Festive Weekend in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Highlights Family-Friendly Activities

October weekends in Hershey, Pennsylvania, are renowned for their bustling festive events and sweet attractions. Known as ‘The Sweetest Place on Earth,’ Hershey offers an array of activities for visitors during Indigenous Peoples' Day Weekend, occurring from October 11th to 14th this year. This long weekend provides extra time for tourists to explore the town built by the chocolate empire.

Hersheypark, a focal point of the weekend, will be open from October 11th through 13th, providing a blend of family-friendly fun and frights. The park will host its seasonal “Dark Nights” starting each night at 6 p.m. Known for its immersive haunt experience, visitors can enjoy over 50 rides, several haunted houses, and themed entertainment. The Halloween experience also includes trick-or-treating for children under 12 along the Treatville?p and special “lights-out” rides during the park’s last operational hour.

ZooAmerica Wildlife Park adds to the festivities, offering daily operations with “Creatures Of The Night” from 6-9 p.m. over the weekend. This unique after-hours event lets visitors observe nocturnal animals such as black bears and gray wolves in their natural nighttime environments. Entry to this event is part of standard admission, which also includes access from Hersheypark.

The Hershey Bears, the American Hockey League’s Back-to-Back Calder Cup Champions, will have their home opener games on October 12th and 13th at the GIANT Center. Hockey fans can attend the games, with single tickets starting at $16.

Comedic performances are also featured over the weekend. Dane Cook will perform on October 11th at the Hershey Theatre, known for his stand-up specials and stage presence. Meanwhile, renowned comedian Nikki Glaser is scheduled to perform on October 12th and 13th, bringing her “Alive and Unwell Tour” to the venue.

Visitors looking to relax can book treatments at The Spa at The Hotel Hershey, available throughout the long weekend. Offerings include facials and massages, with limited availability on October 11th, 13th, and 14th.

For accommodations, The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge provide enticing options, including seasonal dining experiences, indoor pools, and family activities such as s’mores roasts and chocolate bingo. Camping enthusiasts can also enjoy seasonal offerings at Hersheypark Camping Resort. Special packages, including the Dark Nights 2-Night Package, offer additional savings and include amenities like breakfast, Halloween event tickets, and unlimited fast track access for haunted houses.