Hershey Gardens

Rose Day
2021-08-08 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Join us to learn about rose care, watch flower arranging demonstrations, take a tour of the Historic Rose Garden, enjoy kids’ activities, Sarah's Ice Cream truck (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.) and more!
Included in admission; members are free.
Plus, enjoy two performances of
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
1 and 3 p.m.
The Children's Garden Amphitheatre
Presented by Mt. Gretna Theatre

The Very Hungry Caterpillar has been dazzling readers around the globe for over six decades, and now you can experience Eric Carle’s timeless classics as a fun one-hour stage play right before your eyes! The critically-acclaimed show features a menagerie of 70+ large scale magical puppets. Alongside The Very Hungry Caterpillar, every show also features two other Eric Carle short stories.
Included with admission, free for members.

Music in the Gardens
2021-08-07 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for a beautiful evening of Music in the Gardens!
Whether you choose to stroll the grounds, or BYOB on a blanket, it’s sure to be a beautiful evening, filled with music and blooms!
Music will be provided by the Anthony Haubert Trio, featuring local jazz saxophonist, clarinetist and flutist Tom Strohman, Philadelphia-based bassist Ryan Kuhns and jazz pianist Anthony Haubert.
Guests may bring their own beverages, snacks and a blanket or chairs.
Please note: the Butterfly Atrium will be closed for this event.
Regular admission charges apply; free for members.

Marvelous Mondays
2021-08-02 10:00 - 12:00, 2021-07-26 10:00 - 12:00, 2021-07-19 10:00 - 12:00, 2021-07-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Hershey Gardens, 170 Hotel Road, Hershey, 17033, United States
Marvelous Mondays
July 12, 19, 26 and August 2, 9 from 10 a.m. – Noon
Mondays are marvelous in The Children’s Garden! Join us for kid’s activities, demonstrations and entertainment!
Included in admission; members are free.

Science Explorers Summer Camp
2021-07-26 09:00 - 2021-07-30 14:00
For more information or to register for the camps below, please visit scienceexplorers.com

Stem Lab Extravaganza, ages 7-11
July 26 – 30, 2021
Full Day and Half Day Options Available
Calling all science fanatics! If you didn’t get a chance to experience our 2020-21 club topics, then this is the camp for you! Get ready to concoct cool chemistry creations, formulate new physics ideas, engineer solutions to problems, and investigate how your own body works. In the morning sessions you’ll get gassy with noisy putty, make a working lung model, uncover the mysterious world of microbes, compete in a tower building challenge, and best of all, learn some really cool science magic tricks to play on your siblings or wow your relatives at the family reunion.
Stay for the afternoon sessions and you’ll mix up gooey, snotty slime, learn the ins and outs of the digestive system, construct a ping pong launcher, make an oscilloscope to create laser art, build your own bristle-bot racer and learn even more science magic!

"Peter Pan" Performance by Campers of Hershey Area Playhouse
2021-07-23 22:00 - 22:30
Hershey Area Playhouse campers will perform "Peter Pan", written by Jennifer Feldser.
Performance in The Children's Garden Amphitheatre. Included with admission, free for members.

Science Explorers Summer Camp
2021-07-19 09:00 - 2021-07-23 14:00
For more information or to register for the camps below, please visit scienceexplorers.com

Final Frontiers: Sea & Space, ages 7-11
July 19 – 23, 2021
Full Day and Half Day options available
Each morning, explore the mysterious realms of sea and space as you enter the exciting worlds of marine biology and astronomy! Dive in and examine weird wonders of the sea, observe the anatomy of a real fish and learn the ancient technique of gyotaku or “fish rubbing”, and discover the ocean’s living fossils. Then blast off to discovering space and stars as you make an out-of-this-world solar system model, prepare for lift-off as you build and launch your own stomp rocket while learning about Newton’s Laws of Motion, complete a mission to Moon, and design and build a space capsule that will safely bring your “eggstronaut” in for a landing.
Then, stay for the afternoon as we come back down to earth. Transform polymers into a rainbow of color, investigate the properties of light when you build a kaleidoscope, explore the concept of density as you create a colorful density tower, build a metal detector to identify conductors, demonstrate how air pressure can lift objects and make them fly, and conduct a powder analysis lab.

