Hershey, Pennsylvania, is practically synonymous with Hersheypark. If it’s your first visit to Hershey, or you’re a PA native, you certainly have to spend some time enjoying its No. 1 attraction. What if you’re in Hershey for more than one day, though? What if you’ve already enjoyed Hersheypark several times and are ready to try something new? When you want to take a break from Hersheypark, here are 15 of Hershey’s most popular things to do besides Hershey Park. Hershey PA is full of rich history from some of your favorite NFL and MLB players. You’ll be surprised at how many hidden gems can be found in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Our Favorite Things to Do In Hershey, PA (Beside Hershey Park)!
In no particular order, the team at Strock Insurance has picked out these 15 local attractions in Hershey PA as some of our favorite local spots to visit with our friends and family!
- Hershey Gardens
- The Hershey Story Museum
- Hershey’s Chocolate World
- ZooAmerica: North American Wildlife Park
- Adventure Sports in Hershey
- Hershey Golf Club
- Antique Automobile Club of America Musem
- Troegs Brewing Co.
- Cullari Vineyard and Winery
- Derry Township Historical Society
- Museum of Bus Transportation
- Hershey Theatre
- Hershey Trolley Works
- Founder’s Hall
- Giant Center
Keep reading to learn more about these spots and where to find them!
1. Hershey Gardens
Hershey Gardens began as Milton Hershey’s rose garden in 1937, and over the last 80 years it has blossomed into a botanical masterpiece, featuring more than 23 acres of beautiful flowers, shrubs and trees. Your family will also love the theme gardens, like the Butterfly Atrium and the interactive Children’s Garden. Hershey Gardens is so beautiful we rank it first on our list of Hershey, PA attractions.
2. The Hershey Story Museum
The Hershey Story Museum, located on Chocolate Avenue near Hersheypark, is a delight for chocolate lovers, young and old alike. The events and exhibits at this museum take visitors through the life of Milton Hershey and the ups and downs he encountered on his way to creating his chocolate empire. There are interactive exhibits like the Chocolate Lab, tastings from around the world, special activities for the kids and lots more.
3. Hershey’s Chocolate World
If you’ve loved the fun of Hersheypark and want it to continue, head to Hershey’s Chocolate World. This heaven for chocolate fans includes a free chocolate tour and exciting activities like Create Your Own Candy Bar and the 4-D Chocolate Mystery. There are also plenty of shopping opportunities, dining delights, photo opportunities, and other chocolate-themed events. You can also enjoy an exciting and informative trolley tour around the town of Hershey. The tour is available year round, with seasonal events for Halloween and Christmas.
4. ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park
A great tourist town has to have a great zoo, and Hershey boasts ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park. This 11-acre walk-through zoo next to Hersheypark teaches visitors about more than 200 animals from five regions in North America. You can purchase tickets to ZooAmerica separately, but if you’re already going to Hershey Park your admission covers entry to ZooAmerica as well, so you can hit two attractions for the price of one!
5. Adventure Sports in Hershey
When you need a little more action than a few roller coasters can provide, check out the family fun at Adventure Sports in Hershey. This attraction includes go-kart racing, laser tag, arcades, batting cages, mini-golf and more. For those that enjoy a good puzzle, you may want to check out Adventure Sports’ new candy-shop-themed escape room.
6. Hershey Golf Club
If you’re a fan of golf and chocolate, you may want to move to Hershey, where you’ll find plenty of both. Hershey Country Club features three award-winning golf courses. Public golf courses include the beautiful Spring Creek Golf Course, a nine-hole, par-33 course where you can shoot a quick round before hopping off to one of the many other fun Hershey activities.
7. Antique Automobile Club of America Museum
If you love old cars, this museum is a world of fun, with up to 100 classic cars on display at all times. You’ll also see the KissMobile and an amazing custom model train display with interactive features. Be sure to check their website before you visit because this popular museum offers both permanent and temporary exhibits, so there’s something new each visit! One of their recent events, which sported a huge turnout, showcased the 75th Anniversary of the Tucker Automobiles. If you’re planning on coming with a group, the museum even hosts private events, including corporate events and weddings.
8. Troegs Brewing Co.
Chocolate tastes great by itself, but it can also be good paired with the right beer. You might find it at Troegs Independent Brewing Co., which features some of the most creative microbrews ever invented. Sample Mad Elf holiday-themed beer (or the new “Blizzard of Hops”), Troegenator double bock and of course, Nitro Chocolate Stout. If you’re looking for things to do in Hershey’s at night, having a drink at Troegs Independent Brewing Co. should be at the top of your list.
9. Cullari Vineyard and Winery
Everyone knows wine and chocolate can make a good pair, too. If a trip to a winery isn’t what you had planned for your time in Hershey, think again! Cullari Vineyards is the first and only winery in Hershey, founded by Italian immigrants Salvatore and Kathi Cullari. Sample more than 30 different wine varieties, including their exclusive Coco Nostra chocolate wine.
10. Derry Township Historical Society
Obviously, Milton Hershey’s life is a rich part of Hershey’s history, but there are other stories in Hershey’s, too. Those less-known pieces of Hershey’s history are captured by the Derry Township Historical Society through oral histories, artifacts and archival resources that will fascinate Hershey natives and visitors alike.
11. Museum of Bus Transportation
In these days of Uber and Lyft, the old reliable bus is starting to become a thing of the past. For decades in many towns and cities, it was the most commonly used and most reliable form of transportation. Come to the Museum of Bus Transportation in Hershey to see how buses have evolved over the years.
12. Hershey Theatre
You don’t have to go to Broadway to see a great show. You can find some amazing performances at the Hershey Theatre. The Hershey Theatre has hosted such performers and shows as The Book of Mormon, the Goo Goo Dolls, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Brian Wilson, Riverdance and Motown: The Musical.
13. Hershey Trolley Works
Hershey Trolley Works is one of the best ways to experience Hershey. These quaint trolleys start and end at Hershey’s Chocolate World and take you on an informative, historical tour of Hershey. You’ll learn even more about its founder, Milton Hershey, and all of the things and places that made Hershey great. There are tasting tours and holiday tours available as well. Hershey Trolley Works is a must for a complete Hershey experience.
14. Founder’s Hall
Another breathtaking slice of Hershey’s history, Founder’s Hall at the Milton Hershey School, is a monument to Milton and Catherine Hershey and their effort to help needy children. It is considered one of central Pennsylvania’s most impressive and one-of-a-kind architectural marvels. Enjoy public tours at the Founders Hall Visitors Center anytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. except during school holidays.
15. Giant Center
Located right near Hersheypark, the Giant Center truly lives up to its name, as a 10,500-seat multipurpose sports arena. This is the home ice for the Hershey Bears Hockey Club and the venue for multiple state high school championship events, concerts, and special performances. The Giant Center has hosted big names like Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Disturbed, Pentatonix, Foreigner, Kevin Heart, Disney On ICE, Greta Van Fleet, Miranda Lambert, and many more.
We Hope You Enjoy Your Visit To Hershey!
We hope you’ll try out one or more of our recommended things to do next time you’re in Hershey, PA. Enjoy your visit! Strock Insurance has been a proud member of the Central Pennsylvania communities from Hershey to Camp Hill to Harrisburg. If you’re looking to lower the cost of your insurance or find a new provider, let Strock Insurance help you. Contact us to learn more about our services and find the coverage right for you.
– Updated 6/29/2023
