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Dallas Arboretum
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Botanical Gardens Event Planning & Services Venues & Event Spaces Botanical Gardens, Venues & Event Spaces [Edit]
8525 Garland RdDallas, TX 75218
(214) 515-6500
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9 am - 5 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
99 reviews for Dallas Arboretum
99 reviews in English
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Review from Janice R.
Dallas, TX
5/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
I have lived in Dallas for almost 5 years and never seemed to make it to the Arboretum until recently. I was pleasantly surprised with the size of it! I almost feel tricked that I had no idea it was back there all the times I have been out running at the lake. It didn't feel like the Dallas I usually know, which was a good change! The exhibit on display when I visited was the Chihuly glass. This is the same artist who made the famous glass ceiling at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. It was very interesting to look at! We had fun walking around and naming all the glass figures. They will be here until November - so you should definitely check it out while it is here. They also have a special night program with the Chihuly which I think would be pretty cool.
They also had a few "kid" areas with educational exhibits about farming, pioneer days, and Native American lifestyles. It was cute!
They have remote parking with a shuttle, but we didn't realize that until we parked in the lot for $15...which left us feeling a bit ripped off because you pay when you pay for your entry and then no one checks that you paid when you left. So if you are feeling shady/adventurous you could probably get away with not paying. But we were honest!
I think the Arboretum would be a perfect date location, or place for a family picnic. You can bring in ice chests of food and drinks, and anything is allowed in. They also have a few cafes/snack stations with food and drinks for purchase.
They have a Thursday night concert series that I want to check out this summer before it gets too hot. -
Review from David L.
5/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
My childhood memories are sparse, but the highlights were probably running up the planters at NorthPark and rolling down the hills at the Arboretum. I know it wasn't so idyllic, but that's what nostalgia has left me.
The arboretum is a Dallas gem, and it seems to be following the lake's resurgence. With beautiful plants and a magnificent view of the lake, there is no better spot for picnicking. It's a favorite of mommies and grandparents, but the summer evening concerts seem draw a hipper crowd. It's not the most inexpensive walk in Dallas, but you haven't seen Dallas without it. Of course, you should go in the spring for Dallas Blooms, and it helps to keep an eye on the schedule for the rotating exhibits. -
Review from Monica M.
4/22/2012
This is a MUST when you visit Dallas.
It's a beautiful botanical dream. Every corner you turn has something different and beautiful.
I love the different themes they have throughout the year. In my opinion, the best time to go is during the week and during spring time.
They have plenty of food and drink options here so you can walk though the place and stop for a bite to eat.
Check the website for specials and parking info. A great time for kids and adults! -
Review from Tammy W.
Dallas, TX
5/24/2012
I would definitely make some time to go and see the Dale Chihuly exhibit at the Arboretum. The nighttime visit is really perfect amongst all the pretty flora and fauna and looking towards White Rock. What's not to like? Nothing that I can tell.
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Review from Jennifer M.
Dallas, TX
4/19/2012 3 photos
While it's not the cheapest place to enjoy a walk, the arboretum offers one of the prettiest walks in Dallas. I've visited the arboretum twice, once in February and once in late May. Both trips offered a nice and relaxing experience. For someone from the Midwest like me, seeing so many flowers in February was a true joy.
There are many varieties of flowers and greenery as well as statues, fountains, and gazebos scattered throughout the gardens.
Children: There are a few areas that are clearly there for the little ones. Toad Corner is a fun place to get wet. If you bring the kids through here, be sure to have a change of clothes, as it's designed to let them play. The Texas Pioneer Adventure area is a kid-sized walk through of pioneer area housing, buildings, etc. Even as adults we have fun walking through it once. Note: I am a kid at heart.
Picnics: It's a great place to enjoy a romantic or a family picnic. You just have to pick your spot of choice. The arboretum allows guests to bring in foods and drinks, so you don't have to sneak anything in. They also have a dining center that looked pretty decent (I didn't try it).
