Arboretum Overnights
Overnights are the perfect opportunity to explore the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden at a time that no one else can – at night!
We are happy to host your child’s birthday party, girl scouts, boy scouts, church or school groups, ages 5-12. Children must be accompanied by a guardian.
All will participate in a badge program, OmniGlobe exploration, as well as venture out on a flashlight night hike to spot nocturnal animals and stargaze with our experienced Arboretum educators. A light evening snack and continental breakfast are included. Sleeping arrangements will be inside our climate-controlled Exploration Center, unless prior arrangements are approved. Want all the fun of an overnight but want to sleep in your own bed? Sign up for our Night Owls program. A 4-week in advance pre-registration is required.
Overnight
6pm– 9am (with access to Main Garden and the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden the day after)
Child: $55
Adult: $55
Parking: included with purchase
Night Owls
6pm– 10pm
Child: $35
Adult: $35
Parking: included with purchase
Book an overnight (with a minimum of 20 participants) by filling out the Reservation Form below. For questions or date availability, contact the Reservations team at education@dallasarboretum.org or 214.515.6540 from 9am–5pm M–F. Overnights available from March through June and September through December.
Overnight Reservation Form
School Overnights
School overnights are the perfect opportunity to explore science content in the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden outside of school hours!
Plan your next event with a night of fun, hands-on learning and memories in the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden! Students will participate in unique earth and life science classes, as well travel through the solar system in our OmniGlobe Theater, explore the gardens in a flashlight night hike and stargaze with experienced Arboretum staff.
A light snack, continental breakfast, parking and next day garden admission all included. Perfect for grade levels, clubs or family events.
If you have a group of 40 or more participants and would like to request a date, please fill out a request form or contact us at education@dallasarboretum.org
6pm-9am
Friday or Saturday nights
School rate: $50 per student
1:8 adult to student ratio free
Each additional adult $50
Title I schools: $40 per student
1:8 adult to student ratio free
Each additional adult $40
Choose 2 classes from the following.
Complete program descriptions
Overnights Frequently Asked Questions
Where do we check in for our Overnight program?
All Arboretum Overnight guests should arrive to Gate #3 (Children’s Garden private drive) by 6:00pm and park in the surface lot. Late arriving guests may not have access to parking on the premises. Arboretum staff will meet you at the ticket booth beginning at 5:45 and provide instructions for where to take your sleeping bags and other overnight materials. Please do not leave any items in your vehicle that you will need for the overnight as we will be locked inside the Children’s Adventure Garden at 6:15pm. Vehicles and participants arriving after this time may not be able to enter the garden and will forfeit their reservation.
Is there a fee for parking?
No, the parking fee is included with your reservation.
Is dinner provided?
No, dinner is not included with Overnights. Please eat before arriving or bring a sack dinner which you may eat in the Children’s Garden entry plaza. An evening snack and continental breakfast will be provided.
Where do we sleep?
Visitors will sleep inside the climated-controlled Exploration Center which is located inside the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden.
What should we bring?
Please bring the following:
- Sleeping bag and pillow
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Refillable water bottle for each participant
- Flashlight for each participant
- Completed Overnight Release for each participant
Optional:
- Sunscreen and/or bug spray applied prior to arrival
- Single size sleeping pad or cot. * We are unable to accommodate double, queen or king sizes.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
Yes, you may bring your own food and nonalcoholic drinks. We reserve the right to search any coolers you bring into the gardens for overnight programs, and if you are found with alcohol, you may be asked to leave the program with your group, and you will not be issued a refund.
Is smoking allowed in the garden?
The Dallas Arboretum is a smoke free venue. This includes e-cigarettes.
Are we able to tour the main garden also?
The Overnight program will take place entirely in the Children’s Adventure Garden. However, when the program is complete at 9 am, you may continue your adventure in all areas of the gardens.
How do I cancel my reservation?
All schedule changes must be made no later than two weeks before your visit. If you need to reschedule your reservation, you must contact the Reservations Department (education@dallasarboretum.org) at least two weeks before your scheduled visit in order to apply the payment to a new visit date minus rescheduling fee of $10 per person. “No show” groups are ineligible for a refund.
What is your cancellation policy?
Overnights will be held rain or shine. Please bring raincoats or umbrellas.
The Dallas Arboretum reserves the right to cancel any program for reasons we deem appropriate. Programs that have not met the minimum number of participants within two weeks of the scheduled program date may be cancelled. In the event that we cancel your program, a full refund will be issued and individuals will be contacted directly.