Autumn at the Arboretum: It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!

Autumn at the Arboretum, named one of "The Best Pumpkin Festivals to Visit This Fall," by Martha Stewart Living Magazine.  

We love visiting the Dallas Arboretum in every season of the year but they always have the best pumpkin patch in the DFW Metroplex.  This year the Pumpkin Village is themed "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!".

There are Peanuts characters scattered throughout the pumpkins.

Schroeder listens on as Rachel plays on the giant topiary piano.

Lucy offers garden advice for a nickel.

And of course, Snoopy and Woodstock hang out on the roof of Snoopy's pumpkin topiary house.

The festival features breathtaking colors of fall including 150,000 autumn flowers accented by 90,000 pumpkins, gourds and squash.

I love the beautiful pumpkin topiary houses like this one that are scattered throughout the Village.

The inside of each house is decorated with its own cute Peanuts theme.

While you are exploring, pick out a pumpkin to take home and decorate.

Off to the side of the pumpkin patch is one of the beautiful "Celebrate the Children" sculptures by Gary Lee Price.

Walk along the edge of the Village to learn about all of the different and unique species of pumpkins.  From smooth pumpkins....

to bumpy pumpkins....

to squash and gourds.

About the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden:

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218.  The Dallas Arboretum is also the home of the internationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden. The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. On-site parking is $15; pre-purchased online parking is $9. For more information, call 214.515.6500 or visit www.dallasarboretum.org.

"Celebrate the Children", Gary Lee Price Bronze Sculpture Exhibit at the Dallas Arboretum

Through October, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden will "Celebrate the Children" through an art exhibition of beautiful, hand-crafted bronze sculptures of children, which are displayed throughout the garden.  The exhibit features more than 25 different, hand-produced, bronze sculptures, many of which are of his own children. The 11-foot sculpture, "Celebration!" features joyous children celebrating life and soaring around the globe. The exhibition encourages guests to revisit childhood memories such as singing Ring-Around-The-Rosie in "Circle of Peace" with five children or playing in the grass near one of the four "Cartwheel" statues. The pieces range from 2 to 7.5 feet tall with one sculpture weighing more than 1,300 lbs.

We enjoyed having the opportunity to hear the artist, Gary Lee Price, speak about how art has been therapeutic for him and how he became inspired to create these beautiful statues.  You can hear a little about his story in this video below:


We had fun exploring the garden looking for all of his statues.  Here are just a few of them we found.

Rachel saw this sweet statue of a mom holding her little girl up in the air.  She laughed and asked me to pick her up like that.  Sorry, baby girl but you are on your own.  I do miss those days when my kids were little enough to hold up in the air like that.  Savor the days, Mama!

Anytime we go to the Arboretum, I always make sure that we spend some time in the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden.  It is so much fun for kids but there is so much to learn here too!

Speaking of learning, there is a homeschool class coming up next week called Wetlands Biologist: How healthy is our habitat? In this program, students explore our Texas Native Wetlands on our outdoor island classroom. They will collect scientific data by examining live macroinvertebrates using cutting edge scientific tools. Students will then make connections between the living and nonliving parts of the ecosystem to determine the health of our waterway.  The homeschool class is for grades K-6th (ages 5-12).  It takes place on April 22 from 10:00 - 11:00 or 11:15 - 12:15.

As we walked through the garden, Nicholas found this ladybug pupa.  It is kind of like a teen ladybug in that it is not quite fully developed.  I wouldn't have known what it was without its spots!

We spent some time in the lab.  There is currently a great exhibit about the scientist and naturalist Alexander von Humboldt.

He obviously understood the thoughts of homeschool moms around the world when he said this....

Besides the amazing nature items on display, there are also several digital stations with different activities like this Case of the Mysterious Egg in which a strange egg appeared in the nest of an Eastern Phoebe.

She had to review the evidence which included learning about the Eastern Phoebe as well as other types of birds and their egg size in order to determine the species of the mysterious egg.

We wandered about the Children's Garden for quite a while.  We found the petrogylphs.

And we spend time learning about amazing numbers in nature and the Fibonacci spiral.

My kids always enjoy the Pendulum Art station.  They pour sand into the pendulum bucket and then learn about the designs that it creates as it naturally swings back and forth.

Do you know what this cool looking contraption is?

It's a giant kaleidoscope!  You can turn the different discs to change your view in thousands of ways.

