A Family-Friendly Guide to Visiting Hershey, Pennsylvania

A Guide to Visiting Hershey, Pennsylvania with Kids

Hershey, Pennsylvania, is known as "The Sweetest Place on Earth," and for good reason! Home to the world-famous Hershey's chocolate, this charming town offers a variety of activities that are fun for the whole family. Whether you’re looking for thrilling attractions, relaxing gardens, or educational experiences, Hershey has something for everyone. Here’s your ultimate guide to visiting Hershey, Pennsylvania, with kids, featuring 10 must-visit places that will make your trip unforgettable.

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1. Hershey Gardens

Start your Hershey adventure with a visit to the Hershey Gardens. This beautiful 23-acre botanical garden is a perfect spot for both relaxation and exploration. Kids will love wandering through the themed gardens, including the Butterfly House, the Rose Garden, and the Tropical Garden. The Children's Garden is a particular favorite, offering interactive features like a sensory garden, water play areas, and giant, colorful flowers.

Why it's great for kids: The gardens offer plenty of space to run around, as well as educational opportunities to learn about nature, plants, and the environment. The Butterfly House is especially magical, where kids can get up close to hundreds of butterflies fluttering around.

2. Hershey Butterfly Atrium

Located within the Hershey Gardens, the Hershey Butterfly Atrium is an indoor tropical haven that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Home to hundreds of colorful butterflies, this atrium features exotic plants and butterflies from all around the world. The warm, humid atmosphere allows the butterflies to thrive, creating an enchanting experience.

Why it's great for kids: Children can marvel at the sight of butterflies flying around them, and even get a chance to see caterpillars transforming into butterflies in the live butterfly incubation chamber. It’s an educational and interactive experience that captivates young minds.

3. Hersheypark

No trip to Hershey is complete without a visit to Hersheypark. This iconic amusement park is filled with thrilling rides, water attractions, and live entertainment, making it a perfect destination for families. With over 70 rides, including roller coasters, carousels, and family-friendly attractions, there’s something for kids of all ages.

Why it's great for kids: Hersheypark has a wide range of kid-friendly rides, such as the Whip and Carrousel, as well as water attractions at The Boardwalk. Little ones can also enjoy Hershey's Chocolate World, where they can learn about the chocolate-making process.

4. Hershey's Chocolate World

Hershey's Chocolate World is an essential stop for families visiting Hershey. Located just outside the entrance to Hersheypark, this is a place where kids can immerse themselves in all things chocolate! From the interactive Hershey's Chocolate Tour ride to chocolate-making experiences, there's no shortage of sweet fun here.

Why it's great for kids: Kids can create their own candy bars at the Create Your Own Candy Bar experience or take the free Chocolate Tour ride to learn about the chocolate-making process. Be sure to stop by the Hershey's Chocolate World Store to pick up some delicious treats!

5. ZooAmerica

Just a short walk from Hersheypark, ZooAmerica is a 12-acre zoo that’s home to more than 200 animals from North America. Visitors can explore different animal habitats, including the Desert and Woodland areas, and see animals like bears, bison, and bobcats.

Why it's great for kids: The zoo offers an opportunity for children to learn about wildlife conservation and animal habitats while enjoying a close-up view of native North American animals. The American Alligator and Gray Wolf exhibits are always a hit with younger visitors.

6. The Hershey Story Museum

At The Hershey Story Museum, families can dive into the history of Milton Hershey, the man behind the Hershey chocolate empire. The museum features exhibits that tell the story of Hershey’s journey and how he founded the town of Hershey. Kids will love the interactive exhibits and chocolate-making demonstrations.

Why it's great for kids: The museum has a hands-on chocolate lab where kids can make their own chocolates, a fun and educational experience that will ignite their creativity. The interactive exhibits help kids understand the importance of perseverance and innovation.

7. Indian Echo Caverns

For an adventurous family outing, head to Indian Echo Caverns, a stunning underground cave system located just outside Hershey. The caverns offer guided tours where visitors can explore the stalactites, stalagmites, and unique rock formations that have been formed over thousands of years.

Why it's great for kids: The cavern tour is both educational and exciting, as kids will learn about geology, cave formation, and the history of the area. The cool, dark atmosphere makes it feel like a mini adventure, perfect for curious explorers.

8. Milton Hershey School's Chocolate Avenue

Take a stroll down Chocolate Avenue in downtown Hershey to experience the charm of this sweet town. You’ll find shops, cafes, and historical landmarks, including the Milton Hershey School. This beautiful school, founded by Milton Hershey, is set in a picturesque location and is open for guided tours during certain times of the year.

Why it's great for kids: Walking around Chocolate Avenue and learning about Milton Hershey’s vision for his community is an inspiring experience. You can stop for some ice cream or visit the Hershey Story Museum while exploring this iconic street.

9. Farmstead Farmers Market

The Farmstead Farmers Market is a great place to experience local flavors and shop for fresh, organic produce. The market is open on weekends and offers a range of fresh fruits, vegetables, and baked goods, along with locally made cheeses, meats, and more.

Why it's great for kids: Kids can help pick out fresh produce or try some of the delicious local snacks. It's a fun way to teach them about healthy eating and the importance of supporting local farmers.

10. Hershey Theatre

If your family enjoys live performances, the Hershey Theatre is a wonderful spot to catch a show. This historic theater hosts Broadway productions, concerts, and family-friendly performances throughout the year. Check the schedule to see if there’s a kid-friendly performance during your visit.

Why it's great for kids: Attending a show at the Hershey Theatre is a great way to introduce kids to the arts. Whether it's a musical, a comedy show, or a play, the experience will inspire imagination and appreciation for performance art.

Conclusion

Hershey, Pennsylvania, is an amazing destination for families with kids, offering a variety of attractions that entertain, educate, and inspire creativity. From the magical world of Hershey’s chocolate to the tranquil beauty of Hershey Gardens and the exciting adventures at Hersheypark, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're looking to relax in nature, explore the history of chocolate, or get hands-on with fun activities, Hershey promises a sweet time for the whole family.

So pack your bags, bring the kids, and get ready for a memorable trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania, where every moment is as sweet as chocolate!

If you're heading to Hersheypark, make your trip even more exciting with a stop at Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos! Just a short detour away, this family-friendly resort offers a massive indoor water park, thrilling slides, and cozy themed suites. With arcade games, MagiQuest adventures, and nightly storytime, the fun never stops. Turn your getaway into an unforgettable multi-stop adventure—book your stay today!

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