15 Fun Things to Do in Hershey For a Sweet Winter Escape in 2024

Are you looking for things to do in Hershey, PA, in winter? We’ve got you covered!

Hershey, PA, known as the “Sweetest Place on Earth”, is a popular destination thanks to its awesome amusement park, Hersheypark. But even when the park is closed over the winter months, there is still plenty to do in town!

We love visiting Hershey for a winter weekend getaway from Philadelphia. Between the activities at Chocolate World and the incredible indoor pool at Hershey Lodge, you miss the rollercoasters at Hersheypark.

If you’re wondering if Hershey is worth visiting when Hersheypark is closed, it definitely is. The guide below shares some of the best things to do in Hershey during the winter. So, let’s dive in!

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Where to Stay in Hershey With Kids in Winter

Before you plan your winter weekend getaway to Hershey with the kids, you need to pick out the best place to rest your head. And honestly, we think the Hershey Lodge is the top choice.

When you stay at the Hershey Lodge, you not only have access to their massive indoor pool (which is more like an indoor waterpark), but you’ll also receive FREE admission to the Hershey Story Museum and the Hershey Gardens, two of the activities included in the list of things to do in Hershey, PA.

If you are looking for something in town, the Days Inn by Wyndham is within walking distance of the Hershey Story Museum and many delicious restaurants on Chocolate Avenue. They also have an indoor pool and complimentary breakfast.

Fun Things to Do in Hershey in Winter

1. Enjoy the Activities at Chocolate World

Of course, the first thing on this list involves chocolate!

How can you visit the Sweetest Place on Earth without indulging in the sweetest of treats? We love Hershey’s Chocolate World and never miss stopping in when we visit Hershey!

Hershey’s Chocolate World, located next to the entrance to Hersheypark, can fill up your day with all of the available fun activities. Start off with a FREE Chocolate Tour ride! The ride takes you through Hershey’s chocolate-making process. At the end of the ride, don’t forget to pick up your FREE treat! 

In addition to the Chocolate Tour ride, Chocolate World has several activities that are family-friendly and fun! Kids can make their own candy bar, learn about and taste several Hershey products, and watch a 4D movie.

Admittance to each activity can be purchased online ahead of time, or at Chocolate World. Each attraction is on a schedule, so it is recommended to reserve them ahead of your visit to guarantee the time that works best for you!

Chocolate World offers various “bundle and save” packages, so you can find the one that works best for your budget. You can also add the Hershey Trolley Works to your Chocolate World bundle. Learn more about that below!

2. Take a Ride On the Hershey Trolley Works

Get to know the history of Hershey, PA, with a tour on the Hershey Trolley Works!

You’ll get to see and learn about many important locations, including where Milton S. Hershey was born, the school he started, and the town he created.

The Trolley Works picks up and drops off at Hershey’s Chocolate World. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at Chocolate World.

When planning your Trolley Works tour, take note of their schedule and plan accordingly! They offer different style tours, including the longer Historical Trolley Tour and the shorter Original Trolley Show, which has multiple characters and songs during the tour.

3. Say “Hi” to the Animals at ZooAmerica

ZooAmerica is a fun way to spend a winter day in Hershey. Even in the chilly winter months, the animals get out and play.

More than 200 animals from North America live and play at ZooAmerica. And during the winter months, it isn’t as crowded so you can enjoy the animals more.

If you have a membership to an AZA zoo or aquarium, you may receive FREE or discounted admission to ZooAmerica. Present your membership card and ID at the ticket desk to learn more.

And, if you happen to be visiting when Hersheypark is open, even during Christmas, ZooAmerica is included with your admission to the park.

4. Learn More About Milton Hershey at the Hershey Story Museum

Kids will love this beautiful museum dedicated to the founder of Hershey, PA.

The Hershey Story Museum shares about Hershey’s early life, starting the Hershey Company and developing a town for his employees. The scavenger hunt keeps kids interested in the museum, as do the new interactive displays. 

In addition, kids can learn all about candy-making in the Chocolate Lab, or sample chocolates from around the world! A cafe on-site has breakfast and lunch offerings.

And don’t forget to visit the gift shop for some chocolate-themed goods!

Visitor Tip: Guests of the Hershey Lodge and Hotel Hershey receive complimentary admission to the Hershey Story Museum

5. Go to a Hershey Bears Game

Hockey fans will love visiting Hershey in the winter because they’ll be able to attend a Hershey Bears Game!

The American Hockey League team plays at the Giant Center, right next to Hersheypark and Hershey’s Chocolate World.

They often have games on weekends, and the prices are more reasonable than NHL games, so it’s a fun way to spend some time together without breaking the bank.

6. Stroll Through the Hershey Gardens and Butterfly Atrium

One of the most beautiful things to do in Hershey any time of year is visit the Hershey Gardens!

Starting inside the conservatory, kids will love the butterfly atrium! Dozens of butterflies call the atrium home. Kids will not only get to see butterflies eating and flying around, but they can also observe the metamorphosis process.

Many chrysalises of various types of butterflies and moths are on display. Your kids may see a butterfly begin to emerge! The atrium is also a welcome reprieve from the winter weather, as it is warm and humid inside. 

After you walk with the butterflies, the kids will love to go outside and play in the Children’s Garden. In addition to all of the beautiful surroundings, the garden is still full of fun activities for the kids. We loved the Human Sundial and the Botanical Tunes!

After playing the garden, take a one-mile stroll around the gardens. The evergreen trees, holly, and even rocks make for a beautiful walk.

