Hershey is one of the most fun family destinations in close proximity to New Jersey. You may be surprised to learn that there’s so much to do here in addition to Hersheypark. We had taken our twins to Hershey years ago when they were little, and I’m happy to report that as teens, they were just as thrilled to visit and are already talking about when we can go back.
Where to Stay
There are three Official Resorts of Hersheypark – The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge, and Hersheypark Camping Resort. The free front gate shuttle service, extra park hours, cute Hershey-themed décor, free chocolate bars and other benefits make it totally worth staying at one of these properties!
The Hotel Hershey is a historic hotel that’s my personal favorite place to stay. The outdoor pool complex is gorgeous and features a family pool with zero-grade entry, two large slides and a kiddie spray deck, as well as an infinity-edge adult pool and whirlpool. This is the hotel I’d stay at if I was not traveling with kids as it’s so sophisticated (but definitely still joyful and kid-friendly!).
On this trip, we stayed at Hershey Lodge. This place, known for being super family-friendly, is huge and had a festive, rustic décor that immediately made us excited to be there. On this trip, we didn’t have time to check out Hershey’s Water Works, the indoor pool and splash park at the lodge, but if you’re traveling with younger kids, you could easily spend a day there.
Offered seasonally and on select weekends at The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge, kids can start their getaway with their very own check-in at the Kids’ Check-In desk in the lobby. This allows kids to sign the kids’ guest book, participate in a Hershey’s candy guessing game and receive a chocolate surprise.
Hersheypark Camping Resort offers RV, cabin, and tent camping in a beautiful campground. Here, kids can play at the playgrounds and indoor game room and participate in activities ranging from educational animal programs to comedy magic shows. There are also two outdoor pools and a kiddie pool. This would definitely be a fun choice for a family that loves the great outdoors and adventure!
What to Do at Chocolate World
After a comfy night’s stay at Hershey Lodge, we work up refreshed the next morning and hopped on the shuttle to Chocolate World (again this was super convenient, especially as there would otherwise be a parking fee if you drove!). Chocolate World and Hersheypark are adjacent to each other (and within walking distance) so we didn’t have to worry about any more travel for the rest of the day.
Chocolate World is a giant store featuring every imaginable kind of Hershey swag, plus huge versions of your favorite Hershey candies. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s fun to walk around inside (and escape the heat!) and the Hershey’s Chocolate Tour ride is free (plus you get a sweet product sample at the end).
We were booked to try several of the paid experiences here, which I highly recommend booking in advance. By far our favorite one was Create Your Own Candy Bar. Upon arrival, guests are given aprons and hair nets to don, and then you get to work customizing your own chocolate bar. Using touch screens, we selected the type of chocolate (milk, dark or white) and then added in a variety of additions such as chocolate chips, cookie crumble and sprinkles. It was fascinating to watch as our own chocolate bars made their way down the conveyor belt and were enrobed in a wave of chocolate. You even get to customize your bar’s wrapper. This factory experience was so much fun, I highly recommend it for all ages.
The other experiences were tried at Chocolate World included Hershey’s Great Candy Expedition, a train-themed adventure, and Reese’s Stuff Your Cup, where you get to stuff your own giant, 1-pound peanut butter cup with the mix-ins of your choice (and fresh pb!).
Can’t Miss Rides at Hersheypark
All of the fun and activities at Chocolate World were enough to fill the day, but we couldn’t miss out on the chance to hop on some rides at Hersheypark. There are so many fun rides here for kids (and adults) of all ages, but since it we were in the thick of a heat wave when we visited, my kids were mainly interested in The Boardwalk water park. This area of the park is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and features everything from water slides to a lazy river to East Coast Waterworks, an insane multi-level playground area where you get buckets of water dumped on you (they loved every minute of it). The best part is that the water park area is included in the price of admission. Definitely bring a bathing suit if you plan to check out this part of the park.
My daughter and I are not big on roller coasters, but my son loved Candymonium. The tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster at Hersheypark is definitely not for the faint of heart!
Where to Dine
At Hershey Lodge, the kids got ice cream at Cocoa Beanery. And in the morning, we tried the breakfast buffet at Fire & Grain.
But the culinary highlight of our trip (besides all the candy we sampled) was dinner at The Chocolatier. Located right outside the front gate of Hersheypark, this restaurant has views of the park and tons of delicious food and drink. I highly recommend the Ferris Wheel Sampler for a sharable appetizer that will draw oohs and ahhs when it arrives at the table.
My son had the Grilled NY Strip Steak, which was cooked to perfection, while my daughter tried the salmon and I had a yummy pulled pork sandwich (and the Hershey’s Signature Chocolate Martini which was amazing). For dessert, we shared the Chocolate Fun-due which included marshmallows, strawberries, and cakes and cookies for dipping into warm chocolate! This special meal was a wonderful way to cap off our fun-filled visit to Hershey.
Rates and Special Deals
Lodging:
Rates at Hotel Hershey start at $349; Rates at Hershey Lodge start at $249.
Be sure to check out the Kids Stay, Play & Eat FREE Package available. Select Hersheypark operating dates through September 7.
There’s also the Hersheypark Summer Camping Package, available on select dates from April 4 – September 7. Guests can enjoy the fun of camping at Hersheypark Camping Resort, plus coasters, rides, and family time at Hersheypark.
Admission Tickets:
Kissing Tower Anniversary Offer: To celebrate 50 years of the Kissing Tower, you can buy $50 summer admission tickets, now through 7/20! Tickets valid through September 7, 2025.
Pro Tips:
- Hersheypark has a variety of rides for all ages. Their height requirements are easy to discern (and one of the most fun parts of entering the park is measuring up to see which candy height category you’re at!). From Miniatures up to Kisses, Reese’s, Hershey’s, Twizzlers, and at the top, Jolly Rancher, you and your kids can find the rides that are appropriate.
- Hersheypark has more than 20 kiddie rides, plus family favorites like the Carrousel with all 66 original horses and the Kissing Tower for an aerial view of the Park. Hersheypark is also home to the most coasters in the Northeast, from Cocoa Cruiser for the smallest thrill seekers to SooperdooperLooper as the first upside-down coaster for many young guests. For the older kids of 48 inches or taller, Wildcat’s Revenge hybrid coaster offers the ultimate thrills.
- While outside food and drink is not allowed at Hersheypark, they do allow accommodations for guests who have allergies or dietary restrictions/needs to bring small amounts of food into Hersheypark with them.
- Hersheypark is open daily through Labor Day – check here for park hours.
New for Summer 2025: Twizzlers Twisted Gravity is now open at Hersheypark as the World’s Tallest Screamin’ Swing. The one-minute and 10-second experience begins as riders of Hershey’s height category (48-54”) and above sit in one of four branded zones across two gondolas featuring the Twizzlers Strawberry, Cherry, Hershey’s Chocolate and Black Licorice-flavored designs. Riders ascend 137 adrenaline-pumping feet, defy gravity at speeds reaching 68 miles per hour and experience multiple mind-bending zero G moments as they swing high above Spring Creek in The Hollow region of Hersheypark.
Chocolate World is located at 101 Chocolate World Way, Hershey, PA
Hersheypark is located at 100 Hersheypark Drive, Hershey PA
Hershey Lodge is located at 325 University Drive, Hershey PA
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