If you are looking for a fun family experience this summer, then a trip to Hershey, PA is for you! We have been visiting Hershey since my boys were infants, and I have been going to the sweetest place on Earth since I was a kid. There is something for everyone in your family to enjoy. In this post, I am going to highlight some of the MUST DO experiences in Hershey, PA this summer. Of course there are countless experiences, but these are my favorite!
Must Do Experiences in Hershey this Summer
Explore the Boardwalk
What’s more fun in the summer than enjoying a waterpark? Well you’re in luck because right in the heart of Hersheypark is The Boardwalk, a sweet waterpark experience like no other. From a lazy river to water slides to splashpads, there is something for Hershey guests of all ages to enjoy. The Boardwalk is the perfect place to beat the heat and enjoy time together with friends and family. Little ones will love Sandcastle Cove and Shoreline Sprayground, while older kids will enjoy the thrilling slides at Coastline Plunge and the Waverider. The entire family can enjoy time together on Intercoastal Waterway (Lazy River), The Shore (Wavepool), and East Coast Waterworks. Make sure to also try out Breakers Edge Water Coaster, the first hydroMAGNETIC coaster that offers a thrilling experience for the entire family. Whitecap Racer is another must do this summer. It is the longest mat racing slide in the world!
Rent a Cabana
There is no better way to spend a day at The Boardwalk then to relax in one of their amazing cabanas. The cabanas are located along the Intercoastal Waterway. You even have private access to the lazy river which, on a hot summer day, is the #1 reason to get a cabana. Each cabana has 2 lounge chairs, 2 small chairs, and a table with 4 chairs. You also have a fridge stocked with 12 bottles of water, and each guest has access to unlimited soft drinks at the stations located in the cabana area. Each cabana comes with a towel for each guest, a beach bag, and a small bottle of sunscreen. While relaxing or taking a break from the excitement, you can order food and drinks (including cocktails) from your waitress. Each cabana is priced for 6 people but can fit up to 8. There is a fee to add the 2 additional guests.
Check out Wildcat’s Revenge
Get ready for the ride of your life this summer on Wildcat’s Revenge! Wildcat was my son’s favorite ride at Hersheypark so when he found out it was closing, he was devastated. However, when we learned that RMC had plans to turn it into a hybrid wooden and steel coaster, we just knew it was going to be EPIC. This coaster absolutely does not disappoint. Wildcat’s Revenge is exciting, exhilarating, and heart pumping. It offers EVERYTHING a great coaster should have. With the world’s largest underflip, 4 inversions, 82 degree drop, and a track length of 3,510 feet, this ride is pure excitement from start to finish! I smiled and screamed during the entire 2.5 minutes. It is my new favorite ride at Hersheypark (sorry Candymonium). Wildcat’s Revenge is NOW open and is a MUST DO this summer!!
Wildcat’s Revenge isn’t the only new thing to arrive at Hersheypark this summer! There are some delicious cocktails to enjoy too, especially on a hot day. During a media event, I got to try the Revenge-A-Rita and it was so yummy! I really love the souvenir cup too. My suggestion is to grab a drink and then head over to the waterpark and relax by the wave pool! (After you ride Wildcat’s Revenge, of course!)
Eat at The Chocolatier
If you are looking for a culinary experience that will engage all of your senses, then The Chocolatier is the place for you! This full-service restaurant, bar, and patio located in Hershey’s Chocolatetown at Hersheypark offers a “fun to table” experience the entire family will not soon forget. With its nostalgic decor mixed with modern flare, The Chocolatier offers a one of a kind dining adventure. The Chocolatier is located in Hershey’s Chocolatetown on the 2nd floor above the Hersheypark Supply Co. It is open daily for food, fun, and, of course, chocolate. Diners do not need a ticket to Hersheypark to enter, and reservations are available on their website.
This summer, The Chocolatier is offering something new: Breakfast with Hershey Characters. On select weekends through August 6, guests can dine with their favorite Hershey characters like Reese’s, Chocolate Bar, Kit Kat, and more. The breakfast buffet includes a delicious array of food including French toast sticks, pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, pastries, and more. Reservations are required.
