Hershey Derry Township Historical Society
What was Hershey before the chocolate came? If you answered nothing, you need to visit the museum at the Hershey Derry Township Historical Society. For an admission donation of $2 per adult, you can learn about Hersheys pre-candy days as well as:
- The Hershey transit system
- Native Americans who lived in the region
- Local hero, Major Dick Winters
The building also includes a Discovery Room for kids, where they can touch and play with early Hershey artifacts.
Start Planning Your Trip To Hershey
Hershey is a gorgeous spot full of all sorts of different Hershey attractions that are sure to capture your attention.
Whether youre looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, find free things to do on a budget, or enjoy life in the lap of luxury, this Pennsylvania town has something for you!
Happy travels.
The Ultimate Guide To Rainy Day Activities In Hershey Things To Do When It Rains At Hersheypark
When planning a trip, even your best plans can be ruined by a little bit of rain. While a rainy day can certainly keep you from doing many of the fun activities you had planned, there are still plenty of things you can do in Hershey when it rains!
From dining to shopping, from swimming to relaxing, from playing games to riding indoor rides, there are plenty of fun ways you can entertain yourself and your kids during a rainy day in Hershey. So dont let the rain ruin your Hershey vacation, and instead consider some of these alternatives to keep the fun going even if its not sunny outside.
Here are the best rainy day activities to do in Hershey when it rains at Hersheypark.
As a Hersheypark ambassador, Sweet Mom, I was provided with lodging, tickets, and a gift card to help make our Hershey family vacation stories possible.
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Cassel Vineyards Of Hershey
Visiting this vineyard is one of the most marvelous things to do in Hershey, PA. Cassel Vineyards of Hershey is a family run vineyard situated at 4 miles North of Hershey. They specialize in a large variety of estate grown and crafted wines. So, come here and spend a nice evening with your partner to grab a couple of drinks.
The Hershey Story Museum
George Sheldon / Shutterstock
The Hershey Story Museum is a laid-back, quaint little location in the downtown area.
Its one of the best things to do in Hershey, PA if youre interested not just in the chocolate side of the town, but the very roots of the company that shares its name including the life of the man behind it all, Milton Hershey.
As you walk through the Story Museum, youll learn all about Mr. Milton, his legacy, and his philanthropy.
He made huge contributions to the world of business and his impact lives on now, and youll understand just how much it does when youre here.
There are also collectibles displayed relating to the brand.
The museum shop sells memorabilia and candies, and there are a couple of cafes to grab a drink or a bite on site.
One of the more popular activities at the Story Museum is the Chocolate Lab, which is an interactive, hands-on experience where youll learn how to dip and mold chocolate.
There is also the Tastings room, where you can learn about the locations of the many regions where cocoa beans are grown around the world.
Youll taste internationally sourced drinking chocolates, bringing you across the planet from this little town!
Address: 63 W Chocolate Ave, Hershey, PA 17033, United States
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Hike The Appalachian Trail
More than 220 hikeable miles of the iconic Appalachian Trail meander across the southeast quadrant of Pennsylvania. Thats over 10 percent of the entire trail. There are several short kid-friendly AT hikes not far from Hershey too. These hikes range from three to five miles round-trip and are very doable, even for small children.
Try the dog-friendly 1.6 mile hike to Hawk Rock which rewards with scenic vistas of the Susquehanna River and Shermans Creek from the rocky overlook. The longer 5-mile Clarks Ferry Loop has some steep sections and rock scrambles, but thats a big part of the appeal.
Indoor Swimming In Hershey
It may be raining outside, but that doesnt mean you cant do some swimming inside at one of the Hershey hotels. As long as theres no lighting and thunder and youre a guest of one of the Hershey hotels you can take advantage of that hotels indoor pool.
Indoor swimming at Hersheypark
Hersheypark doesnt offer any indoor swimming pools, but its resort properties do. Guests are ONLY allowed to take advantage of the indoor pool for the resort they are staying at.
Indoor swimming at the Hershey Lodge
The Hersheys Water Works at Hershey Lodge is unlike any indoor hotel pool weve ever experienced. In fact, Id almost say by itself its a reason to stay in Hershey PA. Hersheys Water Works at Hershey Lodge, is a 30000 square foot indoor pool complex, complete with interactive water features for the whole family. Read more about it in our Hershey Lodge Water Works ~ Wonderful Water Fun.
Indoor swimming at the Hotel Hershey
Guests of the Hotel Hershey can take advantage of the Hotel Hershey indoor pool. Reservations are not required. The indoor pool generally opens between 7 8 am and stays open till 8 pm. Of course, hours may vary so always call ahead before heading down to the pool. There are about 10 lounge chairs and 4-6 tables by the poolside and food service can be ordered to be delivered to the pool.