DeGolyer Estate: Right in the middle of the gardens is the original estate of the family that started it all. We walked in to a quiet entrance for a tour all to ourselves led by a charming and informative docent. The tour does not have a cost and run daily on the hour or half hour from 10am-4pm (or whenever you walk in if the docent is not busy).
Events: There was a special fairy tale interactive children's exhibit the second time we visited. The gardens host concerts, though I haven't had the pleasure of good timing yet. I'd love to enjoy an outdoor concert in the beauty of the gardens someday.
Final Verdict: This is a nice place to take visitors, children, or yourself when you want a picturesque outdoor experience.
Note: I would probably visit early in the day during the summer and avoid appallingly hot days, as not all areas have shade...or bring a change of clothes and run through the toad fountains with the kids. -
Review from Rod S.
Tulsa, OK
5/1/2012
Get there now! Do not miss the chihuly exhibit.
I was dragged to the arboretum last week and I will be eternally grateful. i suspect that early May is probably one of the best seasons so maybe it isn't always so lush, beautiful and supremely planned.
We took the tram which was a chance to get a little information from Joe, and to get to focus on things you might miss while walking. Plenty of clean rest rooms, there were some food options, and it appeared that people could bring in their picnic items while spreading out in the gardens. I can't think of a better way to spend a day.
i normally wouldn't like something like this, and i normally wouldn't write about something like this, but I hope I can inspire even one person to go see the glass exhibit.
the only negative is all of the photographers that somehow believe they have more rights than the average peasant that came to see the gardens. These professional photographers are dragging around staff, loaded with props, and then spread the brides and other celebrants across the sidewalks expecting us to either wait or go around. One person even sneered at me that they were taking pictures here. They need to get some kind of permitting in place and notify them of the rules, and perhaps even have to display the permit so that we can report specific violations. And how about limiting their days to midweek? -
Review from Anh D.
3/7/2012
My cousin, who has an annual pass for the arboretum, took me here for a visit.
I love that there are so many people directing us to available parking spots in the parking lot (free parking is always a plus). We came this past weekend, during the middle of tulip season.
Upon entering, the arboretum looks like a beautiful meadow on one side and a lovely stand of trees on another side. Walking around, there are so many beautiful areas. I love that there is a beautiful little section with fountains and pruned hedges, plus a grassy meadow-like area that is bordered with tulips, squares of tulips, gorgeous flowers everywhere, little tiny houses, winding paths for moms with strollers, and plenty of picnickers lounging on the grass enjoying a beautiful afternoon. Paradise.
You can bring your own picnic basket filled with goodies, food, and drinks to picnic on the grass at the arboretum, you can't beat that. For those of us who might not want to go to the trouble of packing a lunch, there is an outdoor cafe with plenty of seats under umbrellas, little carts with root beer floats, ice cream, lemon chills, and more.
Wonderful, and so gorgeous with all the tulips and greenery everywhere now. I would love to see what this place looks like in other seasons.
Tip: Free tours for those who desperately want to be in the know of flowers and more!
Tip: No dogs allowed! :( -
Review from Ac D.
Dallas, TX
5/15/2012
They plan to pave White Rock for more parking. Anyone else see the irony?
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Review from Stephen W.
Dallas, TX
Updated - 4/7/2012
One of my favorite places in Dallas, we love to go here in the spring when everything is in bloom and the weather is nice. The view of White Rock lake drains away the stress of everyday life. This is day-destination so relax and enjoy.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/17/2009
Love this place, especially in the spring when the flowers are blooming. We try to go once a year… Read more »
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Review from Jen H.
