The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a 66-acre garden on White Rock Lake in East Dallas, making it a Dallas-area outing from Balch Springs. You can plan your visit around seasonal planting, check daily hours and sort out admission, parking and accessibility before setting out.
- Location: 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218
- Garden highlights: the seasonal beds and lawns of the 6.5-acre Margaret Elizabeth Jonsson Color Garden
- Regular hours: Open daily
- Daytime admission: Monday–Thursday, $21.95 for adults and $17.95 for children ages 3–12; Friday–Sunday, $25.95 for adults and $21.95 for children ages 3–12
What to expect at the Dallas Arboretum
The Dallas Arboretum combines seasonal garden beds with lawns, a historic house and visitor facilities. Its 6.5-acre Margaret Elizabeth Jonsson Color Garden is a useful place to focus if you want to see flowers and plantings in one area.
At the Main Entrance, you can reach A Tasteful Place, the historic DeGolyer House, the Hoffman Family Gift Shop and Seated Tea. The garden is set beside White Rock Lake, with the visitor experience spread across a varied landscape rather than a single indoor attraction.
Tram tours take approximately 40 minutes for a round trip. They depart daily at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. from Tram Stop 1 at the Main Entrance and Tram Stop 2 by the Children’s Garden. Trams may not run on high-attendance days, and you cannot reserve a tram in advance.
Choose a season and check garden hours
The arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a separate evening schedule during Holiday at the Arboretum. Seasonal flowers and foliage feature in the Color Garden, so the garden’s planting displays change through the year.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 9 AM–5 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
During Holiday at the Arboretum, daytime admission runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The garden then closes from 4 to 5 p.m. while it prepares for Holiday at Night, which runs from 5 to 10 p.m.
The arboretum closes for daytime admission on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, but opens for Holiday at Night on those evenings.
Because hours and seasonal schedules can change, check the official site before you go.
Tickets, parking and accessibility
Daytime admission costs $21.95 for adults and $17.95 for children ages 3–12 from Monday through Thursday. From Friday through Sunday, adult admission is $25.95 and admission for children ages 3–12 is $21.95. Children under age 3 enter free, and daytime admission is free for members. Museums for All admission is $3, with complimentary parking for those visitors.
Parking costs $15 per vehicle, plus applicable tax and fees, and can be purchased online in advance. Members receive free parking year-round for up to two vehicles registered in advance; otherwise, standard parking fees apply.
Visitor parking is available at Entry 1 at 8525 Garland Road, Entry 3 at 8657 Garland Road and the Entry 4 garage at 8720 Garland Road.
The Entry 4 garage is across Garland Road from the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. A secure, accessible underground walkway connects the garage directly to the garden.
Wheelchairs and strollers are allowed throughout the gardens, including the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, though parts of the historic landscape may be inaccessible because of the varied topography. Complimentary wheelchairs are available at the Ticket Booth on a first-come, first-served basis; mobility scooters can be rented for $20–$30.
Trams do not transport wheelchairs, strollers, walkers, coolers or other large items. Wheelchairs and trams cannot be reserved. Wagons are allowed, but strollers and wagons in the Children’s Adventure Garden must have a braking system because of the terrain. Only licensed service animals are permitted in the garden.
How do you get from Balch Springs to the Dallas Arboretum?
The arboretum is at 8525 Garland Road in East Dallas, on White Rock Lake. From Scottish Inns & Suites in Balch Springs, it is a realistic local outing by car. The Balch Springs guide to driving, transit and local planning covers the area's transportation options.
Once you arrive, use the entrance that matches your plan: visitor parking is at Entry 1, Entry 3 and the Entry 4 garage, with the latter connected to the Children’s Adventure Garden by an accessible underground walkway.
FAQs
What are the Dallas Arboretum’s regular hours?
Open daily. Holiday at the Arboretum has a separate schedule, including a one-hour closure between daytime admission and Holiday at Night.
How much are Dallas Arboretum tickets?
Adult daytime admission is $21.95 Monday–Thursday and $25.95 Friday–Sunday. Children ages 3–12 pay $17.95 Monday–Thursday and $21.95 Friday–Sunday; children under 3 enter free.
Is parking available at the Dallas Arboretum?
Yes. Visitor parking is available at Entry 1, Entry 3 and the Entry 4 garage. Standard parking costs $15 per vehicle, plus applicable tax and fees.
Are wheelchairs and strollers allowed in the gardens?
Wheelchairs and strollers are allowed throughout the gardens, including the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. Some parts of the historic landscape may be inaccessible because of the terrain.