Online Presentation: History of Black Horticulture with Abra Lee
2021-07-01 17:00 - 18:00

Science Explorers Summer Camp
2021-06-28 09:00 - 2021-07-02 14:00
For more information or to register for the camps below, please visit scienceexplorers.com

Loose in the Lab, ages 7-11
June 28 – July 2, 2021

Full Day and Half Day options available
Science Explorers has compiled our favorite camp experiments into this week-long adventure! Make a groovy lava lamp test tube, mix up chemical reactions, erupt a volcano, make chalkboard and fluffy slime, build a solar oven to make treats, launch pompoms with your own catapult, create your own motorized invention, make a foaming “matter monster”, and go on a fossil dig.
Then, stay for the afternoon as we mix up “sunny slime” that reacts to UV light, get loud as we make clucking cups and musical chimes, build spin art machines, blast off film canister rockets, make sun prints, create acid and base art, experiment with the unique properties of water, and make fizzy bath poppers and fizzing CO2 reactions.

Dads are Free on Father's Day!
2021-06-20 09:00 - 16:00
Happy Father's Day!
Bring Dad to Hershey Gardens – it's on us!
Open daily 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Homeschool Day "Of the Earth"
2021-05-26 09:30 - 12:30
Homeschool Day“Of the Earth”
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Suitable for grades Kindergarten through 6th grade
$8 per student, $9 per adult
We’re talking about soil! From composting to worms to decomposing matter, we’re getting our hands dirty to discover what lives in the soil and how things break down. Learn about the valuable role that cockroaches play in recycling the earth’s energy, conduct a soil experiment and engage in fun games and crafts that illustrate the value of recycling.

A packet of materials will be provided upon entry. Education staff will be available to answer questions. Masks are required inside all buildings and outdoors when social distancing is not possible. Tickets to the Butterfly Atrium are included in admission.
Pre-registration is required here.
Registration will close on May 24 at 8 a.m.
Homeschool Day provides a service beyond regular Gardens admission, therefore, no discounts, passes, or memberships are accepted. Program will be held rain or shine.

Susquehanna Iris Society Display
2021-05-22 09:00 - 15:00
Enjoy the showy blooms of the iris in this colorful display provided by the Susquehanna Iris Society.

Included in admission; members are free.

Junior Scout "Gardener" Badge Workshop
2021-05-16 10:00 - 13:00

Celebrate Go Public Gardens Day!
2021-05-07 09:00 - 15:00
Celebrate Go Public Gardens Day at Hershey Gardens!
Simply print or show this voucher to get half-off admission on Friday, May 7, 2021. Enjoy the 23 gorgeous acres, as well as the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory and indoor Butterfly Atrium.

Spring Homeschool Day
2021-04-28 09:30 - 22:30
Spring Homeschool Day:
“Take Flight”
April 28, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Suitable for grades Kindergarten through 6th grade
$8 per student, $9 per adult
Take flight and learn about birds, bees and plants! Enjoy story time outdoors with “Ruby’s Birds,” a Longwood Gardens Community Read selection with the Hershey Public Library, count and identify birds, learn about bee- and bird-friendly plants, build a bird nest, and more!
Connect with readers in our area for this Community Read event. The 2021 Community Read is organized by Longwood Gardens and many community partners, including public libraries, museums, gardens and conservation organizations.
A packet of materials will be provided upon entry. Education staff will be available to answer questions. Masks are required inside all buildings. Masks are required outdoors when social distancing is not possible. Tickets to the Butterfly Atrium are included in admission, but available on a first-come, first-served basis upon arrival to Hershey Gardens.
Advance registration available here. Registration closes on April 26.
Homeschool Day provides a service beyond regular Gardens admission,
therefore, no discounts, passes, or memberships are accepted.
Program will be held rain or shine.

