A trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania is not complete without the taste of chocolate. Enjoy the enticing aroma as you stroll along Chocolate and Cocoa Avenues where the street lamps are shaped like Hershey's Kisses. Some of the more minor attractions can be suited to different age groups, but Hersheypark, ZooAmerica, and Chocolate World are fun for everyone in the family. There's more to do too, when you've had enough candy in the surprisingly entertaining chocolate capital of the world:

Great Fun for the Kids

(Toddler to Age 8)

Hershey Gardens
170 Hotel Road
Hershey, PA 17033
717/534-3492
The major paths winding through this 23-acre outdoor garden are paved and stroller-friendly. A major highlight is the creative Children's Garden, an interactive area with 30 different educational themes to explore, including counting, spelling, and time. Plenty of creatures and areas to play in -- as well as frequent teacher-led programs -- make this a calming place to let loose some youthful energy and insight. The Butterfly House, open all summer with weather permitting, houses over 300 of the beautiful insects of over 25 different varieties and features "flight attendants" who guide visitors through the story of a butterfly's life cycle.

Pride of the Susquehanna
City Island
Harrisburg, PA 17108
717/234-6500
Hershey is very close to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's capital, and Harrisburg's City Island is the base for an old-fashioned paddlewheeler offering rides on the Susquehanna River. The Pride of the Susquehanna has been operating public cruises for over 20 years, and during the summer months, cruises depart daily except for Monday. This could be a great way to cool off on a hot day, or to check baby's first boat ride off the list. Be sure to call ahead to confirm schedule and check availability. Also inquire about the company's dinner/entertainment cruise options.

Fun for Older Children

(Up to Age 18)

The Hershey Story
170 West Hersheypark Drive
Hershey, PA 17033
717/534-3439
The Hershey Museum has been replaced with the Hershey Story, a new museum that is set to focus less on the history of the company and more on Mr. Hershey himself. While this is filled with a lot of education, the Hershey Story still has lots to make a visit fun. Check out the Chocolate Lab which gives visitors a hands-on experience of how to make chocolate. After learning how to make the chocolate, go on a chocolate tasting where you can sample chocolate from Africa, Indonesia, Mexico, and more.

Hershey Trolley Works
Departs from the main entrace of Chocolate World (see below)
717/533-3000
A singing conductor might be a bit hokey, but that's part of the fun as you tour around town in an old-fashioned trolley. Conductors point out notable landmarks along the way. Those who are interested in Milton Hershey history will want to go along for the ride. Keep an eye out for Kiss-shaped street lamps!

Antique Automobile Club of America
161 Museum Drive
Hershey, PA 17033
717/566-7100
Vintage car lovers in your family will definitely want to stop by the Automobile Club's museum, which features old automobiles in time-appropriate scenes and settings. There are even some "celebrity" vehicles, like the bus from Forrest Gump and Matt Damon's car in the movie The Good Shepherd.

Harrisburg Senators
Commerce Bank Park
City Island
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717/231-4444
Want to take a break from chocolate and pursue some peanuts and Cracker Jacks? One fun way to mingle with the locals when you travel is to attend a minor league baseball game, and nearby Harrisburg has a popular team with plenty of cheap seats. If you have more than a few hours to spend in Harrisburg, you may want to coordinate a game with a paddlewheeler cruise (see above), since both activities operate from City Island.

Fun for the Family

ZOOAMERICA North American Wildlife Park
100 West Hersheypark Drive
Hershey, PA 17033
800/HERSHEY
Hersheys' 11-acre walk-through zoo offers a home to more than 200 animals. The facility provides care for all the animals and includes specially designed areas for quarantine, infirm care, surgery and x-ray procedures. Enter from inside the Hershey Park on the same day and your visit will be free.

Hersheypark
100 West Hersheypark Drive
Hershey, PA 17033
800/HERSHEY
Hersheypark is filled with spectacular rides and attractions, making it a fun day out for all ages. Attractions range from a hand-carved carousel dating from 1919 to "Tidal Force," one of the world's largest, tallest, splashdown rides. Enjoy drenching water rides, roller coasters, live entertainment, and a chance to take pictures with Hershey characters. Try your chance at challenging games that test your skill, and stop for pizza or pierogies as a prelude to a chocolate dessert. And you can't leave without trying the Reese's Xtreme Cup Challenge. This high energy laser game puts car against car in a competition for the highest score.

For old-fashioned, boardwalk-style fun, be sure to spend some time in the Midway America area of Hersheypark. Midway America has rides, games, and food galore in a central location -- everything from the Ferris Wheel to the Wildmouse to Dippin Dots.

Hershey's Chocolate World
251 Park Blvd
Hershey, PA 17033
800/HERSHEY
This all-new fascinating attraction allows people of all ages to enjoy the world of chocolate. Be entertained by watching a simulation of how Hershey's chocolate is made. This exciting factory is free to everyone and also provides complimentary samples and a 3-D show where you can enjoy a musical adventure on the big screen. Shops and restaurants are available for the sweet fix you will inevitably need after all this chocolate celebration.

For info on all attractions call 800/HERSHEY or visit Hershey PA Tourism.