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Hershey Pennsylvania-Sweet Fun for the Family

Hershey Pennsylvania, also known as The Sweetest Place on Earth, is full of amazing resorts, dining, and of course Hersheypark. Let’s take a look at why you need to add Hershey to your list of places to go with the kids, or even grandkids (leave Mom & Dad home)!

hershey pennsylvania

Hershey Pennsylvania

Located just a short drive from Maryland, New York, New Jersey and Virginia, Hershey is a great destination to spend a few days with the family. This very family friendly town is full of non-stop fun, and I can assure you, the kids will never say, we are bored!

Where To Stay in Hershey Pennsylvania

The Hotel Hershey

The Hotel Hershey was the FIRST hotel and has been perched above the town since 1933. It is on the National Registry of Historic Places, and is the epicenter of all things elegant. But don’t let that keep you from taking the kids, it has a ton of activities for everyone.

hotel hershey

Did you know Milton Hershey loved to travel? He brought that love home with him when he designed The Hotel Hershey, with it’s signature green roof and Italian style fountains, you’ll see hints of Europe around this beautiful property.

The rooms are well-appointed for a historic hotel, with two queen beds, a desk, mini-fridge, in-room safe and a large closet. They do have cottages available for families of five or more, and king beds for couples. Plenty of options when choosing your accommodations.

hershey pennsylvania

Hershey Lodge

Hershey Lodge is located minutes from Hersheypark and Hershey’s Chocolate World, along with many other Hershey area attractions. With an indoor waterworks, game room, mini golf and more, this resort is a perfect for a year round visit.

hershey lodge

The rooms are appointed with two queen beds, a desk, a small refrigerator, an in-room safe and a very large closet. Be sure to take notice of the little chocolate touches printed on the sheets and the bathroom wallpaper.

In the Water Works pool area, not only can families swim together, but they can also enjoy multiple play areas. The activity pool is 3.5 feet to 5 feet with steps at various entry points. Here you can play basketball, swim on silly dolphins and try you way across the Reese’s Water Walk.

For the thrill seekers there are two body slides, the closed-in tubes twist and turn outside the building before sliding back into waterworks for a wet landing below.

hershey pennsylvania

Things To Do in Hershey Pennsylvania

Hersheypark

This world class theme park is a must do when visiting Hershey, and it’s not just open in the summer! You can visit in the fall for Hersheypark in the Dark, or during winter for Christmas Candylane.

The park offers fun for all ages, from playful kiddie rides to top notch thrills. You can soar above the park riding the monorail, or keep your feet on the ground enjoying the Hersheypark Railroad. In the summer months The Boardwalk is open, and that is a full waterpark (included in your admission).

In 2020, they opened Candymonium, a hyper coaster, boasting a lift height of 210 feet, a maximum speed of 76 mph, and a track length of 4,636 feet with the most airtime of any coaster in the park.

hershey pennsylvania

Be sure to grab a few sweet treats including king shakes and candy topped funnel cakes. You are in Hershey afterall!

ZooAmerica

Meet more than 200 animals from five areas of North America at ZooAmerica. With mountain lions, bears, alligators, and porcupines all calling the Zoo home, you’re sure to have a howling good time here. Their mission is promoting conservationism and rescuing animals in need of a safe place to call home.

ZooAmerica admission is included with your Hersheypark admission, by accessing the zoo through the Hersheypark bridge during public operating hours.

Hershey’s Chocolate World

Hershey’s Chocolate World is fun for every age. Adjacent to the park is Hershey’s Chocolate World, and guess what admission is FREE! You can shop for all of your favorite Hershey candy, or take a spin on the world famous chocolate tour at no cost.

hersheys chocolate world

Where To Dine in Hershey Pennsylvania

The Bears Den – Hershey Lodge

This casual restaurant is perfect for an inexpensive lunch or dinner. If you are a hockey fan, you will love the theme. It’s dedicated to the Hershey Bears hockey team. Offering wings, burgers and more there is something for every appetite in the family.

Fire & Grain – Hershey Lodge

Before you head to the park dine here for the breakfast buffet serving up fresh fruits, eggs to order and much more.  Each evening enjoy Happy Hour specials featuring, $4 Draft Beer, $6 House Wine, $7 Signature Cocktails and half off all appetizers (Starters, Toasts, Flatbreads and Meat & Cheese Plate).

The Circular- Hotel Hershey

This upscale dining room was designed by Mr. Hershey himself. You can grab small plates and a cocktail at the iconic Circular bar, or a formal dinner overlooking the vast gardens. There is also a daily breakfast buffet, and it features the famous Kisses Waffles.

The Chocolatier- Hersheypark

This restaurant can only exist in Hershey, with past and present pieces from their ride collection, tributes to founder Milton S. Hershey, and chocolate throughout the menu. The food and drinks here are exquisite and the experience is fun. A favorite menu item is the Chicken n Waffles, which was Mr. Hershey’s favorite meal! Be sure not to leave without one of the amazing desserts or over the top milkshakes.

the chocolatier

Houlihans- Chocolate Avenue

Houlihan’s is located in the Hershey Press Building and is a fantastic choice for lunch and dinner. You are still close enough to the park that you can see the attractions from the parking lot!

As you can see, there is no shortage of experiences to be had in Hershey Pennsylvania. So be sure to visit the Sweetest Place on Earth!

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