Plano, TX
1/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
I guess I can't really review the arboretum because I technically haven't even been inside yet. Anyways, I was visiting with my boyfriend, and this unhelpful woman - Chris Crockrell - was accepting admission tickets. She could not answer any of my questions, was rude, and promptly responded to me, "this is what I'm told to do." Not once did she advise anyone else in the booth for an answer, but just told me she didn't know and left us hanging. I don't know who this Chris woman is, if she is simply a volunteer or who owns the place. Doesn't matter... you shouldn't have someone so rude and unhelpful as the first person a customer encounters at your entrance. RUDE and HORRIBLE service. I know I shouldn't expect too much from the arboretum ticket window, but really???
I was so upset and displeased with the way she handled our questions and transaction that we just left. I didn't care that we drove all the way from Plano to come visit for the afternoon. Went to the Farmer's Market instead. -
Review from Emily H.
Austin, TX
5/7/2012
pros: a beautiful place to stroll around and relax! we visited in march and everything was blooming just in time. tulips especially are noticeably everywhere in different colors and gorgeous. The waterfall sculpture is cool as well and a great photo spot.
cons: limited parking (but they do run a free shuttle from a remote parking lot, which is very convenient) and expensive entrance fee -
Review from Brad S.
11/14/2011
I really love this place. The first time we went we upgraded to a yearly pass, and have used it 6 times already. I like that they change out the flowers so there is always something blooming, but I really LOVE (yes LOVE) the fact that I can bring food/drinks and have a nice little picnic with family and friends. We have spend some great all day outings at this place and plan on doing many many more.
They have a few special events, one of which is the pumpkin patch before Halloween, it is pretty cool, and we got some great pics, though here are some pretty rude people around, seriously people .. three adults cut off our three kids to get their pictures, then they wanted to take pictures with our kids ... WTH? ... Not cool. Still not the parks fault people are freaky and rude.
What is the parks fault is that some of their staff at the parking entrances are flipping RUDE. I pull in to ask where there is open parking and this guy goes off on me saying the parking is closed ... no kidding dude I can read, WHERE DO I GO? His answer was "OUT!" Very nice ... jerk. I finally found the park and ride, and it was OK, but seriously the next time I can see an empty spot, and very nicely this time i was told that the parking was full (ha ha) it is park rules that so many spots have to be open before they open the parking ... thank you, that was all the explanation I needed, I did not need mister nasty. -
Review from Candyce S.
Dallas, TX
Updated - 4/21/2012 8 Check-ins Here
okay. this is a sneak peak review guys. we went for a pic-a-nic yesterday.. and the chihuly glass sculptures are being installed! this is going to be a. maze. ing! dallas! you have got to be sure to see this before it's gone. i'm not even going to add all the amazing pictures i took until AFTER the show opens.. SO YOU'LL GO SEE IT!
Listed in: east dallas
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/23/2012
i'm a new arboretum visitor and member! i haven't witnessed spring yet.. but i'm already tickled… Read more »
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Review from Sheryl C.
10/12/2011
Needed a place to take three kiddos all under 8. (For someone without kids apparently I spend a lot of time with them.) Dallas Arboretum totally hooked us up.
They have wagons to pull the kids, or your picnic, around the park (BTW, they let you bring in your own food and bevs...even adult bevs!) LOTS of open space to let the kids roam around, and everything appears to be kid friendly for the most part. And the gardens and the DeGoyer House are amazing.
Right now they have a HUGE pumpkin patch and pumpkin princess castles. Oh and they have scavenger hunts for the kids at the info desk by the entrance. Get them! It's a great distractor for the little ones.
TIP: Get there EARLY. Like when they open. Otherwise you might have to park in the back 40.
NOTE: I'm told that Dallas Arboretum is the #3 Arboretum in the U.S.Listed in: Where to Take the Little…
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Review from John N.
Dallas, TX
12/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Went here this past weekend and although everything is in its dying phase. It is still very nice to walk around and take in the beauty of the changing colors of fall!
Perfect backdrop for photos! -
Review from Jonathan M.
El Toro, CA
11/9/2011
For a place with a bunch of flowers of all kinds of colors and arrangements, this place was pretty good.
