Homeschool Programs
Hands-On Learning in a Living Classroom
A Living Classroom
The garden is one of the most compelling classrooms in North Texas. Homeschool Learning Days bring science, art, and the natural world together through educator-led experiences designed to spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and make learning feel alive.
The Dallas Arboretum’s Homeschool Learning Days offer educator-led programs exploring earth and life science and STEM. Each reservation includes admission to the Main Garden and Children’s Adventure Garden. At least one adult ticket must be included with each purchase, and parents are welcome to observe or participate.
Pre-registration is required for all attendees, including adults and children.
For questions, contact education@dallasarboretum.org or call 214-515-6540.
Program Cost
Individual Classes
Student Nonmembers: $21.95 | Student Members: $17.95
Adult Nonmembers: $25.95 | Adult Members: Free
Parking: $15 + tax and fees | Member Parking: Free
Each event includes full access to the Main Garden and Children’s Adventure Gardens.
2026-2027 Homeschool Classes
September 14, 2026
Art in the Garden
Discover the elements of art through observation and creativity. Students explore the vibrant artwork of Hunt Slonem in the garden, then take their inspiration to the studio to create an original work of art to take home.
REGISTRATION COMING SOON
October 19, 2026
Survival in the Dark
Discover how animals survive and thrive in the dark. Students explore the adaptations of nocturnal and deep-sea creatures, from heightened senses to bioluminescence, and learn how these traits help animals find food, avoid predators, and navigate without sunlight.
REGISTRATION COMING SOON
November 16, 2026
Journey Though the Solar System and Beyond
Using 360-degree NASA imagery projected on the five-foot-tall OmniGlobe, students investigate planets, moons, stars, and galaxies while discovering what makes Earth uniquely suited for life and exploring the vastness of the universe beyond.
REGISTRATION COMING SOON
December 14, 2026
Ozobots Save the Holidays
Students use Ozobots to navigate maps of the Christmas Village, completing festive challenges through coding and robotics. As they create color-code commands and program routes, they practice sequencing, debugging, and computational thinking.
REGISTRATION COMING SOON
January 25, 2027
Microscopic Mysteries
Uncover the hidden world of everyday materials through the lens of a microscope. Students observe and compare common substances at a microscopic level, then use their findings to identify the source of a mystery material — just as real-world scientists and forensic investigators do.
REGISTRATION COMING SOON
February 22, 2027
Shake, Rattle, and Roll: Earthquake Challenge!
Students use the engineering design process to design, build, and test model structures on a simulated earthquake table, exploring how engineers use creativity and problem-solving to create safer buildings and communities.
REGISTRATION COMING SOON
March 22, 2027
Ecosystems in Action
Students identify the ecological roles of three organisms — red wolves, post oak trees, and white-tailed deer — build a food web, then play a game to explore how the local extinction of the red wolf in eastern Texas impacts the entire ecosystem.
REGISTRATION COMING SOON
April 19, 2027
Optical Adventures in Wonderland
Students explore the science of light and perception through hands-on optical illusion stations. Using mirrors, thaumatropes, and other interactive activities, they investigate how the brain interprets what the eyes see.
REGISTRATION COMING SOON
May 10, 2027
Matter Over Time
What happens to trash over time? Students measure the physical properties of fresh and buried trash samples, then use their data to discuss what happens to matter in a landfill and how to reduce what gets added to one.
REGISTRATION COMING SOON
Homeschool Frequently Asked Questions
What types of Homeschool programs do you offer?
Classroom Labs are hour-long programs with engaging hands-on activities combined with content-based instruction. Students become true scientists as they investigate soil, plants, insects, water, and more!
What is the registration fee for Homeschool educational programs?
Student nonmembers are $21.95 and student members are $17.95. Adult nonmembers are $25.95 and adult members are FREE. All programs include admission the both the Main Garden and the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden.
What is included in my registration?
Your registration includes an educator-led, hands-on program, admission to the Main Garden, and entrance to the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden (except during our winter close Jan-Feb) to be enjoyed before and after your scheduled program.
What is the fee for parking?
Parking at the Dallas Arboretum is $15 per car, plus tax and fees and free for members.
Is it possible to change my registration to another program or time?
If you need to reschedule your reservation, please contact the Reservations Department (education@dallasarboretum.org) at least two weeks before your scheduled visit in order to apply the payment to a new time, if a new time is available.
How will I receive my confirmation and tickets?
You will receive a payment confirmation email that includes your tickets.
Can I participate with my student?
Of course! We encourage the level of parental participation that best fits with your family’s learning style.
What should I bring?
Please bring a copy of the tickets you received with your confirmation email.
While some programs are held indoors, the Dallas Arboretum is a primarily outdoor venue. Sunscreen, hats, water and rain gear are all great ideas to bring depending on the weather.
Where does my program meet?
Most homeschool programs are held in the classrooms. You will receive a confirmation email with your reservation which gives complete arrival instructions.
When should we arrive?
Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled program. Note that parking and entering through the ticket booth may take longer during festival times or holidays, so you may want to give yourself extra time.
Can you accommodate participants with special needs?
We work to ensure that all learners have a positive experience during our programs and will do our best to accommodate special needs. We have sensory backpacks with noise cancelling headphones available for students with sensory sensitivities. The Dallas Arboretum is accessible for wheelchairs. If you have particular concerns, please reach out to us at education@dallasarboretum.org.
Can I schedule a specific program and date for my co-op?
Groups with 15 or more students may book a specific program and date. Learn more about our field trip programs here.
Planning for a Group?
For groups of 15 or more, book a custom Homeschool Learning Day based on any of our Field Trip educational experiences.