– OPEN DAILY FROM 6 AM-10 PM –
The Carleen Bright Arboretum extends over 16 acres that are home to lovely botanical gardens. Included is The Pavilion Event Center at the Carleen Bright Arboretum, a private event rental space with floor to ceiling accordion windows that sits overlooking the beautiful grounds. The original white chapel located at the entrance, is the Whitehall Center. It welcomes and entertains local residence and guests as they discover all that Woodway offers. The Carleen Bright Arboretum, known as the “Jewel of Woodway” boasts a certified Monarch Way-station, botanical gardens, fountains, meditation garden, the Todd Willis Nature Trail that winds through native woodlands suitable for all explorers and much more. The Carleen Bright Arboretum is the perfect setting for weddings, picnics, and adventure.
Come enjoy one of the many city-hosted events here at the property!
SPLASH PAD IS OPEN APRIL 1ST THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30TH FROM 8AM-8PM.
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Whitehall Center
The Whitehall Center is a replica of the first church that serviced the Woodway Area. It is nestled between lovely, maintained gardens and accented by beautiful patio area where the community can gather. Stop by and pick up a map of Woodway!
Gardens
The Carleen Bright Arboretum is home to two demonstration gardens, an award winning cactus garden, an impressive herb garden and gorgeous roses. Additionally, the Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at Texas A&M provides plants and programming and monitors a test plot the property, developing research for the common Rose Rosetta Disease that has plagued the area.
Children’s Area
Guests can enjoy the Arboretum Children’s Area that boasts amazing amenities including a state of the art splash pad, swings, merry-go-round, and many great lawn games. The splash pad is open from 8 AM – 8PM, April through September. Bring the whole family to enjoy a day on the grounds!
Monarch Butterfly Garden
The Carleen Bright Arboretum is a certified waystation for monarch butterflies, providing milkweeds, nectar sources, and shelter needed to sustain monarch butterflies as they migrate through North America. All of this serves to create, conserve, and protect the habitat for monarch butterflies. Come check out the butterflies!
Massey Meditation Grove
The Massey Meditation Grove is dedicated in memory of Rondal and Mildred Massey, who were both lifelong residents of Waco. Dedicated by their children, they hope “people will come here and unplug from their devices and reconnect with their own thoughts, perhaps with a higher power, with their aspirations, and that they’ll have a truly spiritual communion with nature right here in The Carleen Bright Arboretum.” The grove features Mexican maple trees, pecan trees, and live oaks.
Hike & Bike Trails
The Todd Willis Nature Trail winds through native woodlands, suitable for explorers, young and old alike. Visitors can enjoy a short walk to the teahouse, where they can enjoy gorgeous views of the active creek below, from the comfort of a wooden gazebo compliments of a Woodway Boy Scout.
Programs
Arboretum Explorers
- Bring your classroom to the Arboretum for an engaging outdoor experience! Perfect for schools and homeschool groups, our field trips offer a mix of structured learning and unstructured exploration. Enjoy a guided tour of our beautiful grounds, let students play in the interactive children’s area, or plan a picnic in nature. Field trips are available for groups of up to 25 children, with at least two adult chaperones required. Come explore, learn, and connect with nature at the Arboretum! For more information or to schedule your visit, fill out the Arboretum Field Trip Inquiry Form and contact mreeves@woodwaytexas.gov.
- Become a certified Arboretum Explorer at our annual Arboretum Explorers Camp every summer for ages 7-12. For more information, email us at events@woodwaytexas.gov.
Contact Us
For more information on any of the locations, please inquire below.
9001 Bosque Blvd
Woodway, TX 76712