Spring Activities

Spring has a way of making everything feel possible — and in Hershey & Harrisburg, it arrives with tulips, trail-ready weather, and a calendar packed with things to do. Whether you're planning a weekend escape with your partner, a girls' trip, a buddy crew, or a full family outing, spring activities in Hershey & Harrisburg are in full bloom. Kick off your planning right here. Feel free to hop right over to Family Fun or Grown-up fun, or you can take a spring stroll down this page and discover the experiences waiting for you this season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to plan the perfect spring getaway to Hershey & Harrisburg, PA.

Spring in the Hershey & Harrisburg region offers something for every kind of traveler. Hershey Gardens bursts into color with thousands of tulips each spring across more than 20 acres, and the year-round butterfly atrium — one of only 25 indoor tropical butterfly atriums in the country — delights visitors of all ages. Hersheypark opens for Spring Weekends with smaller crowds and shorter lines, and admission includes access to ZooAmerica. The Harrisburg Arts District is ideal for a free, self-guided outdoor mural walk, while City Island comes alive with Harrisburg Senators baseball, scenic miniature golf, and riverside cocktails. Hershey's Chocolate World is open year-round and a sweet complement to any spring itinerary.

Yes — Hersheypark is open on spring weekends beginning April 3, and it is one of the best-kept secrets in Central PA. Smaller crowds mean shorter lines for the coasters across the 121-acre theme park, giving you more time on the rides you came for. Spring admission also includes access to ZooAmerica, making it a full day of fun for families and thrill-seekers alike. Spring Weekends are the perfect preview of the full summer season — all the thrills, without the wait.

Hershey Gardens is one of the most spectacular spring destinations in Central PA, with thousands of tulips typically reaching peak bloom in April. The gardens were originally founded by Milton Hershey as a gift of roses for his community and now span more than 20 acres overlooking the town he built, nestled just below the historic Hotel Hershey. Year-round, the gardens also feature one of only 25 indoor tropical butterfly atriums in the entire country — a unique experience that delights visitors of all ages no matter the season.

Harrisburg comes fully alive in spring with a rich mix of outdoor and cultural experiences. The Harrisburg Arts District is a standout — a free app guides visitors with audio explainers through bold, large-scale public murals at their own pace, alongside theaters, galleries, and live performance venues. City Island opens the Harrisburg Senators baseball season at FNB Field, with Water Golf offering panoramic Susquehanna River views and the Harrisburg Beach Club serving sunset drinks along the waterfront. Spring community events, including the Harrisburg Arts Festival, add even more reasons to plan a visit.

Hershey & Harrisburg is a wonderful spring destination for couples looking for a mix of romance, outdoor adventure, and great food and drink. A walk through Hershey Gardens during tulip season is hard to beat for a scenic afternoon, set against views of the town Milton Hershey built. The region's vineyards welcome spring with live music, seasonal tastings, and relaxed outdoor events among the vines. The Brew Barons Beer Trail and the walkable mural scene in the Harrisburg Arts District round out a spring weekend that feels curated but never rushed.

A rainy spring day in Hershey & Harrisburg is no reason to change your plans. Hershey's Chocolate World is open year-round with a free simulated tour ride, ticketed experiences like making your own candy bar, and a full shop of unique chocolate gifts. The Hershey Story Museum on Chocolate Avenue features interactive exhibits on Milton Hershey's life and a Chocolate Lab with tastings from around the world. The region's full rainy day lineup includes museums, theaters, shopping, and indoor attractions to keep everyone's spirits high — guaranteed.

The Hershey & Harrisburg region hosts a strong lineup of spring community events that give visitors a great reason to plan a getaway. Highlights include the Wetlands Festival for young naturalists and nature lovers, plus both the Harrisburg Arts Festival and Hershey Arts Festival for those drawn to creative culture and live performance. Even if spring fills up quickly, the region's event calendar runs strong through fall so there is always something worth circling. Browse the full free community events calendar to find what's happening during your visit.

Spring in Hershey & Harrisburg: where every weekend feels like a great idea

Where Milton's Legacy Comes to Life in Spring

When spring arrives,the Hershey Gardens transform into a sea of tulips — one of the most stunning floral displays in the region. The gardens were originally started by Milton Hershey as a gift of roses for his community, and today they sprawl across more than 20 beautiful acres overlooking the town he built, nestled just below the iconic Hotel Hershey. Year-round, visitors can explore one of only 25 indoor tropical butterfly atriums in the entire country — a magical experience that delights all ages. Spring is truly the Garden's golden season, and when you arrive, you'll understand why.

Right on Chocolate Avenue sits The Hershey Story Museum — an immersive journey through the life and legacy of Milton Hershey that's as engaging for lifelong learners as it is for families. A mix of historic and hands-on interactive exhibits brings his remarkable story to life in ways that stick with you long after you leave. And if you're a chocolate lover (who isn't?), the Chocolate Lab and tasting experience featuring chocolates from around the world is an absolute must. With the Milton Hershey feature film on the horizon, there's never been a better time to brush up on the man behind the chocolate.

