The Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun in Hershey, PA

Updated for 2022!

Visiting Hershey, PA during the summer season is a MUST DO experience for individuals of all ages. Although Hershey is a great family travel destination, it is also great for couples, scout groups, reunions, weddings and more! During the summer season (April 30 – September 11), Hershey offers a wide variety of adventures at locations scattered around the town. From water fun at The Boardwalk at Hersheypark to chocolate lab classes at The Hershey Story Museum to outdoor adventure experiences at The Hotel Hershey, there is something for everyone to enjoy!

Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun in Hershey, PA

Activities at Hersheypark

New Jolly Rancher Attractions

Beginning May 28, guests of Hersheypark can enjoy two new ride experiences! Jolly Rancher Remix is a reimagined coaster that engages all of the senses. This unique coaster goes forwards AND backwards and inverts riders 6 times. What makes it really unique is as guests zip through the tunnel, they will get an incredible sensory experience that includes music, lights, and smell…yes smell! There are 5 scent options which will be completed random for each ride. Jolly Rancher Remix is for guests in the Hershey’s, Twizzlers, and Jolly Rancher height categories.

The second ride is Mix’d Flavored by Jolly Rancher! This is a unique family ride positioned right in front of the Jolly Rancher ReMix. Guests will sit on one of four arms that rotate 360 degrees. It is true modern marvel as the arms move and intertwine. Guests will ride forwards AND backwards. I am so excited for this ride!

 

Character Meet and Greets

I am beyond excited that Hersheypark has brought back character hugs! Throughout the day, guests can take pictures with their favorite characters in front of the Music Box Theatre. Characters may include Hershey’s Bar, Kit Kat, Reese’s, and more.

Our Friends of the Sea

This summer, guests can enjoy an amazing show at the Aquatheatre featuring California sea lions and Atlantic Harbor Seals. Following the show, for an additional fee, guests can feed the animals and/or take a photo with one of the animal stars.

The Boardwalk

The Boardwalk offers endless opportunities to cool off, and it is included with your ticket to the park. Kids will love exploring the East Coast Waterworks while parents will enjoy floating around the Intercoastal Waterway. There are even spaces dedicated to little ones like Sandcastle Cove and Shoreline Sprayground.

If you’re a thrill seeker, then make sure you check out Breakers Edge Water Coaster, the first hydroMAGNETIC coaster with flying saucer turns. Rafts fit 4 riders making it a perfect experience for family and friends. You can also speed down Whitecap Racer, the longest mat racing slide in the world. Riders will race through turns and tunnels and choose between 6 colorful racing lanes.

Food Truck Mania

Hersheypark offers some unique dining experiences this summer! Throughout the park, guests can enjoy delicious food truck options that everyone can enjoy. We especially love the Chick-Fil-A truck, and we cannot wait to try new empanada one!

Activities at ZooAmerica

Zoo Camp

Beginning June 20, children in Kindergarten through 12^thgrade can enjoy a one-of-a-kind camp experience at ZooAmerica! Campers will enjoy animal encounters, crafts, themed activities, guided zoo tours and more. Your future zoologist will LOVE Zoo Camp. To register, visit the ZooAmerica website.

 

Activities at Hershey Story Museum

Tastings: Chocolates from around the World

For a nominal fee, visitors at the Hershey Story Museum can enjoy warm drinking chocolates from around the world. Each one offers its own unique flavor. Tastings offer a wonderful multi-sensory learning experience.

Chocolate Lab Classes

Individuals ages 4 and up can enjoy a fun 45 minutes class at The Hershey Story Museum. For each class, participants will make a delicious treat to take home. Each budding chef will also learn facts about chocolate and gain important cooking skills. Tickets must be purchased in advance and classes take place throughout the day.

Activities at Hershey Gardens

Marvelous Mondays

Every Monday July 11 – August 8 10am-12pm, kids can enjoy fun crafts and entertainment like story time and puppet shows. Activities are included with admission to the Hershey Gardens.

Summer Camp

The Hershey Gardens offers a wonderful summer camp for children age 4 through 8^thgrade. Science Explorers offers 3 one week sessions with half and full day options available. Each week offers a new and exciting theme that allows kids to learn through hands-on activities and experiences. Then July 11-22, Hershey Gardens partners with Hershey Area Playhouse to offer a theater camp. This unique half-day camp for children in grades 4-8 teaches kids all about acting and ends with a full production!

Activities at Chocolate World

In addition to its traditional experiences like the Chocolate Tour, Create Your Own Candy Bar, 4D Chocolate Movie and Chocolate Tastings, Hershey’s Chocolate World offers exciting seasonal activities as well!

