Washington Park Arboretum holds a world class collection of woody plants that can be explored independently, as well as through tours, classes, and activities hosted at the site. All parts of the Washington Park Arboretum (except the Japanese Garden), are free of charge and open to the public every day from dawn to 8pm.
Seasonal interest at the Arboretum
The Arboretum has 230 acres of landscaped gardens, natural areas, and wetlands, plus a world-class collection of 10,000 trees, shrubs, and other plants—plenty of material for wide-eyed, hands-on learning. All year round you’ll find something of interest along the trails that wind through the park:
Winter at the Arboretum
Visit the Joseph A. Witt Winter Garden to enjoy the fragrances of honeysuckle and witch hazel and admire paperbark maples and birches. The Camellia Collection blooms throughout the winter months. And the Pinetum features the great diversity of conifer species. Over 200 species and 3,000 individual conifers are featured in the Arboretum.
Spring at the Arboretum
Walk along historic Azalea Way, a 3/4 mile path through the heart of the Arboretum lined with flowering cherries, azaleas and dogwoods. Loderi Valley features large-leaved, fragrant rhododendrons sheltered by magnolias.
Summer at the Arboretum
Explore the five eco-geographic regions of the Pacific Connections Garden. See stunning hydrangeas, magnolias, and sorrel trees.
Autumn at the Arboretum
Celebrate fall color with a stroll through the beautiful Woodland Garden to view one of the largest collections of Japanese maples in North America. Enjoy the vivid colors of sour gum, buckeye, witch hazel and more.
Graham Visitors Center
Before you get started, the Graham Visitors Center has an information desk, maps, restrooms, and a gift shop. Limited parking is available at the Graham Visitor Center and along Foster Island Drive E. Visitors are encouraged to use public transit.
- Where: 2300 Arboretum Drive E, Seattle, WA 98112
- When: Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., with the Arboretum Gift Shop open 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Note: Hours subject to change. GVC restrooms are open 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily, accessible only from the exterior of the building.
- Website: Graham Visitors Center | University of Washington Botanic Gardens (uw.edu)
Self-Guided Adventures at the Arboretum
Self-guided adventure materials provide simple step-by-step instructions for getting more out of your visit to the Arboretrum. All you need is yourselves, the natural world around you, and maybe a writing utensil.
Park Packs for group adventures at the Arboretum
Park Packs are backpacks supplied with field guides, scavenger hunts, magnifying lenses and activity ideas for children in grades K-6. Each pack has enough supplies for a group of up to 20 children. Packs can be reserved online. Pick up and drop off will be arranged on a case-by-case basis. They are perfect for school groups or enrichment programs that are looking to explore the Arboretum on their own terms. A minimum of 48 hours notice is needed to rent a Park Pack. Cost: $25 for a two-hour rental. Group Size: up to 20 students/children.
Event calendar of free and affordable things to do
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