Things To Do in Hershey PA

Going to Hershey Pennsylvania on vacation?

Here is a list of the best 23 things to do in Hershey PA. This list has everything going on in Hershey from family activities, places to go for a girl’s weekend or even a couples getaway.

The best things to do in Hershey include Hersheypark, Chocolate World, 4D Chocolate movies, Create your own Chocolate Bar, Hershey Unwrapped, Chocolate Lab, The Hershey Story Museum, Hershey Trolley Show, Zoo America, Hershey Gardens, the Falconry Experience, Hersheypark Stadium and the Spa at Hotel Hershey.

More things to do not chocolate related include Hershey Derry Township, Shank Park, Antique Automobile Club of America Museum, Echo Dell Indian Caverns, Cassel Vineyards, the Vineyards at Hershey, Troegs Brewing, golf and of course shopping.

Things to do in Hershey P A

1. Hershey Park

Originally build by Milton Hershey for employees of the chocolate factory and residences of Hershey to have a place to gather, it has become an American icon of amusement parks.

Today Hersheypark has over 70 rides and attractions including 13 roller coasters. The park also has a kiddie ride section, offers shows and entertainment, and food for a fun-filled day.

There is also The Boardwalk at Hersheypark which is a waterpark built to resemble the beaches and boardwalks of the northeast area beach towns (like Atlantic City, Coney Island, and the Rockaways). The waterpark has a lazy river, wave pool, and numerous water slides and rides.

The park celebrates the Halloween season with Hersheypark in the Dark. Hersheypark Christmas Candyland celebrates the holiday season with over 4 million lights throughout the park, a Christmas show, and a holiday train ride. Also, some of the rides are open during these special holiday weekends.

2. Chocolate World

Start your Hershey vacation by taking a free tour at Chocolate World. See this animated tour on how chocolate is made and discover what ingredients go into the chocolate and where they come from.

You sit in a “Hershey Kiss” as you ride through and see and even get to small, the stages of chocolate making from the growing of the cocoa beans to the finished product. And of course, at the end of the tour, you get a free sample of Hershey’s fine chocolate.

Chocolate World also has a very large gift shop where you can buy all types of Hershey souvenirs as well as Hershey candy.

There are numerous activities (extra fee) that you can also do here including create a candy bar, see a 4D Chocolate movie, Hershey Unwrapped, Trolley Tours, Photo Memories (from the Chocolate World tour), and create your own wrappers.

If you are hungry to sure to stop for a bite to eat at the Food Hall and Bakery for some of the sweetest treats on earth.

Related Post: 15 Things to do in Amish Country, Lancaster PA

3. 4D Chocolate Movie

Want to be in the middle of the action, well this show puts you there. You become part of the show as you interact with Hershey characters through digital animation special effects. There are over 100 different variations of the show so it will different every time you go.

Ticket prices are $7.95 for adults and $6.95 for ages 3 to 12 (2 and under are free).

Note: This show contains strobe lights, loud noise, and theatrical smoke.

4. Create Your Own Candy Bar

Want to create your own candy bar, well you can do that here in Hershey. This is an authentic factory experience where you create your own candy bar as well as the many memories that go along with it. You get to choose your own ingredients as well as design a wrapper for it too.

Tickets for this experience go fast, so reserve your space online as space is limited each day.

Ticket price is $26.95 for all ages (children 2 and under are free). Anyone 8 and under must to accompanied by a paying adult. This experience is wheelchair accessible and is about 45 minutes long.

5. Hershey Unwrapped—A Chocolate Tasting Journey

Another thing to do in Hershey PA is Hershey Unwrapped. Enjoy this theatrical experience as you watch a show and taste and smell Hershey candy. When you enter you are given a box of mini chocolates. Starting in one room, you learn about the senses of chocolate. This is when you open the box and begin sampling the chocolate. Then you go into another area where the show starts staring “Doc Chocolate” and the chocolate lab.

Cost of this show is $15.95 for adults and $12.95 for ages 3 to 12 (2 and under are free). It is wheelchair accessible and is about a half hour long.

Note: I believe this show is geared more to younger kids. If you have older kids, I think the make your own chocolate bar would be better.

Related Post: Food Factory Tours in Pennsylvania

6. Chocolate Lab

• A hands-on experience where you get to make chocolate
• A 45-minute program when you get to pour and decorate chocolate
• Learn all about the ingredients and process to make chocolate
• You even get to take home your chocolate creations

Chocolate lab class costs the following:

• Adults (ages 13-61) $13.50
• Seniors (62+) $12.00
• Juniors (5-12) $9.50

7. The Hershey Story Museum

The Hershey Story Museum tells the story of Milton Hershey’s life and how Hershey became a famous town in Pennsylvania.

Exhibits tell the story of how Milton came from an impoverished childhood to how he built a chocolate empire and town. The museum also has exhibits on his work with education and how these include gifts to local churches and the Penn State Milton Hershey Medical Center that helped the whole community.

Even after his death, his legacy lives on with the work of the Hershey Foundation.