As you can probably tell by that first sentence, I don't know crap about flowers or their arrangements. It being the fall season, this place was also covered with all kinds of pumpkins. It was a nice detour from our usual sight seeing in Dallas and we enjoyed the scenery and took lots of pictures for the 3 hours we walked around there. We realized that this place is a lot smaller than the map makes it out to be.
If you are visiting Dallas, you should come visit this place at least once. It's worth the trip for the first visit. Not so sure about a second, much less a third. -
Review from Crystal K.
Los Angeles, CA
11/1/2011
We purchased our tickets as a package deal with the State Fair tickets and ended up saving a few bucks. We entered through the side entrances closest to the entrance of the parking lot. There wasn't anyone checking for tickets there so I guess we actually didn't save any money at all!
Great place to spend an afternoon and walk off what you've consumed at brunch. Walk around, explore, take pictures and dodge all the bumblebees in the flower beds. Great for families, kids, couple, etc. I saw a handful of couples taking engagement photos and I can understand why.
Free parking is always a plus. -
Review from Christopher B.
Irving, TX
5/6/2011
I love the arboretum. It is immaculately maintained, the people who run it are friendly and helpful. There are always fabulous displays.
They accommodated us on a video shoot last weekend. Some really interesting interviews with people who work there. They let us do a picnic demo, helped string cable....
Here's a pointer to the food part...
http://seabirdskitchen...
All in all a very classy place indeed -
Review from andrew h.
Dallas, TX
This review is more about the outdoor concert series here rather than the flowers, but the setting is what really makes it amazing.
CANNOT WAIT FOR COOL THURSDAYS!! First concert 4/19/11...
Anyway, I'm not a botanist by trade but I do love the flowers and the smells and the beautiful landscaping out here. I've been to a few weddings at their venue here as well, but the crown jewel of the Dallas Arboretum is the outdoor concert venue/series during the summer and fall. You walk down a long winding path to get the grassy amphitheater overlooking White Rock Lake.
With the proper amount of bug spray and a professionally loaded cooler of beer, there is nothing more relaxing than sitting outside and watching the sunset, seeing the little sail boats and canoes while listening to cover bands rock the classics. There is an occasional Asleep at the Wheel appearance and some local talent shows but most are covers of Beatles, Elvis, Jimmy Buffet, 60s, 70s and 80s decades hits. Most concerts are only $15 too! What a deal!!!
People who are serious about the Cool Thursdays really impress me. You'll see huge blankets, picnic baskets, fine wines, cheeses and intricate pop-out lounge chairs. At one of the shows where the band was a Jimmy Buffet cover, the middle-aged couple in front of us had fake parrots perched atop the shoulders of their pop-out chairs. Super hard core!
Personally, I normally just take a few chairs and a cooler of beer and snacks but you are free to bring whatever you want. It's a great evening event for a date and just as fun to go with a big group of friends.
Be sure to arrive early because the prime time spots on the hill go fast! And if you bring a cooler I recommend taking one on wheels because if you're carrying a lot of stuff it can get heavy along the walk from the parking area to the grassy knoll. -
Review from Glaser J.
5/20/2011
How pretty! We love it here so much that we finally took the plunge and became members.
As you may know, this is one of those places that is a great family photo waiting to happen. It's fun to watch people getting out of their cars in the parking lot all dressed up, with that hopeful look in the parents' eyes that this is the day that produces the Christmas card picture.
We love coming here for the scenery (obviously) and for a good ol' relaxing picnic with the family. We like to stop by Jimmy's to pick up our lunch before heading to the arboretum.
And of course we love rolling down the big hill by the amphitheater, who doesn't? -
Review from Dave H.
12/3/2010 36 photos
The arboretum's gardens are relaxing and colorful, even in the fall.
Can't hate against flowers.
