University of Pennsylvania’s Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia is internationally famous for its immaculate gardens, which on their own are worth the visit, but this one-of-a-kind park has another attraction we think everyone – locals and visitors alike – needs to check out this summer.

We know we aren’t the only ones out there who absolutely love treehouses (we blame it on childhood nostalgia and the movie “Swiss Family Robinson”), so the “Out on a Limb” Tree Adventure at Morris Arboretum is pretty much a dream come true. The permanent exhibit is one part architectural art piece, one part hands-on educational experience, and one part treetop adventure gives you some of the best views around.

Facebook / Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania
The permanent exhibit is one part architectural art piece, one part hands-on educational experience, and one part treetop adventure that gives you some of the best views around.
Flickr / Diane
The Tree Adventure includes a 450-foot-long canopy walk through the forest treetops more than 50 above the gardens below with five stations dedicated to different wildlife and natural exhibits and viewpoints that offer an incredible look of the expansive arboretum. Our favorite, the main Wissahickon Vista platform, gives you a bird’s eye view of the entire 92-acre grounds beneath you.
Flickr / Diane
Flickr / Jim Allen
In the Dawn Redwoods grove, visitors will see some of the oldest and largest redwood trees in the country. This area focuses on the history and preservation of these "living fossils." At Oak Allee, it’s all about the roots and the amazingly complex system we can't see beneath the soil. The other two exhibits, Springhouse and the Log Cabin, look at pre-Victorian and Colonial history and its impact on and relationship with the natural world.
TripAdvisor / shelob
The main canopy walk is ADA accessible, but there is also a fun swinging suspension bridge along the way that will lead you out to an enormous birds nest, complete with giant blue robin's eggs.
Flickr / John Donges

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Facebook / Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania
There is also a "Squirrel Scramble"– a GIANT hammock-like net suspended over the forest floor to for you to relax and play on.
Flickr / George Lezenby
TripAdvisor / johnandlydia
Flickr / themeadester
Facebook / Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania
The structure itself is a work of art. Designed by Metcalfe Architecture & Design group, the "Out on a Limb" Tree Adventure structures are both beautiful and feature green building techniques that do not touch the trees they climb through.
Facebook / Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania

Admission into the Morris Arboretum is only $17.00 for adults and $9.00 for children and students. While you are there, you can also stop to see the luscious glass-roofed fernery, the grand rose garden, and the beautiful step fountain.

This beautiful oasis is the perfect place to spend an afternoon, or even many afternoons – the Morris Arboretum puts on incredible special events all year long! Check out their website to see the events calendar.

Have you visited the Morris Arboretum? Did you take the “Out on a Limb” canopy walk? When is your favorite season to see the beautiful gardens? Tell us your stories in the comments!

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