Hershey’s Unwrapped

This summer make sure to check out the interactive chocolate tasting experience, Hershey’s Unwrapped! Guests will learn all about using their 5 senses to understand the differences between chocolates as well as how to determine which of the 6 flavor families you can taste in each bite. It is a fun, theatrical experience the entire family will LOVE!

 

 

Character Meet and Greets

Throughout the day, guests can meet their favorite characters. There will be schedule available upon entering Chocolate World.

Summer Trolley Rides

Summer Trolley Rides are available all summer! Departing from Hershey’s Chocolate World, the trolley takes guests through the town of Hershey while explaining its rich history. This is a family-friendly, interactive experience that everyone will LOVE. Plus, each rider will receive some sweet treats!

Reese’s Stuff Your Cup

This is not only a fun and unique experience, it is delicious too! For $19.95, guests can stuff their own GIANT Reese’s Cup. In addition to yummy peanut butter, you can also add items such as chocolate chips, marshmallows, cookie pieces, pretzels, and more. It is perfect for the entire family to share! For more info, check out my Reel!

Hershey Entertainment

Hershey, PA offers incredible entertainment all summer long! From concerts to shows to theatrical performances, there is something for everyone in your family to enjoy. Here is a list of this summer’s events:

Giant Center:

• 6/3 – Chris Tomlin and United
• 7/1 – Big Time Rush
• 7/3 – Cheer Live
• 7/9 – 3Ice
• 7/21 – New Kids on the Block
• 7/23 – Dude Perfect
• 7/29 – Greta Van Fleet
• 8/3 – Kidz Bop Live

Hershey Theatre:

• 6/14 – The Masked Singer National Tour
• 7/26-7/31 – Anastasia

Hersheypark Stadium (outdoor venue):

• 6/24 – Thomas Rhett
• 7/12 – Def Leppard and Motley Crue
• 7/30 – Pitbull
• 8/6 – Santana and Earth, Wind, and Fire
• 8/12 – Imagine Dragons
• 8/14 – Zac Brown Band
• 8/20 Rod Stewart
• 8/27 – Chris Stapleton

Activities at the Resorts

Hersheypark Camping Resort:

Hersheypark Camping Resort offers cabins, tent sites and RV sites. With 2 pools, playgrounds, family games and activities, horseshoes, movie nights and more, it is the ultimate camping experience!

Outdoor Movie Nights

On select nights during summer stays, guests can enjoy a FREE outdoor movie which is presented on the side of the main building. Guests are welcome to bring chairs and blankets.

Arts and Crafts

Fun themed craft activities are available throughout the day for camping resort guests. The crafts are FREE and make for a great break from the sun and heat.

Special Events

Make sure to check the activity schedule when you check-in to the Hersheypark Camping Resort because they offer fun special events throughout your stay. Some experiences include magic shows, character meet and greets, ZooAmerica shows, ice cream socials and more!

Hotel Hershey:

Hiking

Get out and enjoy the summer air by exploring the hiking paths around The Hotel Hershey. The paved paths range from ¼ mile to 3 miles.

Falconry Experience

From June 1 – September 5, guests can book an incredible Falconry Experience for $80/adult and $50/child (under 12). Non-resort guests can also book an experience for a slightly higher adult rate. Participants will see flight and a simulated hunt demonstration as well as have the opportunity to have a falcon land on their hand!

Tours

From April through November, guests of The Hotel Hershey can enjoy an incredible segway tour around the resort. While exploring the grounds, guests will learn about the hotel’s rich history and its importance to the town of Hershey. Historical tours cost $69/person while off-road tours are $79/person. The Hotel Hershey also offers guests a FREE walking tour that is available year round. The Historic Tour of the Hotel takes place on select mornings and is run by knowledgeable hotel staff.

 

Hershey Lodge:

Splash Around at Hershey Water Works

Before, in between and/or after all that Hersheypark fun, take some time to swim, splash and play at Hershey Water Works, a unique indoor water play area at the Hershey Lodge. It is only available for resort guests so make sure to book your stay now!

Roast Marshmallows

Located right in front of the resort is a large fire pit perfect for roasting marshmallows on a nice summer night. Families can purchase s’mores kits at the Cocoa Beanery or bring their own.

Mini Golf

Did you know that there is a mini golf course right on property at the Hershey Lodge ? During the warm summer months, save some time to enjoy a round of golf with your family and friends. It’s FREE for resort guests!

I bet you had no idea there were so many amazing summer activities available in Hershey, PA! Now you can see why we visit every year! To learn more and to book your summer adventure, visit the Hersheypark website!

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