Start with the Big 3

Longwood Gardens

Photos courtesy of Longwood Gardens

This summer will deliver another spectacular experience at Longwood Gardens’ 1,100 acres, with 2026 shaping up to be one of its biggest seasons yet. As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Longwood is joining in with an expanded Festival of Fountains, more special performances and some of the most ambitious events to let you make your own history. Hope you made reservations for America’s 250th Weekend festivities, July 3–5!

From May through September 27, the Festival of Fountains transforms the gardens into a crowd-pleasing showcase of water, music and color. Daytime performances send 1,719 jets soaring above the Main Fountain Garden, while evening Illuminated Fountain Performances add dramatic lighting and music after dark.

Highlights include six Fireworks & Fountains shows, combining choreographed fountain displays with fireworks over the gardens. New for 2026 is The Four Seasons: A Drones & Strings Spectacular, August 26 and 27, pairing live music by Vivaldi, candlelight and drone technology for two unforgettable evenings (special tickets required).

Visitors can also enjoy concerts, theater, dance performances, live music in the Beer Garden, carillon concerts and themed Fountain Fest weekends throughout the summer. Concert themes range from “Great American Composers” on July 2, to “Blue Tango” on August 22 to “Electric 80s” on September 26. Check the website for dates and details.

Of course, the gardens themselves remain the star attraction, as families can take nature walks and enjoy seasonal programs. Meanwhile, the West Conservatory, Waterlily Court, Flower Garden Walk and Meadow Garden are all in peak form for summer visits. And for those who want to turn up the creativity, there are hundreds of classes and hands-on workshops to explore. Maybe this is the year to get your Floral Design Certification, classes July 13–24.

Add world-class dining at the 1906 Seasonal Table, extended evening hours and ever-changing displays, and you’ll want to plan return visits to one of the Brandywine Valley’s most celebrated destinations. Routes 1 & 52, Kennett Square. LongwoodGardens.org

Brandywine Museum of Art

For a summer outing blending art, scenery and culture, the Brandywine Museum of Art is a best bet. Set along the Brandywine Creek, the museum pairs renowned collections by generations of the Wyeth family — N.C., Andrew, Jamie — with rotating special exhibitions.

This year’s highlights include “Treasures from the Family: The Gift of Betsy James Wyeth,” showcasing works of art and archival materials offering a fresh look at one of the Brandywine Valley’s most influential artistic families. Also on view are exhibits examining the American landscape tradition and contemporary art, including “Abundance/Excess: A Contemporary Eye on Still Life.” The N.C. Wyeth Mural Experience — viewing “Apotheosis of the Family,” housed in a round barn on Point Lookout Farm — continues through the summer.

Or join July 15’s Plein Air Evening at Kuerner Farm. Bring a sketchbook, easel or camera to captures scenes that captivated Andrew Wyeth. The Museum Explorers programs offer weekly fun for families, and Concerts in the Courtyard will lift all souls. Parlour Noir performs on July 31 and Wicked Sycamore on August 7.

After touring the galleries, be sure to visit the museum grounds, trails and former studios of the Wyeths. Route 1, Chadds Ford. BrandywineMuseum.org

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library

Photos courtesy of Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library

Of the many reasons to visit Winterthur, 2026 offers an extra one — the 75th anniversary of its opening to the public. Join the yearlong programs, exhibitions and special events highlighting Winterthur’s legacy as one of America’s premier museum and garden destinations. May’s Field & Fête garden party was an elegant launch honoring the vision of founder Henry Francis du Pont.

Summer visitors are especially lucky since the estate is at its most colorful, from sweeping meadows and colorful hydrangeas to shaded woodland paths. Tram tours offer an easy way to explore the 1,000-acre property, while house tours showcase some of the country’s finest American decorative arts.

Also in 2026, celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Enchanted Woods with special first Thursdays each month. The kiddos will also enjoy story time at the Story Stones — on July 23 hear “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle — plus more family fun on Terrific Tuesdays.

Another annual highlight, the Artisan Market, July 17–19, brings 150 artisans selling handmade crafts, antiques, home décor, artwork, garden goods, jewelry and gourmet foods.

Whether its gardens, history, design or simply a beautiful day outdoors, Winterthur offers a unique experience — both timeless and new in its anniversary year. 5105 Kennett Pk., Winterthur, DE. Winterthur.org