Best Time to Visit Dallas Arboretum: A Planning Guide

The Dallas Arboretum combines broad garden landscapes with distinct areas for seasonal color and family activities. It opened in 1984 on the shore of White Rock Lake.

The Margaret Elizabeth Jonsson Color Garden covers 6.5 acres and features seasonal flowers and plants. The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden spans 8 acres and overlooks the lake. The Arboretum’s 66 acres were assembled from the DeGolyer and Camp properties after the City of Dallas and the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Society signed a garden-creation contract in 1982.

Spring is the season to plan around if Dallas Blooms is a priority; the Arboretum describes it as the Southwest’s largest annual floral festival.

The Jonsson Color Garden’s seasonal flowers make planting displays a feature beyond the festival period, too. Because hours and admission can change, check the official site before you go.

Allow enough time to walk between the garden areas you want to see, especially if you plan to include both the Jonsson Color Garden and the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden.

For a seated break, the Jonsson Color Garden is a picnic spot, and outside food and drinks are welcome. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes; the garden’s naturally varied topography means some portions of the historic landscape may be inaccessible.

Tram tours take approximately 40 minutes round trip and depart from Tram Stop 1 by the Main Entrance and Tram Stop 2 by the Children’s Garden. Trams do not carry wheelchairs, strollers, walkers, coolers or other large items, and service may not run on high-attendance days.

The Arboretum’s main entrance is at 8525 Garland Road, just north of Highway 30. From Day Star, allow time to check the route and traffic before setting out.

The parking garage is at 8720 Garland Road, across from the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. An accessible underground walkway connects the garage to the garden.

If you are combining the garden with time in the city centre, a downtown Dallas day trip can help you plan that part of your visit.

The Arboretum is generally open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daytime admission is $21.95 for adults and $17.95 for children ages 3–12 Monday through Thursday, and $25.95 for adults and $21.95 for children ages 3–12 Friday through Sunday. Children under 3 enter free, as do members during daytime hours.

Museums for All admission is $3 per person and includes complimentary parking. Parking otherwise costs $15 per vehicle, plus applicable tax and fees; members receive free parking year-round for up to two vehicles registered in advance.

Complimentary wheelchairs are available at the Ticket Booth on a first-come, first-served basis. Mobility scooters are available to rent for $20–$30. Tram tours depart at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., but may not operate on high-attendance days.