Admission to the museum is as follows:

• Adults (ages 13-61) $13.50
• Seniors (62+) $12.00
• Juniors (ages 3-12) $9.50
• Children 2 and under are free
• Active Military are free with ID
• Teachers $3.00 off admission with ID
• Active Military families and veterans are $3.00 discount with ID

Guest of the Hotel Hershey or the Hershey Lodge will receive complimentary passes.

8. Chocolate Tastings

For something different on your things to do in Hershey PA list you must add tasting a flight of Hershey chocolate.

It’s located in the museum building but not included in the museum admission is the Chocolate Tastings.

• Taste chocolate from Around the World
• Open daily from 11:30 to 3:30
• Indulge in the sweetness of chocolate by sampling flights of warm drinking chocolates
• Get a full flight for $11.00 or a half flight for $6.50 (adults only)
• Tasting for Kids—warm mug filled with warm milk and chocolate $6.00 (temporarily unavailable)

9. Hershey Gardens

It started in 1937 with a “garden of roses” that Milton Hershey created. Today it has grown into 23 acre botanical gardens of pure beauty.

Come and see the beautiful flowers and trees that delight your soul. The stunning colors filled with theme gardens and seasonal displays.

Visit the indoor tropical Butterfly Atrium where beautiful butterflies from around the world fly freely. Also, see the stages of the butterfly’s life in the chrysalis “cabinet”. In addition to the butterflies, experience the tropical exotic plants that produce nectar, the butterfly’s food.

The Hershey Gardens are open to the public however if you are a guess of the Hershey Lodge or Hotel Hershey you will receive complimentary tickets.

Tickets are available for the following prices during the 2021 season:

• Regular (13-61) $13.50
• Senior (age 62) $12.00
• Junior (ages 3-12) $9.50
• Children under 2 Free
• Active Military Free
• Family of Active Military and Veterans $3.00 off admission with ID
• Teachers $3.00 off admission with ID

Combination tickets are also available for the Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story’s Museum.

10. Hershey Trolley Show

An interesting and informative trolley tour of the town of Hershey and about the lives of Milton and Catherine Hershey. You get to see the actual Hershey factory building as well as learn and see about all the good things Hershey did for this community.

The tour is about 1 hour and 15 minutes and leaves from Hershey Chocolate World. The cost of the tour is $17.95 for adults and $14.95 for children 3-12 (2 and under are free) and is well worth the experience. You even get to see the Hershey kiss lights throughout the town.

Of all the things to do in Hershey PA this tour was my favorite. The thing that impressed me the most was the Hershey school.

The tour guides are knowledgeable and funny at the same time making you overall experience pleasant. I was surprised to find out that the Hershey’s were genuine folks that did so much for the good of the community.

Oh, and did I mention that throughout your ride you will be tasting the chocolate that made Hershey famous!

The show (trolley ride) changes for each season with the History and Chocolate tasting Trolley Show running all year on certain days. During the summer, a shorter version takes place every day.

The Trick or Treat Trolley Show focuses more on the joy of being a kid and all the good things the Hershey’s did for children. This runs during the 3 weekends of “Halloween in Hershey”.

The Holly Jolly Trolley Show is a wintertime show with a Christmas theme. These shows are during the weekends of “Christmas in Hershey”. They include many treats such as an elf who can tell which kids are being good and Christmas caroling.

11. Zoo America

Founded in 1910 by Milton Hershey with just a few animals today it’s 11 acres and has over 75 species (some of which are endangered and rare) with over 200 individual animals. The zoo is privately owned by the Hershey Foundation and has animals from North America broken down into the following five regions:

Southern Swamps—Wetland animals including many types of snakes and alligators.

Southwest Animals—Mostly desert animals including ferrets, lizards, and turtles.

Big Sky Country—Animals from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains such as elk, pronghorn, and prairie dogs.

Eastern Woodlands –Animals that live from Maine to the Appalachians including white-tail deer, black bear, and wild turkeys.

Northlands–Represent animals that need to survive the harsh wilderness environment such as wolves, lynx, peregrine falcon, and bald eagles.

Tickets are as followings:

• Regular (ages 9-61) $13.00
• Junior (ages 3-8) $11.00
• Senoir (62+) $11.00
• Children 2 and under are free.

There is also an annual pass that costs $50.00 for individuals and $135.00 for a Family Pass (up to 4 people admitted each visit). Hersheypark annual pass holders are also free.

12. The Falconry Experience

The Hershey Hotel offers the Falconry Experience. Here you get to learn about Falconry and includes free-flight demonstrations, a simulated hunt demo and you even get to experience one of these majestic birds landing on your hand.

This experience is opened to all ages and is open to both guests of the hotel and outsiders. Cost is $75.00 for adults for hotel guests and $85.00 if you aren’t staying at the hotel. All children under 12 are $35.00.

The hotel also offers in 2021 a Hawk Walk. In order to do this, you would have needed to have done the Falconry Experience or have prior experience with these birds of prey and feel comfortable walking the grounds of the Hershey Hotel with the birds landing on your hand when called. The walk costs $130 and is by appointment only.