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The Pennsylvania State Police Museum Hershey Pa
The Pennsylvania State Police Museum is dedicated to the history of the Pennsylvania State Police. The museum contains artifacts, documents, exhibits, memorabilia and memorials. Some of the exhibits include PA State Police Rodeo which displays artifacts from the last rodeo held in 1974 PA State Highway Patrol, an interactive exhibit that includes rare artifacts and documents of the State Highway Patrol Patrol Vehicles, which displays some of the vehicles that were used by the State Police over the years, including a restored 1972 Plymouth Fury and more. Visitors can learn how the Great Anthracite Strike in 1902 resulted in the formation of the Pennsylvania State Police.
187 East Hershey Park Drive, Hershey, PA, Phone: 717-534-0565
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Antique Automobile Club Of America Museum
The Antique Automobile Club of America Museum is a great spot to get your fill of the beauty of vintage cars.
For any automobile enthusiast, this is one of the best options for what to do while youre in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
It is even affiliated with the reputable Smithsonian Institution, so you know you can trust it.
Fun for people of all ages, the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum brings you on a journey through almost 100 different vehicles that boast the history of the automobile industry, dating as far back as the 1890s and as recently as the 1980s.
All sorts of different vehicles are proudly on display, including trucks, classic cars, and buses.
Some of the highlights of the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum are the 1906 Cadillac Model E Runabout, the four-hour expert-taught course on Model T driving, and the impressive 1896 Ford Quadricycle.
There are also numerous hands-on exhibits that let you directly interact with displays, like an assembly line, that teach you a bit more about the production of these lovely machines and their evolution.
At the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum, you can opt for behind-the-scenes tours to take in even more of the rich legacy and heritage of the automobiles on display.
This tour will show you a bunch more vehicles that arent typically displayed to the public.
There are also numerous workshops and programs that are held throughout the course of the year, especially for children.
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Indoor Attractions & Activities At Hersheypark
As we started to say earlier, a rainy day doesnt mean your day at Hersheypark is a complete washout. Often, that rain isnt going to last all day. When the rain is falling check out these fully and partially indoor rides and activities at Hersheypark.
Indoor rides at Hersheypark
The following rides are fully inside and protected from the rain.
- Laff Trakk
- Reeses Cupfusion
Rides under cover at Hersheypark
These rides take place under a shelter or pavilion so while they dont provide full protection from the rain they do offer some protection from it.
- Carrousel
- Overlook Arcade in Kissing Tower Hill
- Chevrolet Music Box Theatre
- Play Dome Arcade
New for 2021, Pepsi Pop Star, allows guests to record their dance performances in private dance pods featuring personalized, customizable avatars. Afterward, guests can receive a free video of their performance. Its located in the Kissing Tower Hill region of Hersheypark. Theres no fee to participate and its all indoors.
What To Do In Hershey Pa
Weve compiled many of these cheap or free things to do in Hershey in this guide. Whether youre connecting with the animals at ZooAmerica®, exploring the beautiful Hershey Gardens or riding the trolley through the towns many historic landmarks, youll enjoy your day in Hershey, and you wont have to break the bank to do it. Here are seven ways to have a sweet time.
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Where To Stay For Sightseeing In Hershey
Hershey is not a big town, so no matter where you stay, you will be close to all the main attractions. Here’s a few of our recommendations:
- : Another budget-friendly lodging option in Hershey is the Econo Lodge. It has basic rooms and amenities. It is close to Giant Center and Hershey’s Chocolate World and includes complimentary breakfast.
Emerald Springs Spa Hershey Pennsylvania
Located on Cocoa Avenue in the Cocoa Plex Center, Emerald Springs Spa has been serving the Hershey area for ten years. All staff members are highly trained and professional. The spa offers a variety of wellness treatments such as ayurvedic rituals, body wraps, exfoliating, manicures and pedicures, massage, and much more.
Massage options include aromatherapy, bamboo fusion, couples massage, cranial sacral, hot stone, raindrop, Thai, and more. The spa also offers Sampler Programs which include treatments such as bamboo fusion, foot bath, hot stone, and warm oil scalp massage.
Cocoa Plex Center, 1126 Cocoa Avenue, Hershey, PA, Phone: 717-533-5991
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Things To Do In Hersey Pa Besides Hersheypark
Hershey, Pennsylvania, is practically synonymous with Hersheypark. If its your first visit to Hershey, you certainly have to spend some time enjoying its No. 1 attraction. What if youre in Hershey for more than one day, though? What if youve enjoyed Hersheypark a number of times and are ready to try something new? When you want to take a break from Hersheypark, here are 15 other Hershey attractions to try out. Youll be surprised at how many other things you can do in Hershey.
Rainy Days In Hershey
Ive often said some of the best days to visit a family attraction are when its either rainy or the forecast calls for rain. Thats because the majority of guests would rather avoid an amusement park or outdoor attraction than risk getting wet. I think theres a fear that you cant get the full experience when you have to do it in the rain.
I disagree. If youre willing to risk getting wet and have a plan B, and know your options you can have a fabulous day at Hersheypark and in Hershey. You may even find that you get to do more than you planned to because there are fewer guests than on a typical sunny day.
