Are your kids ready to dig into a fascinating world where technology meets nature? Robotany is the summer camp adventure they won’t stop talking about. It is the perfect mix of screen time and green time. Younger coders will learn the programming fundamentals to control basic robots, explore electronics and circuits, and study plant biology while observing nature and going on nature hikes. More advanced coders will design VEX robots and learn how to program them to accomplish tasks designed to accomplish garden tasks more efficiently such as planting tulip bulbs or automated watering. At the center of STEM and nature, Robotany is where science comes alive.

Looking for a summer camp that brings the fascination of creepy crawlies and nature exploration together? Creature Feature is the perfect choice for curious kids who want to get up close and personal with plants, bugs, and animals big and small. Come with us as we learn about the creatures that thrive right here in the garden and discover the different habitats around us. We will engage in outdoor adventures such as birding in the Pecan Grove, hunting for critters in the Palmer Fern Dell, collecting pond samples to identify macroinvertebrates in our Texas Native Wetlands and visiting with expert naturalists and horticulturists who are sure to nurture a lifelong love of science and the conservation of all living things.

Campers will explore the world of figurative sculpture, drawing inspiration from Seward Johnson’s iconic works, and learn to create their own stunning pieces. From hands-on clay modeling to transforming everyday objects into artistic expressions, campers will develop their skills in sculpture, painting, photography and more. They’ll also have the chance to experiment with scale and perspective, just like Johnson’s famous life-sized figures. Join us for a week of artistic exploration, inspiration, and fun as we bring art to life!

This one-of-a-kind camp takes young explorers on an unforgettable journey through the gardens of the Dallas Arboretum, connecting the natural beauty and science of the Arboretum with the wonders of the wider world. Campers will compare the vibrant blooms and lush landscapes to the wilds of a safari, the vastness of space, the serene beauty of the beach and its ecosystems, the icy wonders of the Arctic, and even the prehistoric age of dinosaurs. Each day, they will embark on a new “expedition,” exploring these themes with hands-on activities inspired by the Arboretum’s surroundings. They might create sliding penguins while learning about icy habitats, test the importance of sunblock while exploring how elephants protect their skin, or dig up fossil replicas to uncover the secrets of the past. With the Arboretum as their base camp, this educational adventure is as exciting as it is enlightening.

Ever wonder where your food really comes from? Join us for a delicious summer camp that takes you on a journey from farm to table! Campers will dive into the world of cooking by preparing tasty, healthy, and allergy-safe treats. They’ll refine their culinary skills, mastering the art of plating dishes with professional presentation. In partnership with our expert Horticulture team at the Dallas Arboretum, campers will explore plantings in the Incredible Edible Garden, harvest fresh produce, and enjoy interactive chef demonstrations. Come grow, create and shine with us!

This hands-on camp takes young explorers on a daily adventure through the exciting fields of chemistry, physics, engineering, environmental ecology, geology and life science. Campers will experiment with natural materials from the garden, explore ecosystems like the Habitats Gallery, create their own rocks through the Rock Cycle, and engage in outdoor chemistry experiments that bring science to life. It’s the perfect place for kids to make daily discoveries and experience science in action—let’s get messy and learn together!

This summer camp will be full of unique challenges ranging from thought-provoking inquiries rooted in nature, collaboration on team building explorations, and trials derived from cherished storybooks. Campers will enjoy soaking up the sun while using their creative mindset.

Let’s wrap up the last week of summer camp with an encore of some of our favorites. Immerse yourself in the best of the Arboretums 2025 summer camps as we’ve carefully curated the most exciting and enriching activities from various camps into one spectacular program. From adventurous outdoor exploration in Creature Feature to and mind-stimulating challenges from Root to STEM, Encore brings you the ultimate blend of fun, learning, and unforgettable memories.

How do I register for camps?

1. Sign your child up for a camp that is the appropriate level for your child.
   1. Children need to be the specified age by the date the camp occurs.
   2. The grade level you choose should be the grade your child will be entering in the fall of 2024
2. You will receive the confirmation email. Save your confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact Reservations at education@dallasarboretum.org.
3. You will receive a reminder email one week before the camp.  Complete the Summer Camp Contact form from the follow-up email and email to education@dallasarboretum.org. Or, print it and bring it with you on the first day of camp. All emails are sent to the address associated with you login. All emails are sent to the address associated with your login. Summer Camp Contact Form

Can I register my child for an older or younger age group?
No. Our lessons are carefully designed for specific ages.

How will the camps be split up?
After all of the attendees are signed up and finalized, we will break up camps into small groups by age, as much as possible. Ideally, we will have one camp group for children going into 1st and 2nd grades, one group for 3rd and 4th grades, and one group for 5th and 6th grades. To balance groups evenly, we reserve the right to assign or redistribute groups to best fit the needs of the group and the child. We are unable to honor requests for group placement. If there are any concerns about a camper’s group placement, please reach out to the Camp Manager directly.

Where should I park to drop off and pick up my child?
Please enter the Arboretum at Gate 1 and park in the lot. Walk to the Main ticket booths and you will be directed to the Education classrooms. 

For your child’s safety, you will need to walk your child into camp each day and sign them in. 

At check-in on the first day, you will receive a hanging car tag and a carpool pick-up map for dismissal. This is for your child’s safety. Please have your photo ID and the hanging car tag visible on your car’s rearview mirror to pick up in carpool dismissal. Cars in the carpool line will be filled in the order of arrival. If you elect to park your car and walk up to the dismissal area, please have your pick-up tag and ID available when signing your child out for the day. 

If you need to pick up your child early, please park in the parking lot and walk to the classrooms. If possible, notify the camp teacher or manager so they will be prepared for your child’s departure. 

What should my child wear to camp?
Children should wear comfortable clothes that can get messy. Closed-toe shoes are required due to the uneven terrain in the garden. Hats are recommended. Apply bug repellent or sunscreen before camp if desired.

Do you provide a snack?
No. Each child should bring a lunch that does not need to be refrigerated or heated and a snack. Please consider packing peanut-free items for the safety of other students. 

What should my child bring to camp?
Please read your confirmation email carefully for details on what to bring. All children should bring a refillable water bottle, lunch and snack. Please refrain from sending electronics or toys.

Do you offer before or after care?
At this time, we do not offer before or after care.

How do I cancel my reservation?
Cancellations are subject to a $100 processing fee per child. Refunds cannot be issued for missed classes or cancellations made less than 10 business days prior to class. Cancellations must be sent to education@dallasarboretum.org

Am I able to transfer from one camp to another?
Transfer requests must be sent to education@dallasarboretum.org and approved at least four (4) weeks prior to the start of camp. There is a transfer fee of $25 per camp.

Do you offer a waitlist?
At this time, we are not able to offer a waiting list. Please check our website frequently for openings.

What if my child will require a nurse’s assistance during camp hours?
At least two weeks prior to the start of the camp, please email the summer camp manager to see what accommodations can be made. Submit inquiries to education@dallasarboretum.org.