With its crisp air, golden light, and vibrant hues, fall is one of the most enchanting seasons to enjoy PHS's public gardens and landscapes. Perfect for anyone looking for unique things to do in Philadelphia, autumn offers experiences you can’t miss, whether you're seeking a peaceful stroll, family time, or creative inspiration.

Fall at the PHS Gardens: One of the Top Things to do in Philadelphia

As summer fades, the gardens transform into stunning tapestries of amber, scarlet, and bronze. Late-season blooms add pops of color, creating a perfect setting for photography, sketching, or simply pausing to soak in nature's seasonal artistry. 

Spotlight on PHS Gardens this Fall

Azalea Garden 
One of our shadier gardens, the Azalea Garden is perfect for a quiet picnic under the canopies of oak and linden trees. Fall offers a spectacular show of changing foliage, oakleaf hydrangeas, asters, and the lovely Purple Flowering Raspberry—a highlight for those seeking unique seasonal plants. 

Navy Yard 
The Navy Yard is a sprawling landscape along the Delaware River, offering tranquil picnic spots and 1,200 acres of transformed lawns, meadows, and pollinator-friendly plantings. Fall visitors will enjoy asters, goldenrods, and hardy perennials like Mountain Mint and Echinacea, as well as tree-lined streets featuring American Elms, Maples, Redbuds, and River Birch. The Navy Yard’s designation as a Level 1 Arboretum ensures you’ll experience both beauty and biodiversity in one of Philadelphia’s historic landscapes. 

Philadelphia Events to Attend this Fall 

The beauty of fall at PHS gardens isn’t just visual; it’s active, social, and educational. This season brings engaging events for all ages and interests: 

• Garden Tour at Meadowbrook Farm: Join a guided fall garden tour on September 20, where you’ll explore the transition from summer’s lush plantings to autumn’s elegance and learn about seasonal plant care. 
• Hypertufa Garden Workshop: On September 13, get your hands dirty crafting a hypertufa planter (a lightweight concrete mix perfect for rustic container gardening) at Meadowbrook Farm.  
• Plant Swaps at the Pop-Up Gardens: Swap stories—and seedlings—at fall plant swaps on September 8 (Manayunk) and September 9 (South Street). A chance to connect with fellow gardeners and discover new additions for your own space.  
• Moss Terrarium Workshops: Cozy up in a hands-on workshop: choose September 29 at Manayunk or September 30 at South Street to build a miniature, closed-terrarium garden from preserved and live mosses. 
• Fall Garden Tenders Series: From September 10 to October 15, join this semiannual training—held both online and in-person—focused on sustainable garden management, community outreach, and affinity building.  
• 1827 Society Members-Only Fall Fest at Arader's Tree Farm: On October 18, members can enjoy fall family fun, guided tours, and access to the Pumpkin Fest.  

These events bring the autumn spirit to life, whether you're learning new gardening techniques, crafting, sharing plants, or exploring the gardens in a guided setting. 

Cooler Temperatures, Longer Visits 

Fall’s milder climate encourages relaxed, extended garden outings. Without the summer heat, you’ll have more time to discover winding paths, peaceful nooks, and seasonal design ideas to bring home. 

Inspiration for Your Own Garden 

From hypertufa DIYs to terrarium creations and plant swaps, autumn is bursting with creative inspiration. The gardens showcase seasonal techniques you can replicate in your own fall containers or indoor displays. 

A Seasonal Tradition Worth Starting 

Experience the gardens during this quieter, more reflective season. Visiting in fall offers intimacy, beauty, and a fresh perspective; a new tradition to cherish year after year. 

Things to Do in Philadelphia This Fall: Visit the PHS Gardens

Fall is calling! Come reconnect with nature’s beauty, community, and creativity in full autumn bloom. Use our interactive map of PHS gardens and public landscapes to plan your visit and explore all the seasonal highlights waiting for you.