additional youth access are $10 each to add to your Membership and are valid for those ages 18 and under. Please know additional youth access can only be added when you purchase your Membership.
Can I upgrade to a higher level of Membership?
Yes, with the following options:
- If you have less than 2 months left on your Membership:
If you wish to upgrade any time less than 2 months prior to your renewal date, you will be asked to submit payment in full for the upgraded level. You will be given all of the benefits of the Membership level you have upgraded into and we will extend your Membership a full year from its current expiration date. - If you have more than 2 months left on your Membership:
We will extend your Membership for a full year from today's date and give you credit for the unused portion of your Membership. Call us today to learn how at 610.388.1000.
Can I downgrade to a different Membership level?
The option to downgrade your Membership level is available at your time of renewal.
How do I renew?
Memberships are available at tickets.longwoodgardens.org, in person at Ticketing & Member Services, or by calling 610.388.1000. Phone processing fees do not apply to Membership purchases.
I renewed my Membership, now what?
I RENEWED ONLINE: If renewing at the same level of Membership, please continue to use your current Membership cards. If you no longer have your Membership cards, please email us at membership@longwoodgardens.org and we will issue new cards. You will only receive new cards if you chose to renew at a new Membership level or if you request a replacement card. If you chose a new Membership level, please bring your print-at-home temporary Membership card (received via email) for quick and easy access to the Gardens. Permanent materials arrive in 2-4 weeks.
I RENEWED BY MAIL OR PHONE: If renewing at the same level of Membership, please continue to use your current Membership cards. If you no longer have your Membership cards, please email us at membership@longwoodgardens.org and we will issue new cards. You will only receive new cards if you chose to renew at a new Membership level or if you request a replacement card. If you chose a new Membership level, please stop by Ticketing & Member Services and they will print a temporary Membership card for quick and easy access to the Gardens. Permanent Membership materials arrive in 2-4 weeks.
Can I change the name(s) on my Membership after purchase?
You may change the name(s) on your Membership at the time of renewal. If you just renewed (within the past four weeks), and wish to change the name(s) on your card, you must return all of your current Membership cards to be issued cards with the new name(s).
Can children of Gardens2, Gardens5, Gardens Preferred, or Gardens Premium Members use a parent’s Membership card without one of the named cardholders present?
Yes, please have your child or children, ages 18 years and younger, stop by Ticketing & Member Services with one of your active Membership cards. We will ask them to verify the address on the Membership and give them a temporary ID for the day. Please note that your children count towards the total number of admission allowed per your Membership level.
When will my Membership expire?
Your Membership is valid for 1 year from the date of purchase. If renewing early, your new Membership will add 1 year to your current expiration date. Please allow 2-3 weeks for your expiration date to be updated. You can always login to our website to view your expiration date, or email membership@longwoodgardens.org, or call 610.388.1000 to inquire about your expiration date.
If I renew my Membership before it expires, how will this affect my expiration date?
Your Membership is valid for 1 year from the date of purchase. If renewing early, your new Membership will add 1 year to your current expiration date. If you upgrade your Membership in the middle of a cycle, the new Membership will start immediately and you will receive credit for the time remaining on your old Membership. The new Membership will be valid 1 year from the date of your Membership purchase.
Why isn't the tax deductible amount of my Membership 100% of what I paid?
Each Membership comes with 2 Complimentary Guest Tickets. These guest tickets have a value of $23 each. The tax-deductible portion of your Membership is the purchase price of your Membership minus $46.
Benefits
What are the benefits of being a Member?
Benefits include year-round admission to the Gardens, 10% discounts on dining at The Terrace: Cafe and 1906, and 10% discount in The Garden Shop. Please click here to view the full list of Member benefits. Member discounts cannot be applied to alcohol purchases.
Do Members need reservations to visit the Gardens?
Yes, Members may visit anytime, but require free, timed reservations on Wednesdays–Mondays from open to close during Spring Blooms, evenings during Festival of Fountains, and daily from open to close during A Longwood Christmas. Innovators and Gardens Premium Members and those included in their Membership level do not require reservations. Reservations are limited, and sell out is likely. To cancel Member reservations, click here. Learn more about Member reservations.
