Hershey Gardens

Guided Garden Walk
2019-12-06 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
Take a one-hour guided walking tour of the Gardens to experience the full beauty of the season!
Led by Dr. Ray Barbehenn, a biologist with expertise in plant ecology.
Included in admission, free for members.

CLOSED
2019-11-28 09:00 - 15:00
Hershey Gardens is closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Free for veterans and active duty military
2019-11-11 09:00 - 09:30
In gratitude for their service, all veterans and active duty military will receive free admission to Hershey Gardens on Monday, November 11, in celebration of Veterans Day. Their families will receive $3 off admission.

Teacher Appreciation Day
2019-11-09 09:00 - 15:00
Teacher Appreciation Day: We’re Nuts About You!
Saturday, November 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Teachers are invited to enjoy Hershey Gardens all day—for free!
Join us for a guided walking tour of the nut grove and arboretum at 10 a.m. or noon! Participants can sip warm, mulled cider while taking their time to observe how our woodland floor, leaf canopy and scent of autumn enhance the experience of the season. Plus, teachers will have the opportunity to win a free individual membership to Hershey Gardens and complimentary tickets to the Hershey Story! Please present proof of teaching.

Caring for Houseplants
2019-09-27 10:00 - 11:00, 2019-09-22 10:00 - 11:00
Ask the Horticulturist: Caring for Houseplants
Sunday, Sept. 22 and Friday, Sept. 27 from 10 – 11 a.m.
Have questions about houseplants or succlents? Sadie Smith, manager of Conservatory habitats, will be available to answer your questions on Sunday, September 22 from 10 -11 a.m.
Sadie will be showcasing popular houseplants and some of the sprays and fertilizers used to care for the plants in the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory.

Member Reception
2019-09-26 14:30 - 16:00
Members, look for your invitation in the mail!

Fall Homeschool Day
2019-09-17 09:30 - 22:30
Fall Homeschool Day: Trees
For Kindergarten Through 8th Grade
Tuesday, September 17
from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

(Families should arrive by 10:30 a.m. to ensure they have
sufficient time to participate in all activities.)
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Learning Stations (9:30 to 12:30):
Engage in a variety of activities, including games and a craft table. All grades.
Arboretum Scavenger Hunt (9:30 to 12:30):
Explore the Arboretum with a kid-friendly scavenger hunt. All grades.
How Old Am I? (10:00, 11:00, & 12:00):
Estimate the age of trees using your math skills. Cutting not necessary! Upper elementary and middle school grades.
Tree Identification Presentation (10:00 & 11:00):
Learn some basic approaches to identifying trees with Horticulturalist Specialist Alyssa Hagarman. All ages.
Whooooo Are the Owls? By ZooAmerica (10:30 & 11:30):
Learn about owls and their interesting adaptations. All ages.
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$8 per student, $9 per adult
Pre-registration and ticket purchased is required before September 16 at noon.
BUY TICKETS

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

Bug-O-Rama
2019-09-08 10:00 - 13:00
See amazing insects from around the world! Gardens staff and visiting experts will be showcasing live insects and displays of incredible bugs at Hershey Gardens. Kids can watch bees building comb and making honey in an observation beehive, hold a giant roach, get a close-up view of a giant scorpion, and learn from insect experts. Included in admission; members are free.
Activities:
11 a.m. – Puppet Show, Amphitheater in The Children’s Garden
12 p.m. – “Pollinators: Not Just Butterflies & Bees.” presentation & book signing by co-author Denise Anthes, in the Education Center in The Children’s Garden
1 p.m. – "Miss Maggie Sings" presents “Backyard Bugs!”, in the Amphitheater in The Children’s Garden
2:30 p.m. – "Catch the Reading Bug" story time presented by Hershey Public Library, in the Amphitheater in The Children’s Garden
Ongoing activities, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.:

Children can get an insect face painting or glitter tattoo; $5 per design (cash only).
Live insect presentations/discussions
2019 Pennsylvania Honey Queen Kaitlyn Stauffer
Bug craft stations
Activities/games

Gretna Theatre presents "Pinocchio"
2019-08-03 12:00 - 14:00
Enjoy the beloved tale of “Pinocchio” as performed by Gretna Theatre in The Children’s Garden Amphitheater!
When the woodworker Geppetto sees a falling star, he wishes that the puppet he just finished, Pinocchio, could become a real boy. The Blue Fairy in the night grants Geppetto's wish and asks Jiminy Cricket to serve as the wooden boy's conscience. But the naive and trusting Pinocchio falls into the clutches of the wicked Honest John, who leads him astray to Pleasure Island. Pinocchio's journey to become a real boy will resonate with children of all ages.
Showtimes are at 2 and 4 p.m. and are included with general admission ticket purchase. In the event of inclement weather, the performances will be held under the tent in the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory.

