The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a 66-acre public garden on White Rock Lake in East Dallas, with themed gardens, seasonal planting, and a dedicated children’s garden. This guide covers what to see, the annual Dallas Blooms festival, admission basics, and ways to plan your arrival.
- Location: 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218
- Setting: White Rock Lake in East Dallas
- Garden highlights include the Jonsson Color Garden and Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden
- Dallas Blooms is an annual floral festival
What to see at the Arboretum
The Arboretum’s 66 acres bring together distinct garden areas, seasonal planting, and a children’s garden beside White Rock Lake.
The Jonsson Color Garden spans 6.5 acres and features seasonal flowers and plants. For families, the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden covers 8 acres within the larger grounds.
Other named locations on the garden map include A Woman’s Garden, the DeGolyer House, the Rose Mary Haggar Rose Garden, the Nancy Clements Seay Magnolia Glade, and the McCasland Sunken Garden. The City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department contracts with the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Society to manage day-to-day operations.
The gardens are outdoors across a sizable site, so wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Wheelchairs and strollers are allowed throughout the gardens, including the Children’s Adventure Garden. White Rock Lake and other outdoor stops feature in this guide to parks in Dallas.
Seasonal displays and Dallas Blooms
Dallas Blooms is an annual floral festival with floral displays and garden experiences.
The Arboretum describes Dallas Blooms as the Southwest’s largest annual floral festival. Seasonal flowers also feature in the Jonsson Color Garden, making the planting beds a natural stop as you move between areas.
Festival details and seasonal displays can vary, so check the official site before you go.
Tickets, hours, and entry
Daytime admission is priced by age and day of the week, and the Arboretum has a separate evening schedule during Holiday at the Arboretum.
The garden’s regular hours are daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. During Holiday at the Arboretum, daytime admission runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., then the grounds close from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. while staff prepare for Holiday at Night, which runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Daytime admission is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, though Holiday at Night is open on those evenings.
Daytime admission Monday through Thursday costs $21.95 for adults and $17.95 for children ages 3–12. Friday through Sunday, adult admission is $25.95 and admission for children ages 3–12 is $21.95. Children under 3 enter free, and members receive free admission. Museums for All admission is $3 per person, with complimentary parking for participants.
Parking costs $15 per vehicle, plus applicable tax and fees. Members receive free parking for up to two vehicles registered in advance. You can purchase parking online in advance; the Arboretum says the vehicle’s license plate is recognized automatically at entry.
Getting there and access
The Arboretum is about a 9-minute drive from the Welcome Inn motel. Its address is 8525 Garland Road, and the garden lists three visitor parking and entry locations.
- Entry 1, the Main Entrance: 8525 Garland Road
- Entry 3, the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden: 8657 Garland Road
- Entry 4, the parking garage: 8720 Garland Road
Entry 4 is across Garland Road from the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, with a secure, accessible underground walkway connecting the garage directly to the garden.
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 daily at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. from Tram Stop 1 at the Main Entrance and Tram Stop 2 at the Children’s Garden. For getting around the city by transit, consult this guide to DART and bus options in Dallas.
Only licensed service animals are permitted in the garden. Bicycles are not allowed inside; designated bicycle stands are in the main parking lot and the Children’s Adventure Garden parking lot.
FAQs
Where is the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden?
It is on White Rock Lake in East Dallas, at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218.
How large is the Children’s Adventure Garden?
The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden covers 8 acres within the Arboretum.
Can you bring a stroller?
Yes. Strollers and wheelchairs are allowed throughout the gardens, including the Children’s Adventure Garden.
Are bicycles allowed in the garden?
No. Bicycle stands are available in the main parking lot and the Children’s Adventure Garden parking lot.