Go Camping
If you are looking for a fun summer adventure, then definitely consider booking a camping trip in Hershey, PA. The Hersheypark Camping Resort offers cabins, tent sites, and RV sites, allowing for a variety of camping options. With 2 pools, playgrounds, volleyball and basketball courts, family games and activities, fishing, movie nights, special events, and more, it is the ultimate camping experience! We absolutely love staying in their 2 bedroom cabins. It has all the comforts of home while still offering the camping experience. Each site comes with a picnic table and fire ring, allowing for outdoor cooking. Who doesn’t love making s’mores on an open fire?
Staying at the Hersheypark Camping Resort, like the other 2 Hershey properties (Hershey Lodge and Hotel Hershey) provides guests with unique discounts and perks. Guests can enjoy FREE transportation to and from Hershepark which is especially helpful for those that rolled into the resort in an RV! Guests can also enjoy great discounts to the park as well as Hershey Gardens, ZooAmerica, and the Hershey Story Museum. Tickets can be purchased right at the resort store for added convenience. One of the best benefits of staying at Hersheypark Camping Resort is early access to Hersheypark. Resort guests can enter Hersheypark an hour earlier than regular guests allowing them to explore more with less wait and fewer crowds. This Sweet Start is a sweet way to begin any day in Hershey, PA.
Play Golf
Did you know that there are not just 1 but 5 places to play golf in Hershey? The Hershey Country Club offers 2 incredible 18-hole private courses that are accessible to only members and guests of the Hershey Lodge and The Hotel Hershey. The East Course, which opened in 1969, is a par-71 course featuring 3 lakes and over 100 bunkers. It has a 74.5 rating and a slope of 136. The West Course, which opened in 1930, is a par-73 course featuring tree lined fairways and challenging hazards. This course has a 72.6 rating and slope of 130. Guests of the Hershey Lodge and The Hotel Hershey can also enjoy a day of golfing at the 9-hole public course located at Spring Creek Golf Course
If you are looking for something for the family, then you’re in luck! The Hotel Hershey offers a 18 hole all grass putting course that is FREE for guests. During the day, it offers a fun learning experience, but at night, it truly lights up. Glow Putting is offered most evenings for a nominal fee. This is an experience my boys and I absolutely love. The ball and the flags both glow in the dark. Make sure to check the Activities calendar for available times. Another great option for families is mini golf, which can be found at the Hershey Lodge. It is located outside next to the outdoor pool, and it is FREE for guests. There are 18 holes making for a fun, but challenging experience.
Check Out Hershey’s Great Candy Expedition
New to Hershey’s Chocolate World is Hershey’s Great Candy Expedition, a cinematic train themed adventure the entire family will love. Climb aboard and take an exciting journey with Engineer Ginny as she takes you to destinations like KISSES Valley, JOLLY RANCHER Junction, REESE’S Ridge, and more. Before heading out onto your expedition, make sure to take an Adventurer’s Guide for fun and games. This is a truly immersive, hands-on learning experience that will engage all of the senses. Tickets are $19.95/person (ages 2 and under are free). For tips on how to best enjoy this experience, visit their website.
Go Hiking
Get outside and enjoy the summer air by exploring the hiking paths around The Hotel Hershey. There are 3 trails outside the hotel that range in distance and difficulty. The Paved Kiss Trail is 1.4 miles long and perfect for running or walking. Brooks Valley Run is a one mile nature trail while Mountain Ridge pass is 3 miles long. Each trail offers a unique experience with beautiful views. The trails are open to all visitors to Hershey, PA. If you are looking for a just a simple walk, guests can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the formal garden and gazebos (5 laps = 1 mile).
Have a King Size Shake
There are tons of delicious snacks and treats to enjoy in Hershey, but there is nothing that says SUMMER quite like a King Size Shake. These delicious drinks can be found inside the park at Simply Chocolate. They come in a variety of flavors including unique seasonal flavors. I have tried them all, and my favorite is still chocolate peanut butter.
So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Hershey, PA for the ultimate summer family vacation. Get your park tickets here.