As a non-profit educational service of The M.S. Hershey Foundation, Hershey Gardens offers educational programs for public and private school groups. Your students will love learning in our beautiful outdoor setting and you'll welcome our unique programs, which align with Pennsylvania Academic Standards.
Program Information
Programs and activity sessions are offered Monday through Friday on a first-come, first-served basis at 10:00 AM and Noon. We can accommodate up to three classes at a time. Programs last 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Fees: (minimum of 15 students or equivalent value)
$6.75 per student
1 free adult with every 5 students
$8.00 per additional adult
Fees include your choice of one guided program, one self-guided quest and admission to the Gardens for the day. School programs provide a service beyond regular Garden admissions. Therefore, no discounts, passes or memberships are accepted for this program.
Reservations are required and can be made by completing our School Field Trip Reservation Request Form, calling 717-508-5968, or by emailing education@hersheygardens.org.
Picnic tables in the Schell House Picnic Grove can be reserved for lunch at no additional charge.
Elementary Grade Programs
Green Thumbs
Mid-April through Mid-May
Preschool - Grade 3
Your students will cultivate their own green thumbs as they explore the importance of living plants. Planting a seed to take home, tending to our garden and examining plants up close are some the activities your students will enjoy.
Tree Walk Adventure
Mid-April through Mid-May and October
Grades 4 and 5
Use a “dichotomous key” to identify trees native to the Eastern United States, learn some interesting facts about the trees at Hershey Gardens, and enjoy the Conifer collection and Arboretum Walk at Hershey Gardens. Trees chosen represent the wide variety that you find in your neighborhood, as well as some trees less common to this area.
Amazing Butterflies
Late May, June, and September
Preschool - Grade 5
This popular program shows children some of the unique characteristics that make this beautiful insect a favorite of many. A tour of the Butterfly House is a highlight of the trip.
Math in the Gardens
September and October
Grades 4 and 5
Students use the Gardens as their classroom as they explore the geometric properties found around them. Graphs will be constructed to show the variety and abundance of quadrilaterals and polygons in nature. They will also compare the area and perimeter of leaves and determine the size of trees using mathematical properties.
A Day in the Life of an Eastern Woodland Indian
October and November
Preschool - Grade 3
What was life like for the Eastern Woodland Indians? Join us for a fun, hands-on program that will explore the important role of nature in their everyday life. Students will learn how the Eastern Woodland Indians used natural resources to feed, clothe, and shelter their families. Your class can help furnish a wigwam, grind corn, and handle regional artifacts.
Self-Guided Exploration
You will be provided with one of the following in conjunction with your guided program:
Garden Quest
Kindergarten - Grade 5
Chaperones are provided with all the materials needed to help their group explore the many wonders of Hershey Gardens as students use the Gardens as their classroom.
Scavenger Hunt
Preschool
Students and their chaperones will be guided through the Children's Garden as they use clues to search for answers in this fun scavenger hunt.
Middle/High School Programs
Super Sleuths
April through Mid-May and October
Middle and High School
Use a “dichotomous key” to identify trees native to the Eastern United States while enjoying the Conifer collection and Arboretum Walk at Hershey Gardens. Trees chosen represent the wide variety that you find in your neighborhood, as well as some trees less common to this area.
Guided Garden Tour
Mid-April to Mid-May, September to November
Middle and High School
Enjoy a professionally guided tour of Hershey Gardens.
Outreach Programs
Let Us Bring Nature to Your School
Hershey Gardens is hitting the road! These fun, interactive fall and winter programs are a great way to teach students the wonders of nature.
Fee:
$150 for up to 30 participants
$75 for each additional presentation
Supplies included.
To make a reservation, complete the Outreach Request Form, call 717-508-5968, or email education@hersheygardens.org
Butterflies Take Flight
November through February
Preschool - Grade 5
Kids compete to be the top “Flight Attendant” in this interactive game show that incorporates stunning video and photography to teach students about metamorphosis. This program includes hands-on exploration for an up-close and personal look at the amazing butterfly.
Eastern Woodland Indians
November through February
Preschool - Grade 3
Explore the important role of nature in the everyday life of the Eastern Woodland Indians. Discover how Native Americans used natural resources to feed, clothe and shelter themselves as children grind corn, use a pump drill and handle regional artifacts.
Ready, Set, Grow!
November through February
Preschool - Grade 2
Students discover their very own green thumbs as they learn about plants, make a seed necklace, and take a pledge to care for plants.
