Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

The Got Weekend take

Why go

The Dallas Arboretum spreads 66 acres along White Rock Lake on the city's east side, and it's one of the top botanical gardens in the country, with 1.4 million plants trialed in its trial gardens. For families, the 8-acre Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden is included in general admission — no separate ticket — with interactive exhibits built for kids. The Arboretum is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed during daytime hours on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission runs $21.95 for adults and $17.95 for kids 3-12 Monday-Thursday, rising to $25.95 and $21.95 Friday-Sunday; kids under 3 and members are free, and Museums for All visitors get in for $3 with free parking. Parking is $15 per vehicle. You can bring your own picnic and eat anywhere on the grounds except dining areas, and wagons and strollers are welcome (strollers in the Children's Adventure Garden need a braking system). Seasonal festivals anchor the calendar, including Holiday at the Arboretum, November 11 through January 3, celebrating the final year of the 12 Days of Christmas Gazebos.

• Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden, 8 acres of kid-focused exhibits, included in admission
• Holiday at the Arboretum's 12 Days of Christmas Gazebos, November 11-January 3
• Picnic-friendly grounds — bring your own basket and eat anywhere outside dining areas
• 66 acres of gardens on the shore of White Rock Lake

Families with kids of all ages, garden lovers, and anyone who wants a picnic day on the lake.

Make it your kind of weekend

• family outing
• outdoors
• friends
• solo exploring

A few visit notes

Parking is $15 per vehicle and can be purchased online in advance for automatic license-plate entry. Complimentary wheelchairs are first-come first-served; mobility scooters rent for $20-$30. Only licensed service animals are permitted. Bicycles, kites, and balloons are not allowed in the garden.