Fresh Air, Bold Murals & Classic Americana

There's something about that first truly warm spring day that makes you want to walk, explore, and soak it all in — and Harrisburg is exactly the place to do it. From vibrant street murals that pop against a blue sky to the crack of the bat at a season-opening ballgame, spring in the city is alive with energy. The Harrisburg Arts District and City Island together offer an experience that's equal parts culture, nostalgia, and good old-fashioned fun.

Harrisburg Arts District

Spring is the perfect season to breathe in some fresh air and take in the bold, vibrant murals that make the Harrisburg Arts District one of the most visually striking sections in the region. A free app guides you through the district with an immersive audio experience for each mural — making this a self-paced adventure that's as educational as it is inspiring. Beyond the murals, the Arts District is also home to theaters, live performance venues, galleries, and monuments that speak to the city's rich creative history. This one is truly worth a stroll.

City Island

Cross the pedestrian bridge and step into a slice of pure American nostalgia at City Island. Spring kicks off with the crack of the bat on April 7 when the AA Harrisburg Senators take the field at FNB Field — minor league baseball at its most charming. Water Golf offers what might be the most scenic miniature golf experience you'll ever have, with panoramic views of the Susquehanna River as the backdrop to every hole. As the evenings warm up, the Harrisburg Beach Club serves up sensational sunsets and specialty drinks that make any night feel like a celebration. Add a miniature train, a classic carousel, and the river rolling by, and you have a perfect spring afternoon.

Dust Off Your Boots — It's GO Time

Spring Hiking Hawk Rock

The hiking boots have been in the closet long enough. The bike tires are ready to be aired up. Spring in Hershey & Harrisburg is the official signal that it's time to get outside — and we have the trails, waterways, and parks to make it worth every step, pedal, and paddle. Whether you're chasing a scenic overlook or a peaceful float down a gentle waterway, the region's outdoor adventures are dialed in for the season.

Rainy Day Activities in Hershey & Harrisburg

Indian Echo Students

Spring showers are part of the deal — and around here, they don't slow anyone down. Whether the forecast calls for a drizzle or a full-on rainy afternoon, the Hershey & Harrisburg region has an impressive lineup of indoor experiences ready to keep the good times going. We guarantee a sweet time will be had by all, rain or shine.

Hershey's Chocolate World

Open year-round, Hershey's Chocolate World is the ultimate must-see for families, couples, and anyone with a sweet tooth — which (let's be honest) is everyone. Start with the free simulated tour ride to discover how HERSHEY'S milk chocolate is made from bean to bar, then explore unique treats, gifts, and a full lineup of ticketed experiences. Make your own candy bar. Embark on a cinematic candy land adventure. Shop for the most unique chocolate gifts you'll find anywhere. Spring or any season, this year-round landmark always delivers a memorable sweet time.

Hersheypark Spring Weekends

Here's the insider tip that savvy visitors already know: spring weekends at Hersheypark are the best-kept secret in the region. With smaller crowds and shorter lines for the coasters, you get all the thrills of a 121-acre theme park without the summer rush. Spring Weekends are the perfect preview of what summer has in store — and they come with a bonus. Your Hersheypark admission also includes access to ZooAmerica, making it a full day of fun that goes well beyond the rides. Come for the coasters. Stay for the animals.

Spring Never Tasted So Good

There's something about spring that makes a glass of wine among the vines or a cold craft pint on a patio taste even better. The Hershey & Harrisburg region is home to a thriving craft beer scene and a collection of beautiful vineyards that welcome the season with open arms, open taps, and often, live music. Pull up a chair, raise a glass, and let the season find you in the best possible way.

Spring Craft Drafts

The Brew Barons Beer Trail is your passport to some of the finest craft beer experiences in central Pennsylvania — and spring is a spectacular time to start exploring.  There are plenty of welcoming spots to raise a glass and toast the arrival of the season. Whether you're chasing a seasonal spring release, a classic IPA on a sunny patio, or simply a laid-back afternoon with lagers and great company, the trail delivers. Cheers to spring — and to the next stop on the tour.

Spring Vineyard Trips

Anytime is a fine time for wine — but springtime among the vines is something truly fine. As the region's vineyards come alive with new growth, so do the experiences they offer. Live music is making its seasonal return, filling outdoor spaces with the sounds of the season between tastings and small bites. You'll also find a variety of spring-themed events at local wineries that add an extra layer of fun to an already lovely afternoon. Whether you're planning a romantic escape or a relaxed outing with friends, the region's vineyards are ready to pour the perfect glass to ring in the season.

The best spring getaway doesn't plan itself — but it does start right here.