Hersheypark & Hershey Lodge

A Spooky Sweet Weekend at Hersheypark Dark Nights

This October, we embarked on a thrilling Halloween adventure at Hersheypark, combining spine-chilling scares with sweet family fun. Here's a recap of our unforgettable weekend.

Comfortable Stay at Hershey Lodge

Our journey began with a seamless check-in at Hershey Lodge, a full-service resort offering 665 guest rooms and deluxe suites. The chocolate-themed décor and spacious accommodations set the perfect tone for our stay. As part of our package, we received complimentary tickets to Hershey Gardens and four Hershey's chocolate bars, which was an unexpected and delightful treat.

Convenient Shuttle to Hersheypark

After quickly changing into our Halloween costumes, we headed to the shuttle bus stop located at the front of the Lodge. The shuttle service was exceptional; the driver shared fascinating facts about Hershey's history as we made our way to the park. The convenience of being dropped off directly at the entrance made the experience even more enjoyable.

Dark Nights at Hersheypark

Entering the park while it was still daylight, we managed to enjoy a few rides before the sun set. As night fell, we ventured into the scare zones, where the Halloween magic truly came alive. Hersheypark Dark Nights featured five haunted houses and four scare zones, each offering unique thrills and chills. The atmosphere was definitely spooky, with fog, eerie music, and actors in elaborate costumes creating a spine-tingling experience. For families with younger children, it's advisable to be cautious around the scare zones unless your little ones enjoy a good fright.

Breakfast at The Hershey Pantry

The next morning, we indulged in a hearty breakfast at The Hershey Pantry. Known for its delicious offerings, we highly recommend their cinnamon bun—it's massive and perfect for sharing among three to four people. Pair it with their chai latte for a cozy start to your day.

Exploring Hershey Gardens

After breakfast, we used our complimentary tickets to visit Hershey Gardens. This 23-acre botanical garden, established in 1937, boasts a stunning array of flowers, shrubs, and trees. Highlights include the Butterfly Atrium, where we marveled at the colorful butterflies fluttering around, and the Children's Garden, which offered interactive exhibits for the little ones.

Fun at Hershey's Water Works

Our final stop was Hershey's Water Works at Hershey Lodge. This indoor water complex features a variety of pools and water play areas suitable for children of all ages. The castle-themed water play area was perfect for the little ones, while the bigger slides kept our older kids entertained for hours. Meanwhile, the giant hot tub offered the adults a relaxing break. Hershey’s Water Works was the perfect way to cap off our sweet and spooky weekend!

The Spa at The Hotel Hershey

Although we didn’t go during either one of these trips, The Spa at The Hotel Hershey is absolutely worth mentioning. If you're planning a relaxing, adults-only afternoon during your visit to Hersheypark, make sure to carve out time for The Spa at The Hotel Hershey (also affectionately called the “Chocolate Spa®”). I’ve been lucky to have ventured here a few times both as a couple’s spa day and a ladies spa day!

Here’s why it’s an incredible escape — and yes, it smells just as good as it sounds.

Luxurious, chocolate-inspired treatments: From a Whipped Cocoa Bath and Chocolate Sugar Scrub to a Cocoa‐infused massage and facials, this is your chance to literally soak in the Hershey’s chocolate experience—without the calories.

Extensive amenities: The spa spans about 40,000 square feet (that’s a lot of room to relax) and includes 61 treatment rooms in an elegant setting modeled after the historic High Point Mansion.

Full “day of relaxation” offerings: Beyond your treatment, you’ll have access to hydrotherapy baths, steam rooms, saunas, meditation spaces, and quiet rooms—basically, all the reasons you’ll forget what day it is.

Spa-only perks: Slip into your complimentary robe and sandals, sip fruit-infused water or hot chocolate, and treat yourself to muffins that pair perfectly with your post-massage glow. Spa guests also enjoy access to the indoor pool, hot tub and fitness center.

Signature packages: If time allows, go all in with a full-day package that combines body wraps, scrubs, massages, and facials - plus lunch in the spa guest lounge.

Whether you go for the chocolate-inspired treatments, the peaceful quiet rooms, or simply to escape the sound of roller coasters for a few hours, The Spa at The Hotel Hershey is a 40,000-square-foot haven of bliss and cocoa-scented calm.

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