5 Reasons to Visit Hershey Pennsylvania

I was provided with complimentary accommodations, admissions, and meals to facilitate my review. However, all opinions and drool-worthy photos are 100% my own.

I recently had the opportunity to visit Hershey, PA to learn about the exciting things that are happening this year. I was thrilled about this invitation since I’ve been enjoying this sweet town since I was a child. Today I’m sharing how this small town packs a lot of fun and should be on your family’s must-visit list this year.

5 Reasons to Visit Hershey Pennsylvania

1. Top-notch Accommodations

I stayed at The Hotel Hershey which is a historic hotel that offers plenty of amenities to their guests. The staff was courteous, the bed was comfy (and all mine!), and the food was AMAZING. Not to be outdone, there’s also the Hershey Lodge which offers the same hospitality, along with a fun Kids’ Check-in Table that is available seasonally. The Hershey Lodge is also wrapping up Hershey’s Water Works-an indoor pool complex that will be opening Memorial Day weekend!

Another option is Hersheypark Camping Resort. This gem offers a variety of cabins and campsites to choose from. Plus the resort offers plenty of fun outdoor activities to keep the kids entertained. I’ll be sharing a future post with more details on all of the resorts mentioned along with a couple of room tours, so stay tuned!

Tip: If you stay at an Official Resort of Hersheypark, you get one-hour early access to select rides and attractions at Hersheypark during the summer season!

2. Delicious Food

Hershey has a variety of dining options for every taste palate, and if you follow me on Instagram, you probably saw a sampling of it. I personally suggest having breakfast at the Hershey Grill located at the Hershey Lodge resort, and indulging on S’mores French Toast. There’s also The Bear’s Den which offers great food in a casual setting, or Harvest located at The Hotel Hershey which serves American cuisine featuring local and fresh ingredients. Check out all the dining options available in Hershey here.

Check out some of my favorites:

3. Educational Opportunities

Hershey, PA is a town that is full of rich history. I highly recommend checking out Hershey Trolley Works, which is a sightseeing tour that covers the story of Milton Hershey. During the tour you’ll get to see the original chocolate factory, Milton Hershey School, and his former home, along with other sites. You’ll also get to sample chocolate throughout the entire tour.

Another fun stop, is Hershey Gardens. It offers 23 acres filled with beautiful flowers and plants. This summer, Hershey Gardens will be opening the doors to The Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory. The new 16,000 square-foot conservatory will  feature an indoor Butterfly Atrium and a Horticultural & Educational Wing. I had the opportunity to take a quick tour of the facility and it’s absolutely stunning.

Last, but not least, Hershey’s Chocolate World. I’ve been going to Hershey’s Chocolate World as long as I can remember, and I still look forward to it each time we visit. There’s plenty of things to do here, from creating your own candy bar to souvenir shopping. During your visit, make sure to check out the Hershey’s Chocolate Tour which is FREE. It’s a fun way for kids to learn how chocolate is created, and sing along with the cows. 😉

4. Hersheypark

If you’re visiting Hershey, you have to add Hersheypark to your itinerary. What I love about Hersheypark is how the park caters to all ages, abilities and sizes. My kids range from 2-17, which often makes it hard when visiting amusement parks since most parks cater to one or two age groups. Hersheypark offers a variety of roller coasters and thrill rides for my older kids, while my toddler can enjoy rides specifically for her size. What’s great is that there’s also plenty of family rides we all can enjoy together. Two of our favorites are the Whip and Coal Cracker. 🙂

During my visit I had the opportunity to learn a few things from the Hersheypark staff. Hersheypark prioritizes safety and accessibility, so that all guests can enjoy their visit. It was great to hear the steps the park has taken to ensure everyone is safe while enjoying themselves. For more detailed information please check out the park’s website.

Tip: During the summer season, you can also enjoy The Boardwalk which offers several water rides for everyone in the family. Admission to The Boardwalk is included with your park pass!

5. ZooAmerica

ZooAmerica is open year-round and is free with your Hersheypark admission as long as you visit the same day. I’ve been to ZooAmerica a handful of times and I learn something new each time I visit. This walk-thru zoo is next door to Hersheypark and has more than 200 animals from the North American region.

I recommend booking a guided tour to get up close and personal with some of the animals. I had a blast making new furry friends during the tour and learned a ton from our wonderful tour guides.

Hey Rufus… #sideeye @thesweetestplaceonearth #HersheyPA #travel #ZooAmerica @ZooAmerica #travelgram #instatravel #familytravel Photo credit: @novsunflower

Have you ever visited Hershey, PA? What are some of your favorite things to do? I’d love to hear from you!