Mind Steward presents “Day of the Arts” at Hershey Gardens
2021-04-24 10:00 - 14:00
Mind Steward presents “Day of the Arts” at Hershey Gardens
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Rain Date: May 1
Mind Steward presents a day of youth chamber music, jazz, soloists and the world premiere of "A Ridiculous Retelling of Beauty and the Beast" at Hershey Gardens.
Throughout the day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., guests can listen to soloists, chamber strings, and vocal duets in the Children's Garden amphitheater and in the Rose Garden.
At 1 p.m., "A Ridiculous Retelling of Beauty and the Beast" will be performed in the Children's Garden amphitheater by a talented cast of 3rd through 7th graders to guarantee giggles for all ages.
For a full schedule of performances, please visit mindsteward.com. General admission tickets are required and seating is limited. Free for members of Hershey Gardens.

Virtual Program: The Nesting Needs & Behaviors of Bluebirds
2021-04-17 10:00 - 11:00
Join us for a Virtual Program:
Introduction to the Nesting Needs and Behavior of Bluebirds with Dean Rust, President of the Bluebird Society of PA
$15 includes adult membership to The Bluebird Society of Pennsylvania
Free for Members of Hershey Gardens, Free for Current Members of the Bluebird Society of Pennsylvania
Join Dean Rust and Hershey Gardens on Google Meets for a virtual informative presentation about the care and lifestyle of the Pennsylvania Bluebird. Following his presentation, Dean will walk Hershey Gardens' bluebird box trail. He will look for "assets", or a box with eggs, and teach the proper etiquette to observe bluebirds from a safe distance.
Click here to pre-register.

Registration ends on April 3 . Following registration, an email with a link with additional details on how to use Google Meets will be sent to you.

Easter Sunrise Service
2021-04-04 06:30 - 07:30
Easter Sunrise Service
Sunday, April 4 at 6:30 a.m. via Facebook (Hershey Gardens)
Hershey Gardens is proud to host the annual Easter Sunrise Service, a tradition that began in 1947. The community is invited to view the pre-recorded non-denominational service (via Facebook only) provided by the Hershey Ministerium. Simply log on to Hershey Gardens' Facebook page to view the service.

Virtual Wreath Workshop
2020-12-05 11:00 - 12:00
Join us via Google Meet for a Virtual Wreath Workshop, Fresh Wreath Kit Included
Celebrate winter by creating a festive wreath, perfect for the holidays! Using fresh limbs, twigs and pods pruned from the Gardens, class participants will learn how to create a stunning, long-lasting 18” wreath for their door or table. Participants can pick up their wreath kit which includes an 18” wreath form, wire, assorted greens and a bundle of natural materials to make their wreath. Virtually join our horticulturist on Saturday, December 5 via Google Meet for an interactive session to guide you in creating your wreath.
Registered participants may pick up their wreath kit at Hershey Gardens on Thursday, December 3 or Friday, December 4 between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Virtual workshop occurs Saturday, December 5 from 1 – 2 p.m. via Google Meet. A link to join the online workshop will be sent to you after registration.
Participants must provide their own glue gun, wire cutters and scissors.
Led by Jody Davey, Hershey Gardens Horticulturist
Members: $35; Non-members: $40
Register here. Registration ends on Saturday, November 28.

Homeschool Day: Fall into Foliage
2020-10-07 09:30 - 22:30
Hershey Gardens Homeschool Day:
Fall into Foliage
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Suitable for children in kindergarten through 6th grade.
Join us to learn about the importance of saving seeds in the fall, why pine cones open and close, color pigments in fall leaves, the art of bonsai and more.
Upon arrival, homeschoolers will receive a nature packet of materials with instructions for self-guided activities, which include bird observation and identifying different types of symmetry in the gardens. Additionally, participants will study the art of bonsai and vote for their favorite bonsai tree, and staff will be conducting leaf chromatography demonstrations and seed cone demonstrations. Individual families will also create their own leaf mandala using items they collect from the Gardens. Staff will be available to answer questions and guide families on activities.
Tickets are $8 per student and $9 per adult, and include admission to the Butterfly Atrium.
Advance registration is required here by Sunday, October 4.
Families are encouraged to arrive by 10:30 a.m.
The program will be held rain or shine and picnic tables are available for packed lunches. Masks are required inside all buildings and outdoors when social distancing is not possible.
Due to COVID-19 protocols, capacity in the Butterfly Atrium is limited and admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. Children age 2 and under are free.

