Texas, Travel

Dallas Arboretum, a Must See in Dallas!

January 18, 2016

Dallas Arboretum

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Every year my parents have one request for their birthdays, that I give them a membership to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Not only do they love going to the Dallas Arboretum, but so do I. The gardens opened to the public in 1984 on the site of two former private residences overlooking White Rock Lake in Dallas. Both residences were built in the late 1930s with substantive grounds surrounding them. Both houses have unobstructed views of the lake. There is also an amazing view of Downtown Dallas right after the entrance to the left, just beyond the café. Many of the historic homes in Dallas are found in this neighborhood.

Dallas Arboretum

Dallas Arboretum

Dallas Arboretum

Dallas Arboretum

Throughout the year, the Dallas Arboretum puts on events. Starting in February, you have Dallas Blooms, which is when all the tulips start to come out. Then in March starts the Cool Thursdays concert series that continues through October. This year, the last concert is a Michael Jackson tribute featuring songs from his 80s hits, so you know there will be a great Thriller video reenactment! My favorite things start September when they have Pumpkin Patch. Here are a few of my pictures from a visit a few years ago. You have never seen so many pumpkins in one place.

Dallas Arboretum

Dallas Arboretum

Then in November, the gardens come alive with the 12 Days of Christmas. There are life-sized scenes of each day spread throughout the gardens. Most of them move and are set to music. They are probably best seen in the evening when they light up, and there are lights in the trees as well.

Dallas Arboretum

This year they had 500 nativity scenes inside the DeGolyer House! Everywhere you looked there were nativity scenes. In the library alone, there were 250 from one man’s collection. I am not sure if this is a new tradition or a one-time thing, but it is worth checking to see if it will be on this year. Some were large, and some were tiny. There was even one made out of car parts. There was also a Christmas tree in every room decorated in the colors of the rooms.

Dallas Arboretum

Dallas Arboretum

Dallas Arboretum

Dallas Arboretum

In addition to all their regular events, you occasionally get unique events happening. In 2012, there was a Chihuly Glass exhibition in the gardens. Most of these were so large; they were better shown in a garden than in a gallery or museum. There is also some impressive sculpture in the gardens permanently. So if you are planning a visit to Dallas, make sure you check out the Dallas Arboretum’s website to see what is happening. There will be something every week, if not every day!

Dallas Arboretum

Dallas Arboretum

Guide to Visiting: The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Admission is (Updated November 2016) is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors (65+), $10 kids (3-12), 2 and under are free. Parking is $15 unless you pay online and then it is $8. The Children’s Adventure Garden is an additional $3. Be prepared to walk as the gardens span 66 acres and it has some hills. Wheelchairs are available on a first come, first-serve basis. Here is a link to a map of the gardens and driving directions.

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8 Comments

  • Reply Chanell Rigterink January 21, 2016 at 4:26 am

    Looks amazing! If you’re ever in Michigan, you should check out the Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids… you’d love it!

    • Reply Tiffany January 21, 2016 at 9:46 am

      Thanks for the tip! Going to check out their website.

  • Reply Abby January 21, 2016 at 4:29 pm

    That sounds lovely- thanks! I will check out the Arboretum next time I pass through. If you like Chihuly, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens have a huge exhibit coming this spring.

    • Reply Tiffany January 21, 2016 at 4:31 pm

      That is so good to hear because I am going to Atlanta in July. It will still be on! So excited. Thank you!!

  • Reply Kellie January 21, 2016 at 4:53 pm

    I loved your post Tiffany, I live in Canada so Dallas seems like a place I’d never get to but it’s like a got a little glimpse of it all in your article. The pictures are really great as well. I suffer from wanderlust and most times I’m just an arm chair traveller LOL so I’ve subscribed to your website. Thanks for allowing me to wander and drool with you.
    Kellie from Princess & The Yard Ape

    • Reply Tiffany January 21, 2016 at 4:56 pm

      Thank you Kellie! I so glad you enjoyed it. I hope to get to Canada one day. Happy to have you along on the travels!

  • Reply vinneve January 22, 2016 at 10:08 pm

    Nice place! and I remember my mom seeing the displays on the cabinet.
    Glad you have enjoyed your holiday too 🙂

    • Reply Tiffany January 23, 2016 at 4:11 pm

      It was a great holiday. Thanks!

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