People searching for relaxing activities around town this summer need to look no further than the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. During the entire month of August, the Arboretum will be offering special rates of $2 for general garden admission and $2 admission for the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden.
The Arboretum offers more than two miles of groomed walking paths through the lush foliage, which has been named one of the most beautiful gardens in the country. Not only is there ample shade to protect you from the hot Texas sun, but the Children’s Garden also contains misters and water features to help keep you cool. You can also stop by the onsite Terrace Café for refreshing treats like frozen pops, root beer floats, and sundaes.
In addition to the beautiful plant life, the Arboretum sponsors weekly events such as a delicious, three-course brunch at Garden Tea on Saturdays. Family Fun Fridays include face painting, a petting zoo hosted by Country Critters, and frozen treats from local vendors. On Mondays, Dallas College offers a free cooking class that focuses on eating fresh and the use of local vegetables.
Currently in residence at the Dallas Arboretum is the lovely ZimSculpt exhibit. This collection of over 100 sculptures from Zimbabwe can be viewed throughout the gardens until August 8th. The Shona people make the sculptures from serpentine and semi-precious stones, many of which weigh hundreds of pounds and stand up to seven feet high. Artists and sculptors Passmore Mupindiko and Brighton Layson are on hand daily to demonstrate how these masterpieces are created. There are also sculptures available for purchase at the Marketplace in the Pecan Grove section of the park.
Admission to the Arboretum and Botanical Garden is limited. Tickets should be purchased in advance of your visit at their website, where you can also find more details about upcoming classes and events.