Hershey Park and its surrounding area offer a variety of indoor attractions for visitors seeking shelter from inclement weather or simply looking to diversify their entertainment options. From thrilling indoor rides to educational museums and interactive experiences, there’s something for everyone. This guide explores the best indoor attractions near Hershey Park, providing detailed information on activities, costs, and unique features to help you plan your visit.
What Are the Top Indoor Attractions at Hershey Park?
Hershey Park itself boasts several indoor attractions that keep visitors entertained regardless of the weather:
- Laff Trakk: An indoor, spinning glow-coaster that combines the thrill of a roller coaster with the disorienting effects of a fun house.
- Duration: Approximately 2 minutes
- Cost: Included in general admission
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Unique Feature: Glowing track and spinning cars
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Reese’s Cupfusion: An interactive dark ride where guests become agents protecting the Reese’s factory.
- Duration: About 3 minutes
- Cost: Included in general admission
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Unique Feature: Interactive shooting game elements
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Hyperdeck: A virtual reality experience located in Hershey’s Chocolatetown.
- Duration: 10-15 minutes per session
- Cost: Included in admission, may require separate queue
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Unique Feature: Immersive VR technology
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Indoor Arcades:
- Play Dome Arcade in Pioneer Frontier
- Overlook Arcade in Kissing Tower Hill
- Features: Video games, crane machines, Skeeball, and redemption games
Where Can You Find Indoor Water Fun Near Hershey Park?
For those seeking aquatic adventures indoors, look no further than:
Hershey’s Water Works at Hershey Lodge
- Type: Indoor pool complex
- Features:
- Interactive water features
- Splash park
- Cocoa Cabana for dining
- Arcade with games
- Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 12 PM – 8 PM
- Friday: 12 PM – 9 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 10 AM – 9 PM
This indoor water park provides a perfect retreat for families looking to enjoy water activities without worrying about the weather.
What Educational Indoor Attractions Are Available Near Hershey Park?
The Hershey Story Museum
- Type: Interactive museum
- Features:
- Exhibits on Milton Hershey and chocolate history
- Chocolate Lab for hands-on experiences
- Chocolate tasting flights
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
- Special Events: Workshops and rotating exhibits throughout the year
UPMC Science Center at the Whitaker Center
- Type: Science museum
- Features:
- Interactive science experiments
- STEM labs
- Exhibits like Forces of Nature and KidsPlace
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
- Special Events: Various workshops and special exhibits
These educational attractions offer a perfect blend of learning and entertainment, making them ideal for families and curious minds of all ages.
How Can You Experience Nature Indoors Near Hershey Park?
ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park
- Type: Indoor and outdoor zoo
- Indoor Features:
- Desert and Southwest Swamps buildings
- Various North American animals
- Accessibility: Included in Hersheypark admission when accessed through the park bridge
- Unique Aspect: Provides dry viewing areas during rainy weather
Indian Echo Caverns
- Type: Natural caverns
- Features:
- Guided tours
- Rock formations
- Mineral deposits
- Natural lakes
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible (with limitations)
- Special Events: Seasonal tours available
These attractions allow visitors to experience nature and wildlife in controlled indoor environments, perfect for any weather condition.
What Unique Chocolate-Themed Indoor Experiences Are Available?
Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction
- Type: Interactive chocolate experience
- Features:
- Chocolate tour ride
- 4D movie
- Create your own chocolate bar
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
- Special Events: Seasonal events and packages
This attraction offers a comprehensive chocolate experience, from learning about the chocolate-making process to creating your own sweet treats.
How Do Indoor Attractions at Hershey Park Compare to Outdoor Ones?
To give you a better idea of how indoor attractions stack up against outdoor ones at Hershey Park, here’s a comparison table:
| Aspect | Indoor Attractions | Outdoor Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Weather Dependency | Low | High |
| Variety | Limited but diverse | Extensive |
| Wait Times | Generally shorter | Can be longer, especially in peak season |
| Seasonal Availability | Year-round | Some may close in off-season |
| Thrill Factor | Moderate to high | Low to extreme |
| Educational Value | Often higher | Varies |
| Age Range | All ages | Some age/height restrictions |
This comparison shows that while outdoor attractions offer more variety, indoor attractions provide consistent entertainment options regardless of weather conditions and often have a higher educational value.
What Should You Know Before Visiting Indoor Attractions Near Hershey Park?
Before planning your visit to indoor attractions near Hershey Park, keep these tips in mind:
- Check operating hours, as they may differ from the main park hours.
- Some attractions, like Hershey’s Chocolate World, are free to enter but have paid experiences inside.
- Indoor attractions can get crowded during inclement weather, so plan accordingly.
- Many indoor attractions offer special packages or combo deals with Hershey Park admission.
- Some indoor experiences, like the Chocolate Lab at The Hershey Story Museum, require advance reservations.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can make the most of your visit to the indoor attractions near Hershey Park, ensuring a fun and memorable experience regardless of the weather outside.
References:
1. https://www.hersheylodge.com/recreation/indoor-pool.php
2. https://stories.hersheypa.com/6-sweet-ways-to-savor-a-rainy-day-at-hersheypark/
3. https://www.hersheypark.com/explore-the-park/rides/
4. https://www.hersheys.com/chocolateworld/en_us/home.html
5. https://www.hersheypa.com/things-to-do/attractions/