School Programs at the Arboretum
Our education mission at the Dallas Arboretum is to cultivate a connection to nature and inspire environmental stewardship through garden-based experiences, including educational tours, classes and outreach programs. Adventure Awaits!
Children’s Adventure Garden Now Open!
The cornerstone for school programs at the Arboretum is the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, an 8-acre natural wonder that will delight, educate and entertain students and visitors of all ages. Follow our easy guide below to plan your visit.
Be sure to sign up for the school programs e-mail list to get up-to-date news.
Guide to Selecting a School Program, Quicklinks:
Step 1: Choose a Program | Step 2: Submit a Program Request | Step 3: Submit a Deposit | Step 4: Plan Your Day
Get Out of the Classroom – at the Dallas Arboretum!
Field Trips at the Arboretum
Choose from a variety of indoor and outdoor experiences throughout our award-winning, 66-acre garden including instructor-led classes in the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden learning galleries and classroom labs in the Main Garden. Looking for a more flexible schedule? We have options available for you as well! Scholarships and bus stipends are available.
Homeschool Family Programs
Expand your homeschooling curriculum through hands-on experiences at the Arboretum! Parents are welcome to observe classes or participate with students. After the program, explore the rest of the Main Garden and the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, included with your reservation.
Arboretum Overnights
Overnights are the perfect opportunity to explore the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden at a time that no one else can – at night! Guests will participate in Tree Trek, Texas Native Wetlands and OmniGlobe programs, as well as venture out on a flashlight night hike and stargaze with experienced Arboretum staff.
Stay At Your Campus – and Get Hands-On!
Outreach Programs
If transportation or travel time is an issue, we can come to you with our Garden on the Go programs. Our outreach programs will help you build a connection to science that reaches beyond the classroom walls through authentic, hands-on experiences – and we’ve got STAAR data to show their effectiveness, too!
Afterschool Programs
We know that sometimes there is just not enough time in the school day. Let the Dallas Arboretum engage your afterschool science club, tutoring groups or daycares with hands-on, standards-based learning that encourages scientific thinking and even takes advantage of your site’s outdoor spaces.
Other Important Resources
Program Standards Alignments | 2023–2024 Educator Guide
*Please note, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of reservation confirmation by the Education Department. Bus Stipends are paid after your field trip with submitted receipt.
Step 3: Submit a Deposit
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of reservation confirmation by the Education Department. Final payment is due 30 days prior to scheduled visit date. If not paying in full at the time of the reservation, please plan to have payment mailed in advance to ensure it arrives by the due date. Credit card payments accepted.
Please submit to:
Education Department
Dallas Arboretum & Botanic Garden
8525 Garland Road
Dallas, TX 75218
Or call 214.515.6540 from 9am to 5pm to complete over the phone.
Questions? Email education@dallasarboretum.org
School Programs FAQ | Download Field Trip Tips Flyer | Children’s Adventure Garden | Chaperone Guide
Your program educator will send a pre-visit guide to use with your students at least a week before your field trip or outreach program!
Questions? Email education@dallasarboretum.org.
Visit any time of the year
With so many education opportunities, and ever-changing programs, becoming a member just makes sense. We’d love to see you in all seasons.