Things to do with kids in Harrisburg & Hershey, PA
Checked · All times are local Eastern Time (Harrisburg & Hershey time)
Coming up in Harrisburg & Hershey: Hersheypark Christmas Candylane (from Nov 13) and Breakfast with Santa at The Chocolatier (Hersheypark, from Nov 27). 6 always-open places, led by Hershey's Chocolate World, Whitaker Center (UPMC Science Center) and Hersheypark. Prices and hours come from each official site.
Christmas & holiday events: Santa and lights
Hersheypark Christmas Candylane
- When
- Fri, Nov 13 – Sun, Jan 3 (Select dates Nov 13 – Jan 3) · See site calendar
- Cost
- Park admission required; 1-day ticket from $66.99 online
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Hersheypark's holiday season with select rides, the candy-themed TREEville, over 5 million lights, the Fire & Ice Experience, the Twinkling Thru Time show, and Santa with all 9 reindeer.
✓ Checked Oct 31, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Breakfast with Santa at The Chocolatier (Hersheypark)
- When
- Fri, Nov 27 – Thu, Dec 24 (Select dates Nov 27 – Dec 24) · Morning; see site
- Cost
- Separate ticket; see site
- Ages
- All ages · Indoor
A breakfast buffet with hints of chocolate, kids' activities and holiday fun with Santa and his elves.
✓ Checked Oct 31, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Always-open family places
Most popular first: zoos, aquariums and museums, then nature spots, parks and libraries. Prices come from each official site; "Not stated" means the site doesn't list one.
Hershey's Chocolate World
- Price
- Free entry and chocolate tour ride; other experiences ticketed
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Free chocolate tour ride and the world's largest Hershey's store; paid add-ons like Create Your Own Candy Bar
✓ Price verified Oct 31, 2026 · source
Whitaker Center (UPMC Science Center)
- Price
- Admission required; see site
- Best for
- Ages 2–14 (our guidance)
Science center, digital cinema and theater downtown; science center open Fri–Mon 10am–5pm
✓ Price verified Oct 31, 2026 · source
Hersheypark
- Price
- 1-Day Any Day ticket $66.99 online plus taxes and fees; 4-pack bundle $57 per person with free parking
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Theme park; in winter it reopens as Christmas Candylane on select dates Nov 13–Jan 3 with lights, shows and Santa
✓ Price verified Oct 31, 2026 · source
The State Museum of Pennsylvania
- Price
- See site
- Best for
- Ages 2–17+ (our guidance)
Pennsylvania history and natural history museum next to the Capitol
✓ Price verified Oct 31, 2026 · source
ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park
- Price
- Admission required; see site
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Walk-through park of North American animals next to Hersheypark
✓ Price verified Oct 31, 2026 · source
Hershey Gardens
- Price
- Tickets required; see site
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Botanical gardens with a conservatory and Butterfly Atrium; open daily 9am–5pm (strollers not allowed in the Atrium)
✓ Price verified Oct 31, 2026 · source
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do with kids in Harrisburg & Hershey this weekend?
Hershey's Chocolate World, Whitaker Center (UPMC Science Center) and Hersheypark are open most days, but we don't have a Harrisburg & Hershey event listed for this weekend (Oct 31–Nov 1). Next up: Hersheypark Christmas Candylane (Nov 13) and Breakfast with Santa at The Chocolatier (Hersheypark, Nov 27).
What are free things to do with kids in Harrisburg & Hershey?
These are free according to their official sites: 1 place in Harrisburg & Hershey, including Hershey's Chocolate World.
Where can kids play indoors in Harrisburg & Hershey when it's cold or snowy?
We list 3 indoor places in Harrisburg & Hershey: Hershey's Chocolate World (kids free), Whitaker Center (UPMC Science Center, Admission required) and The State Museum of Pennsylvania (See site).
When and where can kids see Santa in Harrisburg & Hershey?
We list 2 events with Santa in Harrisburg & Hershey: Hersheypark Christmas Candylane (Nov 13 – Jan 3) and Breakfast with Santa at The Chocolatier (Hersheypark, Nov 27 – Dec 24).
Where can I take my kids to see Christmas lights in Harrisburg & Hershey?
We list 1 holiday light event in Harrisburg & Hershey: Hersheypark Christmas Candylane (Nov 13 – Jan 3).
What are the big family attractions in Harrisburg & Hershey?
The best-known family attractions we list in Harrisburg & Hershey are Hershey's Chocolate World (kids free), Whitaker Center (UPMC Science Center, Admission required) and Hersheypark (kids $null). See all 6 above. They're listed first under always-open places.
How much do Harrisburg & Hershey family attractions cost?
Prices from the official sites for 2 places in Harrisburg & Hershey: Hershey's Chocolate World (adult $0, kids free) and Hersheypark (adult $66.99, kids $null). Confirm before you go; prices change.
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How we build this page: each event comes from the organizer's official website and shows the date we checked it. Prices marked verified were copied from the venue's official site; others show an estimated price level or "Not stated". A place is called free only when its official site says so. Read how we verify listings · Arizona weekend search.
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