If your perfect weekend mixes parks, short outings, and a little chocolate, you’re in the right place. Living near Hershey and Palmyra gives you a steady stream of family activities, many of them free or low cost, plus easy add-ons when you want a bigger experience. In this guide, you’ll find quick itineraries, budget tips, and local favorites to help you plan stress-free Saturdays and Sundays year-round. Let’s dive in.
Weekend game plan at a glance
Hershey is a small, easy-to-navigate town with plenty of options within minutes of home. You can keep it simple with township parks, a paved trail, and short museum stops, then add a paid experience when you want something special. Regional tourism guides highlight a long list of budget-friendly activities, so you can plan fun without overspending. Start by bookmarking the township’s park inventory and the region’s budget-friendly family list for quick reference.
- Explore park options and facilities on the Derry Township parks page: public parks and amenities.
- Find low-cost ideas like mini golf, go-karts, and more in the regional roundup: budget-friendly family attractions.
Hershey highlights beyond Hersheypark
The Hershey Story museum
If you want a short, weatherproof stop with real learning value, this museum on Chocolate Avenue delivers. Interactive exhibits bring Milton Hershey’s story to life, and you can add Chocolate Lab classes or tastings for older kids and teens. The museum participates in discount programs during certain seasons. Check current hours and pricing on the official page for the Hershey Story admission and hours.
Hershey’s Chocolate World
Chocolate World is a go-to when you want a quick Hershey fix. The self-guided Chocolate Tour ride is often promoted as a free, short experience, and you can bundle paid add-ons like Create Your Own Candy Bar or the Great Candy Expedition. Families who want a lower-cost day often pair the free tour with a park picnic or a playground stop. Verify availability and bundle details on the official Chocolate World tickets and bundles page before you go.
Hershey Gardens and Butterfly Atrium
Stroll 23 acres of themed gardens, let little ones explore the children’s garden, and step into the indoor Butterfly Atrium. Seasonal programming, family days, and occasional cultural events are often highlighted on Hershey Entertainment stories and calendars. Check dates for your visit on the latest Hershey Entertainment updates to plan for special exhibits or family weekends.
ZooAmerica
Prefer a short wildlife walk you can finish before naptime? ZooAmerica is an 11-acre North American wildlife park sized right for young kids and mixed-age groups. You can visit independently or enter through Hersheypark when that option is available during posted hours. See current hours and regular pricing on the ZooAmerica admission page.
Short trip picks near Palmyra and Hummelstown
Indian Echo Caverns
Guided cavern tours run about 45 minutes and stay a steady cave temperature, which makes this a fun pick in both hot and cold weather. Families usually add time outside for the petting zoo, gem mining, or the playground. It’s a simple outing that pairs well with an early dinner in town. Confirm hours and per-person rates on the official Indian Echo Caverns hours and rates page.
AACA Museum
For vehicle lovers, the AACA Museum offers multi-level exhibits of antique cars and buses. It’s a great rainy-day option for elementary-age kids who like to spot details and pick favorites. Look for rotating exhibits to keep repeat visits fresh. Get the latest info from the museum’s news and visit pages, including this official AACA Museum update.
Hershey Children’s Museum and Hershey History Center
When you need an easy indoor block of time, the Children’s Museum was designed for hands-on play and learning for younger kids. The Hershey History Center is a short, low-cost stop for local history. Hours and admission are posted on each site, so check before you go.
Harrisburg add-ons within 30 minutes
If you’re up for a short drive, Harrisburg expands your options for rainy days and school breaks. The Whitaker Center features interactive science exhibits and a large digital cinema. The State Museum of Pennsylvania includes the Curiosity Connection for ages 1 to 5 and broader state history galleries for older kids. Check each site’s calendar for family programming, sensory-friendly hours, and film schedules.
Parks, trails, and free fun
Derry Township parks
You can fill many weekends with playgrounds, picnics, and open play. Favorites include Cocoa Castle by the community center, Shank Park for its size and variety, Boathouse Park for Swatara River access, and neighborhood greens like Palmdale, Brookside, Founders, Gelder, and downtown’s Chocolate Town Park. Parks are open from dawn to dusk, and facilities like restrooms and pavilions are listed by site. Scan the full inventory on the Derry Township parks page.
Jonathan Eshenour Memorial Trail
This paved, multi-use trail runs roughly 13 miles and connects parts of Hummelstown, Hershey, and Palmyra. It’s ideal for strollers, scooters, and family bike rides, with lots of easy access points. Use it to link neighborhoods, parks, and playfields without getting in the car. See maps and mileage details on the Jonathan Eshenour Memorial Trail listing.
Gifford Pinchot State Park
When you want a full day outdoors, this state park offers a reservoir beach, boating, fishing, picnic areas, and ADA-accessible facilities. Operations and rules vary by season, so always check the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources pages before you go. It’s a straightforward summer day trip with simple gear and a cooler lunch.
