WILMINGTON, Del., June 10, 2026—Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library invites families to celebrate a milestone moment this summer as it hosts Enchanted Summer Day on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 10 am to 3 pm. This whimsical annual event marks the 25th anniversary of Enchanted Woods, the acclaimed three-acre children’s garden that has sparked the imaginations of young visitors for a quarter of a century.

A Day of Magic for the Whole Family

Enchanted Summer Day takes guests on a journey through the estate’s stunning grounds, through the picturesque garden all the way to the heart of Enchanted Woods. Along the way, families will enjoy a full afternoon of live entertainment, hands-on crafts, lawn games, delicious food, and the kind of open-ended, imaginative play that has made Enchanted Woods a treasured destination for families and visitors from across the region.

Activities at the Visitor Center Patio include:

  • Musical entertainer Silly Joe, who invites guests of all ages to embrace their silly side
  • A party hat decorating station
  • Wands available to pick up and spread a little magic

During Enchanted Summer Day, Enchanted Woods will come alive with:

  • Roving musician Mary Roth, whose melodies drift through the trees and invite exploration
  • Storyteller Terry Colonna, weaving enchanting tales that captivate children of all ages
  • Delaware Master Naturalists, leading hands-on learning and craft activities
  • Fairy discovery stations, where families can find resident garden fairies and uncover their stories
  • A make-and-take fairy-sized door craft for young builders and dreamers

On the lawn, guests can:

  • Play classic games including the Game of Graces, Hoop & Stick, and Ring Toss
  • Watch magician Chris Fabiano dazzle audiences with his sleight of hand
  • Purchase burgers, hot dogs, snacks, and drinks from the grill tent


Enchanted Woods Turns 25

Since opening in June 2001, Enchanted Woods has earned numerous awards and the enduring affection of families who wander through its whimsical paths each year. Accessed through a rustic wooden Troll Bridge, the garden is designed as a space where children lead the way, discovering hidden wonders and letting their imaginations run wild.

With its Tulip Tree House made from a fallen tulip poplar tree, giant Bird’s Nest, Water’s Edge fountain, flowing stream and water trough in Frog Hollow, and sprawling open spaces, the garden invites free play in a natural setting enhanced with just a bit of wonder. Children can meander along the S-s-serpentine Path, skip among the Story Stones and Fairy Flower Labrinth, and pause for a party in the Acorn Tearoom. Don’t miss the Green Man’s Lair hidden among the azaleas! A favorite activity during Enchanted Summer Day is the dance around the maypole in the Gathering Green.

Winterthur has invested in several enhancements to ensure the garden continues to delight for decades to come. Work is ongoing to replace the roof on the Faerie Cottage, which should reopen later this summer. Other recent improvements include rethatching the roof of the Tulip Tree House, adding pavers to the Gathering Green, and repairing the iconic mushroom misters in the Faerie Ring.

“Enchanted Woods holds a very special place in the hearts of so many families, and celebrating its 25th anniversary is a genuine joy for all of us at Winterthur,” said Chris Strand, Charles F. Montgomery Director and CEO of Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library. “This garden was created from the belief that children learn and grow through free, imaginative play in nature, and 25 years of delighted young visitors have proven that right. Enchanted Summer Day is our way of honoring that legacy and inviting new generations of children to discover the magic that awaits them in this very special garden.”

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About Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
Winterthur—known worldwide for its preeminent collection of American decorative arts, naturalistic garden, and research library for the study of American art and material culture—offers a variety of tours, exhibitions, programs, and activities throughout the year. Admission includes a self-paced house tour, exhibitions, a narrated tram ride (weather and space permitting), and the Winterthur Garden.

Winterthur is located on Route 52, six miles northwest of Wilmington, Del., and five miles south of U.S. Route 1. Winterthur is committed to accessible programming for all. For information, including special services, call 800.448.3883 or visit winterthur.org. Winterthur is closed seasonally from early January through late February.