Do Member benefits apply to the guests that I bring in using my Membership?
Member benefits apply only to named cardholders.
How do I redeem my Complimentary Guest Tickets?
All Membership levels receive two Complimentary Guest Tickets. Your Complimentary Guest Tickets are available online, and can be accessed at any time. You will need to have your Membership account set up to redeem your Complimentary Guest Tickets.
Complimentary Tickets may not be sold, transferred or distributed to any other person or entity for commercial gain. If Longwood Gardens has reason to believe the complimentary tickets have been resold they will be invalidated and the holder will be refused admission.
Please note: Complimentary Guest Tickets are for one-time general admission and are not valid for specially ticketed events and blackout days during A Longwood Christmas. Blackout days are all Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during A Longwood Christmas, November 22, 2024 through January 12, 2025; and every day December 20, 2024 through January 5, 2025. Other blackout dates may apply; check your tickets to see additional restrictions. Complimentary Guest Tickets are valued at $23 each, are not replaceable, and may not be used for Member-only events.
You do not need to make a timed reservation when using a Complimentary Guest Ticket.
Do I receive a discount on General Gardens Admission for my guests?
Yes, below is a breakdown of admissions discounts.
Adults are $23, regularly $25
Seniors (age 62+) are $20, regularly $22
College Students (with valid ID) are $20, regularly $22
Youth (ages 5-18 or with valid student ID) is $13, no discount
Children (ages 4 and under)—FREE
Are there other discounts I can receive with my Membership card?
Absolutely. Members receive discounts at select area garden centers and nurseries, as well as at select Brandywine Valley attractions. Please visit our Member Regional Discounts page for details.
How do I receive discounts on performances and Continuing Education classes?
Please consider purchasing a Gardens Preferred or Premium Membership, or supporting at the Innovator levels if you would like performance and class discounts.
Are Fireworks & Fountains Show tickets included in my Membership?
No, Fireworks & Fountains Show tickets are not included in any Membership level, however Gardens Premium and Preferred Members receive a discount on Fireworks & Fountains Show tickets.
Gift of Membership
I have received the Gift of Membership, when will the Membership start?
The Membership is active from the date of purchase.
I recently received a Gift of Membership, what should I expect?
THE GIFT WAS PURCHASED ONLINE: If you would like to visit Longwood Gardens soon, please bring your print-at-home temporary Membership card (received via email) for quick and easy access to the Gardens. Permanent Membership materials arrive in 2-4 weeks.
THE GIFT WAS PURCHASED BY MAIL OR PHONE: If visiting Longwood Gardens prior to receiving your Membership packet in the mail, please stop by Ticketing & Member Services and they will print a temporary Membership card for quick and easy access to the Gardens. Permanent Membership materials arrive in 2-4 weeks.
I have received the Gift of Membership, but I am not able to login online.
Use your email address and Member number to set up your account on our website. This account will simplify making reservations, accessing your Complimentary Guest Tickets, updating your Member information, reviewing your Membership expiration date, registering for Continuing Education courses, and renewing your Membership. Once logged in to your account, you can update your password or opt to 'Go Paperless,' and receive only our email communications. Please email membership@longwoodgardens.org or call 610.388.1000 to add or update your email address.
Usage Guidelines
Membership Terms and Conditions
- All sale are final and non-refundable. Memberships and Member benefits are exclusively for non-commercial use by individual Members and cannot be sold or transferred. Young adult discount cannot be combined with any other offer. Please present photo ID with Membership card(s) for entry into the Gardens. Discounts on special events and performances apply, if Membership is active through event date. Member discounts cannot be applied to alcohol purchases. Click here for a full listing of Terms and Conditions.
- All Memberships, regardless of level, are licenses revocable at will by Longwood Gardens. A Membership will automatically be revoked if a Member, or any guest of a Member, breaches the General Guidelines of Longwood Gardens' website, the rules of conduct or any other restrictions applicable to a Member or any admittee to Longwood Gardens. Memberships are not automatically renewable and shall expire after the Membership term, one year, which is specified at purchase. Longwood Gardens may, in its sole discretion and with or without cause, permanently revoke an individual's right to purchase a Membership, and ban or otherwise prevent an individual from attending events or functions at Longwood Gardens or otherwise entering Longwood Gardens. Longwood Gardens reserves the right to alter, close or remove exhibits without prior notice. Pricing, Terms and Conditions are subject to change without notice.