Seasonal calendars and when to go
Spring
Watch for early garden blooms and Butterfly Atrium programming at Hershey Gardens, plus school break openings at local attractions. The Hershey Story and other indoor venues often add spring family days and short programs. Dates shift each year, so check official calendars as school schedules change.
Summer
Summer is peak family season, with longer hours at museums and attractions, outdoor concerts, and popular water activities in the region. Parks and trails see the most traffic on warm weekends. Plan earlier starts, shaded playgrounds, and late-day ice cream or mini golf from the area’s budget-friendly list.
Fall
Expect harvest activities within short drives and family programming at local gardens and museums. Hersheypark Halloween often runs with themed weekends and kid-friendly events. Always verify specific dates and names of seasonal programs as they change year to year.
Winter and holidays
Hersheypark Christmas Candylane and the separate Hershey Sweet Lights drive-through are major draws from mid-November through early January. These events affect weekend traffic and lodging, and timed tickets can sell out. See the latest seasonal details on Hershey Entertainment’s official Candylane and Sweet Lights update.
Sample weekend itineraries
Tiny-tot morning, nap-friendly afternoon
- Cocoa Castle playground for a 30 to 60-minute play session.
- Free Chocolate Tour ride at Chocolate World, then a shared treat.
- Picnic at Shank Park with a short stroll on the paved path.
- Optional add-on: Butterfly Atrium at Hershey Gardens if the weather cooperates.
School-age sampler
- The Hershey Story museum for hands-on exhibits and a Chocolate Lab add-on if you want a longer stay. Get details on admission and hours.
- ZooAmerica for a compact wildlife walk.
- Afternoon bikes or scooters on the Jonathan Eshenour Trail, ending at a neighborhood park.
- Optional evening: low-cost mini golf or go-karts from the region’s budget-friendly attractions list.
Rainy-day mix
- AACA Museum for vehicle exhibits and special displays. Preview the museum via this AACA Museum update.
- Hershey Children’s Museum for younger kids or the History Center for a quick, educational stop.
- Chocolate World’s indoor experiences make an easy capstone. Confirm tickets and bundles in advance during busy weekends.
Easy nature day
- Morning at Gifford Pinchot State Park for a swim, boat rental, or picnic.
- Late-day playground time back at Shank Park.
- Optional sunset stroll on a nearby section of the Jonathan Eshenour Trail.
Practical planning tips for families
- Set a budget by mixing free parks and trails with a single paid attraction. Typical regular admission at popular spots like the Hershey Story and ZooAmerica is often in the mid-teens per adult, with cavern tours and bundled chocolate experiences priced per person. Always verify current rates on each official page.
- Buy timed tickets in advance for seasonal events and busy weekends. Winter holiday dates can sell out, and traffic is heaviest around Candylane and Sweet Lights. Check Hershey Entertainment’s seasonal pages for updated schedules and purchase windows.
- Beat crowds by going early or late. On peak Saturdays, plan a park plus a short museum in the morning, then a trail ride before dinner.
- Check amenities if you have infants or toddlers. Derry Township lists restrooms, pavilions, and play areas by park, and several indoor sites post family and accessibility resources.
- Keep a local “rain plan.” The AACA Museum, the Hershey Story, and Chocolate World are easy pivots when weather changes.
Thinking about moving here?
Weekend life near Hershey and Palmyra is simple, flexible, and fun for all ages. You can build a great routine with playgrounds, trails, short museum visits, and seasonal standouts when you want them. If you’re exploring neighborhoods or weighing a sale, our team can help you compare options, time the market, and make a confident plan. Start a conversation with Michael Orta or get your free home valuation today.
FAQs
Is weekend life near Hershey only about Hersheypark?
- Not at all. The township maintains a full park network and a paved trail, plus family-friendly museums, gardens, a zoo, and nearby day trips. See the local options on Derry Township’s parks page.
Can you plan low-cost weekends without theme-park tickets?
- Yes. Combine township playgrounds, the free Chocolate Tour ride at Chocolate World, short museum visits, and trail time. Regional guides list many under-$20 options here: budget-friendly attractions.
What do popular attractions typically cost?
- Regular adult admission at places like the Hershey Story and ZooAmerica often lands in the mid-teens per person, cavern tours list child and adult rates, and Chocolate World sells multi-experience bundles. Verify current prices at the Hershey Story, ZooAmerica, Indian Echo Caverns, and Chocolate World pages.
Where should you check dates and seasonal schedules?
- Use official attraction pages and Hershey Entertainment’s seasonal announcements for current details. Holiday events like Candylane and Sweet Lights are summarized here: seasonal update.
Are there paved, stroller-friendly trails nearby?
- Yes. The Jonathan Eshenour Memorial Trail offers about 13 miles of paved, multi-use path connecting parts of Hummelstown, Hershey, and Palmyra. See maps and endpoints on TrailLink.
What are easy nature-day options close to town?
- Gifford Pinchot State Park is a straightforward pick for swimming, boating, fishing, and picnics with ADA-accessible facilities. Always review seasonal operations on the DCNR pages before you go.
