Hershey Children’s Garden
Help your child disconnect from technology and discover the wonders of nature.
Array
(
[results] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[date] => 20250603
[start] => 10:00 am
[opens_at] => 10:00 am
[end] => 5:00 pm
[closes_at] => 5:00 pm
[start_full] => Tue., Jun. 3, 2025, 10:00 am
[end_full] => Tue., Jun. 3, 2025, 5:00 pm
[start_ts] => 1748944800
[end_ts] => 1748970000
[start_ymd] => 2025-06-03 10:00:00
[end_ymd] => 2025-06-03 05:00:00
[text] => Open today: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
[cost_included] => 1
[cost] =>
[disable_waitlist] =>
[save_the_date] =>
[msg] =>
[sched_level] =>
[status] => open
[sold_out] =>
)
[1] => Array
(
[date] => 20250604
[start] => 10:00 am
[opens_at] => 10:00 am
[end] => 5:00 pm
[closes_at] => 5:00 pm
[start_full] => Wed., Jun. 4, 2025, 10:00 am
[end_full] => Wed., Jun. 4, 2025, 5:00 pm
[start_ts] => 1749031200
[end_ts] => 1749056400
[start_ymd] => 2025-06-04 10:00:00
[end_ymd] => 2025-06-04 05:00:00
[text] => Open today: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
[cost_included] => 1
[cost] =>
[disable_waitlist] =>
[save_the_date] =>
[msg] =>
[sched_level] =>
[status] => open
[sold_out] =>
)
[2] => Array
(
[date] => 20250605
[start] => 10:00 am
[opens_at] => 10:00 am
[end] => 8:30 pm
[closes_at] => 8:30 pm
[start_full] => Thu., Jun. 5, 2025, 10:00 am
[end_full] => Thu., Jun. 5, 2025, 8:30 pm
[start_ts] => 1749117600
[end_ts] => 1749155400
[start_ymd] => 2025-06-05 10:00:00
[end_ymd] => 2025-06-05 08:30:00
[text] => Open today: 10:00 am - 8:30 pm
[cost_included] => 1
[cost] =>
[disable_waitlist] =>
[save_the_date] =>
[msg] =>
[sched_level] =>
[status] => open
[sold_out] =>
)
[3] => Array
(
[date] => 20250606
[start] => 10:00 am
[opens_at] => 10:00 am
[end] => 5:00 pm
[closes_at] => 5:00 pm
[start_full] => Fri., Jun. 6, 2025, 10:00 am
[end_full] => Fri., Jun. 6, 2025, 5:00 pm
[start_ts] => 1749204000
[end_ts] => 1749229200
[start_ymd] => 2025-06-06 10:00:00
[end_ymd] => 2025-06-06 05:00:00
[text] => Open today: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
[cost_included] => 1
[cost] =>
[disable_waitlist] =>
[save_the_date] =>
[msg] =>
[sched_level] =>
[status] => open
[sold_out] =>
)
[4] => Array
(
[date] => 20250607
[start] => 10:00 am
[opens_at] => 10:00 am
[end] => 5:00 pm
[closes_at] => 5:00 pm
[start_full] => Sat., Jun. 7, 2025, 10:00 am
[end_full] => Sat., Jun. 7, 2025, 5:00 pm
[start_ts] => 1749290400
[end_ts] => 1749315600
[start_ymd] => 2025-06-07 10:00:00
[end_ymd] => 2025-06-07 05:00:00
[text] => Open today: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
[cost_included] => 1
[cost] =>
[disable_waitlist] =>
[save_the_date] =>
[msg] =>
[sched_level] =>
[status] => open
[sold_out] =>
)
[5] => Array
(
[date] => 20250608
[start] => 12:00 pm
[opens_at] => 12:00 pm
[end] => 5:00 pm
[closes_at] => 5:00 pm
[start_full] => Sun., Jun. 8, 2025, 12:00 pm
[end_full] => Sun., Jun. 8, 2025, 5:00 pm
[start_ts] => 1749384000
[end_ts] => 1749402000
[start_ymd] => 2025-06-08 12:00:00
[end_ymd] => 2025-06-08 05:00:00
[text] => Open today: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
[cost_included] => 1
[cost] =>
[disable_waitlist] =>
[save_the_date] =>
[msg] =>
[sched_level] =>
[status] => open
[sold_out] =>
)
[6] => Array
(
[date] => 20250609
[start] => 12:00 am
