10 Things Every Kid Should Do at Hershey Lodge in Hershey, PA

On our first massive (almost) cross country trip in 2012, we stopped in Hershey, Pennsylvania for lunch. My daughter still has a Hershey kiss pillow that she purchased on that trip. We only had a couple of hours for lunch but vowed to return and spend some time in the chocolate capital of America! We made good on that promise this spring break. Our first stop was the Hershey Lodge, one of two hotels in town owned by the Hershey Company. Hotel Hershey is an upscale resort located directly across the street from the park. The resort has almost 300 rooms, suites, and cottages and many amenities.

We heard from friends that Hershey Lodge, located less than ten minutes from the park, would be a better fit for the kids. The Lodge is attached to a convention center and has almost 700 room and suites. There is a large water park kids will love and plenty of other family friendly amenities.

10 Things Every Kid Should Do at Hershey Lodge:

1. “Check in” at your own private desk. Children will sign the guest book, receive a personalized lanyard, pick up coloring sheets and activity sheets, and guess the amount of candy in a jar.

2. Look for “kisses.” You’ll find them everywhere: in guest room (check the wallpaper, sheets, and bars of soap), in the lobby (look carefully while waiting in line) and throughout the restaurants.

3. Tell the staff if you’re celebrating a birthday; you may just receive a special surprise waiting for you when you return to your room.

4. Attend a family friendly competition with trivia or bingo or end the night roasting smores by an outdoor camp fire. Check here for a weekly schedule of events.

5. Eat at some of the delicious dining options. There’s The Bears’ Den for a hockey inspired atmosphere with 39 televisions and great bar food, The Forebay for steaks and fresh seafood, Hershey Grill  for seasonal menus offered all day, and Fire & Grain for breakfast and dinner.

6. Grab a sweet treat at Cocoa Beanery Cafe and then sit back and relax next to the massive fireplace in the lobby.

7. Get wet in the Waterworks indoor waterparks. Shoot hoops, plunge down two water slides, stand under a waterfall or try walking across the Reese’s Water Walk.

8. If the weather permits, get outside and play tennis, get wet in the splash pad area, or play a round of miniature golf.

9. Pick out the perfect souvenir in the “Sweet Memories” gift shop. The shop is filled with themed apparel, every conceivable Hershey treat in every size, housewares, and novelty items.

10. Meet and Greet characters like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup or Kit Kat, who make make appearances multiple times each day.

Bonus: Guests of the Hershey Lodge receive complimentary tickets to Hershey Gardens and The Hershey’s Story Museum Experience, and other discounts for various Hersheypark experiences. Check here for more information.

Read more about our adventures in Hershey and our Top 10 list here. If you’re planning a trip to the Hershey or Harrisburg area, I highly recommend starting your planning at VisitHersheyandHarrisburg.org. The tourism board is a great resource for tips on places to visit, eat, and stay. The website is well organized by season, activity, interest, and town. Parents will especially want to read through the Family Fun section.