Spring Homeschool Day

Spring Homeschool Day: Spring into Birding
Tuesday, April 15 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Hershey Gardens is home to migratory and resident birds! Discover what makes a great habitat, learn about their amazing adaptations and conservation efforts to protect our backyard and birds of prey. Program is appropriate for grades K-12.
Special Guests: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Quittapahilla Audubon Society, PA Game Commission “Bird Banding Conservation in our Local Community” with ZooAmerica with Katie Hess, Curator, Animal Care Education Center Classroom

Scheduled Presentations:
10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.: Birds of Prey* with Hawk Mountain Sanctuary,
in the Educational and Horticultural Wing
*Due to statewide concerns of the highly pathogenic avian influenza, there is a possibility that they may not bring live birds.

$11 per student, $13 per adult; includes admission to Hershey Gardens and the Butterfly Atrium 
Free for ages 2 and under

Registration required here. Registration closes on April 13 at 11:59 p.m.

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

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Save the Date! Fall Homeschool Day

Fall Homeschool Day: Green Careers
Tuesday, September 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Gain insights into outdoor careers, from horticulture to conservation and sustainability. Explore the garden as we highlight our careers at Hershey Gardens and welcome special guests from the industry.

$11 per student, $13 per adult; includes admission to Hershey Gardens and the Butterfly Atrium

Registration required starting August 1; closes on September 28.

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Looking for more Homeschool Opportunities?
Visit HersheyStory.org!

Homeschool Programs

Hershey Gardens is proud to offer programs to homeschool groups of 15 or more students from approximately the same grade level. Program options are below.

Green Thumbs

Year-Round
Preschool to Grade 3
Students will cultivate their own green thumbs as they explore the importance of living plants. Planting a seed to take home, tending to our garden and examining plants up-close are some of the activities students will enjoy. This trip will also include a visit to the Butterfly Atrium and Educational & Horticultural Wing.

Amazing Butterflies

Year-round
Preschool to Grade 3
The highlight of this popular program is a tour of the Butterfly Atrium, featuring both native and tropical butterflies from around the world. Students will also learn about many of the unique characteristics of the butterfly in the Educational & Horticultural Wing.

Tree Walk Adventure

Mid-September to Mid-October
Grades 4 to 12
Students will enjoy a guided walk through Hershey Gardens to identify trees native to the Eastern United States, learn interesting facts about trees and see the conifer collection as they walk through the Arboretum.

Guided Garden Tour

Mid-April through November
Middle and High School
Enjoy a professionally guided tour of Hershey Gardens. Students will explore 23 acres and a variety of theme gardens. Tour lasts approximately 1 hour.

Self-Guided Tour

Mid-April through November
All Grades
Enjoy all the beauty and history of Hershey Gardens on your own time and at your own pace. A chaperone led Garden Quest will be provided.

Program Information

Programs and activity sessions are offered Monday through Friday on a first-come, first-served basis. Programs generally start at 10 a.m. Earlier start times are available. Guided programs last approximately 1 hour. All programs include materials for a self-guided discovery walk through Hershey Gardens.

Fees: (minimum of 15 students or equivalent value)

  • $11 per student
  • 1 free adult with every 5 students
  • $13 per additional adult

Fees include your choice of one guided program, one self-guided quest and admission to the Gardens for the day. School programs provide a service beyond regular Garden admissions. Therefore, no discounts, passes or memberships are accepted for this program. Space available for packed lunches. Please include lunch request with reservation.

To schedule your School program, please click the button below and fill out our reservation form.

Field Trip Reservation Form