Adult Education: Butterfly Wing Jewelry
2019-07-28 11:00 - 12:00
Vibrant colors. Natural forms. Brilliant butterflies. Each participant in this jewelry making class will create a stunning pendant necklace or keychain by choosing a portion of a butterfly wing from the colorful specimens provided. The pendant is made using a two-sided stainless steel memory locket, two butterfly wings (various species) and some jewelry adhesive—a very simple technique with stunning results. Complete your design with either a stainless steel chain for a necklace or a large split ring for a keychain. Enjoy the Butterfly Atrium and a walk through the Gardens during peak season before or after the class.
Non-Members: $45, Members: $40. Advance registration is required here.
Registration closes on July 26.

Big Band & Blooms
2019-07-26 16:30 - 18:30
Get out your dancin' shoes,the Hershey Symphony Big Band is "bringing the swing" to Hershey Gardens!
Friday, July 26 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Join us for this unique outdoor concert! Bring your favorite snacks and beverages, as well as a blanket or chairs for an evening of beautiful roses and cool jazz. Food trucks available.
All proceeds benefit Hershey Symphony and Share the Gardens scholarship fund. This is a rain or shine event.
Hershey Gardens members and event sponsors may enter as early as 5:30 p.m. (No chairs/blankets may be set up prior to 5:30 p.m.) Other guests may enter at 6:15 p.m.
$18 per person | $15 for members | $20 at the door
$500 sponsorship includes 20 tickets

Special Thanks to our Sponsors:
Dr. Tom Davis
Kreider Associates
Robert & Carol Ackerman
Robert & Linda Pugliese

Adult Education: Wine Glass Floral Arrangement
2019-06-27 06:30 - 18:00
Explore the Gardens after-hours and make these fun and fanciful mini flower arrangements. This design features roses accented with an assortment of filler flowers, greens and glass vase-filler gems (colors and filler varieties may vary from the pictured arrangement). With proper selection and placement of just a few flowers, fillers and strategic accents, it’s amazing the big impact this little arrangement can have. Learn to gauge size relationships between individual flowers, accent materials and a wine glass “vase” to create a conversation piece to enhance your next dinner party or wine tasting get-together. BYOB.
Non-Members: $50, Members: $45. Advance registration is required here.

Hershey Horticulture Society Flower Show
2019-06-20 11:00 - 16:00
Hershey Horticulture Society (HHS) presents 'Hersheypark Happy', a flower show. HHS members will showcase their horticulture and design talents using specimens from their own gardens. The show will be judged by accredited flower show judges from the National Garden Club.

Admission to the show only is free and open to the public; ticket purchase is required for admission to Hershey Gardens and the Butterfly Atrium; free for members.

Free admission for Dads!
2019-06-16 09:00 - 16:00
Free admission for dads on Father's Day! Bring dad to enjoy the roses in full bloom, the indoor Butterfly Atrium, the Children's Garden, and more!

Junior Scout "Flowers Naturalist" Badge Workshop
2019-06-08 09:30 - 11:30
Junior scouts will dig up flower facts when earning this naturalist badge. Activities include going on a flower hunt, dyeing flowers, investigating the benefit of plants and creating a floral arrangement.
Workshop is $12 per scout (badge included) and $12 per accompanying adults. Program includes admission to the Gardens and Butterfly Atrium for the day.
Advanced registration is required – please register here. Registration closes on June 5.

Susquehanna Iris Society Display
2019-05-25 09:00 - 15:00
Enjoy the showy flowers of the Iris in this display provided by the Susquehanna Iris Society. Included in admission; free for members.

National Public Gardens Day
2019-05-10 09:00 - 15:00
Celebrate National Public Gardens Day at Hershey Gardens! Enjoy the 23 gorgeous acres, as well as the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory and indoor Butterfly Atrium – at half off!
Simply print or show this voucher at admissions (on Friday, May 10, 2019 only) to save half off all admissions.

Daisy Scout Workshop: Tula Petal
2019-04-28 12:00 - 12:30
Daisy scouts will earn their ‘Tula’ petal by learning how to be courageous and strong. Activities include art projects around the theme of courage and planting a seed to take home.
Workshop is $12 per scout (fun patch included) and $12 per accompanying adults. Program includes admission to the Gardens and Butterfly Atrium for the day.
Registration has closed for this event, however girl scout troops are always welcome to visit the Gardens and participate in the Scouting for Nature Scavenger Hunt!

