The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is the perfect place to spend an autumn afternoon in Dallas. This popular Dallas attraction hosts the annual "Autumn at the Arboretum" each autumn from late September to late November. Some of the most popular exhibits include the scenic pumpkin patch (perfect for family photos), a hay bale maze and Pumpkin Village, four fairly tale houses made from pumpkins, squash and gourds. Families can even participate in a pumpkin scavenger hunt. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden also has evening fall concerts every Thursday at 7pm.

Pumpkin Village at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. — Photo courtesy of Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden Facebook page

Dallas visitors who love the finer things in life can reserve a table for Harvest Tea, a three-course seated tea service, while visitors who prefer kicking back at a pub can take a break at the onsite Cafe on the Green, which features Oktoberfest Garten. Adults can attend the Fall Adult Education Classes on Saturdays to learn about a wide variety of subjects, including gardening and wine.

Parents will enjoy taking their kids to Mommy and Me Monday and Tiny Tot Tuesday, both featuring a petting zoo and face painting. On Halloween weekend during each festival, the arboretum will host "Family Fun Weekend," complete with a magic show and a trick-or-treat activity each afternoon. If all those activities aren't enough, visitors can visit the internationally-acclaimed Chihuly exhibit, on display in October 2012.