Why Visit the Rory Meyers Children’s Garden? (Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden)
The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden is the most interactive and exciting children’s garden in Texas. It is one of our top field trip recommendations in the DFW metroplex; fun, engaging, and educational.
A Great Field Trip for These Topics:
- Nature
- Science
- Botany
Quick Info:
Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden
8525 Garland Road
Dallas, Texas 75218
Hours: 9am – 5pm
The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden is part of the award-winning Dallas Arboretum & Botanic Garden. Pricing fluctuates throughout the year. Go here for current prices.
What Can You Expect to See & Do at the Children's Garden?
Expect to spend several hours here. This is an 8-acre interactive garden full of hands-on activities. It is in essence an outdoor science and nature museum comprised of several galleries. You can explore them in any order.
Entrance and Splash Pad
You may want to note that the splash pad is the first thing kids will see as they enter the garden. It is a great place to cool off during the summer and there is plenty of seating for parents to have a rest.
The Texas Skywalk
At the center of the garden is a 240-foot boardwalk showcasing life in the tree canopy and giving a birds-eye view of the gardens (which happen to be adjacent to White Rock Lake.)
Habitats Gallery
Check out what is needed for plants, animals, and people to thrive in this woodlands themed habitat. Climbing into the tree canopy is the highlight of this gallery.
Plants are Alive Gallery
Get an up close look at plant life in this “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” flower garden.
Kaleidoscope Gallery
This gallery combines math, science, and art and shows how they are interconnected.
Incredible Edible Garden Gallery and Picnic Area
You guess it. This area showcases food and nutrition with interactive exhibits and garden display beds.
Earth Cycles Gallery
Find even more hands-on learning here. Kids will learn about water cycles and rock cycles, explore a cave, weather stations, and a solar system model.
Living Cycles Gallery
This gallery features natural cycles like the changing of the seasons, and plant and animal life cycles.
Wetlands Gallery
Visit the boggy wetlands habitat to see carnivorous plants and watch wildlife through the gazebo blind.
Pure Energy Gallery
At these science lab islands on the pond, kids can investigate how energy is made through sources like sun, water, and wind.
Exploration Center
This indoor “classroom” part of the garden is where you can participate in science labs and investigations using smart features.
Rooftop Garden Oasis
The central location of the rooftop plaza is a great place to stop and rest. Nearby misting systems and the waterfall below are inviting during the warmer months.
Secret Garden Maze
Multiple challenge levels are available for this charming garden maze. Look for the fairy garden, chimes, and many other surprises hidden inside.
First Adventure Garden
The First Adventure Garden is a nature themed playland designed for toddlers and preschoolers. Giant insects to climb, a stream, maze, and tree house are just a few of the fun features included in this garden.
Tips for Visitors:
Fun Resources to Enhance the Field Trip:
- SmartLab Toys TINY Gardening with 20 Enormously Fun Growing Activities
- Let’s Get Gardening by DK
- eeBoo Gathering a Garden Board Game
- Springtime in Texas DIY Journal
