Especially interesting is the 50 acre native forest, with many paths, and a lot of solitude. If you have hard time getting around, they have a hop-on hop-off tram as well.
Additionally they are open now some evenings. At Christmas they have a wonderful model train landscape that is made from all-natural materials--truly amazing, although you need to buy tickets ahead of time, generally, and it is a long wait even then to get in (at least it was for us). So be cautious about bringing young children as it can be a wait.
They have a decent cafe with outdoor and indoor tables near the entrance, and another cafe further inside the garden. It's a nice place to wait with a book if you get tired, and your companions want to do EVERYTHING...;)
This is fairly easy to get to by Metro-North--much more difficult by public transportation, where you have to take a long subway ride and then wait for a bus (or walk 8 blocks) in a not-so-great neighborhood to get you to the entrance. Spend the extra few dollars for the train from Grand Central. Oh, and by the way, when coming back by train, MAKE SURE you are on the right track going in the right direction! They change tracks occasionally and it can be confusing. Check the electronic board and/or ask your fellow passengers to make sure you are going to NYC and not upstate before you board! :
TO THE GARDEN BY METRO-NORTH-GRAND CENTRAL
By Metro-North Railroad: Round-trip tickets can be bought before boarding. Take the Metro-North Harlem local line to Botanical Garden Station. Walk across Kazimiroff Boulevard to the Garden's Mosholu Gate entrance.
Just 20 minutes from Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan
Also convenient from other locations
HOURS
The Garden is open year-round, Tuesday to Sunday,10 a.m.-6 p.m. The Garden is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Mondays, except for the following dates:
- September 7, Labor Day: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- October 12, Columbus Day: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
