Although I’m a road trip travel buff, I’ve longed to take my kids abroad on an exciting African safari. The kind where you get to soak up the culture and customs among diverse wildlife and dramatic landscapes.
Now we can do just that right on the shores of White Rock Lake when the new ZimSculpt exhibit debuts at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden April 15 to July 31.
Best of all, we won’t even need a passport. We’ll just rev up the minivan and head over to the garden to cross the virtual border into the enchantment of southern Africa.
ZimSculpt, is a world-renowned display of modern Zimbabwean stone sculptures. Its visit to Big D marks the first-time ever that the exhibit will tour in the southern U.S., which gives you and your family an awesome opportunity to check it out.
Known as Shona sculpture, these contemporary pieces are carved from various types of serpentine and semi-precious stone, often weighing tons, and can be as large as seven feet tall.
If you saw the amazing Chihuly exhibit, ZimSculpt is displayed in a similar fashion.
You’ll discover more than 100 unique pieces of Zimbabwean contemporary art as you and your kiddos leisurely stroll through the garden. There are wonderful surprises and scenes of artistic splendor everywhere you turn.
In addition to the awe-inspiring sculptures, children of all ages will have a blast discovering an array of ZimSculpt-related activities and events throughout the summer season.
Here are a few fun daily and weekend kid-friendly ZimSculpt events in the garden:
ZimSculpt Photo Exhibit
Every day through July 31, all day
Photographs are on display representing life in Zimbabwe in Rosine Hall Vestibule.
Guided ZimSculpt Garden Tours
Each Thursday until July 27, 10–11 a.m.
Saturday & Sunday’s , Until July 30, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.
A ZimSculpt team member leads a guided tour of the sculptures throughout the gardens. Tours begin in the Entry Plaza and end in Pecan Grove.
ZimSculpt Trivia Boards
Now- July 31, Daily
Trivia boards can be found throughout the garden using the ZimSculpt garden map. The maps have questions regarding Shona, the native language of Zimbabwe.
ZimSculpt Marketplace
Now- July 31, Daily
ZimSculpt artists are onsite sculpting new pieces available for purchase in The Marketplace, located in the Pecan Grove.
ZimSculpt Picnic Music
Saturday & Sunday’s, Until July 30, all day
(Exclusions 5/27, 5/28, 6/10, 6/24, 7/1, 7/2)
African-inspired music is played on the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn for those looking to enjoy a picnic on the concert lawn.
African Safari Weekend
Birding with the Trinity River Audubon Society
Saturday & Sunday, May 6-7, 9-11 a.m., throughout the garden
Trinity River Audubon Center is onsite teaching garden guests how to identify birds throughout the gardens and giving tips and tricks for getting the best view.
Africa Day Celebration
Saturday & Sunday, May 20-21, 2-3 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday, July 22-23, 10-11 a.m., 1-2 p.m.
Located in The Marketplace, the ZimSculpt team speaks with garden guests about how they celebrate Africa Day in Zimbabwe.
Heroes Day Celebration
Saturday & Sunday, May 27-28, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.
While usually celebrated in August, Heroes Day is similar to the United States’ Memorial Day. This day is dedicated to heroes who have made large sacrifices for the betterment of their country. Celebrate this African holiday through choir performances from local churches in the Entry Plaza.
Zimbabwe’s Most Popular Plants
Saturday & Sunday, June 3-4, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Although worlds apart, there are some striking similarities in the plants that can be grown both in Dallas and in Zimbabwe. In the Pecan Grove, the Dallas County Master Gardeners talk about these similarities. There are also demonstrations and discussions about Zimbabwe’s national flower, the Fire Lily.
Dallas Children’s Theater Performance – “Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters”
Saturday, June 10, 10 a.m.
Watch a live performance of “Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughter’s,” the Zimbabwean tale of “Cinderella” on the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn.
Live Performance by Kupira Marimba
Saturday, June 24, 12 to 1 p.m.
Best known for their lively, family-friendly performances, Kupira Marimba performs on the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn.
Which kid-friendly event at ZimSculpt do you think your kids will like best? Leave your comments below. We’d love to hear from you!
