Join us for a three-day spring break math and nature camp! In this camp, campers will use the cutting edge, MathFinder AR app and game developed by SMU and talkSTEM and supported by the National Science Foundation to explore nature here at the Arboretum. Campers grades 3rd-8th will participate in varied activities, work with educators and with each other to ask their own questions and to find math connections to what they observe in their surroundings. At the end of the camp, each camper will receive a $25 amazon gift card.

Campers become outdoor scientists and nature detectives, exploring physics, chemistry, engineering, and ecology through fun experiments. They’ll build towers and bridges from natural materials, test water filtration, track insects, and discover how energy and forces work in the wild. Every day is packed with hands-on challenges, exciting discoveries, and plenty of adventure in the great outdoors.

From butterflies to beetles, and millipedes to mantises, campers will dive into the incredible world of arthropods. Enjoy up-close meet-and-greets, build bug habitats, test your skills in insect engineering challenges, and uncover the superpowers of the smallest animals on Earth.

You don’t need to be a soccer player to have a ball of a time! In Footy in the Garden, campers will explore the science behind soccer, tackle fun problem-solving challenges in the garden and classroom, and learn about the regions where players come from around the world. Each day mixes sports, science, and nature through hands-on experiments, team challenges, and interactive activities. It’s a fan-friendly week full of discovery, teamwork, and garden fun.

Join us for a creative outdoor art adventure at the Artful Adaptations Summer Camp! Inspired by the vibrant Hunt Slonem exhibition found throughout the garden, young artists will discover how animals use their structures, functions, and mimicry to survive in nature. Each day combines art and science as campers paint, sculpt, and design their own Slonem-inspired masterpieces: celebrating the beauty of wildlife through exploration, bold color and imaginative expression.

Campers will follow the journey from soil to skillet, discovering how fruits and veggies go from the earth to their dishes. They’ll harvest fresh herbs, practice basic culinary skills, and create simple, tasty recipes. Along the way, they’ll explore plant science, practice kitchen safety, and try new flavors while building confidence as young chefs. It’s a flavorful mix of cooking, gardening, and science.

Take a journey through the Dallas Arboretum as you explore exciting themes like safaris, space, the Arctic, and dinosaurs. Each day brings a new “expedition” filled with hands-on, nature-inspired adventures. Come study the cosmos up close with space exploration tools, use AR to discover the true sizes of dinosaurs across the landscape, and engineer a cozy shelter for Arctic animals. On safari day, track “mystery animals” by decoding clues, footprints, and scat models to figure out who lives where and why. It’s an exciting, creative, and educational adventure in a beautiful garden setting.

Robotany is where technology meets the natural world! Campers will learn coding fundamentals, explore electronics, and investigate plant biology while exploring the garden. Advanced coders will design and program VEX robots to complete fun garden challenges like sorting seeds and monitoring soil moisture. They’ll also experiment with simple circuits, learn about automated garden helpers, and test robots on obstacle courses in the garden. It’s a byte-sized adventure where STEM and nature grow together.

Join us for a creative outdoor art adventure at the Artful Adaptations Summer Camp! Inspired by the vibrant Hunt Slonem exhibition found throughout the garden, young artists will discover how animals use their structures, functions, and mimicry to survive in nature. Each day combines art and science as campers paint, sculpt, and design their own Slonem-inspired masterpieces: celebrating the beauty of wildlife through exploration, bold color and imaginative expression.

The best is yet to come! This week, campers will enjoy the top hits of our summer camp along with beloved garden favorites from years past. From exciting experiments to imaginative nature challenges, each day is packed with hands-on adventures that spark curiosity, creativity, and a love for the outdoors. It’s the ultimate summer send off for young explorers.

How do I register for camps?

1. Sign your child up for a camp that is the appropriate level for your child.
   1. Children need to be the specified age by the date the camp occurs.
   2. The grade level you choose should be the grade your child will be entering in the fall of 2024
2. You will receive the confirmation email. Save your confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact Reservations at education@dallasarboretum.org.
3. You will receive a reminder email one week before the camp.  Complete the Summer Camp Contact form from the follow-up email and email to education@dallasarboretum.org. Or, print it and bring it with you on the first day of camp. All emails are sent to the address associated with you login. All emails are sent to the address associated with your login. Summer Camp Contact Form

Can I register my child for an older or younger age group?
No. Our lessons are carefully designed for specific ages.

How will the camps be split up?
After all of the attendees are signed up and finalized, we will break up camps into small groups by age, as much as possible. Ideally, we will have one camp group for children going into 1st and 2nd grades, one group for 3rd and 4th grades, and one group for 5th and 6th grades. To balance groups evenly, we reserve the right to assign or redistribute groups to best fit the needs of the group and the child. We are unable to honor requests for group placement. If there are any concerns about a camper’s group placement, please reach out to the Camp Manager directly.

Where should I park to drop off and pick up my child?
Please enter the Arboretum at Gate 1 and park in the lot. Walk to the Main ticket booths and you will be directed to the Education classrooms. 

For your child’s safety, you will need to walk your child into camp each day and sign them in. 

At check-in on the first day, you will receive a hanging car tag and a carpool pick-up map for dismissal. This is for your child’s safety. Please have your photo ID and the hanging car tag visible on your car’s rearview mirror to pick up in carpool dismissal. Cars in the carpool line will be filled in the order of arrival. If you elect to park your car and walk up to the dismissal area, please have your pick-up tag and ID available when signing your child out for the day. 

If you need to pick up your child early, please park in the parking lot and walk to the classrooms. If possible, notify the camp teacher or manager so they will be prepared for your child’s departure. 

What should my child wear to camp?
Children should wear comfortable clothes that can get messy. Closed-toe shoes are required due to the uneven terrain in the garden. Hats are recommended. Apply bug repellent or sunscreen before camp if desired.

Do you provide a snack?
No. Each child should bring a lunch that does not need to be refrigerated or heated and a snack. Please consider packing peanut-free items for the safety of other students. 

What should my child bring to camp?
Please read your confirmation email carefully for details on what to bring. All children should bring a refillable water bottle, lunch and snack. Please refrain from sending electronics or toys.

Do you offer before or after care?
At this time, we do not offer before or after care.

How do I cancel my reservation?
Cancellations are subject to a $100 processing fee per child. Refunds cannot be issued for missed classes or cancellations made less than 10 business days prior to class. Cancellations must be sent to education@dallasarboretum.org

Am I able to transfer from one camp to another?
Transfer requests must be sent to education@dallasarboretum.org and approved at least four (4) weeks prior to the start of camp. There is a transfer fee of $25 per camp.

Do you offer a waitlist?
At this time, we are not able to offer a waiting list. Please check our website frequently for openings.

What if my child will require a nurse’s assistance during camp hours?
At least two weeks prior to the start of the camp, please email the summer camp manager to see what accommodations can be made. Submit inquiries to education@dallasarboretum.org.