2021 Summer Itinerary: Things To Do in Hershey, Pa.

If you are heading to The Sweetest Place On Earth for a 2021 summer trip, there is no shortage of sweet fun for you to enjoy across the destination. From roller coasters and water attractions to new dining experiences and spa treatments, Hershey, Pa. is home to activities for visitors of all ages. 

Keep reading to explore an itinerary of can’t-miss things to do in Hershey, Pa. this summer!

Spend a Day (or Two) at an Iconic Amusement Park

Hersheypark amusement park, a 121-acre theme park in Hershey, Pa., currently open daily, marks its 115th season in 2021 with more fun and chocolate than ever before!

Summer tickets include three parks in one with a wide range of family-friendly and thrill rides; The Boardwalk At Hersheypark water park (open May 29-Sept. 6) with one million gallons of water, including a lazy river, wave pool, water slides and more; and ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, an 11-acre walk-through zoo that cares for more than 200 animals representing from five regions of North America.

For the first time, any ticket purchased this year can be used throughout the 2021 public operating calendar featuring unique experiences for spring, summer, Halloween and the holidays.

Ride all of the coasters at Hersheypark 

Hersheypark is home to 15 mild to wild coasters ranging from Candymonium, the newest, tallest, fastest and longest, to Comet, the oldest at Hersheypark turning 75 this year. Have you conquered them all? If not, maybe it is time to check all of them off your bucket list! We’d love to hear which ones are your favorites. Insider tip: we recommend starting from the back of the park and moving towards the front to increase the thrill as you progress.

Splash in The Boardwalk At Hersheypark

Open through Labor Day, The Boardwalk is an 11-acre water park located inside Hersheypark (and included with admission). It's a popular place to cool off on a hot summer day with more than one million gallons of water and 16 water attractions. Guests can take the plunge on one of six waterslides at Coastline Plunge, cruise through the hills and turns of Breakers Edge Water Coaster, relax while floating in a lazy river, catch a wave in the 378,000-gallon wave pool, play with 600 interactive water features in East Coast Waterworks or race friends on Whitecap Racer. As you can tell, there is something for guests of every ride height category and sure to be a hit for the whole family. 

Wine and Dine at The Chocolatier  Restaurant, Bar + Patio

The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio opened on May 29, 2021, in the new Hershey’s Chocolatetown region of Hersheypark. Guests can enjoy classic family fare with a fun spin and hints of chocolate, cocktails crafted behind a Carrousel-themed bar and patio bar with never-before-seen views of the Park, and a signature dessert menu filled with Hershey’s chocolate-inspired treats — all without needing a Hersheypark ticket to dine. The largest restaurant in Hershey features nods to past and present elements from the Hersheypark ride collection and celebrates the life and legacy of our founder, Milton S. Hershey, by continuing to bring people together for happiness, fun, and of course, chocolate. 

Catch a concert at Hersheypark Stadium

With concerts returning to the stage, summer is the perfect time to catch your favorite performer in Hershey, Pa. Nothing beats spending the day riding roller coasters and then heading over to the stadium to sing and dance with some of the top touring artists in the world. Check out who is coming to Hersheypark Stadium this summer here. 

Relax at The Spa with a Signature Hershey’s  Chocolate Treatment

No vacation is complete without a little relaxation and what better place to receive an extra sweet treatment than in Hershey, Pa.? Visitors can spend the day at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey with popular packages including Vacation For A Day, or book a treatment featuring a Cuban-inspired collection at MeltSpa by Hershey. For the ultimate relaxation, spa guests can unwind in the Relaxation Room before or after they receive a service.

Turn your trip into an overnight stay at The Official Resorts Of Hersheypark

If you are worried that you won’t have enough time to do everything on your list, turn your visit into an overnight stay at The Hotel Hershey, The Hershey Lodge, or Hersheypark Camping Resort and save with a summer package. Plus, when you stay at one of The Official Resorts, you get sweet perks like the best price on Hersheypark tickets, free parking, one-hour early access to select rides with Sweet Start, and a three-hour preview at Hersheypark. Check out this guide to The Official Resorts Of Hersheypark for more information. 

BONUS: Activities to do around town

• Visit the animals at ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park.
• Take the free Chocolate Tour at Hershey's Chocolate World.
• Stop to smell the roses at Hershey Gardens.
• Explore the history of Milton S. Hershey at The Hershey Story Museum on Chocolate Avenue.