Family Getaway with Kids Under 10

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’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.

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 Chocolatetown^SM, in the summer of 2020, featuring its 15^th coaster, Candymonium^SM. Dine at The Chocolatier^SM, 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.

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.

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.

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.