National Public Gardens Day
2019-05-10 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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

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.

Caring for Houseplants
2019-09-22 10:00 - 11:00, 2019-09-27 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!

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.

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.

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

Guided Garden Walk
2019-12-06 10:00 - 11:00
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.

Winter Wreath Making
2019-12-08 11:00 - 15:00
Winter Wreath Making
Sunday, December 8 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
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 24” wreath for their door or table. All supplies and materials are provided.
Led by Jody Davey, Hershey Gardens Horticulturist
Members: $55; Non-members: $65
Advance registration required here.

CLOSED
2019-12-25 09:00 - 15:00
Hershey Gardens is closed for the Christmas holiday.

Member Preview: Orchid Show & Sale
2020-01-30 12:00 - 15:00
Orchid Show & Sale
hosted by the Susquehanna Orchid Society

Friday, January 31 to Sunday, February 2
from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Member-Only Preview:
Thursday, January 30 from 2 to 5 p.m.
The Susquehanna Orchid Society presents the 36th annual orchid show and sale in the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory. More than 1,000 orchids representing dozens of varieties will be on display, including rare species and unique hybrids. In addition, vendors will have orchids for sale; various orchid societies will have showy displays that will be judged onsite and presented with awards. Included in admission; members are free.

The Union Canal: Preserving a Piece of the Past
2020-02-11 07:00 - 08:00
Manada Conservancy presents:
The Union Canal: Preserving a Piece of the Past
at the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory at Hershey Gardens

The Union Canal and the Swatara Creek watershed are linked in a history often forgotten in today’s modern world. The canal was an engineering marvel of its time, and you can still find remnants of it along the Swatara Creek. In this presentation, canal tour guide Ed Martel will take us back in time for a glimpse into how nature helped shape Pennsylvania’s economy.
Manada Conservancy’s Executive Director, Jen Dunlap, will then provide a brief update on current creek-side conservation efforts through the Swatara Greenway Stewardship program.
This program is free and open to the public. Please register by contacting Manada Conservancy at office@manada.org or 717.566.4122.

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

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.

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.
