Hershey Gardens

Intro to Forest Bathing
2025-09-27 09:15 - 11:15 (America/New_York)
Intro to Forest Bathing with ANFT Forest Therapy Guide Lauren Berg
Saturday, September 27 and Saturday, October 11 from 9:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
$30 for members, $35 non members
Forest bathing is a guided experience that invites participants to slow down, engage their senses, and cultivate a deeper connection with the natural world. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, forest bathing has been shown to reduce stress, boost immune function,and enhance overall well-being.
During the walk, your guide will offer embodiment-focused “invitations,” which participants can use as a guideline, recognizing that each individual has a unique path to follow. Invitations are followed by a time to gather, listen and share, during which all expressions are welcome. The walk will end with a light tea tasting.
The walk will include changes in grade and walking surfaces as you may go off the main paved path and onto wood carpet or grass. Shoes with good tread are recommended. As this walk will be held outdoors, please dress for weather conditions and bring a water bottle. Rain or shine.
Online registration required here.
(5 minimum attendance, 25 maximum attendance)
Lauren Berg bio: Lauren Berg has spent over 12 years helping people connect with the outdoors, from facilitating ropes courses and guiding backpacking trips, to leading forest bathing walks as a Certified Forest Therapy Guide. Whether hiking in the mountains or savoring a quiet moment with coffee and birdsong, Lauren believes nature offers a space for reflection, restoration, and growth. Through gentle, sensory-based invitations, forest bathing participants are invited to slow down, engage their senses, and experience the healing benefits of time in nature.

Bonsai Exhibit by Susquehanna Bonsai Club
2025-09-27 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-26 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-25 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-24 09:00 - 17:00
September 24 through October 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Marvel at a variety of bonsai specimens from the premiere bonsai club of the Susquehanna Valley. Exhibit on display in the Hoop House.
Included in admission, free for members.

Hershey Gardens Member Reception
2025-09-25 16:30 - 18:00
NEW DATE! Members, look for your invitation in the mail!

Guided Walk
2025-09-20 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-09-06 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-08-30 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-08-23 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-08-16 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-08-09 10:00 - 11:00
Join Dr. Ray Barbehenn, a biologist with an expertise in plant ecology, for an hour-long adventure through the gardens as you learn about plants and trees throughout the seasons. Bring your curiosity!
Included with admission, free for members.

Bug-O-Rama
2025-09-07 10:00 - 15:00
Get buggy with the PA Woodmobile and learn about invasive insects that live in the Pennsylvania woodlands and participate in a variety of fun bug activities with Penn State Entomology, Ryan the Bug Man and PA Bat Rescue, among others. Plus, enjoy Sarah’s Creamery (additional fee).
Included in admission, free for members.

Special Guests:

PA Woodmobile, a 34′ exhibit about the lumber industry and the invasive insects and diseases that threaten PA’s forests
York County 4H Entomological Club: meet local youth with passion for insect collecting and observation
PA Public Health Vector Born Disease Team: learn about mosquitos and ticks and take a photo with the TickMan!
ZooAmerica, Regal Frittilary Butterfly conservation project (10 a.m. – 1 p.m. only)

Live insect collections:

Ryan the BugMan
Penn State University Entomological Club
Keys to Bees with an observational honeybee hive
Hershey Gardens’ Zoology Zone Interactive Cart
Hershey Gardens’ staff collections: Randy Swank, Joe Talarigo, Clara Hardick

Family Activities:
Observational insect drawing
Camouflaged beetle craft
Make a bug lifecycle
Play “Insect or Not?” game
Try the bug obstacle course!

Chimaera Face & Body Art (face painting) additional fee
Sarah’s Creamery (ice cream) additional fee

Brownie Scout “Bugs” Badge Requirement Workshop
2025-09-07 10:00 - 12:00
Complete badge requirements during “Bug-O-Rama” at Hershey Gardens. At least one adult is required to register and accompany each troop, or individual Scout.
$15 per Scout; $13 per Scout leader
Registration is required here.
Registration includes admission to Hershey Gardens and the Butterfly Atrium for the day. Please note that general admission tickets are required for accompanying family members.

Hershey Area Art Association Show & Sale
2025-08-31 09:00 - 18:00, 2025-08-30 09:00 - 18:00, 2025-08-29 09:00 - 18:00
Enjoy fabulous works of art at the “Blooming Art” display in the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory.
Included in admission, free for members.

Music in the Gardens
2025-08-21 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for three evenings of beautiful music in the Gardens! Guests are invited to bring their own beverages and snacks, as well as chairs or a blanket. (No umbrella/tents please.) The Butterfly Atrium will be closed. Regular admission rates apply; free for members. This is a rain or shine event, and will only be rescheduled or cancelled for thunderstorms.
Thursday, June 26 from 6 – 8 p.m. featuring Generations Big Band

Thursday, July 17 from 6 – 8 p.m. featuring Rhythmic Groove featuring Rose Hudson

Thursday, August 21 from 6 – 8 p.m. with the Anthony Haubert Quartet featuring Mikayla Shirley
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Sponsors:
Robert Ackerman | Robert & Linda Pugliese | Dr. Thomas Davis

Zoology Zone Interactive Cart
2025-08-14 09:30 - 11:30, 2025-08-13 09:30 - 11:30, 2025-08-12 09:30 - 11:30, 2025-08-11 09:30 - 11:30, 2025-08-07 09:30 - 11:30, 2025-08-06 09:30 - 11:30, 2025-08-05 09:30 - 11:30, 2025-08-04 09:30 - 11:30 and 1 more date
Monday through Thursdays, June 23 through August 14 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Come meet some new “friends” at the Zoology Zone Interactive Cart! The cart will be stationed in the Conservatory and will feature several small animals and arthropods, along with deceased butterfly specimens that guests can touch and feel. Staffed by Hershey Gardens Volunteens.
Included in admission; free for members.

CANCELLED: Garden Tastings in the Hoop House
2025-08-06 10:00 - 11:45
NOTE: THESE EVENTS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Wednesdays, June 25, July 9, July 23 and August 6 from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Marvelous Mondays
2025-08-04 10:00 - 12:00
July 7, 14, 21, 28 and August 4 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Mondays are marvelous in The Children’s Garden! Join us for kids’ crafts led by Volunteens, and explore weekly themes about Pennsylvania native animals and plants, birds, exploring the outdoors, gardening, and teen initiatives in the green industry. Come back each week to discover new activities and greet special guests. Additional guests may be added!
Included in admission, free for members.
Themes:
July 7: Pennsylvania Natives with ZooAmerica and the Pennsylvania Game Commission
July 14: Birds with Quittapahilla Audubon Society and the Pennsylvania Game Commission
July 21: Get Outdoors
July 28: Gardening with Penn State Master Gardeners and Commonwealth Charter Academy AgWorks Mobile Unit
August 4: Youth Scientist Day with the Governor’s Youth Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation

Gretna Theatre Summer Kids Series
2025-08-03 13:00 - 16:00
Gretna Theatre Summer Kids Series: Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
Sunday, August 3 at 1 and 3 p.m.

Performances held under the tent in the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory.
Included in admission, free for members.