- Please note: Remote parking may be used on popular days, mostly on weekends and holidays, which may require a free shuttle service.
- *Complimentary Guest Tickets are for one-time general admission and are not valid for specially ticketed events and blackout days (peak days) during A Longwood Christmas. Blackout days are all Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during A Longwood Christmas, November 22, 2024 through January 12, 2025; and every day December 20, 2024 through January 5, 2025. Other blackout dates may apply; check your tickets to see additional restrictions. Complimentary Guest Tickets are valued at $23 each, are not replaceable, and may not be used for Member-only events.
- *Complimentary one-time use Guest Tickets are available in your online Member account when you purchase your Membership.
- Complimentary Guest Tickets may not be sold, transferred or distributed to any other person or entity for commercial gain. If Longwood Gardens has reason to believe the Complimentary Guest Tickets have been resold they will be invalidated and the holder will be refused admission.
Membership ID Policy
Longwood strives to offer world-class exhibits, educational programs, performing arts and special Members-only events just for you, our Member. To help us maintain and preserve our Membership promise to you, we kindly request that you present proof of identification along with your Membership card(s) when visiting the Gardens. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause you, but our intention is to honor you, our most loyal friends, who generously participate in our Membership program.
Can I use my Membership card for admission to other gardens and arboreta?
We are sorry, but Longwood Gardens does not participate in the Reciprocal Admission Program. Please click here for a list of gardens that participate in the Reciprocal Admissions Program by the American Horticultural Society.
Explore select Brandywine Valley attractions and receive a $2 discount on adult general admission.
Who may use my Membership?
Membership cards are non-transferable. One named cardholder must be present to gain access to the Gardens. Gardens1 admits the named cardholder. Gardens2 admits two per day, one of whom must be a named cardholder. Gardens5 and Gardens Preferred admit five per day, one of whom must be a named cardholder. Gardens Premium admits nine per day, one of whom must be a named cardholder. Longwood Gardens is a non-profit organization that relies heavily on Membership support and attendance revenue to maintain its beautiful grounds and facilities. To preserve the integrity of our Membership program and its wonderful benefits for paying Members, we ask our Members to help us prevent misuse of the Membership card(s). Named cardholders are privy to the benefits of Membership.
*Please visit the Membership Levels page of our website for further details on these Memberships. Members are required to show their Membership card and ID for re-entry into the Gardens.
Do I need a timed ticket for my guest(s) if I have a Complimentary one-time use Guest Ticket?
Complimentary Guest Ticket holders do not need timed ticket(s) or Member reservation to enter the Gardens. Specially ticketed events and blackout date restrictions apply. Guests not covered under your Membership or not using a Complimentary Guest Ticket are then required to purchase timed ticket(s). Complimentary Guest Tickets are for one-time general admission.
Can I put my Membership on hold?
Memberships to Longwood Gardens are good for one year from the date of purchase or renewal. Because they are a one year Membership, we are not able to inactivate for a certain time or a put a hold on a Membership. The Membership will expire one year from the purchase or renewal date.
Can my nanny/babysitter bring my children to the Gardens using my Gardens5, Gardens Preferred, or Gardens Premium Membership?
Yes, your childcare provider may bring your children to the Gardens without one of the named cardholders present. Please have them stop by Ticketing & Member Services with one of the active Membership cards. We will ask them to verify the address on the Membership and give them a temporary ID for the day. Please note that all attendees, ages 5 and older, count towards the total number of admissions allowed per your Membership level
Can children of Gardens2, Gardens5, Gardens Preferred, or Gardens Premium Members use a parent’s Membership card without one of the named cardholders present?
Yes, please have your child or children, ages 18 years and younger, stop by Ticketing & Member Services with one of your active Membership cards. We will ask them to verify the address on the Membership and give them a temporary ID for the day. Please note that your children count towards the total number of admission allowed per your Membership level.