Is the Jonsson Color Garden free?

Yes, completely free to enter. No admission, no tickets required.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring (March, April) for peak seasonal blooms. The garden has plantings year-round but spring is most spectacular.

Is it near the Dallas Arboretum?

Yes, it's directly adjacent to the Dallas Arboretum on White Rock Lake. Easy to combine both in one visit.

Is it stroller-friendly?

Yes, paths are accessible for strollers throughout the garden.

Street parking is available in the area. During busy spring weekends, arrive early as spots near the Arboretum fill quickly.

Margaret Elizabeth Jonsson Color Garden

Name: Margaret Elizabeth Jonsson Color Garden
Address: 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX, 75218, US
Telephone: +1 214-515-6615
Rating: 4.7

Rating

4.7(15)

Price

Free

Duration

1 to 2 hours

Best Ages

0, 10

About

The Margaret Elizabeth Jonsson Color Garden is a free, community botanical garden on the shores of White Rock Lake in East Dallas, adjacent to the Dallas Arboretum. While it lacks the programming and infrastructure of the arboretum, it offers something different: an open, unhurried green space where families can simply be without admission fees, time pressure, or managed experiences.

A typical visit lasts 1 to 2 hours. For a family of four, the planning estimate is $0 (free admission); bring a picnic.

Timing guidance: Spring (March, April) for peak bloom; weekday mornings are most peaceful. Wait guidance: No wait, free, open-access garden. Nearby food guidance: Dallas Arboretum has on-site dining next door; Casa Linda shopping center nearby has multiple restaurants.

Located adjacent to the Dallas Arboretum, combine both in one visit.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Yes

Nursing / Changing

Available

Kid Meals

Not Available

Setting

Outdoor

Rainy Day

Not ideal

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March, April) for peak bloom; weekday mornings are most peaceful

Wait Times

No wait, free, open-access garden

Nearby Food

Dallas Arboretum has on-site dining next door; Casa Linda shopping center nearby has multiple restaurants

Why Kids Love It

Young children love running through the colorful seasonal plantings and wide open lawns. The garden's vibrant blooms make for spectacular family photos, and the relaxed, no-rush atmosphere means little ones can explore at their own pace without any time pressure.