Arboretum Overnights
Spend a night inside the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden at a time no other visitor can.
Family and Groups
Birthday parties, scouts, churches and family groups are welcome, with a minimum of 20 participants.
Every overnight includes a program, an OmniGlobe exploration, a flashlight night hike to spot nocturnal animals, and stargazing with Arboretum educators, with the choice of a full night in the climate-controlled Exploration Center or the same evening of activities without the sleepover.
| Overnight | Night Owls | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | 6pm – 9am, Fri or Sat | 6pm – 10pm, Fri or Sat |
| Price | $55 | $35 |
| Parking | Included | Included |
| Evening Snack | Included | Included |
| Continental Breakfast | Included | — |
| Next-Day Garden Access | Included | — |
Overnights are available March – May and September – December, with pre-registration required at least 4 weeks in advance.
School Overnights
Grade levels, clubs and school groups are welcome, with a minimum 20 participants.
Plan your next event with a night of fun, hands-on learning and memories in the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden! Students will participate in unique earth and life science classes, as well As travel through the solar system in the OmniGlobe Theater, explore the gardens in a flashlight night hike and stargaze with experienced Arboretum staff.
| School Rate | Title I Schools | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | 6pm – 9am, Fri or Sat | 6pm – 9am, Fri or Sat |
| Price | $55 | $40 |
| Light Snack | Included | Included |
| Continental Breakfast | Included | Included |
| Parking | Included | Included |
| Next-Day Garden Admission | Included | Included |
One chaperone is free for every 8 students. Additional adults are charged at the rate shown above.
Overnights Frequently Asked Questions
Where do we check in for our Overnight program?
All Arboretum Overnight guests should arrive to Entry #3 (Children’s Adventure Garden entrance) by 6:00pm and park in the surface lot. Late arriving guests may not have access to parking on the premises. Arboretum staff will meet you at the ticket booth beginning at 5:45 and provide instructions for where to take your sleeping bags and other overnight materials. Please do not leave any items in your vehicle that you will need for the overnight as we will be locked inside the Children’s Adventure Garden at 6:15pm. Vehicles and participants arriving after this time may not be able to enter the garden and will forfeit their reservation.
Is there a fee for parking?
No, the parking fee is included with your reservation.
Is dinner provided?
No, dinner is not included with Overnights. Please eat before arriving or bring a sack dinner which you may eat in the Children’s Garden entry plaza. An evening snack and continental breakfast will be provided.
Where do we sleep?
Visitors will sleep inside the climated-controlled Exploration Center which is located inside the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden.
What should we bring?
Please bring the following:
- Sleeping bag and pillow
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Refillable water bottle for each participant
- Flashlight for each participant
- Completed Overnight Release for each participant
Optional:
- Sunscreen and/or bug spray applied prior to arrival
- Single size sleeping pad or cot. * We are unable to accommodate double, queen or king sizes.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
Yes, you may bring your own food and nonalcoholic drinks. We reserve the right to search any coolers you bring into the gardens for overnight programs, and if you are found with alcohol, you may be asked to leave the program with your group, and you will not be issued a refund.
Is smoking allowed in the garden?
The Dallas Arboretum is a smoke free venue. This includes e-cigarettes.
Are we able to tour the main garden also?
The Overnight program will take place entirely in the Children’s Adventure Garden. However, when the program is complete at 9 am, you may continue your adventure in all areas of the gardens.
For questions, contact the Education team at education@dallasarboretum.org or 214.515.6540, 9am–5pm M–F.