What to do at Hersheypark for Halloween

Halloween is right around the corner and if you’re looking for a different way to celebrate aside from going to the pumpkin patch, then you’ll want to think about taking a trip to Hersheypark. 

I visited Hersheypark and Hershey’s Chocolate World for spooky season and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun weekend getaway only three hours from New York City and 20 minutes from the Harrisburg airport.

That said, here's a list of some activities you can do in Hershey, PA for Halloween for the whole family. 

Go trick or treating

Nothing screams Halloween more than dressing up and eating candy. Around Hersheypark and in Hershey's Chocolate World, kids ages 12 and under can adventure on treat trails to collect some of their favorite sweet treats. 

In Hersheypark, the Treatville trail is open on all operating days and at Chocolate World between Friday and Sunday until November 3. 

Meet characters in special costumes 

Similar to how you may dress up in a costume, Hershey characters also get dressed up for the occasion in their holiday best. Find the Hershey bar, Reese, Hershey’s Kiss, Kit Kat, Jolly Rancher, and Twizzler in special costumes for the season. There are designated locations to meet these chocolate friends at Hersheypark and Hershey’s Chocolate World and at the hotels for guests. 

Go to Dark Nights 

If you’re a fan of Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights or Knott’s Scary Farm, then you’ll love Dark Nights. At Hersheypark, you can immerse yourself in scare zones, haunted houses, and entertainment to get you into the Halloween spirit. The park is dimly lit with lots of fog to create spooky vibes and you can come dressed in a costume if you wish. 

Be sure to check out Fryboy and the Decayed Brigade as they showcase their sliding skills at designated times throughout the evening. Plus, there’s the chance to take pictures with creepy characters and see other themed entertainment. 

Eat special foods 

During Halloween at Hersheypark, there are different stands set up where you can find both sweet and savory-themed treats. There are over 10 locations throughout the park with everything from hot dogs to red velvet brownies. 

If you plan on eating a lot, then you may want to consider buying a tasting pass which gives you the chance to try any five items for $35. This is an easier way to try all the different foods while letting you save a few bucks along the way. 

Visit Hershey's Chocolate World 

Just because Hersheypark is only open on the weekends during off season that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun in Pennsylvania during the rest of the week. Hershey’s Chocolate World is open seven days a week. Inside you’ll see Halloween decorations, lots of candy, and characters. 

In the back by the food court, there’s a little Halloween nook where you can go trick-or-treating, meet characters dressed in their Halloween best, and take photos. The trick or treating is only for kids 12 and younger, but if you ask nicely, sometimes you’ll get a sweet treat too!

Aside from Halloween festivities, you can sign up for different experiences such as Create Your Own Candy Bar, Hershey’s Great Candy Exhibition, and Hershey’s Unwrapped. There’s also a free ride inside called Hershey’s Chocolate Tour where you can see how the chocolate is made and even get a free sample on the way out. 

Get a drink at Spirits rooftop bar 

After a long day in the park, you may be interested in sitting back and getting a drink. Spirits is located at the entrance to Hersheypark and you can sit on the rooftop and order food and drinks. For the Halloween season, they have special cocktails and mocktails alongside a themed menu filled with snacks and light bites. 

Be sure to order some of the Blood Bank mocktails that come in IV bags, the Spirits Poultrygeist (buffalo chicken dip), and Spirit’s Fried Zombie Brains (fried cauliflower.)

Now that you know about all of the Halloween festivities at Hersheypark, be sure to grab a costume and head on over while the spooky season is upon us.