8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218

Homeschool

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.


MathFinder Camp

Grade 3-8
May 14-16, 2024
9am – 12pm or 12:30 – 3:30pm
FREE

Math is all around us – a lot of times in the most unexpected places, including at the Dallas Arboretum! Campers will explore different plants and plant structures, work with Arboretum educators and with each other, ask their own questions, and find math connections to what they observe. They will have the opportunity to beta-test a brand new, expert-created educational Augmented Reality app that SMU, talkSTEM, and the Dallas Arboretum are working together on and be able to provide valuable feedback on this developing technology. 

Register


Spring 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.


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!

Register


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.

Register

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.