The Ultimate Kids' Guide to Hershey, Pennsylvania

Date: June 18, 2026

Looking for a family vacation all kids will love? We know just the place! Hershey, Pennsylvania is home to world-class roller coasters, a North American zoo, four resorts, live concerts and shows, delicious dining options and chocolate around every corner. Centrally located within driving distance of five of the largest metropolitan areas in the Northeast, the town built on chocolate is truly a sweet destination for families. 

If you have little ones and are considering a summer getaway to The Sweetest Place On Earth, we’ve got you covered with our complete guide to Hershey for kids. 

Plus, for a limited time this summer, families can save with our Kids Stay, Play & Eat FREE resort package and sweet Hersheypark ticket offers. Keep reading for all of the details!

Where to Stay

The first step in planning a family vacation is figuring out where to stay with the kids. Lucky for visitors to Hershey, there are plenty of kid-friendly hotel accommodations in close proximity to all of the attractions. 

The Official Resorts of Hersheypark

From the Hershey’s chocolate bar received upon check-in to meet-and-greets with Hershey Characters in the lobby*, families will love The Official Resorts of Hersheypark and their many sweet amenities. Guests can choose from accommodations at The Hotel Hershey luxury AAA Four Diamond property, the warm and welcoming Hershey Lodge resort, Hersheypark Camping Resort year-round campground or Hershey Inn & Suites, the newest hotel to join the portfolio that also includes FREE hot breakfast.

*Available at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hershey Inn & Suites

Those interested in even more luxury should consider The Villas at The Hotel Hershey, an elevated luxury accommodation experience with exclusive amenities, including daily Hersheypark tickets and a One-Day Fast Track per person. 

The Villas offer 4-and 6-bedroom options that are perfect for large families. Guests can book an entire Villa and gain access to a Great Room featuring vaulted ceilings, a wet bar and a private fireplace, perfect for evening wine for the adults while the toddlers play nearby.

Villas guests can start and end their day in the exclusive Villas Concierge Lounge with continental breakfast, grab & go snacks, fountain soda, s'mores roasts around the Villas Concierge Fire Pit, exclusive Hershey Character weekend meet and greets and a dedicated concierge team member to help make reservations and handle requests. 

The Official Resorts of Hersheypark offer many kid-friendly experiences to sweeten any stay.

Kids’ Check-In: Offered seasonally and on select weekends at The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge, kids can start their getaway with their very own check-in at our Kids’ Check-In desk in the lobby. This sweet experience allows kids to sign the kids’ guest book, participate in a Hershey’s candy guessing game and receive a chocolate surprise.

Kid-Friendly Resort Activities: Throughout the summer, kid-friendly recreation and activities are available at all four resorts. At The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge, guests can enjoy family fun, such as chocolate bingo, s’mores roasts, mini golf or glow putting, Hershey Character appearances and more. A new arcade in The Hotel Hershey plaza is now open, where guests can win prizes and play classic games like pinball, skeeball, video games and more from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, kids can play at the playgrounds and indoor game room and participate in activities ranging from educational animal programs to comedy magic shows. At Hershey Inn & Suites, kids can enjoy the 24/7 arcade.

Splashes At The Pool: Don’t forget to pack the swimsuits! Kids won’t want to miss out on the splashing good times to be had at the resort’s pool complexes. Weather permitting, the outdoor pools at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hersheypark Camping Resort are open for the summer season from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. 

• Perfect for families, the outdoor pool complex at The Hotel Hershey features a family pool with zero-grade entry, two large slides and a kiddie spray deck, as well as an infinity-edge adult pool and whirlpool.
• The Villas guests enjoy 30 minutes of early access to the outdoor pool complex at The Hotel Hershey.
• In addition to an outdoor pool, guests of Hershey Lodge can enjoy a sweet indoor pool complex year-round called Hershey’s Water Works, complete with Twizzlers Twists water slides, a Reese’s Water Walk, a zero-entry pool, a sand castle spray zone, a lighthouse tipping bucket, basketball hoops and more.
• Campers at Hersheypark Camping Resort can cool off in two outdoor pools and a kiddie pool.
• Hershey Inn & Suites offers access to an indoor pool year-round. 

Packages and Benefits: Families can save on a getaway to The Official Resorts of Hersheypark with sweet overnight packages, including the guest-favorite Kids Stay, Play & Eat FREE Package - back for a limited time. Available on select Hersheypark operating dates through Sept. 7 at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hershey Inn & Suites, this package includes free accommodations, free Hersheypark tickets and free breakfast each day of stay for kids 17 and younger. 

Plus, all resort guests also receive FREE Resort Benefits, including the best price on Hersheypark tickets, free front gate shuttle service to and from the Park, extra hours at the Park, free or discounted admission to area attractions and more.

What to Do

There is plenty to see and do with kids in The Sweetest Place On Earth. Families can spend the day at the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania, learn about North American animals at an 11-acre zoo, attend a family-friendly show, create their own candy bar, see dozens of rare butterflies, explore the history of Hershey at a museum and so much more.

