Our recent road trip has me inspired to write a Hershey Gardens review. With a 23-acre botanical garden, arboretum, and butterfly atrium, it’s not to be missed!
Photos: My sister, Alyssa (edited by me) | Location: Hershey Gardens
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Hershey Gardens Review
My family frequently visits Hersheypark and Hershey’s Chocolate World, but we’ve often skipped Hershey Gardens. Now that I’ve successfully passed my love of flowers down to my niece, I finally have another family member who is excited for any garden related experience. Naturally, my whole family is (usually) happy to do what makes my niece happy, so to the gardens we went!
My Hill House Nap Dress Review post has all the details of this amazing cotton, botanical print dress.
I was reading up on Hershey Gardens Reviews before we left and could not wait to go. The experience features 23 acres of outdoor blooms and trees to wonder through, an indoor conservatory, a tropical butterfly atrium, and an adorable Children’s Garden. The website recommends allotting 90 minutes for the experience, which was probably about the amount of time we spent there. I definitely could have stayed longer taking photos and soaking up the blooms. It was a lovely and refreshing to have a serene activity to do before spending the next day at the amusement park. Plus, the grounds are meticulously kept which adds to how magical and whimsical this place seems!
Hershey Gardens Butterfly Atrium
Not only did I love the buttery atrium, but it was something that everyone in my family enjoyed. It’s small, but they limit the number of guests in it at a time. So, you have the opportunity to really discover and enjoy the butterflies.
Is it Fun for Kids?
For sure! There’s a substantial children’s garden which has fun activities for kids like structures to climb on and a pretzel maze!
Summer is Rose Garden Season
We went during the last week of May and the roses were already in bloom. The rose garden was quite impressive and included some roses that were unlike anything I’ve seen before. According to the website, there are more than 5,600 roses and 275 different varieties.
Hershey Botanical Gardens Hours & Tickets
The gardens are open daily all year along. However, Hershey Gardens hours change seasonally, so make sure to check the official website before heading there. Currently, the gardens are open daily from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m (May 29th – September 1st).
Tickets include the 23-acre gardens, indoor butterfly atrium, and the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory. They are $13.50 for adults and $9 for kids (ages 3 and up – 2 and under are free). We did the 2-Day Stay and Play Package at the Hershey Lodge which included admission to Hershey Gardens.
When I was browsing the website, I was happy to see that they’ve put together a Social Story for guests with Autism. It features a narrative with what to expect along with images to reduce the discomfort and overwhelm associated with a new, unfamiliar experience. There’s a Visual Schedule activity as another resource, too.
Are the Hershey Gardens Worth Going To?
Bottom line – if you’re headed to Hershey, PA, make sure to make time for a visit to these beautiful Pennsylvania garden. For another Hershey Gardens review, The Jersey Momma blog has an informative, helpful post on this botanical PA spot, too.