12 Fun Things to Do in Hershey with Kids — Family Friendly Activities!
Hershey, Pennsylvania, is nicknamed “the Sweetest Place on Earth” because it is home to the renowned Hershey Chocolate Factory.
They don’t name it that for anything, though.
Attractions like Hershey’s Chocolate World, the Chocolate & More Sweet Trail, and the Hershey Story Museum can be found in plenty in Hershey and can fulfill your sweet tooth as well as your wanderlust.
It sounds like a day full of playgrounds, treats, and instructive activities are in order, so what are you waiting for?
As a taster, we’ve compiled this list of the best family-friendly activities in Hershey.
- City Island Water Golf
City Island’s Water Golf is a 63-acre recreational delight on the banks of the Susquehanna River.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
City Island Water Golf is an 18-hole miniature golf course popular among amateurs and professionals because of its beautiful landscaping, including sloping greens, water hazards, waterfalls, bluffs, and bridges.
Recommended Ages
Are you looking for weekend getaway inspiration?
City Island Water Golf is a fun place for families with kids over five to spend a day.
- Chocolate & More Sweet Treat Trail
Hershey, Pennsylvania, is sometimes referred to as “the sweetest place on earth” due to the city’s plethora of confectionery shops.
Why We Recommend, This Kid-Friendly Activity
Do you have no idea what to do in Hershey’s with your children?
Get a free bingo card from Hershey’s for their Chocolate & More Sweet Treat Trail, visit participating stores, and enjoy their delicious goodies for a chance to win prizes!
Recommended Ages
Sweets and the unique twists on traditional flavors will be massive hits with kids aged three and above in this community. Kids ages three and up will love sweets and the town’s twists on classic flavors.
- Lake Tobias Wildlife Park
Since its opening in 1965, Lake Tobias Wildlife Park has been bridging the gap between humans and other species while providing educational opportunities.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
This list features some of the best family-friendly activities in Hershey.
Elk, bison, deer, antelope, flightless birds, and unusual creatures can all be viewed from the comfort of your vehicle at Lake Tobias.
Recommended Ages
Children of all ages will benefit from and enjoy this exciting and informative safari.
- ZooAmerica
The 11-acre facility opened in 1910 and is now home to over 200 animals.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
ZooAmerica, a zoo in Hershey with many cute creatures, including lizards, wolves, and bears, is a great place to take kids.
There are several events held at ZooAmerica all through the year.
Recommended Ages
Bring your young (or not so young) children, whether infants, preschoolers, elementary schoolers, middle schoolers, or high schoolers.
All kids will enjoy ZooAmerica’s many attractions and activities.
- Hershey’s Chocolate World
Guests don’t have to pay anything to enjoy all the attractions at this location, which is close to Hersheypark.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Are you in search of kid-friendly activities that won’t break the bank?
Check out Hershey’s Chocolate World, and it’s worth it.
Enjoy the factory, the tours, and the entertainment at this chocolate paradise for the price that everyone loves best at zero dollars.
Recommended Ages
Visitors need to be at least two years old for the best experience at Hershey’s Chocolate World.
- Hersheypark
In 1906, Milton S. Hershey, the founder of Hershey’s Chocolate, had this park built for his workers to use in their free time.
Today’s open to visitors from all over the world, the park features 76 rides and attractions and eight distinct areas with unique themes.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Hersheypark’s 121 acres of rides and attractions mean that no one in the family will be bored for at least a day, possibly more.
The park has a zoo, a museum, a chocolate village, games, and shows in addition to its rides.
Recommended Ages
The park’s rides, aquatic activities, and attractions are suitable for guests of all ages.
There’s a lot of teen-friendly fun to be had here.
- Indian Echo Caverns
This cavern is a limestone cave on Swatara Creek, and it can be found in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, about 15 minutes outside Hershey.
A lot of people take their kids there because it’s so popular.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Visiting the fantastic caverns in the area of Swatara Creek is like getting two or three adventures in one visit.
It’s like seeing a farm and a mine all at once and taking a trip back in time.
Recommended Ages
Exploring the depths of Indian Echo Caverns is a must for any family visiting Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Children above five are likely to get the most out of it.
- Penn National Race Course
A thoroughbred horse racing track and casino can be found about 20 minutes north of Hershey, providing low-cost entertainment options for families.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Have you ever witnessed a horse race?
What about a camel or ostrich race?
Take the kids to Penn National Race Course to see a race at no cost.
Food options are plenty for those who need to refuel after a long day at the marathon.
Recommended Ages
Fun for kids of all ages, the races at Penn National Race Course feature a variety of animals in addition to horses.
- Cocoa Castle
Derry Township Friends of Parks & Recreation constructed a cute little playground in a chocolate color scheme at the end of Chocolate Avenue, the roadway famous for its Hershey’s Kiss street lights.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Cocoa Castle, a wooden playground structure with slides, towers, tunnels, and swings, was built in 1993 as a community initiative and is an excellent option if you’re looking for activities to do in Hershey’s with toddlers.
Recommended Ages
Cocoa Castle is a great place to take active kids in Hershey if you’re seeking a quick and inexpensive place to hang out.
For the most enjoyment, children should be at least three years old.
- Hershey Gardens
In 1937, when it first opened to the public, this site was a tiny, tranquil rose garden.
This 23-acre area is now widely recognized as one of Hershey’s most visually spectacular attractions.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
The Hershey Gardens are a lovely spot to stroll and enjoy the beauty of nature, with their seasonal flowers, themed gardens, and unique trees.
In addition, thousands of beautiful butterflies and bees fly freely there.
Recommended Ages
The garden is a beautiful place for families of all ages to take a stroll.
- Hershey Story Museum
A stop at this museum in the city’s historic quarter will pay tribute to the life and legacy of the man responsible for Hershey’s chocolate.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
The Hershey Story Museum does an excellent job highlighting Hershey’s achievements, legacy, and philanthropy through interactive exhibits.
The Tastings room is a great place to teach kids about the origins of cocoa beans worldwide while entertaining them.
Recommended Ages
Children aged three and up will get the most out of their Hershey Story Museum visits.
- Pennsylvania State Police Museum
The earliest police force in the United States has a rich history to explore at the Pennsylvania State Police Museum.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
The museum commemorates the state’s police force by displaying memorials, exhibits, papers, and relics throughout its existence.
The history of law enforcement, infamous cases, the police rodeo, and more will all be discussed.
Recommended Ages
Hershey’s is full of fun activities for families, and if your young children are interested in police enforcement, you should take them to this museum.
