Summer Camps at the Arboretum
Summer Camps provide children with daily hands-on investigations and garden explorations that will spark their imagination in STEM and nature. Camps integrate critical thinking, problem solving skills and develop a sense of exploration and adventure in children.
About
Camps are designed for students entering grades 1-6 in fall 2023. All camps are held Monday-Friday from 9am–3pm in the Education Classrooms of the Main Garden. Cost is $285 for members, $300 for guests.
For questions, see our Frequently Asked Questions at the bottom of the page or contact the Education Reservations Department by email at education@dallasarboretum.org or by phone at 214.515.6540 from 11am–5pm.
“My daughter loved the combination of exploring the gardens and the fun science-related activities. Your team made it a great week. Thank you and keep up the great work!”
2023 Summer Camps
Farm to Fork
Learn how our food gets from the farm to the plate and every step in between!
Grade 1-3: June 5-9
Grades 4-6: June 12-16
Ever wonder where your food comes from? This delicious summer camp is all about exploring how food gets from the farm to the plate, and all the processes in between. Campers will learn how to make foods such as butter and jams using farm-fresh ingredients, connect with our Dallas Arboretum Horticulture team to explore our Incredible Edible gardens, participate in chef demos and harvest fresh vegetables to create their own unique recipes. Campers will even take a field trip to a local farm! *Additional travel fee of $35 will apply for field trip transportation.
Mind of an Innovator
Do you like to build and invent new things and help to solve problems? We have the perfect camp for you!
Grades 1-3: June 12-16
Grades 4-6: June 5-9
Through a partnership with the SMU Caruth Institute for Engineering Education in the Bobby B. Lyle School of Engineering, campers will work, with guidance from engineering students, on engineering design challenges. The project activities introduce engineering design processes, science/math topics, as well as the general practices and skills, that are used in electrical, mechanical, civil & environmental, and computer science fields of engineering. Kids will be designing and developing prototypes to solve real-world problems that will increase the environmental sustainability of gardens.
*Scholarships available for students who are eligible for free or reduced lunch. For scholarship details, please email education@dallasarboretum.org.
Creature Feature
Are you curious about the different creatures around us in nature?
Grades 1-3: June 26-30
Grades 4-6: June 19-23
Are you curious about the different creatures around us in nature? Dig into Creature Feature to take a deeper dive into the different environments in our garden and discover the creatures that live there. Explore our Texas Native Wetlands, forest habitats, lakes and ponds, Blackland prairies, and desert plants and animals in our Texas Native Plant Lab. Investigate the various adaptations found in each environment and learn how different adaptations help organisms survive. Campers will discover how organisms depend on each other within each ecosystem, create food chains and learn about conservation efforts. Campers will also get to meet special animal guests and learn more about related species that live around the world.
Planet Earth and Beyond
Come explore the universe!
Grades 1-3: June 19-23
Grades 4-6: June 26-30
Take a deep breath, close your eyes and think beyond the clouds at Planet Earth and Beyond, a hands-on camp all about space. Come explore the universe with a mobile planetarium visit and take a planetary voyage in our OmniGlobe theater. Campers will explore the planets and stars, discover galaxies, learn about astronauts and NASA missions, and even code their own rover to investigate Mars. It is time to go Beyond Planet Earth!
Garden Kids: Backyard Gardener
Learn how to become a backyard gardener!
Grades 1-3: July 10-14
Grades 4-6: July 17-21
Do you like to get your hands in the soil and see things grow? Join Garden Kids to learn how to become a backyard gardener! Campers will investigate different growing methods such as planting seeds and propagating plants, explore various plant life cycles, design their own backyard garden, get expert planting and growing tips from our horticulture specialists, and create inspired-by-nature garden crafts to make their garden space inviting and unique. See your creativity and your garden bloom in this fun hands-on camp!
Dino World: Imprints of the Past
Are you ready to take a trip to the Mesozoic Era? All aboard!
Grades 1-3: July 17-21
Grades 4-6: July 10-14
For 165 million years, these amazing creatures walked this earth and left imprints of the past. Campers will travel back to the Mesozoic Era and learn about the dinosaurs of the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods. Campers will work as paleontologists as they investigate fossils of various plants and animals, learn how fossils are formed and create their own fossil replicas. Connect with industry expert paleontologists from around Texas and learn about the stories that these fossils tell. Kids will discover connections to the past, such as flight in birds and the age of reptiles. Are you ready to take a trip to the Mesozoic Era? All aboard!
Great Contributors
This Camp is about inspiring you to be the next Great Contributor. Are you ready?
Grades 1-3: July 31 – August 4
Grades 4-6: July 24-28
Learning the history of those that contributed to society is essential. Come spend time in the garden learning about Great Contributors like Harriet Tubman! Did you know Harriet Tubman was a master naturalist and used her knowledge of the various environments to ensure safe passage? Campers will explore Gary Lee Price’s Great Contributors exhibit, learn about significant contributions, and engage in hands-on activities related to each of the contributors. Come invent like Ben Franklin, explore aviation like Amelia Earhart, or discover math and science connections like Albert Einstein. This Camp is about inspiring you to be the next Great Contributor. Are you ready?
Nature’s Muse; Garden Artists
Calling all young artists! This camp is for you!
Grades 1-3: July 24-28
Grades 4-6: July 31 – August 4
Calling all young artists! This camp is for you! Campers will discover artists that have been inspired by nature and explore different mediums of art including photography, collage, sculpture, painting and more. In this camp, discover the many beautiful connections of art and nature and let the garden inspire you. Campers will learn the basics of art, connect with local artists, create original nature-inspired art pieces and host their own art show for their family and friends.
2023 FAQs
How do I register for camps?
- Sign your child up for a camp that is the appropriate level for your child.
• Children need to be the specified age by the date the camp occurs.
• The grade level you choose should be the grade your child will be entering in the fall of 2023 - When you receive the confirmation email, complete the Summer Camp Contact form and email to education@dallasarboretum.org. Or, print it and bring it with you on the first day of camp.
- Save your confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation email, contact Reservations at education@dallasarboretum.org
- You will receive a reminder email one week before the camp. All emails are sent to the address associated with your login.
Can I register my child for an older or younger age group?
No. Our lessons are carefully designed for specific ages.
What if there is no age-appropriate camp for my child’s sibling?
Unfortunately, due to limitations of space, we are not able to schedule every age range in every time slot. We hope that you are able to find a combination of camps that suits the needs of your family.
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 you will receive a car hangtag with a unique pick up code. This is for your child’s safety. Please have your hangtag visible on your car’s rearview mirror or to present to camp staff when walking to dismissal area. You may use our car pick up line or elect to walk to the dismissal area.
Cars 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 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 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, you will need to submit documentation stating the reason your child requires the assistance. Submit inquiries to education@dallasarboretum.org.
See What Parents Are Saying
“ My child learned something new every day. He had a great time, and he made new friends. After hearing about it, I was satisfied that it was a worthwhile learning experience to keep him engaged with science over the summer.”
“ My daughter loved your program! She came home with wonderful art projects and had many scientific facts to share. Everyone was helpful and accommodating. We will definitely be back next year for more weeks! Wish we had signed up for more than one!”
“ My daughter really had positive things to say at the end of each day, and she’s told me things she learned about bugs even WEEKS after she attended. It must have really engaged her!”
“ There is always a good balance of classroom time and outdoor time.”
“ My son said it was the ‘best camp of all summer’ and he’s done a lot of camps!”
“ I felt very comfortable with the drop off and pick up. It was very well done. The curriculum was also excellent. My son learned a lot and had a great time in the process. The camp counselors were very friendly and helpful.”