When are the gardens open?
We traditionally are open Monday-Saturday from 9 AM – 5 PM. Please visit the ticketing page (link) for current operating hours by clicking here.
What if it rains?
The gardens are open rain or shine during general operating hours. No refunds will be issued because of inclement weather if the gardens or its special event remain open. If, however, we must close the gardens or a special event must be postponed due to severe weather, ticket holders will be notified via e-mail with rescheduling options. Guests can always find more information about closures on our website or social media.
Tickets are non-refundable but can be transferred to another date for a fee. Tickets can only be transferred within the same event or program. Exchange is based on availability and is not guaranteed. A new receipt will be sent (email) once the transfer is completed, which can take up to 24 hours. If your request cannot be completed, a Guest Services Representative will reach out to you.
What should I make sure to leave at home?
For the safety of our guests and the environment, the following are not permitted at Cox Arboretum and Gardens:
Tobacco products, including e- cigarettes/vapes
Any source of fire including, but not limited to, camp stoves, candles, tiki torches and barbecue pits
Balloons, banners, glitter, confetti, birdseed, rice, silk petals, sidewalk chalk
Alcohol
Drones
Glass containers
Hoverboards
Razor Scooters
Bicycles
Roller Skates
Skateboards
Kites
Laser pointers
Balls, frisbees, and other items for throwing
Water guns
Guns, weapons and/or knives (with or without a permit)
Only certified service animals are permitted; pets must stay at home.
Is there a fee to park?
No. Note that spaces will not be reserved and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Are pets allowed onsite?
Pets, with the exception of service animals, are not allowed onsite outside of special dog-friendly events.
Please note that Emotional Support Animals are not considered service animals under Title II and Title III of the ADA.
Can I paint outdoors?
To use the grounds for outdoor painting purposes requires a formal reservation, subject to availability. Please email (email) to schedule your reservation.
All visitors are permitted to sketch on paper not to exceed 12” x 18” and with lead pencils only. If individuals need to sharpen their pencils, they must use their own containers to collect the shavings.
How long does it take to see everything?
Many guests find that their visit lasts anywhere from 90 minutes (about 1 and a half hours) to three hours. However, you can explore as little or as much as you would like.
Are all areas accessible?
Cox Arboretum and Gardens is a historic estate with changing elevations and certain uneven walkways and stairways. Due to the historic nature of many of the gardens some areas may present challenges to those in wheelchairs, strollers, or who have difficulty walking or climbing steep terrain. There are several areas that are not accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Daytime visitors are permitted only on paved walkways, mulched trails, and mowed lawn areas. Nighttime special event visitors should use only designated paved walkways and areas designated for the event. Please do not climb in, on, or over any sculptures, walls, fountains, ponds, water features, or waterfalls, roped-off areas, or trees or any other plants, and always use caution for a safe and enjoyable visit. An abundance of caution should be used while ascending and descending stairways and guests should always use handrails when available.
Parking
There is designated parking for those with mobility challenges. If you need to park in handicap accessible parking, please let our staff know upon arrival and they will direct you. Otherwise, please follow the directions from the parking staff to available parking. Parking may be limited. You may be directed to overflow parking and need to walk a distance to the beginning of your visit experience.
Paths
Our grounds are accessible by paved pathways throughout some of the gardens. Many garden areas can be reached in a variety of ways, however, due to the historic nature of the property, certain paths may be narrow, uneven, or steep.
Restrooms
Accessible restrooms are located at the main house.
Can I drive through the grounds?
For the safety of all of our guests, we do not allow cars to drive through the property.
Does Cox Arboretum and Gardens have a shuttle?
We may provide a cart shuttle service for guests needing extra assistance during their visit when available. The shuttles are unable to take guests through the gardens; they only provide service on the main path to the main house. Please ask any staff member for assistance during your visit.
Do you allow portrait photography sessions/photo shoots?
Yes, all photography sessions must be booked a week in advance. Any pre-planned or posed photography or videography taken on the grounds including, but not limited to bridal, engagement, pregnancy, family, senior pictures, and corporate groups, is considered portrait photography.
After-hours bookings are tentative until the date and time is confirmed by an Event Representative.
Photography & Film Information (link to photography policy page)
Do you have dining options?
Yes, you may book a lunch or picnic in the gardens from a made-to-order menu including soups, salads, sandwiches, and baked goods as well as beverages.
Learn more about Dining Options (link to dining page).
Lunches or picnics must be pre-ordered 48 hours in advance.
Interested in attending a seasonal afternoon tea? Visit our Events page to find upcoming dates.
Can I bring a picnic?
Guests are welcome to bring their own food. We have several seating areas on the grounds, or you can bring a blanket. Glass containers and alcohol are not permitted. When picnicking you must remove all trash.
Alcoholic beverages may be available during special events.
Do you have a lost and found?
Yes. Any lost items that have been turned over to Cox Arboretum and Gardens staff or volunteers are located at the main house. Contact (email), or call 678-464-7815 to inquire about a lost item.
Tickets
Tickets are non-refundable but can be transferred in advance of your original scheduled date and time of visit. Ticket transfers will be charged a transfer fee per ticket. To request a ticket transfer, click here. (link to transfer page) If you need assistance with tickets (questions, transfers, etc.) the quickest way to contact us is via email at (email) . Any unused tickets are considered a donation to Cox Arboretum and Gardens in support of our mission (link to mission page).
Where can I reserve tickets?
Due to limited parking, reserving timed-entry tickets and parking in advance for the day and time of your choosing is the only way to guarantee your entry. During special events we may provide off-site parking and a shuttle service.
Tickets can be purchased here. (link to ticket page)
If you are having trouble purchasing online, please email Guest Services at (email) or call 678-464-7815.
Do I have to reserve tickets in advance?
Due to limited parking, reserving timed-entry tickets and parking in advance for the day and time of your choosing is the only way to guarantee your entry. During special events we may provide off-site parking and a shuttle service.
Tickets can be purchased here. (link to ticket page)
If you are having trouble purchasing online, please email Guest Services at (email) or call 678-464-7815.
Can I reschedule my visit?
Tickets may be transferred to another date in advance of your scheduled date and time of visit for a fee of $5 per ticket.
Tickets can only be transferred within the same program or event. Exchange is based on availability and is not guaranteed. A new receipt will be sent from (email) once the transfer is complete, which can take up to 24 hours. If your request cannot be completed, a Guest Services Representative will reach out to you.
(link to ticket transfer page)
A date or time I want is SOLD OUT. What should I do?
All available tickets are posted on our online ticket calendar. If tickets are sold out for a given day or time, please select another date or time to visit or continue to check the calendar for real time updates. When reserved tickets are cancelled, the ticketing system automatically releases these for online reservations.
For the timed-entry tickets, do I have to leave when my time window is over?
No, once you’re here, you’re welcome to stay until we close. Click here (link to plan your visit page) for current operating hours.
What if I am running late (or early) for my timed entry?
While we ask that all guests stick to their chosen entry time as best as possible, we understand that life happens. Guests will be permitted entry during operating hours if the ticket date is correct.
What does the service fee cover with my ticket?
The service fee is in place to cover ticketing software expenses, administrative costs, and transaction fees for each ticket.
Do I need to print my ticket?
You may print your tickets, present your electronic tickets on your mobile device, or give the name on the order upon arrival.
I have a question that was not answered on this list, who can I contact?
Email us at (email) or call 678-464-7815