JASON✳KNOWS DFW.Search DFW
things to do · THE DFW FIELD GUIDE
Dallasthings to do

Plan a Visit to the Dallas Arboretum

Start with your entrance and parking plans, then choose the garden areas that interest you.

Illustrated portrait of Jason wearing a ball cap
By JasonPublished · Updated
THE USEFUL ANSWER

How should I plan a Dallas Arboretum visit?

Choose between the main entrance at 8525 Garland Road and the Children’s Adventure Garden entrance at 8657 Garland Road. Plan for a 66-acre site, decide whether to purchase parking online, and choose the garden areas you want to explore.

Editorial illustration of lush botanical garden setting, colorful flowers and attractive planting, lush greenery and landscaped outdoor areas

Choose an entrance

The Dallas Arboretum is in East Dallas on Garland Road, just north of Highway 30. The main entrance is at 8525 Garland Road; Entry 3 for the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden is at 8657 Garland Road.

The placeDallas Arboretum

Plan parking and check concessions

Parking can be purchased online before your visit. The Arboretum says a prepaid license plate is recognized automatically at entry.

Museums for All participants receive complimentary parking, and children under 3 are admitted free.

Prepare for the walk

The Arboretum covers 66 acres, including the 8-acre Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. Wear comfortable shoes. In warm weather, consider a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle; there is a refill station at the main plaza and drinking fountains at the entrances.

Choose your garden stops

For seasonal flower beds and lawns, consider the 6.5-acre Margaret Elizabeth Jonsson Color Garden. A Woman’s Garden has sculptures, a view across an infinity pool, fountains and other water features.

Pick the areas that matter most to you rather than treating the full 66 acres as a checklist.

A few useful answers

Which address should I use?

The main entrance is at 8525 Garland Road; Entry 3 for the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden is at 8657 Garland Road.

Can I buy parking before I go?

Parking can be purchased online before your visit. The Arboretum says a prepaid license plate is recognized automatically at entry.

Are there parking or admission concessions?

Museums for All participants receive complimentary parking, and children under 3 are admitted free.

Go straight to the source

Official references for the places and details in this guide. Check the operator for current access and bookings.

A note on this guide

This is practical planning advice. Personal recommendations are labeled separately and backed by Jason’s firsthand notes.

Read the editorial standards →
MORE AROUND DFW

Explore the cities in this guide

DallasStart with a neighborhood. Build the day around it.
A GOOD NEXT STEP

Keep exploring