Hershey Children's Garden
Help your whole family flourish.
Help your child disconnect from technology and discover the wonders of nature. As they explore plant and animal life, they’ll have a new appreciation for the environment.
They can become immersed in hands-on activities like:
- Observing honeybees in their hive
- 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.
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September is welcoming back three of our most missed drop-in programs at the Hershey Children’s Garden; pot-a-seed, storytime and fun with box turtles. All programs are weather permitting.
Can you spot a gardener wearing a yellow vest with a picture of the sun on the front? If so, go up to them and ask if you can pot a seed (seed care instructions are included). Every Tuesday-Saturday, with a mystery time schedule.
Storytime is returning to the base of HCG treehouse on Tuesdays from 11-11:30 am. Children with an accompanying adult will enjoy a seasonal story and a craft. If needed we may move to a space on White Oak Walk to accommodate the number of guests (please look for a sign posted at the treehouse).
Hang out with the box turtles in the Hershey Children’s Garden again on Saturdays and Sundays from 3-4 pm.
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 |
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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.
For your safety:
- We may limit the number of visitors inside this garden at one time
- A handwashing station is available, but parents assume the risk associated with touching play surfaces and children congregating
- Face coverings are required when in close proximity to others
- Only one family group at a time on the Treehouse
Adults are responsible to actively supervise children in their care.
