Mt. Cuba Center
Hockessin, DE · 1 hour 27 minutes from Reading · $20 to $50 a person
Gardens close for the season after November 22, 2026 and reopen in April; classes run year-round.
Plan the day
Mt. Cuba Center is a botanic garden of native plants in Hockessin, DE, with gardens and nearly three miles of trails across 1,000 acres.
The gardens are planted with native plants in a naturalistic style, and beyond them nearly three miles of trails run through the natural lands. You can bring your own food, borrow a picnic blanket and spend the day on the grounds. Admission is $20 for adults, and the season runs April 1 through November 22, 2026.
Before you go
Bring sunscreen and insect repellent, and check for ticks after the trails. Paths are mulched and the ground rolls, so all-terrain strollers are recommended. You may bring food and drinks; picnic blankets are lent out. No pets.
Coming up
Fall Fun by the Fire runs October 10 (fall color) and October 24 (pumpkins), 5 to 8 pm, with fire pits, s'mores and haywagon rides; the Wild & Rooted Trail Run is October 17, and November 22 is a two-for-one Garden Share day, the last day of the season.
Checked October 8, 2026 on the official site. Hours, prices and seasons change, so confirm there before a long drive.