Read our guide for rainy day activities in Hershey. Weve packed it with ideas for where and what to do when it rains in Hersheypark so youll be ready if and when the rain does make an appearance.
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Where To Stay In Hershey Pa
There are more than a few options when it comes to where to stay in Hershey, PA, including the two official resorts of Hersheypark: The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge.
The Hotel Hershey is the more upscale of the two Hersheypark resorts, boasting more than 275 guest rooms, cottages and suites. Theres lots of family fun to be had at The Hotel Hershey thanks to a kids club, a heated indoor pool, and of course, its proximity to Hersheypark for rides, games, events and attractions.
Hershey Gardens, which wows with 23 acres of botanical blossoms, is also just .5-mile from The Hotel Hershey. For craft beer lovers, Tröegs Brewing Company is less than 2 miles from The Hotel Hershey . You can take a casual self-guided tour or a more in-depth guided production tour , though tours of all kinds are on hiatus during the coronavirus pandemic.
Theres plenty to love about Hershey Lodge too, including a family-friendly indoor pool and splash pad complete with a dumping bucket, water slides, basketball hoops and a water spray area. The hotel has over 650 kid-friendly hotel rooms and several on-site restaurants, including The Bears Den and Hershey Grill.
Beyond the two official Hershey park hotels, there are several other hotels located near Hersheypark. A few top-rated area Hershey hotels to consider include:
Fairfield Inn & Suites Hershey Chocolate Avenue
Hampton Inn & Suites Hershey
Tru by Hilton Hershey Chocolate Avenue
Days Inn by Wyndham Hershey
Wander The Pennsylvania National Fire Museum
In nearby Harrisburg, make time for the Pennsylvania National Fire Museum. Here youll find cool artifacts and memorabilia, even parade hats and antique fire engines dedicated to rolling along in parades. The museum also has nearly 3,000 fire department patches on display. Admission is $7/adult, $6/student. The museum also offers special family rates.
Once youve spent time at the museum, wander over to Riverfront Park. Its just a mile from the museum. There youll find a Firemans Memorial Statue, which serves to pay respect to the fire fighters who so honorably served the state.
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Indoor Shopping At Hersheypark
Christmas Memories
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas shops. Theres just something about all the Christmas ornaments and decorations that gets me excited for the upcoming holiday. One of our family vacation traditions is to bring back a Christmas ornament from our destination.
Not only does Christmas Memories have nearly every imaginable Hershey Christmas ornament, but this year they have a new machine that personalizes Hershey ornaments. So as we stepped away from the rain, we were fascinated watching this laser cutter go to work customizing our 2021 Hersheypark Christmas ornament.
More indoor stores at Hersheypark
- Agent Supply Shop
- Tanger Outlets
- The Outfitters Ski Shop
Whether you decide to brave Hersheypark in the rain, stay back at one of the Hershey hotels, or explore the other indoor attractions Hershey has to offer, I hope you can see there are plenty of rainy day activities in Hershey that you and your family can enjoy.
Hersheypark& Hershey’s Chocolate World
Its summertime, and theres no better state of mind than being Hersheypark HappySM! Hersheypark has more than 70 rides and attractions including 14 roller coasters, an 11-acre zoo, and an entire water park to keep you cool! Not to mention the classic family rides you remember as a kid like the Kissing Tower and the Carrousel. Navigate the park like a pro with the Hersheypark app and check out more insider tips for making the most out of your visit!
If you love chocolate make a stop at Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction before or after the park. Learn how chocolate is made, try some samples, and shop for take-home treats like hard-to-find brands and your favorite Hershey’s gear!
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Butterfly House Atrium In Hershey Gardens
Even though it is chilly outside, these butterflies in the Hershey Gardens are warm and happy. The new Butterfly House Atrium offers a year-round place for children and adults alike to study and see butterflies up close all year round. The Butterflies fly around free in the atrium during the winter where you can be so close you could catch them in your own hands.
Derry Township Historical Society Museum
Located a stones throw from Hersheypark is the Derry Township Historical Society Museum. The museum showcases the history of Derry Township starting with the Native Americans that once resided in the area.
As with many other historical societies in Pennsylvania, the museum focuses on what life was like for those that lived in the area and includes a genealogical library. The museum also features information on the Hershey Company, World War II soldier Dick Winters , and an interactive area for kids.
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Free Things To Do In Hershey Pa With Kids
Theres a lot to love about Hershey, PA. I mean, it is the Sweetest Place on Earth and home to all kinds of chocolatey goodness. Many flock to Hersheypark for roller coasters and water rides, but theres so much more to see and do in Hershey besides Hersheypark. Even better, there are loads of free things to do in Hershey, PA, especially for kids.
Weve been to Hersheypark many, many times, not just during the summer, but for special off-season events, like Hersheypark Christmas Candylane and Hersheypark in the Dark . We also love Hersheys Chocolate World. Its right next door and is both fun and educational. Who wouldnt love learning about Hersheys chocolate?
