Hershey Attractions

We also experienced the 3D movie about the history of Milton Hershey (the founder) and Hershey chocolates. The 3D show is definitely worth paying an extra $5.95 for adults (13-61), $4.95 for children (3 to 12), and $5.45 for seniors (62+). Once the show started and we put on our 3D glasses, out popped bubbles and handfuls of Kisses and other Hershey chocolates flying.

The amusement park is just over 100 years old. It celebrated its 100th birthday in 2007, and has continued to grow and change over the past century. The latest addition is the Boardwalk, a water park that debuted in 2007. The Boardwalk pays tribute to east coast beaches like Coney Island and the Jersey Shore. Open from May through September, the Boardwalk features an assortment of water rides from tame to daring, Carney games, and places to eat. All are casual with a lot of kid-friendly fare like hot dogs and grilled cheese. Guests at the Boardwalk wear their bathing suits. The changing room/locker area is situated at the entrance to the Boardwalk. Admission to the Boardwalk is included in the one price admission to the park. If you go, bring towels, bathing suits and suntan lotion.

Across the entrance to the amusement park is Chocolate World. At one end is a food court that sells an assortment of sandwiches, salads, soups, kid-friendly food, and rich looking chocolate desserts. Close to the food court is a large store selling oversized bags of every form of Hershey's candies. Most of the confections are discounted, and the lines at the cashiers were long. Chocolate World has an interactive exhibit about the making of chocolate that is free. It's quite enjoyable; we went back on our second day. Here you go through an exhibit of a factory to see how the chocolate is made. It held the interest of our seven-year old.

Families who stay at Hotel Hershey or the Hershey Lodge get free admission to Hershey Gardens. (If you are not a guest of the Hotel or Lodge, prices are $10 for adults and $6 for children ages between 3 and 12.) Most guests tend to skip a visit to the gardens, which is a shame. This was one of my family's favorite places because of its peacefulness and beauty. Also the arboretum has plenty of places for kids to run. The Children's Garden has chimes on the floor that children can dance on, and many hidden treasures. One exhibit had a cement tub filled with herbs used to create soaps. Nearby was a clue for children to find a pair of cement slippers that they could try on. The Children's Garden had many playful areas with objects to climb on. It is also right next to the Butterfly Garden. As I was about to leave, I was stopped by a docent who gently lifted a butterfly that clung to my backpack. The 23-acre botanical garden opened in 1937 also devotes 3.5 acres to a wide array of fragrant roses. From up on a hill in the rose garden, you can see the amusement park down below in the distance.

The shuttle bus drops guests to and from the garden. Or if you choose to stay at another hotel, the drive up the hill from the amusement park is an easy one. If you go, bring food. The gift shop only sells bottle water and ice cream.

Hershey's amusement park offers tons of thrilling coasters, wild water attractions and plenty of children's rides for younger guests. For thrill-seeking kids there are plenty of exhilarating drops, loops, twists and turns on each ride, plus the park's newest coaster, Fahrenheit, which plunges you down a 97-degree drop. Smaller children will love the mini scrambler, ladybug cars, dino-go-round and flying helicopters. Other great rides for the whole family include the ferris wheel, Hershey Kisses Tower and the steam-powered railway taking you on a journey through the pioneer frontier area of the park. The park groups its rides by age groups, so you won¹t have to do a lot of walking to find the rides for younger kids. If you need to cool off, head over to The Boardwalk, an exciting water park experience offering fun-filled attractions including wave pools, lazy rivers, water rides and one of the largest water-play structures in the world. The water park is located inside Hersheypark, and admission is included in your general admission tickets.

Families will love the park entertainment, including a variety of shows and strolling performances. Check out magic shows, jugglers, and strolling bands that entertain you with great music and high-energy performances.

When hunger strikes families head to the Hersheypark Place, a full-service restaurant located at the entrance to the park. There are also a number of other dining options throughout the park where you can enjoy
pizza, sandwiches, salads, burgers and more.

At one end of the park is Zoo America, where we were greeted by Roseate Spoonbills. Their bills look like spoons, and my son was mesmerized by these rosy colored birds. The overwhelming size of the alligator and crocodile also captured his attention. I was amazed to see my first roadrunner, which doesn't look anything like the cartoon version. ZooAmerica's 11-acre walk through features more than 200 animals from the five regions of North America. It's an easy walk with lots of places to sit and rest, which you will do if you are traveling with a little one. You can rent strollers for under $12 at the main gate. Admission to ZooAmerica is included in the one-price admission to the park.