Location Spotlight: The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Address: 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218

Hours: Open daily, 9am — 5pm

Highlights: 

• Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden

• Monthly events

• Bring your own food, or purchase some there, for a picnic with a view 

Nestled on 66 acres along East Dallas’ White Rock Lake, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a staple in our community. It officially opened to the public in 1984, but the land itself dates back much further. The original homes on the property—most notably the DeGolyer Estate, which you’re able to tour —were built in the 1930s, making the site nearly a century old. 

There’s truly never a bad time to visit the Arboretum. Events are offered throughout the year and throughout the gardens: 

• Spring brings hundreds of thousands of tulips during the Dallas Blooms event

• Summer has early morning walks and an evening concert series

• Fall is our favorite time to enjoy the massive pumpkin display that takes over the garden

• Winter’s Holiday Village is a must-see experience that is undeniably cheery 

For children of all ages, the highlight has to be the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. This is truly one of the most interactive outdoor learning spaces in the country. Designed to blend play with learning, it encourages curiosity, movement, and hands-on discovery. It’s the kind of space where kids don’t even realize they’re learning — they’re just having fun.

Some parent favorites include: 

• Climbable tree structures

• Water and energy exhibits

• Edible gardens

• Immersive play areas that teach kids how ecosystems work

If you’re looking to get out of the house, burn off some energy, and be around nature, the Arboretum needs to be at the top of your list! 

Sincerely, 

Your Dallas Mom Friend

What are you packing in your Arboretum picnic basket?