You may already be familiar with Hershey, Pennsylvania’s top two attractions, Hersheypark and Hershey’s Chocolate World—but what else can you do while visiting this chocolate capital? Here are five fun and budget-friendly things to do in Hershey.
See Interactive Exhibits at the Pennsylvania State Police Museum
Get introduced to the history of the first uniformed police force in the nation at the Pennsylvania State Police Museum. Photo Credit: Pennsylvania State Police Museum
Is there a CSI buff or budding detective in your family? At the Pennsylvania State Police Museum, explore the history and science behind Pennsylvania State Police through interactive exhibits. This unique museum preserves and interprets the rich history and heritage of the Pennsylvania State Police. Check out exhibits on crime scene investigation and forensics, the State Highway Patrol, women of the force and patrol vehicles. One of the more affordable things to do In Hershey, admission is $8; $4 for students, and children age 7 and under get in free.
Take a walk on the wild side
Located across the street from Hersheypark is ZooAmerica. From friendly otters to gray wolves to majestic bald eagles, this attraction, a highlight among family-friendly things to do in Hershey, is home to a wide range of species and habitats. Watch bears swim underwater or explore the cave of hanging bats. Want more? Get an insider's look at the zoo and observe animals as they start their day. Ticket prices are $11.50 or $9.50 for children three to eight years old and seniors over age 55.
Picnic in Shank Park
Take in the great outdoors during a nature walk at Shank Park.
For a fun and free day, one of the top things to do in Hershey is to head over to the 90-acre Shank Park, the largest of the area’s eight parks. It’s the perfect spot for a family picnic, containing a playground, swings, a sandbox, pavilions and grills. Additionally, an interpretive nature trail is nearby for outdoor enthusiasts. From mid-May through late September, the Friends of Parks and Recreation offer instructional nature walks where you’ll identify 36 different types of trees, including Black Birch (with its twigs and bark tasting and smelling of wintergreen) and the Ginko, whose bark and roots have medicinal value.
Blast to the past at Hershey-Derry Township Historical Society
If you love history, one of the things to do in Hershey is to stop by the Hershey-Derry Township Historical Society. Local residents, businesses and community groups have collectively added a unique blend of artifacts, oral histories and archival resources about their beloved town. The Society provides an in-depth visual and interpretive history of the community before the chocolate factory—including its transit system and the Native Americans who lived in the area. Your kids will enjoy the Discovery Room, an interactive learning exhibit where they can experience history in an 1830s general store and home. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children.
Stop and smell the roses at Hershey Gardens
What began as a modest rose garden in 1937 continues to blossom as the year-round attraction of Hershey Gardens. Photo Credit: Hershey Gardens
Hershey is also home to the botanical wonderland that is Hershey Gardens. Opened in 1937 at the request of Milton Hershey—who wanted a beautiful garden of roses for himself and his workers to enjoy—this “rose garden” has since expanded into 23 acres of rare and exotic flowers, shrubs and signature trees. Hershey Gardens, one of the most popular things to do in Hershey that’s not chocolate-themed, also includes different themed gardens including the indoor tropical Butterfly Atrium and the interactive, hands-on Children’s Garden. Ticket costs vary between $9 and $12.50, depending on your age.