Hershey and Harrisburg

If you are looking for "sweet" family fun this summer, then Hershey is the perfect place to visit on your next extended weekend getaway. Taking a break in Harrisburg, the capital city with a small-town feel, allows you to blend the two locations into one unique destination.

From beautiful flowering gardens to winding bike paths and from coaster hills to chocolate treats, Hershey & Harrisburg has all the spring activities you need for a refreshing weekend getaway!

Hersheypark has more for you than just chocolate. With the new area “Chocolatetown,” there are coasters from mild to wild, including “Candymonium, which climbs 210-feet in the air and hits speeds of 76 miles per hour. Other classic family rides include the tallest swing in the world, called “Twizzlers Twisted Gravity.” Within Hersheypark there is also a water park, a zoo, shopping opportunities and of course, chocolate-inspired restaurants.  Don’t miss a visit to the largest themed restaurant in Hershey, The Chocolatier, with great views of the park. 

Fresh Air Fun

Lace-up your hiking boots or get ready to cast a line. Plan a kayak adventure or a park picnic. Find outdoor fun sure to brush away the winter blues.  There is a rugged trek on the Appalachian Trail that runs just north of Harrisburg.  Family hikes can follow level loops and beginner trails. More experienced hikers can find more difficult footpaths with challenging inclines that pay off with breathtaking views.

Fishing at Little Buffalo State Park puts outdoor enthusiasts in the heart of a 923-acre expanse of beauty and activity. The park offers trails, camping, swimming, and – of course – fishing. Fish the calm waters of Holman Lake year-round, and find largemouth bass, bullhead catfish, walleye, muskellunge, perch, and stocked trout. The PA Fish & Boat Commission designates the lake as a “Big Bass Lake,” so anglers are restricted to pulling no more than four bass that must be at least 15 inches long.

two kayakers in blue kayaks drifting down a river with trees in background

Take a day to go kayaking along the Swatara Creek with launch points within five minutes of Downtown Hershey, PA. The Swatara Creek is a favorite outdoor adventure spot for families and couples alike. The waterway provides a gentle float between shaded banks. Pass a variety of historical sites, fishing holes, small islands, and limestone outcrops.

Brew Barons Craft Beer Trail

Cheers to 25+ breweries — all within 10 minutes of Hershey and Harrisburg! Now celebrating five years in existence, there are all-new prizes and special events being planned throughout the year. Download the free mobile app and check in through December along the way to earn prizes. The app uses GPS to validate your location.

It has been said that the society continues to exist and that a new generation of Brew Barons can be found frequenting breweries across the region. Others claim that the Brew Barons Beer Trail grants tokens of luck to all who wander its path. Some quip, “that’s just the beer talking.” You’ll want to come and see for yourself!

The original Brew Barons left tall glasses to fill, miles of trail to explore, and the occasional playing card to discover. If you find yourself in Hershey or Harrisburg with a beer in hand, it could be fair to wonder…Are you the next Brew Baron?

Enjoy Art in the Wild

Enjoy Wildwood Park’s Outdoor Environmental Art Exhibit of naturally inspired trailside creations! Art In The Wild was conceived with the goals of presenting quality outdoor art using natural materials, providing educational opportunities, and involving the community. The works of art are composed of mostly natural materials to blend with Wildwood’s natural setting. This year’s theme is “Pathways.”

Open Saturdays from April 12 – September 27, from dawn to dusk (or 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.). This is a free, self-guided exploration of Wildwood Park, no registration is necessary. Once the exhibition opens, maps are available to download on the website and are available to pick up at the Olewine Nature Center and the outdoor map kiosk.

Sweet Treat Trail

If you have a sweet tooth, you’ve come to the right place. There is no place sweeter than the Hershey and Harrisburg area. Explore the Hershey & Harrisburg Chocolate & More Sweet Treat Trail!  From the biggest confection brand in the land to family-owned shops on Main Street, discover new twists on favorite flavors, secret recipes passed down over generations, gooey goodness, and much more.  Check-in at 8 sweet locations to earn your prize!

For more information, visit https://www.visithersheyharrisburg.org/

 

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