When I first became a mom, one of the most common pieces of advice I’d received was to buy a membership to the Arboretum. Each time this phrase was repeated, I’d secretly roll my eyes and sarcastically mutter “Sure!” Because as a new mom (who obviously knew it all based on the record number of parenting books lining my shelf), I wasn’t convinced my son was going to want to take walks around a park staring at flowers for a year — after all, that’s what the Arboretum offers, right?!
Wrong!
I’ve now had an annual membership to the Arboretum for 2 years, and I’m still continuously amazed by the exciting family-friendly events the Dallas Arboretum puts on all year long. Of course, we’re all familiar with the nationally renowned Dallas Blooms in the Spring and the Pumpkin Patch in the Fall, but if you only make your way to these events, then you’re missing out on so much more!
The Arboretum has made a huge effort to make this summer a place to be for kids.
Starting on May 27th, head to the Arboretum on Memorial Day and spend the afternoon with Dallas native Eddie Coker! He’ll be performing 2 concerts at 11am & 2pm with time for face-painting, petting zoo, and arts & crafts in between.
Then June through August, the Arboretum will host Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Flower Village to lead up to their big grand opening of their new Children’s Adventure Garden. Any one else as excited as we are for this to open in September?!
In the area where you’d normally find the pumpkin patch (Pecan Grove), you’ll find 4 houses made entirely of beautiful, bright summer florals designed to bring Alice in Wonderland to life for your kids. They’re welcome to explore the in’s and out’s of each building or even bring a book and spend an afternoon reading! Then, every Friday from 10am-2pm, your children can meet one of their favorite Alice characters, like Alice herself or the Mad Hatter as a part of the Family Fun Fridays!
If you’re a working mom or want to find a way to enjoy the gardens with your whole family after Dad gets home, the fun doesn’t stop at 5pm! The summer concert series will continue every Tuesday and Thursday evening. With music from Eagles and Journey tribute bands, Latin Salsa, and the Dallas Wind Symphony, there’s something for every taste. But don’t feel rushed after the concert ends, you’ll find some beautifully lit waterscapes after dark, and the Arboretum will stay open until 10pm so that you can enjoy your time.
Another late night activity for families, is the Wind Down in Wonderland on Wednesday evenings in June. From 6-10pm, you’re invited to bring a picnic and enjoy a relaxing night under the flowers as music is played throughout the gardens (and wine is poured for mom!)
So as one of those moms who’s now been there I’ll give the advice I once ignored. If you haven’t purchased a membership to the Dallas Arboretum, make sure and do it now! You won’t want to miss all these great summer activities especially once the new Children’s Garden opens this Fall!
What are some of your favorite family-friendly activities at the Dallas Arboretum?
**Although the Dallas Arboretum sponsored the content in this post, all opinions are 100% my own and are activities Dallas Moms Blog would have told you about anyway, although maybe without advanced warning. 🙂