Both these experiences are fun and educational for the whole family.

13. Hersheypark Stadium

The stadium holds outdoor sports and concerts in its 30,000-seat facility. Check here for the schedule of events.

Also next to the stadium is the Star Pavilion, an 8,000 seat amphitheater that features musical events during summer.

The Hershey Bears, an American Professional hockey team was founded by Milton Hershey in 1932. The team plays in Giant Center in the 12,500-seat arena, part of Hersheypark Stadium. The team is the longest club still playing in its original city. If you’re in Hershey during their season stop by a see a game.

14. Spa at Hotel Hershey

Known at the Chocolate Spa, the Spa at the Hotel Hershey is luxury at it’s finest. You can get a massage, a bodywrap, foot massage, or even indulge in the ultimate sweet chocolate relaxation package. There is so many packages to choose from, its pampering yourself at its best!

Other Things to do in Hershey PA

Although most people come to Hershey for Hershey Park and Chocolate World, there are so many more things to do in Hershey PA. Here are some of the non-Hershey activities in the area.

15.The Hershey-Derry Township Historical Society

The history of the town of Hershey before and after the chocolate factory and Hersheypark’s arrival. Displays include a recreation of the home of Dick Winters, an exhibit on the history of the Hershey Bears team franchise, and a children’s discovery area.

During Christmas time a huge display of model trains is there for your enjoyment.

16. Shank Park

The largest of the 8 parks located in Hershey, Shank Park is a great way to get away from the crowds for a little while and take a hike or have a family picnic. The park has a playground, picnic tables and BBQ grills, sports fields, and even disc golf.

17. Antique Automobile Club of America Museum

Eight decades of the automobile are on display including a large collection of Tucker automobiles. There is also an exhibit on bus transportation and another exhibit about roads to rails. There is also an extensive model train display.

18. Echo Dell Indian Echo Caverns

A guided walking tour (about 45 minutes) through the caverns where you will see stalagmites, stalactites, columns, flowstone, and lakes. The pathways are lighted and mostly flat and easy to walk however are not wheelchair accessible.

You will also be able to pan for gemstones at the Gem Mill Junction.

19. Cassel Vineyards of Hershey, Hummelstown, PA

Looking to spend a quiet afternoon relaxing outside during the summer drinking wine and listening to good music, well Cassel Vineyards is for you. Also, open during the winter inside for bottled sales.

Cassel offers fine wines and cider while enjoying some downtime. Visit the winery or you can also purchase online here.

20. The Vineyard at Hershey, Middletown, PA

The Vineyard at Hershey opened in 2012 when 4 friends go together and decided to make award-winning wines. Today it’s not only a winery but also a brewery with the introduction of craft beer. It’s a relaxing place to get together with friends and enjoy a glass of wine or beer in a beautiful setting at this 40-acre farm.

21. Tröegs Independent Brewing

Handcrafted beer made with all local ingredients. The brewery is open for tastings and dinner with indoor and outside seating. They also have a General Store where you can purchase beer and merchandise to go.

22. Golf in Hershey PA

Hershey Country Club

Founded by Milton Hershey in 1930, the two championship courses, the west course and east course. are 18 holes each of prime challenging golf.

This golf course is only opened to its members or guest of the Hotel Hershey and the Hershey Lodge.

Spring Creek Golf Course

A 9-hole golf course open to the public.

Golf at the Hershey Hotel

A 18 hole all grass putting course is perfect if you want to practice your short game and is opened to the public.

23. Shopping in Hershey PA

The Tanger Outlets at Hershey

Outlet center with over 60 stores for your discount shopping enjoyment.

Crossroads Antique Mall

Antique mall located in an old barn with over 80 booths displaying various items for sale. There are many vintage Hershey items (and new Hershey items too) that you won’t find anywhere else including original chocolate molds and things from the original chocolate factory. You just never know what you will find in a place like this, it’s worth the trip especially if you love antiquing.

Olde Factory Antiques & Crafts

With over 150 dealers selling all different products from antiques to books and glassware, this 25,000 square foot, 3 story shopping experience is a fun way to spend a few hours.

Restaurants in Hershey PA

A few of the favorites in the area are as follows. For more information on restaurants in Hershey visit Tripadvisor.

• The Mill Restaurant
• Palermo’s Pizza
• The Circular
• Chocolate Ave Grill

Places to Stay in Hershey PA

Here is a list of places to stay in Hershey PA. For more hotels check on TripAdvisor.

• Hotel Hershey
• The Hershey Lodge
• Best Western
• The Hershey Camping Resort

I hope you enjoyed reading about all the things to do in Hershey PA. What are you waiting for, it’s time to plan your vacation to the sweetest place on earth, Hershey Pennsylvania!

For more places to visit in Pennsylvania check out my other posts:

Pine Creek Gorge, Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon

Pine Creek Rail Trail

Restaurants in Amish Country, Lancaster PA

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