The Dallas Arboretum’s slogan for May is “May is for Memories” with Mother’s Day, Memorial Day and graduations. They have activities planned for the entire family to enjoy.
Mary Brinegar, president of the Dallas Arboretum, said, “We encourage families to come enjoy the Arboretum, one of the most beautiful locations in the country, and form yearlong traditions, whether it’s having brunch or a picnic, learning about science and nature, or taking photos and video, so you can remember it fondly throughout the year. The Dallas Arboretum is a beloved treasure where many happy moments have been shared, making so many days truly special occasions.”
Mother’s Day at the Dallas Arboretum
National Public Gardens Day
Friday, May 9
For all guests with paid garden admission, the Dallas Arboretum hosts complimentary walking garden tours conducted by one of the staff’s tour guides. Tours are at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Tour groups are limited in size, and space may fill up.
Mother’s Day Tea
Sunday, May 11
On Sunday, May 11, mothers, grandmothers and their guests are invited to bring their lawn chairs and blankets to listen to a special Mother’s Day concert by the United States Navy Band Cruisers at the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn at 2 p.m. Their music represents a variety of genres covering Motown, country, top 40 and more. A top band in the Navy, the U.S. Navy Band Cruisers is traveling through Texas on a national tour and plays at the Vice President’s BBQ every summer. Concert admission is free with paid entrance to the garden.
In addition, for those who want to treat their mothers to a beautiful Mother’s Day brunch, which is presented by Mary Kay, a delicious feast will be served at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $67 for adults, $25 for children age 5-10, and free for children age 4 and under. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 214-515-6511.
Mother’s Day Seated Garden Tea
From now through September 19, seated tea at the historic DeGolyer Estate is another place to make memories and to spend time with loved ones. Tea service begins with a demitasse of select soup, followed by a second course of assorted tea sandwiches and a third course of sweet treats. Also included are scones with clotted cream, jam, and seasonal tea selections. Price includes general garden admission, so allow plenty of time to enjoy the gardens.
Reservations are required. Seated tea is available to guests 13 years old and older. Private tea service and teas for more than eight people are available upon request. For questions or to make reservations, please contact 214-515-6511 or teas@dallasarboretum.org.
Memorial Day Activities
Friday, May 23-Monday, May 26
Commemorate Memorial Day weekend at the Dallas Arboretum. “In honor of our armed forces, there will be flags and patriotic music in the gardens along with FREE admission all four days for all active and retired military personnel with valid photo ID,” said Brian Shivers, Dallas Arboretum board chairman.
In the Pecan Grove, children of all ages can enjoy a petting zoo and face painting, and on Monday, May 26, festive fare includes $1 hotdogs, popcorn and fried pies. This weekend of the patriotic celebration will conclude with two free Eddie Coker concerts, sponsored by Dallas Child, on Monday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage.
New Gardens at the Arboretum
Other activities include strolling through the gardens, including the new Nancy Clements Seay Magnolia Glade, which was a gift given by Pauline and Austin Neuhoff in honor of their mother and mother-in-law. Another garden of note includes the Rose Mary Haggar Rose Garden with more than 250 different aromatic rose bushes. Families can also explore in the eight-acre Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden with 17 galleries filled with exhibits demonstrating science concepts in line with state and national curriculum standards for life and earth sciences.
About the Dallas Arboretum
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218. The Dallas Arboretum is also the home of the internationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for children 3-12 and free for Arboretum members and children two and under. There is an additional cost of $3 per person for entrance into the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden.
On-site parking is $10. The Dallas Morning News is the principal partner of the Dallas Arboretum. The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. WFAA is an official media sponsor for the Dallas Arboretum.