I said it earlier but savor the days, mama.  As they get to be teens, it might not be so easy to get them to pose for pictures with you! 

This little sweetheart still loves to pose for me though!

The Dallas Arboretum is the perfect place to get some nice posed pictures of your children and family.  Walk around and explore for just a few minutes and you are bound to find a great backdrop of nature for your pictures.

Rachel was actually just sitting here quietly enjoying the waterfall on her own when I snapped this candid picture.  It's amazing how nature helps to calm children and get them more focused.

We had a wonderful time at our visit to the Dallas Arboretum.  Take a look below at all of the wonderful events coming up over Easter weekend and throughout the spring.

Easter Weekend Activities in Main Garden:

New! Break the World Record for Largest Bunny Hop

Saturday, April 20 |Noon| Jonsson Color Garden

Join WFAA Good Morning Texas reporter and producer, Paige McCoy-Smith, and the Easter Bunny in the garden, and help them attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest bunny hop. All ages are welcome to participate, and the event is free with paid garden admission.

Easter Portraits

Saturday and Sunday, April 20-21 |10 a.m. - 4 p.m.| Jonsson Color Garden

Chris Ivey Photography will be in the garden to take family portraits with a live bunny. Portraits are available to purchase from the photographer.

Easter Brunch

Sunday, April 21| 10:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. | Restaurant DeGolyer and Rosine Hall

Get together with family and friends for a picturesque brunch. Enjoy an elaborate menu featuring multiple carving stations and extensive chef antipasto displays. Seating for brunch is at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Reservations are required. To book your reservation, please call 214-515-6511

Artscape Fine Art and Craft Show

Saturday & Sunday, April 27-28, 9 a.m. -5 p.m., Pecan Grove

Artscape, a juried fine art and fine craft show and sale, is where 100 outstanding artists from around the country showcase their art. Artscape features a variety of mediums including painting, sculpture, 2-D and 3-D mixed media, photography, jewelry, glass, digital art, ceramics and more. The layout for the art fair is architect-designed for maximum visibility of artists and audience flow. Visit https://www.dallasarboretum.org/events-activities/artscape for more information.

Spring Cool Thursdays Concert Series

Every Thursday through June 27

7:30-9 p.m., Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn

The premier concert series "Cool Thursdays," sponsored by Wells Fargo, single tickets are available for purchase now at the Dallas Arboretum and feature four new exciting tribute bands. As Dallas' only concert series overlooking the picturesque White Rock Lake on the award-winning Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn, concert subscriptions and single tickets have a history of selling out quickly. To see concert lineup and purchase tickets, visit https://www.dallasarboretum.org/events-activities/cool-thursdays-concert-series/

Garden Tea

Daily, April 8-September 21

11 a.m. & 2 p.m.

Enjoy Garden Tea which includes a three-course meal with three different tea options. Teas are available Monday through Friday with seatings at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for $49 per person, or an additional $10 to add champagne. Reservations are required. Contact 214-515-6511 or email teas@dallasarboretum.org to book a reservation.

A Tasteful Place: To learn more, register for cooking classes and special events, visit www.dallasarboretum.org/cookingclasses

Seasonal Tastings

Every day, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Ruthie Pack's Tasting Plaza

Try three free different samples featuring a weekly vegetable, fruit or herb from the garden. Visit www.dallasarboretum.org/recipes for past, current and future recipes.

DEMONSTRATION COOKING: El Centro College Cooks

Every Monday, 11 a.m.-Noon

Donald and Charlotte Test Pavilion

Participate in this popular demonstration cooking class, taught by Chef Alison Matis from the college's nationally recognized culinary school.

April-Honey Roasted Radishes and Creamy Dilled Green Bean Salad

DEMONSTRATION COOKING:

Presented by: Chef Carol Pock

Saturday, April 20, 11 a.m.-Noon

Donald and Charlotte Test Pavilion

Free with paid garden admission

Join Chef Carol Pock, a Certified Integrated Health Coach, Healthy Living cooking instructor, and Wellness Consultant, demonstrate how to make three different types of deviled egg recipe

Flower Power

A Meditative Walk in the Garden

April 26 * Level 1 * 10:30am-Noon

May 17 * Level 2 * 10:30am-Noon

$45

In the last 30 years, the immediacy of the technology coupled with the "I must have this" causes havoc on the body, brain and spirit. Bodies can go into in crisis mode with digestive disorders, anxiety and panic attacks. In this two-part series, Patricia Dedman Nail, owner of 6-D Design and clinical psychotherapist, teaches a processes that can be used to combat stress. Class is held in A Tasteful Place, followed by a healing meditative walk in the garden. For more information, please visit https://www.dallasarboretum.org/event/flower-power-spring-april-2019-2/ or call 214-515-6615.

