With the holidays coming up, the kids will be out of school and family will be visiting from out of town. What to do? If you’d like a world class experience that can be enjoyed by family members of all ages, head to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden for the day.

From November 8, 2015 to January 3, 2016, enjoy The 12 Days of Christmas, a magnificent, large-scale exhibit uniquely designed and built for the garden by The Dallas Opera and Dallas Stage Scenery. There are twelve elaborate 25-foot-tall Victorian gazebos placed over the 66 acres, each depicting a day of the timeless Christmas carol. All craftsmanship — aside from wig creations and bird feathering — has been done with local Texas artists, builders, craftsmen and vendors. From ‘a partridge in a pear tree’ to ‘twelve drummers drumming,’ each scene brings to life the carol we all know so well.

The gardens themselves are an attraction which shouldn’t be missed year round. Located on the shores of White Rock Lake, the Arboretum’s 66 acres include a complete life science laboratory with endless potential for discovery. The meandering paths take you through lush foliage and brightly colored flowers, all meticulously maintained; despite heavy foot traffic the day of my visit, all areas were near pristine and beautiful.

For the kids and the young at heart there is also the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, with more than 150 individual activities for young and old to learn about life and Earth science. The Adventure Garden encompasses several galleries, each designed to be age-specific, but not age-restrictive. This amazing garden sits on the hillside overlooking beautiful White Rock Lake. The spectacular view encourages children to take in the beauty of nature while unlocking its mysteries and it is easy to see why it is on Parent Magazine’s list of “The Nation’s Top Places to Play.”

Photo courtesy of Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

With all this activities available, you’re sure to work up an appetite, and luckily The Dallas Arboretum has seven individual restaurants ranging from an elegant seated meal at the historic DeGolyer House to quick bites to go at the Grilled Cheese Station. Whether you want a memorable holiday activity with family, a romantic stroll with a loved one, or a fun place for the kids to enjoy and explore, The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden has it all. It is truly a Texas treasure that can’t be missed.