Even if you can, their beautiful restaurant cafe might still your scathing tongue, or perhaps the frontier adventure area perfect for the (big) kids traveling with you. Are large statues more to your liking? Huge frogs? A pumpkin village[1]? A gift shop? There's something for everyone, even the flower haters.
[1] The pumpkin village was a seasonal display on exhibit while we were there.Listed in: DFW Favorites
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Review from Lisa R.
Dallas, TX
5/25/2011 4 Check-ins Here
We are members, but the best part about the arboretum doesn't come free with our membership. The best part is going with a picnic to the concerts. For example, tomorrow features A Hard Night's Day, a popular Beatles coverband. We have seen many good local bands there, and some nationally known ones.
Kids under 3 are free, which is also a bonus. The large grassy area is the perfect place for kids. They run around. They roll down hills.
You can order dinner ahead of time at Highland Park Cafeteria (just order there by 1-2pm). Or you can bring a fabulous picnic.
The gates open at 6pm, but the concerts don't start until 7:30. This leaves time to explore the grounds before finding your perfect spot on the lawn.
Also, your concert will likely feature a sunset on White Rock Lake.
With such a glowing review I worry that my little secret gem will be ruined. However, its not a secret... lots of people go. And if it doesn't instill civic pride in you, then it is time to move. -
Review from Crystal H.
Alhambra, CA
4/5/2011
My ex boyfriend took me here, thinking I'd enjoy it because of how much of an outdoors person I am (said dripping in sarcasm) I really hate being outdoors and having to walk around. Throw in 100+ degree weather and I'm basically going to kill the next person who gets in my way.
However, I had an amazing time. It was absolutely breathtaking and I'm really glad he took me there because I really did end up enjoying it. The reason why it only got 4 stars is because a lot of the sections were just covered in mud. I ran into the flower house thinking it would be awesome and I came out covered in mud because I ran in too fast and slipped in the slippery stuff. It's a must see thing and you'd be a fool to pass by this city without going here -
Review from Betty L.
Dallas, TX
7/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love the Dallas Arboretum even though they charge for parking and no telling me to park at the YMCA and take the shuttle in is not an option. I am an American! More importantly a Texan which means I am allowed to drive everywhere! Including on the beach!!! Yeah it is really a gulf and the water is brown by that is besides the point!
Where was I? Oh yeah, the arboretum is really beautiful and I enjoy seeing the beautiful landscape as much as all the children and families. The kids there are so adorable and they have all this land to run around which is great.
They have a cafe inside but the food is pretty bland and expensive.
You should definitely pack a picnic under the big tree facing White Rock. You can bring booze! It is so gorgeous to lay out and relax especially in the afternoon when the weather is cool. -
Review from Carla G.
Grapevine, TX
11/22/2011
Beautiful place, with something for people of all ages. Lots of families, but the most child-friendly areas are grouped together so those looking for a more peaceful experience can easily find many quiet spots to enjoy nature. They change the plantings and decor with the seasons, so you can go many times a year and have a very different experience. Restaurants are also great, especially the tea house.
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Review from Joseph F.
10/25/2011
This is a great place for dates or a fun and beautiful family outing. Right now is "Fall into Color" at the Arboretum, so there are lots of yellows oranges, and golds. I went here on Saturday and had lots of fun as usual. The grounds are exquisite and the facilities breath taking. The ambiance is perfect for a fun date and guys, you don't have to bring flowers if you bring her to a garden full of them. Plus they are having Princess themed castles including a Cinderella pumpkin village. Great for the kiddos. Make sure you visit and you I bet you won't be disappointed by it.
Listed in: Odds & Ends, Things to do
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Review from Jessica M.
Dallas, TX
10/15/2010
Who doesn't love the Arboretum? It is beautiful and the perfect way to spend a sunny Spring, Summer or Fall day. With White Rock Lake in the background, this is the perfect setting for a wedding, engagement/bridal/family pictures, or a day strolling with a friend or lover.