[opens_at] => 00:00:00
[end] => 11:59 pm
[closes_at] => 23:59:59
[start_full] => Mon., Jun. 9, 2025
[end_full] => Mon., Jun. 9, 2025
[start_ts] => 1749427200
[end_ts] => 1749513599
[start_ymd] => 2025-06-09
[end_ymd] => 2025-06-09
[text] => Closed today
[cost_included] => 1
[cost] =>
[disable_waitlist] =>
[save_the_date] =>
[msg] =>
[sched_level] =>
[status] => closed
[sold_out] =>
)
[7] => Array
(
[date] => 20250610
[start] => 10:00 am
[opens_at] => 10:00 am
[end] => 5:00 pm
[closes_at] => 5:00 pm
[start_full] => Tue., Jun. 10, 2025, 10:00 am
[end_full] => Tue., Jun. 10, 2025, 5:00 pm
[start_ts] => 1749549600
[end_ts] => 1749574800
[start_ymd] => 2025-06-10 10:00:00
[end_ymd] => 2025-06-10 05:00:00
[text] => Open today: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
[cost_included] => 1
[cost] =>
[disable_waitlist] =>
[save_the_date] =>
[msg] =>
[sched_level] =>
[status] => open
[sold_out] =>
)
[8] => Array
(
[date] => 20250611
[start] => 10:00 am
[opens_at] => 10:00 am
[end] => 5:00 pm
[closes_at] => 5:00 pm
[start_full] => Wed., Jun. 11, 2025, 10:00 am
[end_full] => Wed., Jun. 11, 2025, 5:00 pm
[start_ts] => 1749636000
[end_ts] => 1749661200
[start_ymd] => 2025-06-11 10:00:00
[end_ymd] => 2025-06-11 05:00:00
[text] => Open today: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
[cost_included] => 1
[cost] =>
[disable_waitlist] =>
[save_the_date] =>
[msg] =>
[sched_level] =>
[status] => open
[sold_out] =>
)
[9] => Array
(
[date] => 20250612
[start] => 10:00 am
[opens_at] => 10:00 am
[end] => 8:30 pm
[closes_at] => 8:30 pm
[start_full] => Thu., Jun. 12, 2025, 10:00 am
[end_full] => Thu., Jun. 12, 2025, 8:30 pm
[start_ts] => 1749722400
[end_ts] => 1749760200
[start_ymd] => 2025-06-12 10:00:00
[end_ymd] => 2025-06-12 08:30:00
[text] => Open today: 10:00 am - 8:30 pm
[cost_included] => 1
[cost] =>
[disable_waitlist] =>
[save_the_date] =>
[msg] =>
[sched_level] =>
[status] => open
[sold_out] =>
)
)
[total] => 14
[type] => campus
[next] => Array
(
[date] => 20250603
[start] => 10:00 am
[opens_at] => 10:00 am
[end] => 5:00 pm
[closes_at] => 5:00 pm
[start_full] => Tue., Jun. 3, 2025, 10:00 am
[end_full] => Tue., Jun. 3, 2025, 5:00 pm
[start_ts] => 1748944800
[end_ts] => 1748970000
[start_ymd] => 2025-06-03 10:00:00
[end_ymd] => 2025-06-03 05:00:00
[text] => Open today: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
[cost_included] => 1
[cost] =>
[disable_waitlist] =>
[save_the_date] =>
[msg] =>
[sched_level] =>
[status] => open
[sold_out] =>
)
[summaries] => Array
(
[ticket_link] =>
[date_summary_text] => Tue., Jun. 3 - Mon., Jun. 16
[date_summary] => Array
(
[is_sequential] => 1
[start_range] => 20250603 10:00
[start_range_day] => 20250603
[end_range] => 20250616 12:00
[end_range_day] => 20250616
[summary_text] =>
)
[is_cost_included] => yes
[is_sold_out] => no
[is_save_the_date] => no
)
[has_additional] =>
)
Children can become immersed in hands-on activities like:
- Searching for fish, frogs and turtles in the pond
- Learning about veggie and herb gardens
- Exploring and playing in nature’s playground
- Creating in our sandbox
- Learning how to care for plants with our water pump
The Hershey Children’s Garden was one of the first of its kind in the country when it opened in 1999, and it still serves as a model for children’s gardens around the world.
