Green Thumbs
Year-round – Kindergarten to Grade 3
Students will cultivate their own green thumbs. Activities include discussing germination and planting a seasonal unique edible crop or native plant in the Hoop House and Student Garden. Discussions about what plants need to survive and their relationships to insects are also explored. Teachers receive photos of the plant progress throughout the season. This trip will also include a guided visit to the Butterfly Atrium.
Amazing Butterflies
Year-round – Kindergarten to Grade 3
The highlight of this popular program is a tour of the Butterfly Atrium, which features both native and tropical butterflies. Students will explore the butterfly lifecycle, its relationship to host plants and discover how its anatomy and physical adaptations help it survive.
Animal & Plant Adaptations
Year-round – Grades 3-5
Students will explore plant and animal adaptations in guided experiences as they visit the immersive Butterfly Atrium, the Zoology Zone Interactive Cart and plant highlights in the outdoor collections.
Tree Walk Adventure
Year-round – Grades 4 – 5
Students will enjoy a guided walk through Hershey Gardens to identify trees native to the Eastern United States, learn interesting facts about trees and see the conifer collection as they walk through the Arboretum.
Self-Guided Exploration
Mid-April through November – All Grades
Enjoy all the beauty and history of Hershey Gardens on your own time and at your own pace.
K-12 Adapted Field Trip Experience
Experience a customized tour of our Butterfly Atrium and Many Hands Children’s Garden at a pace more directed by your students’ abilities. Students will be able to touch physical butterfly specimens and experience a sensory-focused tour of The Children’s Garden. This program is designed for smaller group sizes and students who need additional accommodations.
