"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.

Balancing Diapers and Deadlines {Review}

I have had the pleasure of reviewing Balancing Diapers and Deadlines by Lisa Tanner Writing.  Lisa is one of our own Review Crew mompreneurs and she has written this online course to help moms juggle raising kids, managing a household, and running a business.  

While I'm not running a business per se, I do work from home as a homeschool teacher for my two children.  That's my "business"...and, trust me, that takes more patience and planning than I ever used when I was in the corporate world!  But also, someday I'd like to spend more time on this blog and grow it to the point that it might bring in a little income.  I think Lisa's course is helpful for moms just like me because she teaches how to streamline your home to make things run more smoothly so you are able to maximize your time and meet your deadlines.

There are 30 lessons in the program that are divided over 8 units.

The course offers some great ideas about setting goals and scheduling your time.  You should write down your goals for your business (or homeschool, in my case) and share those with the family.  Make sure you are all on the same page.  Also, when dealing with kids and households, you have to be flexible.  Rigid time schedules may not be the best fit because it is hard to stay on a time schedule when each day is different and so many things are out of your control.  Algebra is just hard and some days my kid might need to spend extra time on that subject.  Or a toilet overflows.  Or we have a doctor appointment in the middle of the day and who knows how long that will take.  Instead of trying to stick to a schedule laid out in 15 minute increments, come up with a plan for the day with a list of what needs to get accomplished and a suggested order of how the day should be proceed but allowing flexibility to cut or add things along the way, as needed.

I love that Lisa offers some great ideas for running a household by minimizing your decisions.  She suggests letting each child have a day where they are in charge of certain decisions and they are the main helper in making things happen such as cooking dinner.  Man, I like that idea.  It's just one less decision I have to worry about!  She also encourages a house cleaning schedule where everyone works together to focus on one room each day.  Other rooms might need tidying up throughout the week but at least each room gets a good cleaning once a week.  There is also a full unit just on meal planning.

The course also covers how to manage everything at a sustainable pace.  It covers taking care of yourself like making sure you get enough sleep and finding time to relax.  You also have to set boundaries and know when it is better to just pay someone for a service than to always try to do everything yourself.  I should probably read this unit again.

There is a whole unit on Growing A Business With Your Kids Around.  It covers lessons on kids at various ages and how they can feel included and even helpful in your business.  There is even a lesson on managing your business with special needs children.  Here is just a glimpse at some of the great ideas suggested for integrating kids of various ages into your business....taking pictures for your business, putting postage on mail, add affiliate links to your posts, scribe for you in the car, and straighten up your desk, just to name a few.

I have really enjoyed working through Balancing Diapers and Deadlines.  I like the course is self-paced and that the lessons are short so I can complete a lesson while sitting in a doctor's waiting room (got to maximize your time where you can!).  I like that it is all text-based so there are no videos or interactive pages to slow down my progress.  I want to just read at my own pace.  There are action step assignments that I can choose to do to implement the suggestions along the way and even printable worksheets to help me apply the lessons to my own chaos life.  Once I have completed a lesson, I just click on the "Mark Complete" button and the program will remember where I left off and show me a percentage of the course that I have completed so far.  

I think all moms could benefit from this course even if they don't homeschool or run a business.  It is full of great ideas for to just make a mom's day run more smoothly while cherishing time with their children and meeting deadlines too.  I have already implemented many of the suggestions from the course and I can feel a difference in our day.

If you would like to read additional reviews from other members of the Homeschool Review Crew, please just click on the banner below.

Secret Keeper Girl

Dannah Gresh is the amazing Mom-inventor of Secret Keeper Girl.  The movement began as a book that she wrote called, "Secret Keeper Girl: The Power of Modesty" which is about keeping some special things secret until you find that special man to marry.  Dannah didn't stop with that one book though.  She realized that worldly advertisements and social media were causing anxiety, depression, and even early sexual debut in today's teen girls.  She has since written many more books and even created a live event that tours the country each year to remind girls that they are special and loved by Jesus.

Tonight Rachel and I went to our first Secret Keeper Girl live event.  This year's tour is called Masterpiece. It was an amazing mother-daughter experience.


