If you’ve landed here, you might just be a fan of Hershey’s Chocolate.

Explore all the sweet, chocolate-themed family experiences the town of Hershey has to offer, including rides at Hersheypark®, activities at Hershey’s Chocolate World, and plenty of candy samples. This 3-day, 2-night itinerary aims to please those looking for a weekend family getaway with kids under 10.

Length of time: 3 days, 2 nights
Average Activity Cost: $7 to $50
Area: Hershey
Best Place to Spend the Night: Hershey or Hummelstown
Seasons Available: Spring, Summer, Fall

Day 1

Welcome to Hershey The Sweetest Place On Earth®! You’ll know you’ve arrived when someone spots the Hershey’s Kisses streetlamps, Hershey’s Cocoa bushes, and iconic Hershey Company factory smokestacks.

Hershey Gardens

Chocolate isn’t the only sweet smell in Hershey! From the springtime tulips to the summer roses, there’s always something blooming at the historic, 23-acre Hershey Gardens. Walk through the whimsical Children’s Garden with Hershey’s Kisses shaped misters, letter blocks, and sculptures. Inside the Hoop House, kids can learn about gardening techniques and peer into a pond, filled with frogs and fish. There’s nothing more magical than walking through the tropical Butterfly Atrium, home to hundreds of colorful winged wonders known to land on your shoulder.
Hershey Gardens is open daily. Price: $9.50 - $13.50. Average Visit Duration: 1-2 hours.

Hershey Gardens mom and child inside butterfly house

Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction

You’ll be greeted with the scent of chocolate the moment you walk through the doors at Hershey’s Chocolate World. Start your chocolate-covered afternoon with the free Chocolate Tour Ride, an immersive journey through a simulated chocolate factory, following the process from cocoa bean to wrapped candy bar. Every member of the family can become a chocolatier with the Create Your Own Candy Bar activity. Add mix-ins, design your wrapper, and bring home a one-of-a-kind candy bar with your name on it. You become part of the show during the 4D Chocolate Movie, an interactive, all-sensory activity.
Hershey’s Chocolate World is open daily. Price: Free to $26.50 each, depending on activity. Average Visit Duration: 2-3 hours.

 

Build your own chocolate bar family at Hershey's Chocolate World Attraction

On Your Own: Dinner in Downtown Hershey

Choose from several delectable, kid-friendly restaurants in Downtown Hershey, from the brand new to the tried-and-true. Fenicci’s of Hershey, a casual, comfort food Italian restaurant, is a local favorite and has served residents and visitors for decades. Houlihan’s has a crowd-pleasing menu, sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. New in town: Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant makes beer for Mom & Dad, but also has an extra-large kids menu. Primanti Bros serves up Pittsburgh-style sandwiches.
Restaurants are open daily. Prices vary by location. Reservations recommended during the summer.

 

Day 2

Get ready for a fun-filled day of coasters, rides, entertainment, and sweet treats!

 

Hersheypark 

More than 70 attractions await you at Hersheypark, one of the region’s most popular family trip destinations. Rides range from mild to wild, including classics like the Ferris Wheel and Carrousel, 14 coasters, and more than 20 kiddie rides. Hersheypark added an all-new region, Hershey’s ChocolatetownSM, in the summer of 2020, featuring its 15th coaster, CandymoniumSM. Dine at The ChocolatierSM, an on-site restaurant with past and present pieces from the Hersheypark ride collection, a Carrousel-themed bar, and signature dessert menu. Suit up for the 11-acre water park, flowing with more than a million gallons of water. Water attractions include six water slides, family water coaster, lazy river, wave pool, and pint-sized kiddie splash area.
Hersheypark is open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. View operating dates. Ticket prices vary by time of year.

Family looking at Hersheypark

ZooAmerica

Included with your Hersheypark admission is access to ZooAmerica® North American Wildlife Park, with 11-acres of animal habitats and exhibits. This walk-through zoo has more than 200 furry (or scaly or feathery) friends from five themed regions of North America (Eastern Woodlands, Great Southwest, Southern Swamps, Big Sky Country, and Northlands). Kids love to watch the black bears splash in their pool or spot the mountain lions perched on a rock.
ZooAmerica is open daily, closing earlier than Hersheypark. Price: Included with Hersheypark admission or $11 - $13 when visiting separately. Average Visit Duration: 1 hour.

Family looking at alligator at Zoo America

Day 3

Squeeze in a few more stops before you head home from your sweet trip!

The Hershey Story Museum

You’ve enjoyed the chocolate and the coasters, but we recommend a hands-on history lesson of Milton S. Hershey, the man behind the chocolate bar. At The Hershey Story, The Museum on Chocolate Avenue, discover the life of Mr. Hershey, from his humble beginnings as a young entrepreneur to his legacy and philanthropy that lives on today. Look for the interactive kiosks throughout the museum, where you scan your customized wooden coin to learn additional fun facts about Mr. Hershey. Book a Chocolate Lab experience, an instructor-led workshop to teach guests the secrets behind what makes Hershey’s treats so irresistible (Chocolate Lab guests must be at least five years old). At Tastings, kids can transform a mug of warm milk into hot cocoa with a special chocolate stirring lolly.
The Hershey Story is open daily. Price: $9.50 - $13.50 per person. Average Visit Duration: 1-2 hours.

Family at the The Hershey Story Museum

 

Chocolates by Tina Marie

Had enough chocolate? We didn’t think so! Watch the kids’ eyes light up at small-town sweet shop, Chocolates by Tina Marie, who’s specialized in artisan chocolates for more than 30 years. Her peanut butter meltaways and sea salt caramels are fan-favorites, and the little ones love her chocolate-dipped cookies and gourmet marshmallows. Not just adorably decorated, Tina’s chocolates are made with the best ingredients: real butter, fresh nuts, gourmet marshmallows, and homemade buttercream. Take a box or two home for your family and friends!
Chocolates by Tina Marie is open Wednesday through Saturday.

 

cupcake at Chocolates by Tina Marie

On Your Own: Lunch & Dessert in Hummelstown

Hummelstown isn’t just the little town next to Hershey. It’s filled with charm, friendly faces, and lots of quaint shops and restaurants. Find a spot to eat on Main Street, like the historic Warwick Hotel or the throwback Soda Jerk Diner. After lunch, allow the family one last treat, like a refreshing gelati from Rita’s Italian Ice or one of 15 soft serve ice cream flavors from Sweet Dawgs Frozen Desserts.
Most restaurants are open daily. Prices vary by location. Reservations not required.