Homeschool Programs
Check out our homeschool series dates or book a custom homeschool program from any of our educational experiences listed on our field trip programs page for groups of 15 or more.
2023 – 2024 Homeschool Programs
Join us for our 2023-2024 Homeschool Learning Days! Reserve your spot in our Dallas Arboretum educator-led programs to discover the fascinating world of earth and life science and STEM.
Parents are welcome to observe classes or participate with students. After the program, explore the rest of the Main Garden and Children’s Adventure Garden, included with your reservation. Please note the recommended age range/grade equivalency for each program.
Pre-Registration Required. All participants, including parents and children, must be registered to attend. For questions, please contact the Education Reservations Department by email at education@dallasarboretum.org or by phone at 214-515-6540.
Fall Homeschool Classroom Labs
Cost Per Program:
Student Nonmembers: $12; Student Members: $10
Adult Nonmembers: $12; Adult Members: $5
Parking (pre-pay online): $11; Parking (day of event): $15; Member parking : Free
Each event includes full access to the Main Garden and Children’s Adventure Gardens.
What’s for Dinner?
K-6th Grade (Ages 5-12)
November 13, 2023
10am, 11:15am, 1pm, 2pm
Uncover what owls eat as we dissect owl pellets to solve the mystery of the food chain! In this exciting class, you’ll learn about the fascinating world of owls and their role in the food chain. This is a great opportunity to learn about different animals and how they interact with each other in an ecosystem through hands-on exploration
Shapes in Nature
K-6th Grade (Ages 5-12)
December 11, 2023
10am, 11:15am, 1pm, 2pm
Math concepts can be observed in nature? Who knew?! Discover how organisms in nature use line, shape, pattern, and structure to help them survive and meet their basic needs. Join us as we learn about math in nature and leave with your own original art piece inspired by artists who depict nature using shapes, lines, and patterns.
Animals in Winter
K-6th Grade (Ages 5-12)
January 29, 2024
10am, 11:15am, 1pm, 2pm
Animals have a plan when it comes to surviving the cold, winter conditions. Come learn their secrets as we uncover the mysteries of how they overcome the chilly weather to emerge strong again in spring. Participate in making a bird feeder to take home and help your winter backyard birds! Note: The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden will be closed for maintenance January 1-February 24, 2024
Botany and Beyond: Scientist Spotlight on George Washington Carver
K-6th Grade (Ages 5-12)
February 26, 2024
10am, 11:15am, 1pm, 2pm
You usually think of peanuts when you hear the name George Washington Carver, right? He accomplished so much more than just a use for peanuts during his incredible life! Learn about his many amazing achievements and countless contributions through various stories, games, and hands-on activities. Then, take a guided visit to the All-American Trial Gardens to learn about the plant research going on today at our very own Dallas Arboretum!
Totality
K-6th Grade (Ages 5-12)
March 25, 2024
10am, 11:15am, 1pm, 2pm
Get ready for an amazing total solar eclipse experience! The DFW metroplex is an ideal location to view the total solar eclipse happening on April 8, 2024. Enhance your knowledge of the solar eclipse phenomenon by building models that illustrate the cause-and-effect relationships behind it. Discover eclipse viewing safety guidelines and even build your own eclipse viewer to use during the eclipse. As a registered participant, you’ll receive a certified pair of Solar Eclipse glasses to take home.
It’s a Bird Thing
K-6th Grade (Ages 5-12)
April 22, 2024
10am, 11:15am, 1pm, 2pm
Bird is the word for this month’s awesome Arboretum homeschool class. Discover the variety of amazing adaptations that birds use to help them survive in their environments. Become the bird as you try out tools mimicking different bird beaks and see how well YOU would survive!
Edible Plant Parts
K-6th Grade (Ages 5-12)
May 13, 2024
10am, 11:15am, 1pm, 2pm
What kinds of foods from the garden do you enjoy the most? Perhaps you like roots, stems, leaves, fruits, or even flowers as part of your meal. It’s common to consume different parts of plants for dinner without even realizing it. Explore a wide variety of garden foods to identify which part of the plant they come from.
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!
Rory Meyers Children’s Gallery Lessons take place in the garden galleries, each featuring a different fascinating life and earth science topic.
What is the registration fee for Homeschool educational programs?
Each type of program has a different registration fee based on length of the program and materials needed.
What is included in my registration?
Your registration includes an educator-led, hand-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 is $15 if purchased on-site. Discounted parking may be purchased online for $11. Parking is 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 program date.
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. You can also just show your email confirmation at the gate. A copy of the map you received with your confirmation may also be helpful.
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?
You will receive a confirmation email with your reservation which gives complete arrival instructions. It will indicate if you should enter through Gate #1 (Main Gate) or Gate #3 (Children’s Adventure Garden). You will then proceed to the Classroom Labs in the Main Garden or the indicated meeting spot in the Children’s Garden.
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 safety ear muffs available for students who are sensitive to noise. 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.
Family Educational Activities
The curriculum doesn’t just stop at our Homeschool programs. We offer many different ways for families and organizations to learn.