Youth Group Visits

Plan Your Visit

• Chaperones

  
  

  A ratio of 1 chaperone to 10 children is required. All children must be with an adult chaperone at all times. All guests must observe our visiting guidelines. Adult chaperones are responsible for communicating these guidelines to ensure the safety of all guests, exhibit and plant collections.

  
  

• Transportation & Parking

  
  

  For bus groups, the group should remain on the bus while the group leader picks up the tickets by entering the building through the Group entrance, which is located on the right side of the Visitor Center.

  If children/campers are being dropped off by parents at the Gardens, an adult must be present at all times and the drop off location must be approved by Longwood.

  The phone number of the camp/field trip organizer chaperone must be provided to Longwood in the event we need to redirect questions from parents.

  
  

• Programming/Lessons/Workshops

  
  

  Your program may not interfere with another guest’s experience. You may not perform camp-related arts and crafts activities while onsite. Longwood must not be the primary location for your week-long externally run camp.

  
  

• Bus Group Check-In/Ticketing

  
  

  Group leaders should check-in at the Group Ticketing Window in the Visitor Center. Tickets will be given to the leader. The leader is responsible for the distribution of all tickets for all members of the group. Longwood cannot be held responsible for holding individual tickets for latecomers. Those taking a guided tour will begin the tour when all group members are in attendance. Re-entry is not permitted.

  
  

• Amenities

  
  

  Our mobile map on our website helps enhance and guide your visit. Restrooms, wheelchair/electric scooter rentals, a mobile charging kiosk, and our Garden Shop are also located inside the Visitor Center. Dining facilities are located a short 7-minute walk from the Visitor Center.

  
  

• Personal Belongings

  
  

  Longwood will not store any personal belongings, including, but not limited to coolers, backpacks, or lunches. All personal belongings must be left in buses or in personal vehicles.

  
  

• Payment Policy

  
  

  • Prices subject to change.
  • All youth group visits require advance reservations and payment. Reservations must be made at least 3 weeks in advance.
  • A major credit card is required at the time of booking to hold the reservation.
  • Refunds are given with 3 weeks' notice, but cancellations must be made directly through the Group Visits office.
  • Payment via check is accepted, but it must arrive in the Group Visits office three weeks prior to the date of visit. We do not accept purchase orders as a form of payment.
  • No exceptions will be made to this policy.

  
  

• Group Dining Options

  
  

  • Gift Cards
    Groups may purchase Gift Cards to use in The Café. Gift Cards offer groups flexibility when dining at Longwood. Pre-loaded cards are available in varying amounts. Please factor in the number of Gift Cards needed, including Leaders and Bus Drivers.
  • Picnic Area
    We offer a Picnic Area located across the street from the main parking lot for Longwood guests only, available seasonally (mid-April through late October). Please note that picnicking or bringing in any outside food or beverages (except water) is not permitted in other areas of the Gardens. Please use the Picnic Area before or after your visit. Reentry to the Gardens is not permitted after leaving the Gardens and visiting the Picnic Area.
  • Explore the Region
    The Brandywine Valley has so much to offer, visit a local restaurant to show your support of the region.

  
  

• Book Your Visit

  
  

  Contact our Group Visits office at 610.388.5223 or groupvisits@longwoodgardens.org.

  Please note that we do not have a space available for private meetings or events and cannot reserve/hold tables for parties of any size during regular Gardens hours. Dining is on a first-come, first-served basis in The Café and Beer Garden. Use this link for answers to other Frequently Asked Questions regarding private events, meetings, and room rentals.