As an avid traveler, I am always looking for new places to visit, especially those that focus on families. One such place is in Hershey, Pennsylvania, known as what else – Hershey Park. Located near Amish country and Harrisburg’s state capital, this is an excellent location for a summer of fun. For instance, you can visit Hershey Park, which has been voted as the number one amusement park by top magazines, Zoo America, Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park, and more.
While there are many things to do and see in this part of Pennsylvania, I wanted to address Hershey Park specifically. Founded by Milton S. Hershey in 1907, the chocolate maker, he created the park so his employees and their families would have a place to go for a leisurely Sunday. Today, Hershey Park has more than 60 rides for adults and children.
The park opens in May part-time, remains open full-time through the summer months, and then is open again part-time in September. One of the highlights of the visit is taking a free tour through the Chocolate Factory. In fact, children can participate by packaging their own Hershey Kisses at FactoryWorks. The other option is to take a paid tour where you will be entertained by a singing trolley conductor.
During the Halloween and Christmas holidays, Hershey Park is extra exciting. For instance, for Halloween, you could have a blast with Hershey Park in the Dark or at Christmas, Candylane. If you want to avoid some of the busier times and short lines, I recommend you go on Sunday through Thursday. In fact, many holidays are also not as busy to include Mother and Father’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day.
Hershey Park features some of the most incredible roller coaster rides around, as well as fun-filled water rides. Now, keep in mind that you will get wet so I recommend you take a change of clothes. For instance, Canyon River Rapids takes you on a four-minute white-water adventure, guaranteed to get everyone on the ride wet. Although this ride would not get you soaked, the High Thrill Ride is another I suggest you try. With this, you will be taken on an adventure, making unexpected changes in speed, directions, and elevation. I had so much fun here and was glad I had added Hershey Park to our list of places to visit. The best part – Chocolate!