Looking for things to do near Hersheypark that turn a fun park day into a memorable getaway? Hershey offers far more than thrilling rides once you step beyond the gates.
Visitors arrive for roller coasters, then discover a town filled with chocolate traditions, wildlife, and live entertainment. The pace feels easy here, with walkable attractions and welcoming streets throughout town.
A Hershey visit often grows into something more than expected. Sweet stops, local history, and evening shows help create a full weekend experience.
Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to enjoy the area beyond the park.
Why Hershey, PA Makes a Great Getaway
Life moves at a sweeter pace in Hershey, where chocolate history meets welcoming small-town charm. Milton S. Hershey built the town alongside his chocolate factory in the early 1900s. His vision created parks, theaters, and gathering places meant to bring joy to residents and visitors.
That thoughtful design still shapes the town today. Guests arrive for the thrill of Hersheypark rides, then quickly notice how easy it is to enjoy the town. Sweet aromas from Hershey chocolate drift through the air (yes, for real!) as you wander nearby streets and gardens.
Local attractions make it easy to turn one exciting day into a relaxed weekend. A walk through ZooAmerica introduces native wildlife just steps from the park entrance. Evenings often end at Hershey Theatre, where concerts, comedy, and touring shows bring energy to town.
Hersheypark Rides and Attractions for Every Age
Excitement builds quickly once you enter Hersheypark, where towering coasters and classic rides rise above the skyline.
Milton Hershey opened the park in 1907 as a leisure space for factory workers. Today, it remains one of the most beloved Hershey attractions, welcoming visitors of every age.
Thrill Rides and Roller Coasters
Adrenaline lovers often head straight toward the park’s towering Hersheypark roller coasters. Candymonium greets riders near the entrance with smooth airtime and sweeping views across the park.
Skyrush follows with powerful drops and fast transitions that coaster fans often rave about. Prefer something even more intense during your visit? Wildcat’s Revenge has also become a favorite among modern Hershey rides thanks to its speed, twists, and hybrid track design.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Not every moment at Hersheypark needs to move at full speed. Classic Hersheypark rides offer plenty of fun between the bigger thrills.
Colorful carousels, themed attractions, and interactive rides keep younger guests smiling throughout the day. Families often mix gentler Hersheypark attractions with a few exciting coasters.
The variety helps everyone find a favorite while sharing memorable moments throughout the park.
Visit ZooAmerica, the Hershey Zoo Experience
Need a quiet break after exciting Hersheypark attractions? Just steps away, ZooAmerica offers a peaceful walk through natural wildlife habitats.
The small, walk-through Hershey zoo feels relaxed and surprisingly immersive between park adventures.
Milton Hershey helped establish the original zoo in 1910, using animals from his own personal collection. Early residents included prairie dogs, black bears, deer, monkeys, and colorful birds.
Over time, the zoo even welcomed lions and leopards before becoming today’s North American wildlife park.
Walking paths guide visitors through regions such as the Eastern Woodlands, Big Sky Country, and Southern Swamps. Black bears, river otters, wolves, and mountain lions often become favorite sightings.
A wildlife walk here is one of our favorite things to do near Hersheypark and is the perfect pause between thrilling rides!
Note: Admission to ZooAmerica is included with Hersheypark tickets during park hours.
Sweet Stops Beyond the Park
Chocolate is part of everyday life in Hershey, so sweet stops fit naturally into the adventure. Treats are never far away, and Chocolate Avenue makes sampling easy.
Several favorite spots sit minutes from the park gates, each offering its own sweet experience.
Hershey’s Chocolate World
Chocolate World in Hershey, PA, sits right beside the park entrance and is often the first stop of the day. The free Hershey’s Chocolate Tour ride shares the story of how cocoa beans become Hershey’s chocolate. Best part? You finish the ride with a classic chocolate sample.
Many visitors also try the Create Your Own Candy Bar experience during their visit. This lets you design a custom bar, choose ingredients, and watch it being packaged on a miniature production line.
The Hershey Story Museum Café
The café inside The Hershey Story Museum offers a slower chocolate experience in downtown Hershey. Guests often visit for Chocolate Tastings featuring rich drinking chocolates inspired by global traditions.
Many tastings include styles influenced by Mexico, Spain, and West Africa. Each cup highlights how preparation methods shape flavor and texture.
Dessert Shops Around Town
Downtown Hershey offers plenty of sweet discoveries beyond the park gates. A short walk along Chocolate Avenue reveals bakeries and ice cream counters locals love.
Visitors frequently stop at a few neighborhood favorites.
- Desserts, Etc. – This family-owned bakery on Chocolate Avenue serves fresh cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and seasonal pastries daily. Locals often visit for beautifully decorated desserts and rich chocolate treats.
- Cherry Blossom Creamery – This charming shop produces small-batch ice cream right on Chocolate Avenue. Creamy scoops and rotating flavors make it especially popular on warm afternoons.
- CHILL Ice Creamery – Located inside Hershey Fresh Market, this spot serves creative ice cream flavors, sundaes, and refreshing desserts.
Sweet stops like these easily become another highlight among the best things to do near Hersheypark.
Hershey Theatre, a Perfect Night Out in Hershey
Evenings in Hershey offer something special once the park excitement slows down. Downtown’s Hershey Theatre has welcomed audiences since 1933, when Milton Hershey built it as part of his cultural vision for the town.
The historic venue closed for about fifteen months to complete extensive renovations before reopening in March 2026. Updates improved seating comfort, climate control, backstage technology, and accessibility throughout the building. Careful work preserved the ornate details, grand staircases, and elegant design that guests love.
Today, the theatre hosts Broadway tours, concerts, comedy shows, and other live events year-round.
View the current performance schedule here: Hershey Theatre Events
Pro tip: Check the theatre calendar before your trip and book early for popular performances!
Where to Stay Near Hersheypark
After a full day of rides, chocolate tastings, and live entertainment, a quiet place to unwind makes the experience even better.
The 1825 Inn provides beautifully appointed rooms, welcoming hospitality, and a relaxing setting just minutes from Hershey’s top attractions. Guests love ending the evening on our porch or in the gardens, then waking refreshed for another day of exploring.
With so many things to do near Hersheypark, turning a park visit into a full weekend getaway feels easy here.
Book your stay at the 1825 Inn and start planning your Hershey escape!
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