Bug O’ Rama
2020-09-13 10:00 - 13:00
Join us for the annual "Bug O' Rama" to see live exotic and native insects, including tarantulas, scorpions, millipedes and cockroaches. Expert bug enthusiast Ryan the Bug Man will be showcasing his multi-legged creatures and educating guests on their origin and behavior. Collections of preserved exotic and unusual bugs will also be on display.
Activities include:
· Carnivorous plant table and take-home craft
· Monarch butterfly tagging demonstration
· Food truck (Sarah's Creamery)
· Puppet show in the The Children’s Garden amphitheater, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
· Bug cart
· Story time in the new meditation circle
· Self-guided activities
To better ensure social distancing and guest safety, guests will not be able to hold bugs this year. The majority of activities will take place outdoors and COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed. Capacity in the Butterfly Atrium is limited and admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. Masks are required inside all buildings and outdoors when social distancing is not possible. Event will be held rain or shine.
General admission tickets may be purchased online in advance or at the admissions desk the day of the event. Bug O' Rama is included in admission; free for members.

Fall Homeschool Day
2020-09-08 09:30 - 12:30
Fall Homeschool Day:
Out on the Trail
Tuesday, September 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Suitable for grades Kindergarten through 6th grade
$8 per student, $9 per adult
Explore the arboretum trail, rock garden and other areas of our gardens using self-guided activities. Identify rock types and learn about different environmental conditions in our gardens.
A packet of materials will be provided upon entry. Education staff will be available in the arboretum and rock garden to answer questions. Masks are required inside all buildings. Masks are required outdoors when social distancing is not possible.
Advance registration is required here. Registration closes on September 6 at 12 p.m.
Homeschool Day provides a service beyond regular Gardens admission,
therefore, no discounts, passes, or memberships are accepted.
Program will be held rain or shine.

Cancelled: Big Band & Blooms
2020-07-17 16:30 - 17:00
CANCELLED: Friday, July 17 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
This year event is cancelled, largely due to lack of space for proper social distancing. It will be back next year!
Get out your dancin’ shoes, the Hershey Symphony Big Band is bringing the swing to Hershey Gardens!
Bring your favorite snacks and beverages, as well as a blanket or chairs for an evening of beautiful roses and music.
Proceeds benefit educational programs at Hershey Gardens and Hershey Symphony.

Presentation: Ecology and Management of the Eastern Bluebird -- RESCHEDULED TO FALL
2020-06-20 10:00 - 11:30
Reschedued to Fall 2020 – Date to be Announced
Join us to hear Dr. Dean Rust, president of the Bluebird Society of Pennsylvania, discuss the ecology and management of bluebirds. Dr. Rust maintains 20 bluebird trails in Lancaster, York, Chester and Dauphin counties. He was awarded the “President’s Award” from the North American Bluebird Society, as well as Bluebird Society of Pennsylvania’s “Bluebirder of the Year” and “Blue Feather Award.” Dr. Rust is also author of “The Beloved and Charismatic Bluebird.” Following the presentation, visit Hershey Gardens’ own bluebird trail.
Included in admission; free for members. Guests are encouraged to register in advance here, starting April 15. Guests who purchase a family membership during the event will receive a choice between a bluebird house kit or a copy of “The Beloved and Charismatic Bluebird.”
Included in admission; free for members.

Cancelled: Spring Homeschool Day
2020-04-14 09:30 - 22:30
Spring Homeschool Day has been cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns.
If you have already purchased Spring Homeschool Day tickets, your tickets will be moved to Fall Homeschool Day on September 8, 2020. If you would prefer a refund instead, please email rellawrence@hersheygardens.org.
We thank you for your understanding.

Cancelled: Easter Sunrise Service
2020-04-12 06:30 - 08:00
Regrettably, the Easter Sunrise Service is cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns. We look forward to seeing you at next year's service.

Photography Exhibit: West Shore Photography Club
2020-03-31 09:00 - 15:00
Potpourri; a Collection of Favorite Images from the Members of the West Shore Photography Club
Enjoy photographs provided by members of the West Shore Photography Club. The exhibit will be on display in the Educational & Horticultural Wing.
Included in admission; free for members.

Family Winter Walk
2020-02-22 10:30 - 11:15
Join us for a 45-minute interactive guided winter walk the whole family will enjoy!
Included with admission; members are free.
Weather Permitting