INTERACTIVE COOKING:

Lorie Fangio- 4-Course Spring Market Menu

April 27, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Donald and Charlotte Test Pavilion

$70

Join Lorie Fangio, teaching chef, and owner of A Taste of Paris™, for a spring French market class. Lorie teaches a four-course meal as she shares stories of the French table. This four-course meal starts with decadent Baked Goat Cheese with Tomato Confit. Our second course will be a beautiful Pear and Endive Salad with a French vinaigrette, and learn to make the perfect risotto; French style. To register, visit https://www.dallasarboretum.org/event/lorie-fangio-french-pastries-2-17-19/ 

Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden Activities:

EGG-stravaganza

Natural Egg Dying, Easter Weekend, April 19-21 

Exploration Center-Plant Lab, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Get excited for two weekends full of egg-citing, egg-themed programs. Stop by the Plant Lab for special egg-squisite egg dying using plant-based dyes. This year, an eggs-tra egg-citing weekend is included, and the plant lab offers egg-speriments every hour on the hour. Be sure to reserve a lab seat online. Appropriate for ages 5 and older.

Creativity Corner: Easter Edition Sponsored by Neiman Marcus

Friday-Sunday, April 19-21

10 a.m.-2 p.m., Entry Plaza

Kick off the day by creating a homemade Easter craft to take home.

Christmas at the Dallas Arboretum

Christmas is a magical time of year!  There are so many wonderful events in the Dallas area to help families celebrate this joyous holiday season but one of our favorite Christmas traditions is to visit Dallas Arboretum, especially their 12 Days of Christmas exhibit!  There are lights, Christmas carols, hot chocolate, beautiful gardens, plus lots of fun activities for the whole family!

The 12 Days of Christmas exhibit features twelve beautiful Victorian-style gazebos throughout the gardens.  Each gazebo is numbered and represents one of the 12 Days of Christmas complete with charming people and whimsical animals that move and spin around the gazebo as if dancing to the Christmas carols that are playing outside. We have visited the 12 Days of Christmas exhibit for several years now but we have never attended it at night.  Wow!  It is even prettier at night!


One of my favorites is Gazebo 7: Seven Swans A-Swimming.  Look how beautiful it is!

But pictures just can't capture the beauty of the swans swimming around the frozen fountain.  You will have to see it to believe it.

Here is a snippet of video of the Gazebo 12: Twelve Drummers Drumming...


Reliant is a major sponsor for the 12 Days of Christmas event and you can get a cool light-up Reliant Santa hat just like we did.  They are available November 29, December 5, 13, 14, 23 from 6-9 p.m. at the main ticket booth.

I think the guys enjoyed Gazebo 10: Ten Lords A-Leaping the most because all of the Lords were all on ice skates!  And yes, even my teen wore a light-up hat!

There is a map to show you where each of the gazebos are located but you can just wander along the paths and find each one of them. 

While you are strolling the gardens, make sure you stop by the 30-foot spruce Christmas tree in the center of the garden.  It is so beautiful.

Near the Christmas tree you will find the Café on the Green which offers special holiday drinks like pumpkin lattes, mulled wine, and Mexican hot chocolate as well as treats like pumpkin bars, holiday paninis, and even a bowl of soup in a Sourdough bread bowl. We didn't have time to stop in at the Café but we did find several stations along the main path for warm beverages and even a station for snacks.

I was such a happy momma spending the evening with my family among the gardens filled with all of the sparkle of the Christmas season!

Of course, even without all of the extra dazzle of Christmas, the Arboretum is still an amazing garden full of the wonders of nature so take your time as you are walking through to be sure you don't miss a thing!

There are so many exciting things to see at do during Christmas at the Dallas Arboretum.  Here is a listing of some of them....

The 12 Days of Christmas, Daily, 9-5, November 9-December 31

Adult: $15, Seniors (65 or older): $12, Children (2-12 years): $10
Enjoy elaborately decorated Victorian-style gazebos on display every day during the holiday festival.

