Nestled in the center of Dallas is a little slice of botanical paradise — the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. 

Established in 1974 and officially opening in 1984, the arboretum has been a staple of Dallas’ arts scene and is heavily involved in a variety of projects held both within and outside the gardens. Events are held throughout the year and there’s always something new and exciting happening within the picturesque scenery, whether you’re a fan of music, literature, botany, art, cooking and much, much more!

Here’s a nice little overview of the Dallas Arboretum and, of course, what you can do while visiting!

Visiting the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

Visit the gardens

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is home to a wide variety of gardens, each with its own unique theme and design. 

Here are just a few of the popular ones that showcase the arboretum’s stunning variety.

The Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden

This interactive garden overlooking White Rock Lake is designed for children of all ages and features a variety of educational exhibits and activities. Here, kids can learn about plants and animals, explore different ecosystems and even play in a giant treehouse.

Crape Myrtle Allee

Crape myrtles are known for their vibrant blooms which come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, red and white. The Crape Myrtle Allee features over a hundred different varieties of these stunning blooms, making it a popular spot for visitors to take photos and enjoy the scenery.

Margaret Elizabeth Jonsson Color Garden

The Margaret Elizabeth Jonsson Color Garden at the Dallas Arboretum is a 6.5-acre garden that features a variety of flowers and plants in a rainbow of colors. The garden is designed to change with the seasons throughout the year, so there’s always something new to see! 

The Eugenia Leftwich Palmer Fern Dell

Right beside the Color Garden is a lush green oasis that is home to over 90 varieties of ferns, camellias, azaleas and mature trees. The Fern Dell is an especially great place to visit on a hot day, as the ferns and trees provide shade and a cool breeze. The garden is also a great place to see birds and other wildlife that call the arboretum home.

Dine out 

There are several dining options here at the Dallas Arboretum, ranging from on-the-go snacks and drinks to fine dining experiences and everything in between.

Check out the Grilled Cheese Kiosk in the spring and fall for the best mobile snack to complement your garden strolls, or take it to one of the many great picnic spots in the arboretum. 

For something a little more elegant, try the many different dining options at the Restaurant DeGolyer right in the heart of the gardens. There’s a tea room and an outdoor patio to choose from, both of which feature expertly-curated menus from renowned chefs. There’s also the Lula Mae Slaughter Dining Terrace nearby which offers relaxed seating with a stunning view of White Rock Lake. Café on the Green regularly features live musicians who play alongside seasonal menus and beautiful decor.

Attend a concert

The Dallas Arboretum hosts a variety of concerts throughout the year, the most popular being the ones held in the summer months.

The Cool Thursdays Concert Series is a free concert series held on Thursday evenings during the summer, featuring a variety of musical genres played by both local and national artists. Concerts and live music events are held occasionally throughout the fall, winter and spring, too, so keep an eye out for special events and holiday programming!

Cooking classes at A Tasteful Place

A Tasteful Place at the Dallas Arboretum is a 3-acre culinary garden and education center that features a teaching kitchen, event spaces and a variety of gardens and orchards. The garden is designed to teach visitors about sustainable agriculture and cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients found locally. 

A Tasteful Place also hosts a variety of cooking classes, educational programs and special events throughout the year. Visitors can learn how to cook with fresh, seasonal ingredients, learn about sustainable agriculture and even participate in hands-on gardening activities. Plus, there’s the occasional beer and wine tasting (can’t get much better than that, now, can it?). 

Overall, it’s a great place to visit for anyone who is interested in food, gardening or sustainability, offering a unique and educational opportunity to learn about where our food comes from.

Tips for visiting the gardens

As with any popular attraction, there are some logistics involved in making your visit one to remember. 

• Save $4 by buying your parking ahead of time online for $11 instead of $15.
• Check out the FAQ for ideas on what to wear and bring, especially as the seasons change.
• Outside food and drink are allowed into the garden, so if you want to host a picnic, go right ahead!
• When you arrive, head to the information booth to get the latest maps, brochures and flyers for all the gardens and events. 
• The Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden is a popular attraction and requires an extra admission fee. 
• If you really want to get the most out of your day, follow these sample itineraries to receive a curated self-guided tour of the gardens!

If you live anywhere in or near our luxury Dallas apartments, then be sure to check out the goings-on here at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. You’re sure to find something you like that will bring you back time and time again!

Enjoy!

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Featured photo courtesy Pixabay/perfectlypolished1