Spring Homeschool Day
2019-04-23 09:30 - 22:30
Homeschool Day: Celebrating Biodiversity
For Kindergarten Through Grade 8
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
9:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
Families are encouraged to arrive by 10:30 a.m. to ensure sufficient time to participate in all programs.
Activities will include:
Exploration (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.): Explore biodiversity and the environment in the Educational & Horticultural Wing. Students can complete a craft and visit numerous learning stations. (Appropriate for Elementary Students)
Biodiversity of Bees (10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., & 12:00 p.m.): Most of us recognize the honey bee and the bumblebee, yet bees are quite diverse, with some 400 species native to Pennsylvania. Come hear about this diversity and its positive impact on our environment. (Appropriate for Elementary and Middle School Students)
Biodiversity and Animals by ZooAmerica (10:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.): How do animals contribute to a diverse and balanced environment? Come learn from a ZooAmerica expert, along with some of their animal friends. (Appropriate for Elementary and Middle School Students)
Cost: $8 per student. $9 per adult Tickets available here. Registration closes on April 21.
(Homeschool Day admission also includes entrance into the Butterfly Atrium and Hershey Gardens.)
Homeschool Day provides a service beyond regular Gardens admission. Therefore, no discounts, passes, or memberships are accepted.
Program will be held rain or shine.
Picnic tables (outdoor) are available for packed lunches.

Easter Sunrise Service
2019-04-21 06:30 - 08:00
A Hershey Gardens tradition that began in 1947, the community is invited to join the Hershey Ministerium for this non-denominational service. No admission fee prior to 8 a.m.

Gardenfest: Free Community Day
2019-03-31 09:00 - 15:00
Hershey Gardens is proud to offer free admission on Sunday, March 31 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Guests are invited to enjoy the 23 acres, the MIlton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory and the indoor Butterfly Atrium.
Plus, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., enjoy presentations from local gardening and horticultural organizations.
Please note: the Butterfly Atrium has a capacity limit of 240 guests per hour.

“Identification and Management of the New Invasive Insect, Spotted Lanternfly,” Presented by Manada Conservancy
2019-02-21 07:00 - 08:00
Manada Conservancy Presents “Identification and Management of the New Invasive Insect, the Spotted Lanternfly”

Join us for this free presentation to discuss the new invasive insect in PA, the spotted lanternfly.
Heather Leach, the spotted lanternfly extension associate at Penn State, will talk about the impact of the spotted lanternfly across Pennsylvania, including homeowners, the green industry and grape growers. She will provide an overview of how to prepare for spotted lanternfly and the research happening at Penn State to control this insect.
This program is free and open to the public. Please register by contacting the Manada Conservancy office at office@manada.org or 717-566-4122.

Guided Bird Tour
2019-02-17 11:00 - 12:00
Join local birder and Lancaster County Bird Club board member Ted Nichols for a walk through the gardens as part of the 2019 Great Backyard Bird Count. This one-hour walk will introduce participants to a variety of birds and the tally of birds spotted will be submitted to contribute to this annual global “citizen science” research project. Bring a pair of binoculars to participate! Included in admission; free for members.

Guided Bird Tour
2019-02-16 10:00 - 11:00
Join a member of the Quittapahilla Audobon Society for a guided bird tour as part of the 2019 Great Backyard Bird Count. Don't forget a pair of binoculars! Included in admission; free for members.

Photography Exhibit Presented by Members of the West Shore Photography Club
2019-02-08 09:00 - 2019-02-21 15:00
“Landscapes, Seascapes, Cityscapes”: A Photography Exhibit Presented by Members of the West Shore Photography Club
Friday February 8 – Thursday, February 21
Take a trip around the world through photographs provided by members of the West Shore Photography Club in a photography exhibit exploring the theme of Landscapes, Seascapes, Cityscapes. Exhibit will be on display in the Educational & Horticultural Wing.
Included in admission; free for members.

Member-Only Preview: Orchid Show & Sale
2019-01-31 12:00 - 15:00
Member-Only Preview: Thursday, January 31 from 2 to 5 p.m.
The Orchid Show, Hosted by the Susquehanna Orchid Society
Friday, February 1 through Sunday, February 3 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Returning for the third year, the Susquehanna Orchid Society presents the 34th annual orchid show and sale in the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory.
More than 1,000 orchids representing dozens of orchid varieties will be on display including rare species and unique hybrids. Orchid societies from Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware participate in the annual exhibit. In addition, vendors will have orchids for sale and showy displays that will be judged onsite and presented with awards.
Included in admission; members are free.

Gardens is closed
2018-12-25 09:00 - 15:00
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Gardens closes at 3 p.m.
2018-12-24 13:00 - 15:00

Gardens is closed for Thanksgiving holiday
2018-11-22 09:00 - 15:00
