Update: The Children's Adventure Garden Habitats Gallery, including the tree house, is temporarily closed for maintenance.

8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218

Picnic Spots

People at the arboretum

Picnic Spots

Our stunningly green grass, relaxed, tranquil atmosphere, and natural setting invite individuals, families and children to sit down and share a picnic.

Guidelive recently praised the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens as one of the perfect places for a picnic in Dallas/Ft Worth. If you’re heading our way and want to enjoy a beautiful picnic while keeping cool, we’ve got this list of the six best places for a relaxing picnic at the Arboretum.

Download Map of Best Picnic Spots


Arbor with orange tulips and yellow flowers in front of an arbor

1. Jonsson Color Garden

Grab some shade or maybe find a spot next to the Fern Dell misters for a bit of extra cool – all while enjoying the show-stopping view.


2. Val Late Garden

Nestled between the Paseo de Flores and the Degolyer Estate House, the Val Late Garden of Memories is quaint, comfortable, and full of the sounds of the garden.

val-late-garden

The pumpkin village in autumn provides beautiful coverage and a popular place for photos with families

3. Pecan Grove

The Shady Pecan Grove offers the best of picnic tables for convenience, stunning pecan trees that provide shade and an amazing view, and space for parties of all sizes.

4. Magnolia Glade

With it’s own natural shade and views of the Rose Garden and a wonderful water feature, Magnolia Glade is family-friendly place to stop for a picnic while you soak in the sights and sounds of the most beautiful place in Dallas.

Family Picnic

5. A Woman’s Garden, Phase 2

A Woman’s Garden is the only public garden in the nation conceived by women, funded by the efforts of women, and dedicated to the spirit of women. Phase 2 also offers some of the best views of White Rock Lake in the gardens, as well as comfortable places to relax in the shade.

6. Lay Family Garden

If you love stunning water features, you can’t miss the Lay Family Garden, whether for a picnic or just a quick walk.

August Picnic by the lake
  • The Dallas Arboretum invites guests to bring in their own coolers, food and drink, including beverages for adults and children, to craft the right picnic experience for their tastes and needs.

Other Dining Options

If you find you need to ditch the picnic and get something on the go, the Dallas Arboretum has several options for your group on the go!