Guide To Labor Day Weekend 2023 in Hershey, PA

There’s still time to celebrate summer! From coaster rides and water park splashes to zoo visits and sweet overnight getaways, there’s so much fun to be had in Hershey, Pa. this Labor Day weekend. Join us to soak up the last bit of summer in The Sweetest Place On Earth! 

Here are a few things you won’t want to miss during your visit, Sept. 1-4, 2023.

LAST SPLASH OF SUMMER AT HERSHEYPARK

Labor Day weekend marks the end of daily operations at Hersheypark, so don’t miss the fun!

Hersheypark is open on Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Monday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for guests to celebrate a sweet end to summer with coaster rides, King Size Shakes and water park splashes. On Labor Day, King Size and Full Size Season Pass Holders will receive a scratch-off with a sweet surprise for their Labor Day Appreciation Day event during Sweet Start.

The Boardwalk At Hersheypark water park closes after Labor Day and won’t open again until May 2024, which means that Labor Day Weekend is the last chance to enjoy racing water slides, a relaxing ride along the lazy river, delicious eats and more. The Boardwalk is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Monday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and is included in the one-price admission to Hersheypark. 

ENJOY SWEET DINING AT THE CHOCOLATIER

For guests with or without a Hersheypark ticket, The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. over Labor Day Weekend in the Hershey’s Chocolatetown region of Hersheypark. Guests looking to enjoy delicious family fare with a fun spin and hints of chocolate for lunch or dinner can make a reservation here. Or, head outside on the second-story patio to soak in the summer weather and take in one-of-a-kind panoramic views of the Park that you won’t want to miss! Patio dining is weather permitting and first come, first served.

CELEBRATE WILDLIFE DAY AT ZOOAMERICA

National Wildlife Day (Sept. 4) falls over Labor Day weekend this year, and there’s no better place to celebrate than ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park. The 11-acre zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Sept. 1-4, 2023, for visitors to see and learn about dozens of animals native to five regions of North America.  

Regular admission for guests ages 9-61 is $15. Juniors and seniors are $13 and children 2 and younger are free. ZooAmerica is one of three parks in one included with admission to Hersheypark only when entering the Zoo through the bridge inside Hersheypark during posted Park hours.

LAST CHANCE TO SAVE WITH SUMMER RESORT PACKAGES

Celebrate the long weekend with a stay at the Official Resorts of Hersheypark! Labor Day weekend is your last chance to save with our guest-favorite package - Kids Stay, Play & Eat FREE - perfect for the whole family. With this package available at Hershey Lodge and The Hotel Hershey, kids 17 and younger enjoy free accommodations, free Hersheypark admission and free breakfast, while parents enjoy sweet savings. Additional packages available Labor Day weekend can be found here.

Plus, guests staying over the holiday weekend can enjoy the last splash of summer at the resorts’ outdoor pools, which close for the season after Labor Day. All resort guests also receive FREE Resort Benefits, including free front gate shuttle service to and from Hersheypark, extra hours at the Park, family-friendly resort activities, complimentary or discounted admission to Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story’s Museum Experience, and more. 

SEE A LIVE SHOW

Labor Day weekend brings two exciting shows to Hershey on Friday, Sept. 1. 

RELAX AT THE SPA

Take time to relax this Labor Day weekend with an appointment at one of the spas in Hershey! The Spa At The Hotel Hershey resort spa and MeltSpa by Hershey day spa in downtown Hershey offer a variety of chocolate-inspired and seasonal treatments unique to The Sweetest Place On Earth. Those ready for fall can enjoy pumpkin treatments, ranging from pumpkin spice massages, body scrubs and pumpkin facials which is available at both spas Labor Day weekend. We recommend booking early as holiday weekend availability is limited!

EXPLORE HERSHEY’S  CHOCOLATE WORLD

There's always something to do at Hershey's Chocolate World Attraction, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year! Experience the brand new HERSHEY'S Great Candy Expedition, a one-of-a-kind train-themed adventure that will take you and your family on a fantastical journey through colorful lands inspired by all your favorite Hershey candies, and you get to help choose its path. Plus, enjoy a FREE Hershey's Chocolate Tour, make your candy dreams a reality at the Create Your Own Candy Bar experience, become a chocolate tasting expert at the Hershey's Unwrapped experience and indulge in delicious food and drink offerings. 

Hershey’s Chocolate World is open daily Labor Day weekend. View hours here. 

SEE BOTANICAL BEAUTY AT HERSHEY GARDENS

Stroll 23 acres of botanical beauty at Hershey Gardens, including 11 themed gardens and an indoor tropical Butterfly Atrium featuring 600 butterflies from around the world. From Friday, Sept. 1 through Sunday, Sept. 3, guests can also see fabulous works of art by members of the Hershey Area Art Association in the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory. The Hershey Area Art Association Show & Sale is included in admission and free for members. Hershey Gardens hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Labor Day.

LEARN ABOUT OUR FOUNDER AT THE HERSHEY STORY

The Hershey Story Museum honors and preserves the life and legacy of Milton S. Hershey, the town he created and the lives he touched. While you're exploring the museum's exhibits, grab tickets for the interactive Chocolate Lab, where guests can try their hand at chocolate pouring and decorating, and Chocolate Tastings, where guests can experience a flight of warm drinking chocolates from around the world. Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Labor Day.

We look forward to welcoming you to The Sweetest Place On Earth - share your memories using #HersheyPA!