The 12 Days of Christmas at Night featuring 500,000 lights, Wednesday-Sunday, 6-9 p.m., November 14-December 30

Adults: $20, Seniors (65 or older): $15 Children (2-12 years): $10
The garden will be open late five nights a week for a special, lighted night-time experience.

Holiday Tea, Daily, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Bring family and friends together and create an annual tradition with holiday tea at Restaurant DeGolyer, lavishly decorated for the season. Reservations required. Call 214-515-6511. Ages 13 and up are permitted in the tea room.

Visits with Santa, Wednesday evenings, 6-9 p.m., November 14-December 19, Saturday and Sunday, 12-4 p.m., November 25-December 24

Santa is back in the garden this year in the perfect holiday setting--Crape Myrtle Allee, resplendent with twinkling lights. Share Christmas wishes with the jolly old man and take a photo to commemorate the occasion. The Dallas Arboretum Volunteer Advisory Board will be taking pictures of the memorable moments for donations, and guests are welcome to take the photo home.

Elves Workshop

Children can visit the Elves Workshop in the Ann Stuart Courtyard where they can write a letter to Santa to let him know their Christmas wish list and then drop it in the mail box there to make its way to the North Pole.  They can also create a Santa hat, decorate a reindeer using candy canes, toss a "snowball", pin the nose on the snowman, or make a holiday hat or card to give to someone special.  The Elves Workshop will be open from 6:00 - 9:00 pm Wednesday-Sunday evenings through December 30th.

Outdoor Movie, "The Polar Express", November 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn
Nothing brings back holiday memories quite like the movie, "The Polar Express". Guests can take a ride on the joyful train and explore the mysteries of the North Pole all the way up to Santa's front door. Bring a friend, bundle up and enjoy one of the holidays most beloved movies.

Lake Highlands Wranglers Performance, December 2, 2 p.m. at the Entry Plaza

Watch the local Wranglers dance and perform to some holiday tunes.

Pride of Texas Music Festival, December 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Jonsson Color Garden and Café on the Green

Hear all the holiday classics as Dallas metroplex students perform songs of the season. Ensembles perform at Jonsson Color Garden and choirs perform in front of the 30-foot Christmas tree.

Holiday Activities for the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden

Animal Adventures with the Dallas Zoo (Appropriate for all ages), November 12, 11:15 a.m.-Noon

The Dallas Zoo is bringing a few of their favorite friends for an animal encounter in the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden. Stop by for a wild adventure with interesting critters.

TECH Truck (Appropriate for Ages 5 and up), November 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at The Moody Oasis

Tinker, Engineer, Create, Hack!  Join the TECH Truck staff from the Perot Museum in the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden for a hands-on experience.

Holiday Hunt for Santa's Helpers (All ages can participate!), November 24-December 24, throughout the Children's Adventure Garden

Help look for Santa's helpers, like a frog on a log, a deer right here, a fox in the rocks, a squirrel on a whirl, an owl on a trowel, or a bobcat in a hat. Take a picture with four (4) of Santa's helpers and bring them to the Exploration Center to redeem a prize.  

Letter-Writing to Santa (Appropriate for Ages 5 and up), Mondays-Fridays Only, All Day, November 26-December 24 in the Exploration Center

Come to the letter-writing workshop to write a letter to Santa. Special paper, pens, stickers; everything you would need to catch Santa's attention is provided. Some of Santa's helpers may stop by with some inside tips.

Creative Corner: Oh What Fun! (All ages can participate!), Saturdays and Sundays Only, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., December 1-25 in the Exploration Center

Stop by the Exploration Center and create a holiday craft to take home.

Plant Lab: Let It Snow (Appropriate for ages 6 and up), December 3-23, 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. in the Exploration Center

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow... in the Plant Lab this December! Explore the wonders of melting, snowflakes, and endothermic reactions.

Plant Lab Extravaganza (Appropriate for ages 6 and up), December 24-30, 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. in the Exploration Center

December 24 - Strawberry DNA
December 26 - Elephant's Toothpaste
December 27 - Monster Molecule Mist
December 28 - Starchy Night
December 29 - How Sweet It Is
December 30 - Let It Snow

Creative Corner: New Year's Wishes Sponsored by Neiman Marcus, December 27-31, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Exploration Center

As the new year sneaks closer, warm up in the Exploration Center and create a wishing wand.  Using plant parts and other natural objects, decorate wands to take home and bring joy to those around. Frolic through the garden, using a wishing wand to wish New Year's good luck to everyone.

Discounts!!  

