Homeschool Day

$11 per student, $13 per adult; includes admission to Hershey Gardens and the Butterfly Atrium 

Spring Homeschool Day:
Geoscience

Tuesday, April 16 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Geology rocks! Explore the rock and mineral world during our spring homeschool day. Join a geoscientist from the PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources for presentations at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. about the geology of Pennsylvania. Visit various stations to explore soil composition, fossils, limestone and different types of rocks as you journey through the rock cycle! Program is designed for 1st through 5th graders.

Registration here is required; closes on April 14.

Fall Homeschool Day:
Local Biodiversity: Insects, Animals and Trees 
Tuesday, October 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Appreciate and understand why differences in the plant and animal world are important to our livelihoods. We’ll take a closer look at native plants and insects, the impact of invasive species and climate change, and how we can play a role in conserving and protecting biodiversity. Program is designed for Kindergarten through grade 6th graders.

Registration required here beginning August 25; closes on September 29.

Please note: Homeschool Day provides a service beyond regular Gardens admission, therefore, no discounts, passes, or memberships are accepted. Program will be held rain or shine.

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Homeschool Programs

Hershey Gardens is proud to offer programs to homeschool groups of 15 or more students from approximately the same grade level. Program options are below.

Green Thumbs

Year-Round
Preschool to Grade 3

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 of the activities students will enjoy. This trip will also include a visit to the Butterfly Atrium and Educational & Horticultural Wing.

Amazing Butterflies

Year-round
Preschool to Grade 3
The highlight of this popular program is a tour of the Butterfly Atrium, featuring both native and tropical butterflies from around the world. Students will also learn about many of the unique characteristics of the butterfly in the Educational & Horticultural Wing.

Tree Walk Adventure

Mid-September to Mid-October
Grades 4 to 12

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.

Guided Garden Tour

Mid-April through November
Middle and High School

Enjoy a professionally guided tour of Hershey Gardens. Students will explore 23 acres and a variety of theme gardens. Tour lasts approximately 1 hour.

Self-Guided Tour

Mid-April through November
All Grades

Enjoy all the beauty and history of Hershey Gardens on your own time and at your own pace. A chaperone led Garden Quest will be provided.

Program Information

Programs and activity sessions are offered Monday through Friday on a first-come, first-served basis. Programs generally start at 10 a.m. Earlier start times are available. Guided programs last approximately 1 hour. All programs include materials for a self-guided discovery walk through Hershey Gardens.

Fees: (minimum of 15 students or equivalent value)

  • $11 per student
  • 1 free adult with every 5 students
  • $13 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. Space available for packed lunches. Please include lunch request with reservation.

To schedule your School program, please click the button below and fill out our reservation form.

Field Trip Reservation Form