The only thing better than the temperatures getting a wee bit more user-friendly is bargains. And since most folks have over-indulged over the holidays in the gift-giving department, the Dallas Arboretum and the Dallas Zoo have specials to warm your credit cards.
Like Brigadoon and Santa, the Dallas Arboretum’s Christmas village has disappeared. But that doesn’t mean that one of Dallas’ treasures has gone into hibernation. The Arboretum’s ever vigilant caretakers are tending the grounds to showcase its natural beauty with the extra gift of tickets going for $5 through Saturday, February 26. You can make your reservations here for Winter at the Arboretum.

FYI: Don’t set your hearts on venturing into Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden right now. It will be on hiatus until Saturday, February 19, as it undergoes its annual “preventative maintenance.” And don’t you know we all could use a little preventative maintenance?

Across town over at the Dallas Zoo, Highland Capital Philanthropies is providing Penguin Days with visits to check out the claws and paws residents for just $8 per person through Monday, February 28. But guests are expected to “follow the Zoo’s ongoing safety precautions, including wearing a face cover (for guests ages 2+) while enjoying indoor areas at the zoo.”
According to Dallas Zoo President/CEO Gregg Hudson, “Penguin Days’ discounted admission is the Dallas Zoo’s way of saying ‘thank you’ to our community for their support all year long. After the challenges of the past few years, it’s more important than ever for us to provide a safe and affordable way for all families to enjoy the zoo. We’re grateful to have sponsors like Highland Capital Philanthropies that understand our mission and provide invaluable support for community impact program like Penguin Days.”
Reserved tickets must be purchased online and are available here. Alas, that doesn’t include parking that runs $10 per car. If your budget wants to be impressed, why not take advantage of the DART offerings?
In both cases, there are definitely perks for folks opting for membership at the Arboretum and the Zoo. If you got caught receiving a last minute Christmas gift with nothing left in your stash, why not gift a membership?
So pull out those puff jackets for the up-and-down temperatures and take advantage of the hot deals.