Hersheypark is a family fun summer destination but what do you do when the park is closed. We have put together our favorite things to do in Hershey, PA besides Hersheypark to keep everyone in the family happy and busy!
What do you do when Hersheypark is closed but you are visiting Hershey, PA? The short answer…lots of things! Hersheypark is a great destination but there are a lot of things to do during the off-season in Hershey, PA too!
You may be surprised to know that Hersheypark is open from early April through late December but there may be times when you visit during an off-season time.
If you are visiting during the special events be sure to check out Springtime in the Park, Hersheypark in the Dark, and Hersheypark Christmas Candylane. These are seasonal events that run on select dates through the season.
Families looking for a winter getaway will find lots to do when staying at the Hershey Lodge. With an indoor water park and access to the fun activities around Hershey, it is a perfect getaway any time of the year. The Hershey Hotel is also a great option.
Relate: Hershey Lodge vs. Hershey Hotel: Best Choice for Your Family
If you are visiting when Hersheypark is closed you don’t need to worry about finding things to do around Hershey, PA. There are family fun attractions in Hershey to keep you busy.
Best Things to Do in Hershey, PA Besides Hersheypark
Hershey Chocolate World Factory Tour
The Hershey’s Chocolate Tour is often our first stop when we visit Hershey, PA. It is located inside the Hershey’s Chocolate World store and is a fun ride when Hersheypark is closed. It is also free!
Guests board a moving dark ride that takes you through the process of creating Hershey chocolate. It is a slow moving ride and not scary, which makes it fun for all ages. Guests even receive a treat at the end of their ride!
Hershey Theatre
On our most recent visit my daughter and I saw the musical Fiddler on the Roof at the Hershey Theatre. This theatre is beautiful and the attention to details on the mosaic ceiling is worth the visit.
It hosts Broadway musicals, comedians, and everything in between. A few of the upcoming shows are The Beach Boys, Hairspray, The Masked Singer National Tour, and Anastasia. Check here for the most updated schedule.
Hershey Gardens
The Hershey Gardens is a beautifully landscaped garden that has a rose garden and butterfly garden. During the off-season you can tour the outside but don’t expect a lot of flowers yet. They do offer an indoor butterfly garden that guests can tour and it is a great way to escape the chilly winter temperatures.
The Hershey Story Museum
The Hershey Story museum offers guests a more in depth look at the story of Milton Hershey and what he brought to the town. It has some interactive elements and we all walked away learning something new about the story of Hershey.
At the Hershey Story museum guests can also purchase add-on tickets to the Chocolate Lab or Chocolate Tasting. At the Chocolate Lab children 5 and up can enjoy a chocolate creation and decorating class. If you would like to try some liquid chocolate guests can purchase a chocolate flight at the chocolate tasting.
Giant Center
The Giant Center is home to the local hockey team, The Hershey Bears. They also host concerts like Elton John and other big name acts. If you are looking for something to do in the evenings check out their events page.
Breakfast at the Circular
One of my all time favorite breakfast buffets is at The Circular. This restaurant is located inside The Hotel Hershey and overlooks the gardens. It is a gorgeous place to start your day and is family friendly.
Once seated you will have your choice of omelet stations, pastries, muffins, and breads. A fruit spread, oatmeal, bread pudding, and more. You will not leave hungry!
The breakfast is on the pricey side with adults $26.00 and kids 12+ $15.00 but if you are looking for a big breakfast to start your day this is it!
Dinner at The Chocolatier
On our most recent visit we stopped at Hershey Chocolatetown which is their newest shopping and dining area. Open year round guests can dine at The Chocolatier enjoying some chocolate inspired dishes.
The Chocolatier is inspired by the past and present of Hersheypark and you can see these pieces throughout the restaurant. I suggest making reservations before you arrive because it can get busy.
Dessert at Milton Ice Cream Shop at Hershey Chocolatetown
If you aren’t too stuffed from dinner head downstairs from The Chocolatier to Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor or The Sweeterie for an after dinner dessert. With homemade ice cream and decadent desserts you may want to take some home with you.
Hershey Trolley Tour
Hershey Trolley tour is a 75 minute tour around the town of Hershey highlighting the history of the town and Milton Hershey. It leaves from Hershey Chocolate World and runs year round.
Finding things to do in Hershey, PA besides Hersheypark makes a visit to Hershey a year round family fun destination!
Read Next: Fun Things to Do in Hershey PA with Kids
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