Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

The Dallas Arboretum is a manicured botanical garden situated in east Dallas on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake. The 66-acre garden venue consists of 19 named gardens and offers nature-lovers and families alike entertainment and exploration through public events such as Dallas Blooms, a celebration of springtime annuals and perennials, the fine art show Artscape and the Cool Thursdays Concert Series. The Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden offers children an opportunity to expand their creative and scientific horizons through a plethora of hands-on activities. In addition, rotating seasonal festivities held at the arboretum four times each year pay homage to the changing colors of nature year-round.Parking and public transportation at the Dallas ArboretumParking is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is $15 per vehicle for non-members and free for members. Discounted parking is available for purchase online for $8, but is available on a first-come, first-served basis. It is recommended that visitors plan ahead to arrive early in order to ensure parking availability.Best and worst time to go to the Dallas ArboretumSpringtime visits to the arboretum provide ample opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the Dallas Blooms celebration when the weather is mildest in Dallas. Regardless of the season in which guests visit, favorable weather days are the most ideal days for strolls and public activities in the garden. Peak traffic at the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden is on weekdays before 2 p.m., so it is advisable to visit afterward. During the school year, several galleries within the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden are reserved for school visits, so it is recommended that these closures be viewed online on the arboretum's website before visiting.Admission to the Dallas ArboretumThe arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission tickets are available both online and at the arboretum ticket booth upon arrival. While admission is free for members, non-member admission costs $10 for children 12 or under, $12 for seniors 65 or over and $15 for adults between 13-64. Admission to the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden costs an additional $3 for non-members.Must see and do at the Dallas Arboretum Taking a scenic walk along the Lyda Bunker Hunt Paseo de Flores is a must-do activity at the arboretum. This quarter-mile pathway lined with trees and seasonal flowers serves as the arboretum's chief walkway, beginning at the Trammell Crow Visitor Education Pavilion and ending at the Fogelson Fountain. The Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden offers interactive activities for the entire family. The Margaret Elisabeth Jonsson Color Garden is one of the most photographed locations in the country, offering visitors captivating views of 2,000 varieties of azaleas.Other places to visit near the Dallas Arboretum The arboretum overlooks White Rock Lake, an expansive reservoir that hosts numerous recreational activities year-round, including the famed White Rock Marathon. White Rock Lake is an ideal locale for hiking, biking, fishing and kayaking. East Dallas is also home to the historic district of Swiss Avenue, offering diverse architectural spectacles away from the bustle of the city.Insider tip for visitors to the Dallas ArboretumThe arboretum offers a rainy day guarantee: if general garden admission was purchased but inclement weather interrupts the visit, free re-entry on another day is guaranteed. The rainy day pass is valid for up to three months from the date of original admission purchase. The pass does not cover re-entry to the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Cool Thursdays Concert Series.Author's bio: Manasa Reddigari is a content developer with a passion for gaining new travel and cultural experiences.