BOGO Wednesdays

Every Wednesday through December 26
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Buy one, get one admission every Wednesday. 

The Dallas Arboretum is located at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas.  For questions, please contact the staff at 214-515-6615.  You can also visit their website or follow the Dallas Arboretum Facebook page.

Autumn at the Arboretum {Family Fun in Dallas}

It's Pumpkin Time at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden!  Everywhere you look you are surrounding by autumn beauty.  There are pumpkins and beautiful fall plantings throughout the garden.  

However, the highlight of the Arboretum is Dallas' most anticipated fall festival, Autumn at the Arboretum.  For the 12th year, Autumn at the Arboretum includes the nationally acclaimed Pumpkin Village featuring pumpkin houses and creative displays utilizing more than 90,000 pumpkins, gourds and squash, along with hay bales and cornstalks.  The Pumpkin Village theme this year is “Pumpkins, Squashes and Gourds, Oh My!” based on the beloved book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.  How fun!

It all begins at Autie Em's house which was picked up by a tornado and plopped down in Munchkinland.  My daughter had us all act out the story as we went along.

The house landed on top of one of those mean wicked witches.  These witch feet are just the cutest touch!

The best part?  We got to travel through Pumpkin Village on an actual yellow-brick road, spiraling through Pecan Grove with stops at each major occurrence in the story of Dorothy and her adventures in the Land of Oz...re-imagined with pumpkins, squashes and gourds!

We met the Scarecrow.

We met the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion.

But watch out!  The Flying Monkeys captured us and flew us to the Witch's Castle.

We finally made it to the wonderful land of Oz which greeted us with more pumpkins.

We pretended to ride in a carriage carried by the colorful horses of Oz.

My kids both had fun re-living the magical story of Dorothy and her friends as they were surrounded by pumpkins.  What a delightful fall festival.  You really must check it out but have fun with your kids while you are there and let your imagination take you away to Oz.

Over the bridge that crosses the river of pumpkins and swan-necked gourds, lies more pumpkins galore and a great setting for those obligatory pictures of your kids surrounded in a sea of orange.

There really are pumpkins everywhere you look.

And there are more than a few great spots for posed family pictures.

I love that the displays of squash, gourds, and pumpkins are educational.  There are several of each kind so you can see variants in their appearance and they are nicely labeled.  Spend some time here with your kids.  Ask them what differences they notice between them in color, size, and texture.  Ask them why they think they are named the way they are.

Ask your kids which is their favorite and why.  Let them think about whether any of the squash, gourds, or pumpkins remind them of something else?

I asked my kids to look around the grounds and find the most unique item to show me.  Nicholas found a scary spider looking one and Rachel found one that looks like a tulip.  These kids are so very different from each other...and I love it!

Here are some fun stats on this year's Pumpkin Village.  Challenge your kids to look for some of these during your visit:

150,000: Fall blooming flowers and plants

90,000: number of pumpkins, gourds, and squash that make up the Pumpkin Village

12,000: Bricks along the yellow brick road

2,000: Square Feet of the Yellow Brick Road

3,000: Ears of corn
1,500: Corn stalks in the Pumpkin Village 900: Bales of hay 48: number of workers it takes to decorate the garden for Autumn Festival

22: number of pumpkin types
21: the number of days it takes to build the Pumpkin Village17: number of types of squash
7: number of gourd types4: number of pumpkin houses

3: Flying Monkeys

1: number of acres in the Pumpkin Village

Emerald City: Green Hexagon Pumpkin House

Witch’s Castle: Square Pumpkin House accented with dark plants

Munchkin Land: Circle Pumpkin House

Auntie Em’s House: Small Pumpkin House 

This little squirrel found his favorite pumpkin and was chewing heartily away at it!

The Arboretum will even amaze you in the parking lot....look at this giant oak leaf Rachel found!

A myriad of activities take place throughout the garden on weekdays and weekends during Autumn at the Arboretum:

Cool Thursdays Concerts

Thursdays, September 7 - October 26

7-9 p.m.

Dallas' premier outdoor concert series, presented by Wells Fargo, returns this fall with a fabulous band lineup. Gates open at 6 p.m. All concerts include some of Dallas/Fort Worth's favorite food trucks. Concerts are already beginning to sell out. To purchase tickets and view the band lineup, visit the Cool Thursdays Concerts page.