Ride all day at Hersheypark

For 120 years, Hersheypark has been known as a clean and green destination for family fun. The 121-acre amusement park is open daily through Sept. 7 (Labor Day) for coaster rides, King Size Shakes, Hershey Character selfies and water park splashes.

A sweet value, Hersheypark tickets include three parks in one—more than 70 attractions with the most coasters in the Northeast, The Boardwalk at Hersheypark water park and ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park.

All-American Summer Celebration: Hersheypark also offers patriotic activations and special summer events highlighting America’s 250th anniversary, including the following: 

• Multiple dates of fireworks presented by HERSHEY’S on July 3, July 4 and Aug. 8 at 10:15 p.m.
• ALL-NEW live music show, Sweet Land of Liberty: A Celebration of the American Songbook, in the Chevrolet Music Box Theatre venue from May 29 through Sept. 7
• Select Americana-themed attractions, like Star-Spangled Laff Trakk
• Red, white and blue ride light packages and decor
• Hershey Characters dressed in their festive best
• Limited-time food and drink, including a Star-Spangled King Size Shake (only available in July) and a Birthday King Size Shake available all summer long

Fun For All Ages: The extensive lineup of more than 70 rides offers something for everyone. Guests can explore rides on the Hersheypark app or website by Hershey’s candy height categories. Hersheypark has more than 20 kiddie rides, plus family favorites like the Carrousel with all 66 original horses and the Kissing Tower for an aerial view of the Park. Hersheypark is also home to the most coasters in the Northeast, from Cocoa Cruiser for the smallest thrill seekers to sooperdooperLooper as the first upside-down coaster for many young guests. For the older kids of 48 inches or taller, Wildcat’s Revenge hybrid coaster offers the ultimate thrills.

Families Can Ride Together: Hersheypark features a unique layout with 121 acres of outdoor attractions surrounded by shady trees, ample green spaces and fresh Pennsylvania air. Unlike other parks, Hersheypark was specifically designed with thrill rides in the same area as kiddie rides, so families don’t have to split up throughout the Park. One exception is Carrousel Circle, with many rides for the youngest guests. 

Kiddie Swap: Ideal for families, Hersheypark offers a Kiddie Swap program where one parent may ride while the other stays with the child and then, at the conclusion of the initial ride, the parents may "swap" places. Similarly, if one parent has two children who meet the height restriction but must be accompanied by a responsible rider, or who do not wish to ride alone, the parent may ride with one child while the other child waits in an appropriate ride area. At the conclusion of the initial ride, the parent may remain on the ride while the children "swap" places. 

Character Photo Opportunities: In addition to the rides, a beloved family tradition is taking a photo of children next to the Hershey Character-themed height categories in Hershey’s Chocolatetown as they grow each year. And, of course, Hersheypark is the only amusement park in the world where guests can snap a selfie with a Hershey Character. In celebration of the nation's semiquincentennial, Hersh, Miss Kiss and Reese are dressed in their patriotic attire this summer!

Sweet Treats: It wouldn’t be a trip to Hershey without treats kids love, from award-winning King Size Shakes (celebrating 10 years) to funnel cakes with Hershey's candies. For the ultimate sweetness, guests should visit Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor in Hershey’s Chocolatetown. Inspired by Mr. Hershey's early ventures in sweetness that came before his famous chocolate factory, expert Ice Creamologists craft custom creations from 100% local dairy house-made ice cream, Hershey's candy toppings, decadent sauces and more. Right next door to Milton's is The Sweeterie Confectionery Kitchen with chocolate-dipped treats, decadent desserts and signature hand-crafted fudge. 

The best part? Hersheypark offers various ticket options throughout the year, so families can choose the best option to fit their travel needs. 

Plus, general admission tickets include a free Preview Plan, allowing guests to enter Hersheypark for two hours on a night before their full-day visit by presenting their tickets at the main entrance to enjoy a fun-filled evening. Resort guests can enter three hours before closing.

Cool Off At The Water Park

After working up a sweat riding coasters this summer, park-goers can cool off at The Boardwalk at Hersheypark, an 11-acre water park located inside Hersheypark that is included with admission from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The Boardwalk has one million gallons of water among 16 water attractions, including two new water play areas, water slides, a water coaster, a lazy river and more. 

New for Summer 2026: Hersheypark recently debuted an enhancement to its water park, which is located within the amusement park and accessible via a single admission. The existing Bayside Pier kiddie wave pool with a zero-depth entry ramp and rolling waves now features two new water play areas boasting 45 aquatic elements for summer 2026. 

• A new shade-filled play zone, The Inlet at Bayside Pier, features water-spouting dolphins and fish, and whimsical water spray features.
• The Island at Bayside Pier debuts towering 10-foot-tall palm trees that tip buckets of refreshing water. 

Both new areas feature rubberized decking for additional guest comfort, allowing guests to sit and splash under shaded canopies. The new open design also allows families to seamlessly flow between other water attractions and cool off faster with access to the abundant water features. 