I love how the little villages themes change every season and watching kids play in the crazy themed houses. I also love that you can bring your own food in or buy something at a food stand or even have afternoon tea!
The best thing however, is Cool Thursdays. Grab a blanket, some wine, a picnic and your honey and watch the sunset as you listen to live music.
I come here at least 4 times a year and never grow tired of it!Listed in: Reasons to Love Dallas
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Review from Kimberly L.
Dallas, TX
6/22/2011 1 photo
After finding out that the Dallas Arboretum held concerts in the arboretum, a friend and I decided to check it out. During the summer, there are concerts almost every Tues/Thurs. You can see the concert lineup here: http://www.dallasarbor...
We ordered our concert tickets online ($16 for non-members, which is $2 cheaper than if you buy them there), grabbed some picnic food from the nearby Whole Foods, and arrived armed with blankets, plenty of food/snacks, & water. If you don't feel like packing a picnic/bringing outside food, there are onsite food options. Check out the "Concert Info" page for more details~ http://www.dallasarbor...
The gates open @ 6pm..even though the concerts don't start until 7:30. We got there around 6 which allowed plenty of time for us to stake out a good spot for the concert, eat our dinner, and walk around the arboretum/take pictures.
It was pretty HOT when we arrived but once the sun started setting, it didn't feel so bad (we were kinda bummed that there were trees blocking our view of the sun setting over White Rock Lake).
We were surprised by how many people came to the concert..the lawn was pretty packed by the time the concert started.
Overall, it was a great experience (if only it weren't so hot!). Great for everyone-- families/couples/friends to relax and enjoy the beautiful view, music, and atmosphere. -
Review from Robert T.
3/17/2011
Why would somebody knock an arboretum simply because it was February? February is winter on the northern hemisphere, in case you didn't know that.
I went yesterday. How could anybody give this place less than 5 stars? We had a nice picnic and took great pictures (including our Easter pic). This place is even more grandiose than my last visit. -
Review from Morgan J.
Austin, TX
10/5/2010 1 photo
It's perfect picnic weather in Dallas and apparently everyone with a child under the age of 5 got the memo. I hadn't been to the Arboretum in about 15 years, but after discovering that they allow you to bring in your own picnic AND "adult beverages" decided that I had to check it out. It's just as beautiful as I remembered!
We arrived around 3:00pm for a nice romantic Sunday afternoon picnic. Unfortunately we didn't realize, until we arrived, that they'd be closing at 5:00pm. Hurriedly we made our way to the nearest area to set up our picnic by the amphitheater with a view of White Rock Lake. It definitely wasn't the most secluded spot, but we wanted to be sure we'd have time to walk around and explore. Lounging on this big grassy hill with fellow picnickers and a live band for entertainment, I couldn't help but be reminded of picnicking in Central Park. You have your families with children running a muck in tiny Wonder Woman costumes, your obnoxious 20 somethings doing handstands and acrobatics down the hill, and your dead-to-the-world couples spooning so closely that one can hardly decipher 2 bodies present.
After enjoying our tasty picnic a la Central Market, we packed up quickly to check out the gardens. There were so many beautiful things to see from coy ponds, filled with some of the largest coy I've ever seen, under fairytale-like bridges to infinity pools with Romanesque arches. The Poetry Garden is a gorgeous, pensive retreat in a courtyard with topiary, beautiful foliage, sculpture, and benches from which to take it all in. Nearby, we observed chairs being set up for a wedding, which was undoubtedly dreamy. Through our exploration of the various gardens, we located the PERFECT spot for a picnic (damn our late arrival). The small patch of green was a secluded little island of a spot with the best view of the lake.
Being that it's October, we had to check out the displays for their Great Pumpkin Festival. The displays consisted of houses and other structures crafted from various types of pumpkins and squash. So that's what they do with all of those prize-winning gigantor gourds... This was also the hot spot for fall family portrait time! There were so many creatures under 3 ft tall, that taking your eyes off the ground for a few seconds could result in disaster (see lederhosen-clad man kicks a tiny toddler to the ground and goes right back to posing for a photo).