Weekly:

Oktoberfest Garden

11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Café on the Green

The menu at Café on the Green features traditional German cuisine, including various kinds of sausage and beer. Take a break and enjoy a delicious Octoberfest-inspired meal through November 22.

Mommy & Me Mondays and Tiny Tot Tuesdays

Mondays & Tuesdays through November 21

10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sponsored by: Kimberly-Clark

Enjoy fun, kid-friendly activities in Pecan Grove, adjacent to the pumpkin village. Activities include face painting, a petting zoo, silhouette artist and music by KinderMusic.

Harvest Tea

Monday-Friday (September 25-November 22)

11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Elegant seated tea service served inside the beautiful historic DeGolyer House, includes a seated, three-course high tea experience, while taking in the breathtaking fall displays. Tea prices begin at $49 per person and also include garden admission and parking. Add champagne service for $59 per person.  Reservations required.  Book online at www.dallasarboretum.org or call at 214-515-6511.

Zumba in the Gardens

Wednesday evenings (September 27-October 11)

6:30-7:30 p.m.

Martin Rutchik Concert Stage & Lawn

Join high-energy Zumba instructor, Martha Palacios, for a one-hour Zumba class.

Dallas County Master Gardners in the Garden (NEW)

Thursdays (September 29-November 16)

11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Members of the Dallas County Master Gardeners are on-site to answer any questions guests may have regarding what's growing in the garden.

Every weekend:

Beer Tastings (NEW)

Saturday, September 23 and 30: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sunday, September 24 and October 1: 12-3 p.m.

Café on the Green

Enjoy a beer tasting at Café on the Green, located centrally in the garden.  It is the perfect spot to take in the beauty of the garden while enjoying a beer. $10 per tasting, which allows each guest to try four 2 oz. pours of each beer.

Live Music

Saturdays: 12-3 p.m.

Sundays: 1-4 p.m.

Musicians specializing in a variety of music, such as Spanish guitar and folk guitar, play throughout the garden every weekend during autumn. Bring a picnic and relish in the music. Check the website for specific locations, line-ups and artists' bios.

Garden Sized Games (NEW)

Saturdays & Sundays

9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Pecan Grove

Enjoy giant-sized games like Connect Four, Yardzee, Corn-Hole and Jenga in Pecan Grove. Games are available to play on a first come, first served basis.

Special Weekends:

Urban Wildlife Photography Workshop

September 23 & 24

11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.

Pecan Grove

Back by popular demand, Urban Wildlife photographer Chris Jackson will be conducting two workshops per day. No reservation is necessary and this activity is free with paid garden admission.

NEW Chula Hoop Performance and Class

September 30 & October 1

11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. each day

Chula Hoop USA Performance & Hoop Jam

Hoop Jam: Terrace at the Camp House

Join internationally renowned hula hoop group, Chula Hoop USA, for an Oktoberfest themed hula hoop performance, followed by a hand's on class on the Terrace at the Camp House.  While most hulahoops are one size fits all, Chula Hoop gives garden guests the unique opportunity to find the perfect fit, along with instruction from a seasoned professional.  This activity is free with paid garden admission.

Columbus Day Weekend

Eddie Coker Children's Concert

Monday, October 9, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Eddie Coker, sponsored by Dallas Child, performs children-friendly music on the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage.  Family fun activities, Friday-Monday, 10 a.m. - 2p.m, face painting and petting zoo in the Pecan Grove.

Live Music:

Randy Vradenburg, Saturday, October 7, 12-3 p.m.

The sounds of pop, country, rock, jazz, blues, adult contemporary, and classical. 

Tomás Sclar, Sunday, October 8, 1-4 p.m.

Named "Best Flamenco Guitarist in DFW" by The Dallas Observer 2012.

  

Pumpkin Carver Weekend (NEW)

Saturday, October 21 & Sunday, October 22

10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Martin Rutchik Concert Stage & Lawn

Master Piece Pumpkins' Gene Granata carves pumpkins for all ages through live demonstrations. Purchase pumpkin carving kits in the Hoffman Family Gift Store and pumpkins at the Tom Thumb Pumpkin Patch.

Family Fun Weekend

Saturday, October 28 & Sunday, October 29

10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Celebrate Halloween with trick-or-treating throughout the garden, face painting, a petting zoo, and a magician in Pecan Grove. Guests are encouraged to bring their own trick or treat bag.

Ghoul's Night Out (NEW)

Wednesday, October 18

6-8 p.m.

