Dallas Blooms: Deep in the Hearts of Texans
For families planning a ‘staycation‘ for spring break, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden has something special for you.
February 28 – April 12
As one of the signature festivals of the garden, Dallas Blooms will be in its second week. The largest floral festival in the Southwest, Dallas Blooms has been a tradition for more than 30 years, and this year’s theme plays homage to the beloved state: Dallas Blooms: Deep in the Hearts of Texans.
Presented by Bank of America, the floral festival features more than 500,000 spring-blooming bulbs along with life-size Texas themed topiaries, entertainment, food and special activities celebrating the state.
Dallas Blooms includes tulips, daffodils, Dutch Iris and hyacinths, pansies, violas and thousands of other springtime annuals and perennials that bloom throughout the entire festival, so the garden changes all the time. The finale of this celebration is the mass flowering of the garden’s collection of 3,000 azaleas and 150+ cherry trees that bloom normally at the end of April.
Gracing the garden are life-size topiaries featuring the great symbols of Texas including two longhorns, two horses and the Texas Star-the perfect backdrops for photos and videos.
Special Spring Break Concert
The Molly Ringwalds: The World’s Greatest 80’s Tribute Band
Thursday, March 12, 7 p.m.
Hailing from Sheffield, England, this legendary quintet has been able to combine their individual and very formidable talents to create the true essence of the most radical decade to ever be called “The 80’s.”
Tickets: $27 per person for adults (Members $17); $25 per person for seniors age 65 and older (Members $15); $10 per person for children ages 3-12; free for children under 3. Tickets are now on sale for the special spring break concert featuring The Molly Ringwalds on March 12.
Lay Family Garden Reopens
Reopening during Dallas Blooms is the beautiful Lay Family Garden, which was developed in 1989 and one of the first large gardens originally named the Lay Ornamental Garden. It was given as a gift from Mimi Lay Hodges in honor of her late husband, Herman Lay.
Renamed and reinterpreted, the Lay Family Garden preserves original iconic elements such as the waterwalls fountain and features a larger pond, a new 12-foot grotto and waterfall, and beautiful new horticultural accents. This renovation is made possible by the Lay’s two daughters, Dorothy Lay, Susan Atwell and her husband Anthony, and a gift from the estate of Ward Lay.
Mommy and Me Mondays and Tiny Tot Tuesdays
March 9 and 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
This family favorite activity is perfect for young children. Children’s activities include face painting, petting zoo, nature art and Kindermusik.
Spring Break at the Dallas Arboretum
Daily Activities
- Western-style photo opportunities around a Chuck Wagon, pulled by two horse topiaries located at Café on the Green.
- Themed menus at Café on the Green feature classic and new Texas cuisine.
Weekends Events
- Varied “Texas” musical acts -live – Country/western, “vintage” Texas swing, Spanish style guitar, banjo music. Check website for schedules.
- Pony Rides, 12p.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, March 7, 14
- Trick Roper, Sunday, March 8, 15
Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden
February 28 – December 31
Open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
This 8-acre scientific children’s garden is where science and fun become one. There are 150 interactive exhibits, many of which include technology, where guests can learn about pollination, habitats, photosynthesis, electricity and more.
Special daily activities take place throughout the garden as well as in the 9, 100-square-foot Exploration Center that houses the iconic OmniGlobe, plant labs, CSI-inspired mysteries and 3-D Mini-Theater.Check www.dallasarboretum.orgfor daily activities.
Seated Spring Festival Tea
March 2-April 10
A favorite tradition during Blooms is the Spring Festival Tea held at the Restaurant DeGolyer by Gil’s Elegant Catering. Seatings are available at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily in the DeGolyer Tea Room.
The price ranges from $47 to $57 per person. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 214.515.6511 or online at: www.dallasarboretum. org/visit/dining/seated-teas. The seated tea is for adults and children ages 13 years and older.
Discounted Tickets
Group Discounts: Group discounts for 15 or more are available with advance registration by calling 214.515.6520.
C.C. Young Senior Thursdays: $11 general garden admission plus 20% discount at the Hoffman Family Gift Store. Valid for visitors age 65+ during festivals. Discounted Senior Thursday tickets may be purchased at the ticket booth only.
Discounted Parking: Pre-purchased online parking is $8. Regular parking is $15.
For more information about the Dallas Arboretum, call 214.515.6500 or visit www.dallasarboretum.org.
About the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218. The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for children 3-12 and free for Arboretum members and children two and under. There is an additional cost of $3 per person for entrance into the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. On-site parking is $15 or $8, if purchased in advance online.