My next, and hopefully soon, trip to the Arboretum will be much more organized so as to spend as much time relaxing in my new picnic spot and leisurely strolling through the gardens (rather than speed eating and mall walking).Listed in: Fun in the sun!
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Review from A P.
Carrollton, TX
5/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Get here during Dallas Blooms in the spring to see gardens awash in color. The panoramic flower displays are worth the price of admission alone. Of course, everybody in town knows about it and the Arboretum tends to be packed and parking overflowing during this time of year.
The Arboretum is also a great place to study the landscape all year round, summer through winter, to see what kinds of plants can endure the extremes of the Texas climate. I visit the place regularly during the coldest part of the year (from November through February) and I'm almost always amazed to see live healthy plants that would certainly have perished in northern climes. I'm a garden hobbyist so I'm always looking over the trial beds to see what new plant or flower has survived the harsh Texas weather.
It's an excellent event venue, from concerts to art shows and plant sales. If you're looking for a place for your special event (weddings, photography) there's no lack of beautiful backdrops to make your event unique and memorable.
A membership to the Arboretum is the way to go--especially if you're the type that balks at any admission price over free. This is really the best deal if you plan on visiting the Arboretum more than once a year. You get the great outdoors, a good deal of exercise from walking, and some of the best scenic views Dallas has to offer.
Expansion plans are in the works for the Arboretum. There'll be plenty of exciting additions to look forward to in the coming months. -
Review from Russell R.
Haltom City, TX
2/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have to agree with Scott L. on this one.
This place is nice, really nice.
But... $7 to park, $12 a person for a grand total of $31 to see a park that isn't even partially in bloom (we went in February) is so, so outrageous.
If we'd been here before, or lived in the area we would've left on the spot. But, we're not usually in this part of Dallas, so we went ahead and gave it a shot.
BTW, all the associates that we ran across were friendly and very polite / helpful (even funny at times).
We'll definitely make a trip here again in the Spring to see this park in all of it's splendor, but never again just because we happen to be in the area. -
Review from Chris B.
10/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
A gem in the city of Dallas. Absolutely wonderful experience and my wife and I will be visiting again, soon.
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Review from Christine A.
Austin, TX
6/15/2010
The 66 acres of gardens, pathways, architectural elements and water works at the Dallas Arboretum reminded me that everything in Dallas is bigger. Our group of four enjoyed strolling through the vibrant flowers and lovely plants this past weekend while in town.
Gracefully meandering paths and walkways move you about and through the gardens. Tumbling terraces and graceful gazebos are perfect for a wedding or quinceneara. As one groom approached his waiting bride he looked at us and said with a grin, "I think I'll take the LONG way around." It is an ideal setting for romance, a picnic on the grounds, or on Thursday evenings, the concert series that runs from April through October.
A charming Peter Rabbit Cottage featuring a little shed, white picket fence and garden got our attention. Nearby we watched a live rabbit hop through vegetation. Was he supposed to be here foraging in the plantings undeterred by the little blue coated scarecrow? A garden with Texas animal and bird sculptures as well as the area depicting pioneer life in the prairie are other special display areas worth a visit.
The DeGolyer's home, a Spanish style structure boasting 21,000 square feet, is not to be missed. In the back of the home is a restaurant overlooking White Rock Lake. Mrs. Nell DeGolyer was an avid gardener and donated much of the existing grounds and the family home to the City of Dallas.Listed in: BIG D little a Double…
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Review from David P.
Dallas, TX
11/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
A beautiful place to spend a pleasant afternoon. All-star gardens. On hot days, get to the shady, misty Fern Garden. Bring you own food and have a picnic on the green in the spectacular Johnson Color Garden. A fantastic place to see thousands of varieties of azaleas and other plants and pick what is best for your own garden. The gardens are refreshed for all seasons, so it is amazing any time of year.