Crape Myrtle Allee

Join the Dallas Arboretum "Ghoul's Night Out," featuring fun activities such as palm readings, handwriting analysis and a caricature artist drawing guests in a "ghoul-y" fashion. No "Ghoul's Night Out" would be complete without wine, live music and food trucks. Wine will be available for purchase, and three food trucks will be on-site. Guests are also welcome to bring a picnic.

North Texas Gourd Association Demonstrations

Every Thursday in October, and November 2

10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Crape Myrtle Allee

The North Texas Gourd Association creates items, such as jewelry and decorative accessories, with gourds.

National Pumpkin Day

Thursday, October 26

10 a.m.-4 p.m.

There is no better place to celebrate National Pumpkin Day during the fall festival. Celebrate this holiday by indulging in pumpkin flavored foods at select dining areas; visit the website for more specific items.

Dia de los Muertos (NEW)

Wednesday, November 1

6-8 p.m.

Celebrate the "Day of the Dead" with activities located throughout the garden including, a face painting competition, a henna tattoo artist, a DJ and mask-making. Wine and beer are available for purchase, along with three food trucks. Guests are welcome to bring picnics.

Día de Los Muertos Face Painting Competition

Guests are encouraged to paint their faces in the style of the holiday at home and then celebrate the Day of the Dead by entering a face painting competition. Judges assess all competitors present by 6:30 p.m. and the winner is announced at 7:30 p.m. First place gets a great, Mexican-themed gift basket. See website for full competition rules and details.

Hoffman Family Gift Store Book Signings/Events:

Book Signing-Saturday, September 23

11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Join the creator of The Round Top Collection, Jeff Krause, to purchase a signed piece of art from this popular line of gifts and home décor.  Additional book signings and highlights include gourd craft demonstrations, Imported Gourmet Foods and Eating Well Seriesbook signings.  Visit website for full list of Gift Store events.

Book Signing--Saturday, September 30

11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Join author Diane Box for a book signing of Fred's Texas Stampede.

Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden:

Children's Adventure Garden Fourth Birthday Celebration

Friday, September 22

6-8 p.m.

$10 General Admission

Celebrate the Children's Adventure Garden's Fourth Birthday with a special guest, an OmniGlobe presentation, lively music and a Birthday Lab.

Evening Trick-or-Treating in the Children's Adventure Garden

Friday, October 28-Sunday, October 30

6-9 p.m.

$10 General Admission

Come in dressed in a Halloween costume for a spooky maze tour, glowing programs and a Halloween-themed Lab.

Johnny Appleseed Weekend

September 23 & 24

Throughout the Children's Adventure Garden

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Celebrate Johnny Appleseed Day with a Johnny Appleseed puppet show, apple-themed programs, and a special apple tasting.

TECH Truck

September 30 & November 11

The Moody Oasis

1-3 p.m.

Tinker, Engineer, Create, Hack! Join the TECH Truck staff from the Perot Museum for a hands-on experience where there is no limit to creativity.

Dinosaurs Rock

October 22

The Glade

11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m. & 2 p.m.

Explore the prehistoric world with DINOSAURS ROCK®! Get up close with life-size dinosaur fossils, eggs, skulls and skeletons. Learn amazing facts about the history behind these fascinating creatures.

National Chemistry Week

October 22-28

Throughout the Children's Adventure Garden

12 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.

Enjoy an entire week of chemistry magic in the Children's Adventure Garden. Explore the Plant Lab for Milk Macromolecules and a different chemistry program every afternoon.

Discounts:

BOGO Wednesday and Arboretum After Hours

Wednesdays (September 27-October 18)

9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Buy one, get one free admission every Wednesday; offer is valid for Arboretum After Hours.

C.C. Young Senior Thursdays

Thursdays (September 28-November 16)

9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Seniors can enjoy $11 admission and a 20 percent discount at the Hoffman Family Gift Store. Discount is only available at the ticket booth.

$2 State Fair Discount (September 29-October 22)

Present ticket stub for $2 off general admission.

Tom Thumb $1 off General Garden Admission (September 23-November 22)

Tom Thumb offers $1 off general garden admission tickets, available at area Tom Thumb and Albertson's locations. 

About the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden:  
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218. The Dallas Arboretum is also the home of the internationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for children 3-12 and free for Arboretum members and children two and under. There is an additional cost of $3 per person for entrance into the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. On-site parking is $15; pre-purchased online parking is $8.