The event took place at First Denton church and we had to buy tickets in advance.  I took this picture as the show was just starting but soon the seats were pretty full so I would guess that it might have been a sold out event.

The show began with a reading of Genesis and the story of Creation.  The girls were reminded that they are a beautiful creation by a good and loving God.  The theme scripture for the event was Ephesians 2:10 which we recited several times during the night to help us memorize it....sometimes in silly voices, sometimes singing it like an opera singer.

There was some discussion about what a masterpiece is.  We learned about several famous pieces of art, including the Mona Lisa.  We learned how a masterpiece must be protected and preserved because it is special.  The girls were reminded how they are each God's beautiful masterpieces.  It was a powerful message but it was kept fun with lots of singing and dancing.  Many times the girls were allowed to go up on the stage to sing along.

A cute souvenir that many of the girls just "had to have" were the light up flower headbands.  Rachel looked so cute in it that I just couldn't resist getting it for her.  She loves it.

The music performances were great and everyone was singing along.

My favorite part of the night was when they sang "Masterpiece" by Danny Gokey.  It was so perfect for this event and it is one of my favorite songs right now.

We learned about the Truth or Bare Fashion Test that we can use to determine if our clothes are too revealing.  We only covered three of the tests at the event but the website lists several more.  Then we watched a mother-daughter fashion show modeling outfits that were adorable yet modest.

The night ended with an invitation for girls to say a prayer to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  It was such a beautiful event.


If you would like to learn more about Secret Keeper Girl, please check out the Secret Keeper Girl website or follow Secret Keeper Girl on Facebook

Little Kid Art Supplies

Rachel loves making art.  She loves drawing, painting, pastels, and more.  She has been doing some art lessons online and I have let her use some of my nicer art supplies.  

As we were getting ready for the new school year, I had her help me clean out the art closet.  She was excited to find some supplies that had gotten buried and forgotten about.  But she also turned her nose up at what she called, "little kid art supplies".

While I'm always happy to get rid of stuff on my de-cluttering mission, I found myself actually sad about giving away these particular items.  It was a sudden reminder that my babies are growing up and we are getting rid of our last Crayola crayons and big foam stamps.  As a parent you don't usually know until after the fact when will be the last time your child will ask you to push them on the swing or the last time they will want to sit in your lap while you read a book to them. This was just one of those moments that stuck with me as we got rid of those "little kid art supplies".

Savor the days.  

Be Yourself and Dare to Stand Out

Rachel is 100% girlie girl.  She has enjoyed taking dance and gymnastics classes.  She has taken ice skating lessons in the past and I have envisioned her using her dance and gymnastic skills to someday be a graceful and elegant ice skater in a beautiful sparkly outfit doing twirls and leaps on the ice.  

But alas, my baby girl's new love is ice hockey!

I think it is awesome that in such a male-dominated sport, she wanted to her gear to be pink.  She knows how to be herself and she doesn't mind being a little different.  She is going to be decked out in pink even if it means she stands out in a crowd of boys.

She is a confident girl and I pray that she always understands the importance of being herself.  I don't know who came up with this but I love the saying, "Be like a diamond, precious and rare.  Don't be a stone found everywhere."  That is my girl.  Precious and rare.

She is also quite independent.  Ice hockey requires a lot of gear and you have to get the laces on the skates really tight to keep your foot from wobbling around in the skate.  

On this morning, I kept offering to help her get her gear on but she kept saying no.  Finally she stopped, stared at me and said, "Mom!  I'm a hockey player.  I'm tough and I don't need any help!".  Well, ok then...

She is one tough little princess.

She has done really well in her hockey lessons.  She started in Pre-Hockey where they just learned how to skate with a stick, shoot a puck and work on skating moves.  Here is a quick video of her skating and coming to a quick stop.


She progressed well in the class and has moved up to Hockey Academy.  Now they are working on more difficult skating moves and learning more about how to play the game.

She still talks about being a figure skater or taking dance lessons.  We told her the budget will only cover one sport and for now she has chosen ice hockey.  I'm so proud of her because I know she is doing what she really wants to do and not just what is expected of her.  Be yourself, baby, and dare to stand out!

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.