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Review from Jessica N.
Richardson, TX
9/7/2010
Lovely - except for the trash I saw scattered in the parking lot, like the diapers strewn about on the way up to the entrance - really people? Pick up after yourselves! Not a nice scene to be faced with when you are walking into an arboretum...
Aside from this irritating incident I LOVE this place. I hadn't been in YEARS and after having some tickets from work that needed to be used the boyfriend and I decided to spend our Labor Day off visiting this Dallas gem.
We strolled through the gardens and were both pleasantly surprised by the amount of color that was still in existence. I would love to go next Spring when I bet it's even lovelier. We had a lot of fun getting some ideas on how to set up our future garden!
I loved the views of White Rock Lake and how many open areas/sitting areas they offer for great picnicking. I overheard a smattering of languages other than English while I was here - it's good to know this place is getting a lot of tourists! Definitely something to get a taste of if you're ever in Dallas. -
Review from Ray P.
Hayward, CA
10/31/2011
This is a great place to go to if you are in the area. The scenery, plants, and ponds are well maintained and clean. There are several great sceneries that are perfect for photo shoots or just plain relaxation. The admission is a bit on the pricey side but it's not that bad. They also have a place where you can order food as well. They also have several benches wherever you go so you can sit, relax, and enjoy the scenery.
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Review from Shanna L.
10/3/2008
I hope everyone makes time to go to "Cool Thursdays" at the Arboretum this year. Pack yourself a picnic basket, grab a blanket and a few bottles of wine and pop a squat. The weather is great and you get to hang with the neighbors while listening to a variety of music. Each week is a different band and it's really fun!
They do sell tickets, but honestly no one has asked to see ours when we go so if you are looking to get over on the Arb I guess you could...
They are still doing it throughout October, so make sure you go while they have the Pumpkins out!
http://www.dallasarbor...
*the only issue is parking so get there early so you dont have to lug your gear for miles and miles!
*OH! and dont forget a corkscrew. nothing is worse than being at a picnic and not being able to get wine out of the bottle!Listed in: ladies who lunch, BYOB
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Review from Jennifer C.
Dallas, TX
3/9/2009
I had my second annual visit to Dallas Blooms this weekend. Last year it was gorgeous and this year was no different. It's a great way to spend the day.
The grounds are beautiful, the flowers are gorgeous and its just a really nice way to spend a few hours. Take your time and wander the grounds - bring a camera because there are tons of photo ops here. The hayless hayride was a fun way to spend $3 and 10-12 min :) -
Review from Joe F.
4/19/2010
So on Friday for work we had staff appreciation day by taking the afternoon off to do high tea and walk around the grounds of the arboretum. I'll review the food in a separate review and stick to the gardens in this one.
Until Friday, my only memories of the arboretum had been from when I was forced to go with my sister and mom when I was in elementary school. . .needless to say I didn't have the fondest memories. As a 27-year-old male, I can think of better (bar) ways (bar) to spend my Friday afternoons (bar), but honestly I had a pretty good time.
From my understanding, right now during the week is the best time to make a trip. I was told that the majority of the crowd that comes on the weekend are families or 'photographers' looking to take some scenic shots with the new SLR they got as a present for Christmas/Hanukkah/birthday/graduation/affair apology/Highland Park Wednesday/etc.
You really feel like you're walking into a different world once you pass through the entrance. The views are stunning and it's crazy to think that all this beauty is in crazy Dallas just a stone's throw from the highway. We walked around and talked about different styles that my coworkers could recreate in their own backyards and styles they wouldn't even want to attempt. I also really enjoyed looking at their test garden, a place where they sample all sorts of exotic flowers to see which ones can survive a Texas summer.
Will I become a regular at the arboretum? No. Do I see the appeal and why some people are? Absolutely. Will I be back in the near future? Probably. Good times.