Members of the American Horticultural Society or participating gardens can receive FREE admission to the Hershey Gardens.

Visitor Tip: Guests of the Hotel Hershey or the Hershey Lodge will receive complimentary admission to the gardens.

7. Make Time For Yourself at the Spa at the Hotel Hershey

The spa at the Hotel Hershey is one of the best in the state. It’s a big destination for weekend getaways for couples or bridal parties.

Of course, when visiting Hershey in January or February, your skin might be feeling the elements, so a day at the Spa at the Hotel Hershey will offer some relief. This full-service spa offers massages, facials, pedicures, and more. And, of course, being in Hershey, they even have chocolate treatments!

8. Interact with Falcons and Other Birds of Prey

Meet Master Falconer Jack Hubley and his amazing birds at the Falconry Experience at the Hotel Hershey. Learn how these incredible birds hunt, and watch them soar! Guests even have the opportunity to have a bird land on their hands.

The Falconry Experience is offered on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am – 1 pm during the winter months. You do not have to be a guest of the Hotel Hershey to enjoy this unique attraction. To learn more about costs and to reserve tickets, click here.

9. Try a Mini Escape Room

Are you looking for a fun way to entertain the kids for a short period of time? Try a mini escape room at Adventure Sports in Hershey. These escape rooms are perfect for short attention spans since they are only 12 minutes long!

You don’t need a reservation. And you have a choice of three rooms. So you could always do all three to spend an hour of family-friendly fun.

10. Splash, Slide, and Swim at Hershey’s Water Works at Hershey Lodge

When you stay a weekend in Hershey, PA, you need a place to stay. We recommend staying at the Hershey Lodge. Not only are the accommodations comfortable, but guests also receive exclusive admission to the indoor pool. 

Hershey’s Water Works at Hershey Lodge is more than a standard indoor hotel pool. It is a small waterpark that your kids will not want to leave! From tube slides to spray fountains and everything in between, this pool is an attraction in its own right.

11. Explore a Cave

Right outside of Hershey is the Echo Dell – Indian Echo Caverns. This cave is open year-round and is a constant 52° inside and is one of several Pennsylvania caverns and is a fun winter activity.

No matter the weather outside or inside, you’ll learn about rock formations, how the cave was developed, and how old the cavern is! Echo Dell-Indian Echo Caverns’ hours vary depending on the season. Visit their website for more information.

12. Go Ice Skating

On most Sundays in January and February in Hershey, visitors can get out on the ice at the Giant Center or Hersheypark Arena. It’s a fun activity during the winter months in Hershey.

For 2024, open skare is available most Sundays from 2-4 pm. The cost isn’t too much, and kids under three are FREE.

Because the arenas are so close to Chocolate World, it would be fun to combine both attractions in one day.

13. Check Out Some Old Cars

America’s Transportation Experience in Hershey is a fun antique automoble museum that has cars, buses, and model trains on display.

They are open daily through the winter months and provide a fun space to warm up while learning about how transportation has changed (and stayed the same) over the last 100 years.

You can even see the classic Hershey Kissmobile!

14. Catch a Show

Whether at the Hershey Theater or the Giant Center, there is always some kind of fun performance available when you visit Hershey in the winter.

You’ll have options for concerts, live theater, or spectacular performances like Cirque du Soleil.

15. Indulge in Treats and Good Eats

Chocolatetown is a newer area at Hersheypark that has some delicious shops and restaurants. You can access areas of Chocolatetown without entering the park, including during the winter months.

If you’re visiting Hershey, you’ll probably be in the mood for something sweet. The Sweeterie Confectionery Kitchen and the Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor will take care of those cravings.

You might be in the mood for dinner or lunch instead. If so, you’ll want to grab a bite to eat at the Chocolatier, a full-service restaurant. While you’re there, check out the Hersheypark Supply Store for some fun Hershey merchandise.

Best Places to Eat With Kids in Hershey

There are plenty of family-friendly restaurants in Hershey. Here are some of our favorites:

• Fire & Grain is right off the main lobby in the Hershey Lodge. It’s a bit more upscale and offers classic meals like roasted chicken, Bolognese, and New York strip steak.
• The Bear’s Den is also in the Hershey Lodge and is more relaxed with a sports bar atmosphere. This is where you’ll get your burgers, chicken sandwiches, and other traditional pub fare.
• Iron Hill Brewery is a home run every time. They have great pub-style fare and an awesome children’s menu.
• The Chocolate Avenue Grill has a relaxed atmosphere and a large varied menu
• One of our favorite restaurants in Pittsburgh has made its way to Hershey. Primanti Bros offers fun sandwiches with fries on top!

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Hershey in Winter

Is Hershey open in the winter?

While Hersheypark is closed in the winter (the last day for the Christmas Candylane is January 1st), the town is still open and has tons of fun things to do.

Is it worth going to Hersheypark in winter?

Although we think it’s worth going to Hersheypark in December during their Christmas Candylane event, unfortunately, Hersheypark is closed for the rest of winter. But there are still plenty of things to do in Hershey in winter, even without the rollercoasters!

There are So Many Things to do in Hershey, PA!

As you can see, there are so many fun things to do in Hershey to fill your weekend getaway, even if you visit in the off-season.

You may have to visit over a few weekends to do everything. Of course, the best time to visit Hershey is in the spring or summer to enjoy all of the rides at Hersheypark. Before you go, read these tips and things to know.

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