Dallas Arboretum — Attraction in Dallas

Beautiful plants, landscaping and seasonal displays. Lovely walk. Be sure to buy tickets online before going. Parking is problematic. Unless you are familiar with the set up, the signs are not very helpful, eg, Gate 1 parking. Gate 1 for what? A fixed sign saying Arboretum or Garden Parking with an arrow showing where to turn would help. There should be more people helping direct traffic and letting people know what lane they should be in to park, especially for special events like Halloween, Christmas, Easter. When I finally got to the parking garage after waiting in line it was full. Then I spent another 30 minutes trying to get into Lot 1. We ate at the 'sit down with service' restaurant. Beautiful location, lovely day so we sat outside. Service was terrific. Not overly hovering, but drinks promptly refilled, plates, used items removed in a timely manner. Portions were good, not huge but not skimpy, prices kind of high, especially for the quality of food. We had the crab cakes, turkey club and sweet potato fries. Nothing was even warm. For $28 and the enormous staff, I expected the crab cakes to be served promptly. They had obviously been sitting because the remoulade sauce was dried out. The turkey club had an odd, not off, just unusual taste that didn't appeal to me. What could have saved the meal was hot, crispy sweet potato fries. But no. Not even warm, not crisp, not cooked through. Very disappointing. 😞 To add insult to injury, we tried the praline creme brulee. The praline part was very good. Unlike most creme brulees it appeared to have been created separately from the actual custard portion and set on top just before serving. The custard was not fully set so it didn't hold up when you cut into it. Disappointing and probably an indication of a very rushed kitchen. A meal with so much potential that failed to deliver in the most important aspect, satisfying food. One other ticky tac item, if you use a card, as opposed to cash, you are charged a fee for the privilege. They don't mention it when they present the bill, you have to inspect the two invoices you are offered to sign. If $28 crab cakes don't cover the business expenses, someone needs to re-examine the business model...

Extremely creative, and just at kids levels. Been there twice. Once with a 4 year old grandson, and once with a friend's 4 year old granddaughter. There is so much to do, and well worth the price. We adults wanted to keep going to see what else was there. In both times, the kids wanted to stay with the first thing they came to, hated to move on, but then wanted to stay at the next area. We had to drag the kids home.

It's safe and well thought out. Bring you own snack food as the prices there are pretty steep, but that's the way it is most everywhere.

Don't bring a wagon, as you would for the Dallas Arboretum, because they are not allowed. The walkways are not wide enough, but they are plenty wide for just walking. You can bring strollers, though. The activities are grouped by age, with the youngest kids first. Also bring a towel to clean and dry them off. Sunscreen is a good idea, too.

Bring sun screen and water or juice to drink. Also a towel to wipe them down, as they get hot, wet and dirty (if they like to crawl on things and occasionally fall). At the entrance of the park is a water splash area that all the kids loved. They get VERY wet, but on a hot, sunny day, it's perfect!

If your child loves to run and be very active, you might bring a few Band Aids as well. My grandson got some minor scratches on his knees and forearms while running in the designated play area. He would cry for about 30 seconds, and then be off running again. He never stops running and climbing. But growing kids do skin their knees on occasion, and that is a good thing.

This place excites the kids imagination and makes them want to enjoy themselves.

I have a membership at the Arboretum, which also covers the Meyers Garden. So I can come frequently and only stay a short time.

One mother I met there said she had a membership, and comes to the Garden on the average of 3 times a week!

Also, I sat and talked with a lot of mothers and grandmothers who watched their kids. The...

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is absolutely worth visiting during any time of the year. In the spring the garden is at its best. It is the season of the Dallas Blooms and the garden is transformed into the flowery colorful fairytale. It gets very busy very fast, so be prepared for that. To make the most of your visit: 1.Purchase Tickets and Parking Online – it will save you some money and ensure a smoother entry and parking. 2.Check for Discounts - The Arboretum offers discounted admission days and parking, so check their website for details. 3.Arrive early if possible to beat the crowds and the heat, especially during peak seasons. 4.Explore the Gardens –there are 11 lush display gardens with seasonal color year-round, including the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden and A Tasteful Place. Children’s garden may get super loud and busy after school hours and during school breaks. 5.Consider a Tram Tour - tours of the central part of the garden are available, departing from Tram Stop 1 by the Main Entrance and Tram Stop 2 by the Children's Garden at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm. Check the website or at the entrance for schedule. 6.Check for Special Events – there are various events throughout the year, including Dallas Blooms (the Southwest's largest floral festival), Cool Thursdays Concert Series, and Autumn at the Arboretum, etc 7.Picnic Options - outside food and drinks are welcome, so you can pack a picnic to enjoy on the green lawns overlooking White Rock Lake. 8.Amenities – there is a restaurant on the property with a nice menu options; check website for cooking classes/testing events; there are also picnic tables, restrooms, and a gift shop. 9.Accessibility - the garden, buildings, and tour vehicles are accessible to all visitors, with wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-served basis at the information booth. 10.Things to know - Bicycles are not allowed in the garden. Dogs are not allowed as well. No Active Sports or Games. And please do not feed...