Hershey, PA is a classic destination for couples and families in the region. It’s not quite Disney World but it has something to offer for everybody on any budget. Here are some of the amenities and attractions your family can expect when visiting Hershey!
Campgrounds
With all the natural beauty that surrounds the town, it’s no wonder that camping is a popular activity in the area. Here are some of the best places to camp near Hershey, PA.
- Hershey Highmeadow Campground
The Hershey Highmeadow Campground is located just a few miles from Hersheypark and is one of the most popular places to camp in the area. It has a variety of campsites, including full hook-up sites, tent sites, and cabin rentals. The campground also features a swimming pool, playground, and a game room, making it a great option for families.
- Dutch Cousin Campground
The Dutch Cousin Campground is located in nearby Palmyra, Pennsylvania, just a short drive from Hershey. The campground offers spacious sites for RVs and tents, as well as cabin rentals. There are plenty of activities to keep campers entertained, including mini-golf, a playground, and a swimming pool. The campground also has a camp store and a snack bar.
- Twin Grove RV Resort & Cottages
Twin Grove RV Resort & Cottages is located in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, about 30 miles from Hershey. The campground has a variety of campsites, including full hook-up sites, tent sites, and cabin rentals. It also features two swimming pools, a fishing pond, and hiking trails. The campground hosts regular events, including live music and outdoor movie nights.
- Hershey RV & Camping Resort
The Hershey RV & Camping Resort is located in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, just a short drive from Hershey. The campground has a variety of campsites, including full hook-up sites, tent sites, and cabin rentals. It also features a swimming pool, mini-golf, and a game room. The campground is open year-round, making it a great option for camping in any season.
- KOA Campgrounds
The KOA Campgrounds is located in Jonestown, Pennsylvania, about 20 miles from Hershey. The campground offers a variety of campsites, including full hook-up sites, tent sites, and cabin rentals. It also features a swimming pool, playground, and mini-golf. The campground hosts regular events, including pancake breakfasts and movie nights.
Chocolate Town Attractions
Chocolate Town is the heart of a visit to Hershey. It’s basically just a cluster commercial amenities (restaurant, ice cream, confections, gift shop, etc.) around the gates of Hershey Park. However, aside from being the gate to Hershey Park this is where the Chocolate World visitor center is and where the trollies leave from.
Obviously, the main attraction here at Chocolate World is Hershey Park but if your circumstances are such that a theme park isn’t in the plans the Chocolate World visitor center has activities (for pay) that make a visit worthwhile. You can make your own chocolate bar, attend a chocolate tasting class, and much more. However, the main draw at chocolate world for me will always be the free “Chocolate Tour” ride which explains all the steps of making chocolate and ends with a free piece of chocolate upon exiting. If there’s no line we will do it three times. It’s silly and it’s certainly not a real factory tour but our kiddo likes it and so do we.
Other than that gem of a ride, Chocolate World is a sprawling gift shop, candy store, and confectionary food court centered around a cocoa garden with areas around the perimeter designated for ticketed activities or shows.
Trolley times sell out quickly so be sure to book in advance to get a time that fits your schedule.
Visiting Hershey Gardens
A visit to Hershey isn’t complete without a walk through Hershey Gardens and a lap through their butterfly exhibit.
You can’t miss the butterfly room because it’s in the entrance building. The butterfly room is included with the basic gardens admission but you can buy a butterfly identification guide for $1.
There are different flowers in bloom thought spring, summer, and fall. While early Spring-time offers bright blossoming trees you may be disappointed that some of the water features aren’t filled yet.
Visiting Hershey Hotel
If your not doing a full park day and just enjoying some of the other Chocolate World attractions and Hershey Gardens. You might enjoy some down time in cool quiet place. The Hershey Hotel is a historic hotel with a secret getaway for a cool moment of zen during a Hershey trip. Don’t miss the fountain lobby of the Hershey Hotel. You might grab a drink or meal while you are there but the best part is the quiet of the lobby itself while everybody else is out for the day.
Off the Beaten Path
There’s plenty to do in the area that doesn’t bear the Hershey name. For example, the Troegs brewery might be among the most popular in the immediate area. They offer food an beers in a fun family friendly atmosphere. There are also a number of smaller breweries and wineries in the area if you are willing to do a little driving. We thoroughly enjoyed a trivia night at Cassel Vineyards of Hershey.
Enjoy Your Visit
Most of all, don’t forget to enjoy *your* visit to Hershey no matter what that includes. If your little ones are too small for the park or if your teens are bored by the gardens there’s still plenty that you can do together for a great family vacation!
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