Children’s Garden Updates
Our new hive maze is now open near the live bee hives, come and enjoy!
The fountain and the water pumps are currently turned off. We plan to reopen these super fun water features very soon.
Parents: Please leave nets at home and make sure your kids handle animals safely when you visit. Thank you!
For your safety:
- We may limit the number of visitors inside this garden at one time
- Parents assume the risk associated with touching play surfaces and children congregating
- Adults are responsible to actively supervise children in their care
Things to Discover
Goldenrod & Ironweed | Here are our two quintessential autumnal Ohio wildflowers. Although they aren’t the tamest of garden guests, at the back of a sunny pollinator plot, they are worth inviting to the party. There are also some sport-jacket and khakis cultivars that won’t frighten your more civilized garden |
more
Here are our two quintessential autumnal Ohio wildflowers. Although they aren’t the tamest of garden guests, at the back of a sunny pollinator plot, they are worth inviting to the party. There are also some sport-jacket and khakis cultivars that won’t frighten your more civilized garden guests.
CUP FLOWER (Silphium perfoliatum) | Their sunflower-like blooms and forthcoming seeds drive bees and birds crazy, and their clasping cup-like leaf bases capture rainwater for the thirsty critters. A patch of cup flowers are perfect kid plants: bright, big, buzzing with animal life, and great to hide in!
Anemones | “Anenome” derives from the Greek anemos for “wind.” And that’s apt because these yardstick-tall flowers borne on wiry stems gracefully dance into the slightest wind. And if you know them as “Japanese anemones” they are in truth from Hupeh province in China but naturalized and |
more
“Anenome” derives from the Greek anemos for “wind.” And that’s apt because these yardstick-tall flowers borne on wiry stems gracefully dance into the slightest wind. And if you know them as “Japanese anemones” they are in truth from Hupeh province in China but naturalized and cherished in Japan.
Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) | I’m holding the camera above my head and this Midwest prairie native is still lookin’ down at me. Not many trees, but otherwise it’s still a height race for all prairie grasses and herb.
Here’s more to explore at Cleveland Botanical Garden
Return of the Butterflies
Enter the Costa Rica biome and be transported into a world of native butterflies! A fan favorite returns: Holden Forests & Gardens presents Return of the Butterflies at the Cleveland Botanical Garden... more
Restorative Garden
This garden abounds with flowers, trees, and shrubs that will offer a soothing respite from the everyday. Large trees like chestnut oak and magnolia provide a soothing sense of enclosure.... more
Costa Rica Glasshouse
Our towering trees, ever-blooming shrubs, and rich vegetation offer a lovely, tropical retreat. In this area, bromeliads, delicate orchids, and lush vines cling to every surface. Our avocado, coffee, papaya,... more
Artwork on Display
Our galleries are home to seasonally-rotating local artists and their nature-inspired works. more
Madagascar Glasshouse
We’re home to a world-class collection of exotic plants and animals, including iconic “upside-down” trees. Madagascar’s plants are among the most unique on Earth, and we’re proud to display a... more
Japanese Garden
Combine a love of nature and a sense of culture with this gem. Walk among a classic composition of rocks, clipped evergreen azaleas, and weathered beach stones and savor the... more
Topiary Garden
In every season, living evergreen and deciduous plant sculptures transport you to another world where anything goes—as long as it’s unexpected. This garden was designed in 2002 by architect and... more
Geis Terrace
Host all your get-togethers and garden parties on the welcoming Geis Terrace. It’s the perfect spot for an al fresco lunch with family or happy hour with friends. Seasonal plantings... more
Between Water and Stone
Help us celebrate 50 years of beauty and tranquility! May 24 – September 1 Programs | History | Support Our beloved Japanese Garden is turning 50! Discover the timeless harmony... more
