Our trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania, was the perfect holiday getaway for our family this season. It was a sweet escape filled with family-friendly adventures, cozy accommodations, and plenty of fun for everyone! From the moment we checked into the cozy Hershey Lodge, to the thrill of exploring Hersheypark and its festive lights, every moment was a fun experience.
Our stay at the Lodge included 4 tickets to the Hershey Gardens and the Storybook Museum. We strolled through the beautiful Hershey Gardens, toured the indoor butterfly park, and enjoyed a fully immersive ride mimicking a tour through the Hershey Chocolate Factory. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a full holiday vacation, Hershey offers something special for families of all ages.
Keep reading to uncover the highlights of our trip, including tips for making your own Hershey, Pennsylvania Weekend Family Christmas Getaway unforgettable!
If you’re interested in more Weekend Family Christmas Getaway ideas in the Northeast, you can visit my post about Legoland HERE.
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Day 1: Hershey, Pennsylvania Weekend Family Christmas Getaway
Our Hershey Pennsylvania holiday weekend family getaway started with an early check-in at the Hershey Lodge. Although their official policy states a 4 PM check-in, we decided to take a chance and arrived by 11 AM. They allowed us to check in early, which allowed us to maximize our two-day trip to the fullest!
Lunch at Troeg’s Brewing Company
Our first stop was Troeg’s Brewing Company. This local gem in Hershey, PA, offers a delicious menu and a relaxed vibe that’s ideal for families. It was the perfect spot to relax, grab a drink and fuel up before a full day of activities.
Exploring the Hershey Story Museum
After lunch, we headed to the Hershey Story Museum, where we immersed ourselves in Milton Hershey’s life story and learned about his vision for creating the “Sweetest Place on Earth.” The museum’s interactive exhibits were a hit with the kids. Exploring the museum is a highlight for any holiday family weekend getaway to Hershey.
Chocolate World Factory Tour Ride
Our next stop was Chocolate World. The boys really enjoyed the free chocolate factory tour! We rode through the various stages of a cocoa bean; from tropical cocoa bean to a wrapped candy bar.
The boys also loved crafting their own chocolates, and we left with some goodies to enjoy later. For families planning a weekend getaway in Hershey, Chocolate Works is a must-add to your itinerary.
Relaxing at Hershey’s Water Works
By 3 PM, we were back at the Hershey Lodge, and it was buzzing with activity. The check-in line was long, making us even more thankful for our early arrival. The boys couldn’t wait to dive into Hershey’s Water Works, the Lodge’s indoor water park. They swam and went up and down the water slide, while I enjoyed reading my book.
Dinner at Hearth and Grain
We dined at Hearth and Grain, where we enjoyed the happy hour specials right at our table. The menu was delicious, and the savings were a great perk for our budget-friendly family trip. The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere and great service made it a perfect way to end our busy day.
After dinner, the boys couldn’t resist heading back to Water Works to swim. We stayed there until it closed and everyone slept soundly that night.
Day 2: Hershey, Pennsylvania Weekend Family Christmas Getaway
Exploring Hershey Gardens and the Butterfly Atrium
After checkout, we made our way to Hershey Gardens. Tickets were included in our stay at the Lodge and it is an absolute must-visit for families. The kids were mesmerized by the Butterfly Atrium, where colorful butterflies fluttered all around, even landing on us! We also strolled through the grounds, enjoying the serene winter beauty of the gardens.
Hershey Park
Early afternoon we headed to Hersheypark to soak in the festive holiday atmosphere. The boys enjoyed a couple of rides, but the lines were longer than we expected. Instead of focusing on the rides, we spent time wandering the park, marveling at the Christmas lights and enjoying the carnival games. It’s easy to see why Hershey Park is a favorite family-friendly holiday destination with its mix of attractions and festive charm.
Lunch and Sweet Treats
By 2:30 PM, we were ready for lunch and decided to try the Chocolatier Restaurant, only to discover they only accept reservations. Thankfully, we found a quick-service restaurant downstairs where we grabbed a light meal. Before leaving, we made a quick stop to grab one of their famous cookies, and it did not disappoint.
We called it a night around 6:30 and headed back home. Both boy boys crashed during the 2 hour ride from all of the fun!
Our Hershey Pennsylvania holiday weekend family getaway was everything we hoped for—fun, festive, and filled with sweet memories. From relaxing at the Hershey Lodge and splashing in Hershey’s Water Works to exploring the magical Hershey Gardens and soaking in the holiday spirit at Hersheypark, every moment brought joy and excitement.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly holiday destination or a unique way to enjoy the season, Hershey offers something for everyone. With its blend of adventure, relaxation, and, of course, chocolate-themed fun, it’s a place your family will treasure long after your visit.
We left Hershey with full hearts, happy kids, and maybe a little extra chocolate in our bags. If you’re considering a holiday trip, we highly recommend making Hershey, PA, your next stop. Trust us—it truly is the “Sweetest Place on Earth!
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