Gretna Theatre presents "Pinocchio"
2019-08-03 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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