Halfway through summer and folks are starting to really run out of things to do with munchkins. With the temperatures before noon checking in the 80s, now is a perfect time to get outdoors. But walking around the block has gotten a wee bit ho-hum. So, why not check a couple of places that are made for strolling and you can even lock down a time period.
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Once again recognized nationally for its beauty and layout, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is ideal for walking, photography and enjoying the breezes off of White Rock Lake.
To abide by the COVID-19 restrictions, guests may reserve tickets ahead of time on a specific date and time slot. Each slot is four hours long. Unfortunately, there is no “carryover for late arrivals.”
Arboretum members get in free. Ah, the perks of membership. General admission tickets range from $10 to $15 per person.
Don’t forget your mask. You’ll need it if you decide to venture inside one of the indoor spaces.
Sorry to report that the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden is closed until further notice.
Dallas Zoo
The animals are just waiting to see you. They’ve missed their two-legged spectators.
While Dallas Zoo members get free admission and general admission ranges from $14 to $17, online reservations plus a parking pass are required before visiting.
To accommodate the newest restrictions, traffic flows and pathways are marked to follow. There will be open-air, walk-up food and beverages areas throughout the property. And there will be plenty of activities to help forget the COVID-19 woes. For instance, more than 10 daily keeper chats by Zoo zoologists, Wonders of the Wild show, Rainforest Rendezvous macaw-in-flight experience, pop-up animal encounters at Cheetah Encounter and hourly animal presentations at the Wild Encounter State.
However, some of the critters are bummed because some areas like the giraffe feeding experience, North Gorilla Bunker, Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo, Mini-train, Highland Hippo Hut, Adventure Safari Monorail and Simmons Safari Base Camp are “closed for the time being.”
And don’t forget your masks because everyone over the age of 10 is required to wear masks while at the Zoo.