Hersheypark offers over 60 thrill rides, a zoo, water park, performances and frequent fireworks displays. Tooth-rotting as it may be, you or your child can don a hairnet and apron and punch choices on a computer screen and then, voilà, watch your very own chocolate bar roll down a conveyor belt at the Create Your Own Candy Bar attraction. It's part of Hershey's Chocolate World, a mock factory and massive candy store with singing cows and free chocolate galore.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery

21.1 MILES

The first commercial pretzels in America were made here starting in 1861 – and back then pretzel-making was a coveted and high-paying job. You can try…

2. Landis Valley Museum

24.28 MILES

Based on an 18th-century village, this open-air museum is the best way to get an overview of early Pennsylvania Dutch culture, and Mennonite culture in…

3. Lancaster Historical Society

24.38 MILES

The museum of the Lancaster Historical Society takes a deep dive into regional history, crafts and culture. Your ticket gets you a guided tour of…

4. Phillips Museum of Art

24.55 MILES

At this art museum you'll find art and objects d'art sourced from across different eras of American history, plus Soviet recruitment posters and Arabic…

5. North Museum of Nature & Science

24.71 MILES

This cute little museum is mainly of interest to families with kids, who will have a great time romping through exhibits on geology, dinosaurs, and…

6. Demuth Museum

25.64 MILES

The Modernist painter Charles Demuth and his family had deep ties to Lancaster. His work is grounded in an expansive regionalism and can be found…

7. Ephrata Cloister

26.05 MILES

One of the area's myriad breakaway religious sects established this community in 1732; despite celibacy vows and infighting, it lasted until 1934. Now it…

8. Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society

29.31 MILES

The small museum here displays beautiful glass and woodwork, along with the story of how Mennonites established themselves in this area. There's a well…