7 Fun Things to Do in Hershey, Pennsylvania
If you are visiting Hershey Pennsylvania, there are a multitude of fun things to do in Hershey PA that are sure to please everyone in the family from young to old. From riding the 13 roller coasters at Hersheypark to feeding bears at ZooAmerica to wandering the Hershey Gardens taking in the 3,500 roses to a relaxing spa weekend at the Chocolate Spa at the Hotel Hershey to making your own personalized candy bar, there is an activity for everyone in the family in the Sweetest Place on Earth. Because there are so many fun things to do in Hershey, PA, it definitely warrants an overnight or weekend stay at a Hershey Resort which include the Hershey Lodge and The Hershey Hotel.
HersheyPark
Hersheypark has special attractions for every season! Christmas Candylane is taking place now through January 1, 2017 followed by Springtime in the Park opening Spring 2017. Hersheypark offers visiters 13 roller coasters, rides for kids, live entertainment, and nine water-play attractions. Visit hersheypark.com to check out all the savings packages for each season.
Zoo America North American Wildlife Park
Zoo America is an 11-acre, walk-through zoo that has over 200 animals that come from North America. Best of all, Zoo America is located right next to Hersheypark. What kid doesn’t like zoos right? What makes this zoo so special is that many of animals are brought to the zoo after being injured, abandoned or their owners just couldn’t care for them. It’s rare to find such a manageable and walkable zoo that will keep your kids (and adults) engaged. This is nice addition after doing all the rides at Hersheypark.
To make the visit to ZooAmerica a truly memorable experience, I highly recommend taking part in one of the personalized Early Bird or After hours tours. During my recent visit, I went on the After Hours tour and it was fantastic. We started off in the Animal Health center where were able to hold an owl (yikes!) and touch an alligator (eww!) From there we went on a flashlight tour through the animal buildings where I fed the otters (with fish)and bears. Yes, I fed a bear, Murphy who was placed after becoming dependent on being fed by humans and could not be safely let back out in to the wild was a gentle as they come.
And what do bears eat, grapes on a stick. And if you are brave enough, you can get them to give you a kiss or a lick your hand. I passed on having Murphy touch me but I know your kids will get a kick out of all the interactive engagement with the animals. All the ZooAmerica naturalists are highly knowledgeable, answer all your questions and will keep you safe!
Visit zooamerica.com for more information on the Early Bird and After Hours tour. Call 717-534-3900 to register or for more information. The cost is $49 per person and worth it for the personalized and up close tour that you and your kids will long remember after your visit.
Chocolate World
How can you chocolate fanatics come to Hershey and not do all the chocolate theme activities? Head to Chocolate World which is packed with chocolate themed activities.
Create Your Own Candy Bar – I definitely recommend taking part in the Create Your Own Candy Bar activity. I love that you get to actually create your own candy bar from choosing your ingredients that will go into your candy bar and design your own candy wrapper. But that’s not all you get to actually watch the chocolate bar get made, wrapped and sealed. No matter your age, you will love it. Cost is $19.95; 45 minutes and reserve early as there are limited spots in each session.
Free Chocolate Tour – Visitors follow cocoa beans on a delicious journey in this immersive and Fun FREE chocolate making tour where you will see, feel, hear and smell the transformation of cocoa beans to HERSHEY’S famous chocolate. Then, enjoy a FREE Hershey’s product sample after your tour!!
Chocolate Tasting Adventure – Go on an amazing chocolate tasting experience where visitors will be able to taste chocolates – from milk to dark and varieties in between. Yummy!! $10.95 Adults and $7.95. Children ages 2-13. 30 minutes.
4D Chocolate Mystery – A fun time where you can interact with characters in stunning digital animation and special effects With over 100 different possible variations, you can experience it over and over and never see the same show twice! $10.95 Adults and $6.95 Children 2-13. 30 minutes.
Hershey Trolley Works
Take a break and board the Hershey Trolley Works for a historic journey through the town built on chocolate. This in-depth historical tour explores the town built on chocolate and the inspiring story of Milton Hershey.
We enjoyed riding in an old-fashioned trolley with a very entertaining and informative conductor who took us around Hershey pointing out key Hershey attractions like the original chocolate factory, Mr. Hershey’s birthplace, his home Highpoint Mansion, Chocolate Avenue, the Hershey Kiss Streetlights, HersheyPark, and Milton Hershey School.
Taking the trolley is also a great way to hear the inspiring of Milton Hershey and the origins of the Hershey chocolate company. Fun fact: did you know that Milton Hershey first candy he produced were caramels? Who knew? For additional information on Hershey Trolley Works, please click here. Seating is limited; purchase tickets early.
Don’t forget to look up at the Hershey Kiss Lights when your riding the trolley!
Hershey Gardens
If you are looking for a nature break during your trip to Hershey, then head to the 23 acre botanical Hershey Gardens.
Hershey Gardens overlooks the town of Hershey, features a breathtaking assortment of flowers and shrubs, a stately collection of rare, signature trees, and various programs designed to delight visitors of all ages.
Not only will the kids love running around the Children’s Garden with its chocolate-scented, named and colored flora but will be thrilled to interact with many species of butterflies in the year-round, indoor tropical Butterfly Atrium.
In addition to the hands-on Children’s Garden, there are numerous themed gardens like the Japanese Garden featuring Japanese Maple trees, the Herb Garden that visitors will be able to see, smell and feel plants that impact daily living, the Rose Garden featuring over 3,500 roses and so many more.
If you visit Hershey Gardens in December, you will be amazed by the 12 foot Poinsettia Tree featuring 160 vibrant poinsettias, visits with Santa and fun crafts for the kids to enjoy. For information on when Santa will be appearing and holiday hours, visit hersheygardens.org.
Hershey Gardens is also a great place to take in sweeping views of Hersheypark, the town of Hershey, the original chocolate factory and take in nature in all its glory. Plus it a great place for kids to run around.
The Spa at the Hotel Hershey
Indulge yourself for relaxing treat at The Chocolate Spa which offers one-of-a-kind chocolate-themed treatments, massages, facials and spa packages (like the Chocolate Escape package.) I indulged in the Sweet Feet pedicure that was of course chocolate themed. It was the most deliciously delightful pedicure I have ever had. Before and after your treatment, you can just relax in the many areas in the spa, indulging in hot cocoa and treats. Don’t want to leave quite yet, then have lunch at the Spa. There is nothing more indulgent than eating lunch in your robe.
Giant Center
Giant Center is the home of the Hershey Bears hockey team. Hockey fans will love the enthusiasm of the home town crowd. In addition to the Hershey Bears, Giant Center hosts a wide variety of performances including concerts, professional ice shows and family events like the Harlem Globetrotters.
As you can see, there is so much to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania. For more information on all the Hershey attractions, visit hersheypark.com.
Places to Stay in Hershey PA
Looking for a place to stay then consider a Hershey Resort (Hershey Lodge or The Hershey Hotel).
Disclosure: NYC Single Mom accommodations and activities were covered by Hersheypark. All opinions are 100% my own.