In addition to The Inlet and The Island at Bayside Pier, The Boardwalk has other kid-friendly water attractions. Shoreline Sprayground is an all-ages water fun playground with misters, bubblers, dancing fountains, spraying jets, water curtains and a drenching tipping bucket. The Boardwalk is also home to East Coast Waterworks, an attraction that boasts more than 600 interactive water features. The biggest splash comes from a 1,000-gallon tipping bucket for those looking to get drenched on a hot summer day.

See Dozens of North American Animals At The Zoo

ZooAmerica is an 11-acre walk-through zoo that cares for animals representing more than 60 species from five regions of North America. Guests can see gray wolves, a black bear, Canada lynx, a river otter, elk and other animals native to this continent.

Families with young animal lovers should consider elevating their zoo experience with a behind-the-scenes tour. ZooAmerica offers two special tours that guide participants through non-public areas, get them close to the animals and leave them with a deeper understanding of the animal world. Premium feeding experiences are also available, which includes admission to ZooAmerica.

ZooAmerica is included with a Hersheypark ticket only when accessing the Zoo through the Hersheypark bridge during posted Park hours. Regular admission to ZooAmerica is $16.50 plus taxes and fees. Juniors ages 3-8 and seniors ages 62+ are $14.50 plus taxes and fees. Children 2 and under are free.

Create Your Own Candy Bar

Conveniently located just across the plaza from Hersheypark, Hershey's Chocolate World is the official visitors center of The Hershey Company with many fun activities for families. 

Guests can learn how tropical cocoa beans become Hershey’s Chocolate on a free chocolate factory tour ride and participate in various paid experiences, including Create Your Own Candy Bar, Hershey’s Unwrapped: A Chocolate Tasting Journey, Reese’s Stuff Your Cup and Hershey Trolley Works. Plus, sip milkshakes and embrace the feeling of being a kid in a candy store as you browse their selection of Hershey’s exclusive chocolates and retail.

Pay a Visit to the Museum

The Hershey Story in downtown Hershey provides an interactive museum experience for children and adults alike, making it an excellent stop for the whole family. Guests can learn all about the life and legacy of our founder Milton S. Hershey, the town he created, and the lives he touched. Additional paid experiences are also available, including the Chocolate Lab, where guests can try their hand at chocolate pouring and decorating.  

Note: All guests of The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hershey Inn & Suites receive free admission, and guests of Hersheypark Camping Resort receive discounted admission.

See Hundreds of Butterflies From Around The World

Hershey Gardens is a 23-acre walk-through botanical display garden that offers 11 themed gardens, including thousands of roses in the summer and a Children’s Garden with interactive play areas, a performance space and a place for students to learn how to grow food. During a visit, guests can check out the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory, which includes a year-round indoor tropical Butterfly Atrium featuring hundreds of colorful butterflies from around the world. The atrium is one of only 25 year-round indoor tropical butterfly atriums in the U.S.

Note: All guests of The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hershey Inn & Suites receive free admission, and guests of Hersheypark Camping Resort receive discounted admission.

Where to Eat

Hershey is home to more than a dozen deliciously unique and award-winning restaurants, including some sweet dining options for families with children. 

Eat Breakfast At Fire & Grain

Families should start the day with a family breakfast at Fire & Grain. Located inside Hershey Lodge, the restaurant offers breakfast daily either as a buffet or a la carte menu based on availability. Children’s menus and buffet pricing are available, and kids receive their beverage served in a Hershey’s kid’s cup. Dinner and happy hour are also available daily at Fire & Grain.

Grab Lunch at The Chocolatier

Families looking for a fun lunch or dinner spot should consider making a reservation at The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio located in Hershey’s Chocolatetown. The full-service restaurant, bar and patio is open daily this summer and features nods to past and present elements from the Hersheypark ride collection, one-of-a-kind views of neighboring attractions and two bars. An open kitchen serves up classic family fare with a fun spin and hints of chocolate. Families can sit in a Tilt-A-Whirl booth at The Chocolatier to enjoy a Ferris Wheel sampler, popular burgers and a signature dessert menu filled with Hershey's chocolate-inspired treats like over-the-top milkshakes. 

Eat Dinner at Hershey Social Restaurant + Bar

Hershey Social, downtown Hershey's newest restaurant and bar experience, is open daily lunch and dinner. The space serves bold flavors and signature cocktails to sip, savor and socialize, plus fun, interactive darts for the whole family.

Cheer On Your Team At The Bears' Den

For families, sports fans and guests of all ages, The Bears' Den offers a fun hockey-rink atmosphere modeled after the hometown team, the Hershey Bears. Located inside Hershey Lodge, guests can enjoy classic American fare for lunch or dinner daily while taking in a game on one of 39 HD televisions and an enormous 7' x 12' HD video wall tuned in to all the sports action. 

If your family visits us this summer, be sure to snap some photos to remember your #HersheyparkHappy memories and tag us on social media at @TheSweetestPlaceOnEarth on Instagram.