There is so much to do in Hershey Park. If you need a break from the rides and pampering you really should visit ZooAmerica. ZooAmerica is an active zoo, educates the public about conservation and protection of animals native to North America.
One of the very interesting things you can do at ZooAmerica is to go on an after hours tour. During the after hours tour you can visit nocturnal animals who are normally asleep during the day.
This is the space where the quail and roadrunner live. Also there are live owls flying around. It’s kinda creepy at first but the owls don’t bother you.
Part of the tour includes an educational segment.
This little critter is called a chuckwalla. He’s a lizard. He came by to say hello but I declined to pet him. He seemed nice enough though.
The moment I had been waiting for was the chance to befriend an owl named Luna.
She didn’t bring my letter from Hogwarts but she did make friends with everyone. Her eye is damaged so she will never be able to live in the wild. That’s what is so great about ZooAmerica. They care for animals and also use them to teach.
On the tour we saw an alligator.
This guy is an American Alligator. Don’t let that smile fool you. He was waiting for the snacks to come through the little door off camera.
We saw an ocelot, blood drinking bats, ferrets, coati, and snakes. At night they are active so we it was a special treat that doesn’t happen during the regular zoo hours.
The highlight of the tour was feeding Murphy and Chief, black bears. Murphy was especially friendly and hd learned hand signals to give kisses. He even held my hand.
I think he likes me!
Did I mention we fed otters? So much to do at ZooAmerica; it’s fun for the whole family!
If your idea of live entertainment doesn’t include wild animals, you should totally check out Hershey Theatre. Amazing holiday shows will be featured at Hershey Theatre during the holiday season. The dates and times are listed below:
- Straight No Chaser – December 4 at 2:30 and 7:30 PM
- Elf – December 6-8 at 7:30 PM
- The Piano Guys – December 10 at 3:00 and 8:00 PM
Visit www.HersheyEntertainment.com for tickets and more information.
The Hershey Story Museum
- Little Elves Workshop – The elves have once again set up their workshop, where kids of all ages can create their own unique ornament out of chocolate clay. Participants will roll, cut and ice their creations and design their own packaging. $5.00 per ornament; adults many accompany participating children at no charge.
Available select dates November 12 – January 1 at 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Snowball Saturdays – Friendly indoor snowball fights are the centerpiece of this holiday event! In addition, kids can visit with a snowman and Coco the Bear, and hear stories about wintertime fun. Free; admission to the Museum Experience not required.
Available December 3, 10 & 17.
- Holiday-Themed Chocolate Lab Classes – Guests can enjoy a 45-minute class where they learn about chocolate and make their own chocolate treat. Ticket purchase required; children must be at least four years old to enter the lab. Class themes are as follows:
- Candy Cane Bark, Chocolate Reindeer, Create a Kris Kringle and Make a Very Merry Bar
Available daily beginning November 12 – January 1, 2017, class times vary.
* Classes offered on Snowball Saturdays only (December 3, 10 & 17): Let it Snow Chocolate and Marshmallow Mischief.
- NYE Bubble Wrap Stomps – Kids can celebrate the New Year with bubble wrap stomps on Saturday, December 31, 2016, at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Stomps take place in the museum’s patio, weather permitting. (In the event of inclement weather, stomps will take place in the museum’s Grand Lobby.) Free; admission to the Museum Experience not required.
Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction
Hershey’s Chocolate World is filled with great indoor family-fun activities:
- Start your day the merry way with Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus, Saturdays & Sundays from November 11 through December 24.
- See the unique and magical 8th annual Hershey’s Holiday Chocolate House! Every inch is covered in Hershey’s confectionery products and a sweet donation is made to Children’s Miracle Network.
- Take a cozy trip on the Christmas Trolley Adventure which is guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit with caroling, stories, and even a special visit from a certain jolly, old elf.
While at Chocolate World, we made our own personalized chocolate bars. First, they suit you up:
Then you choose your chocolate bar options and watch as the machine makes it.
Adds ingredients if you want them.
I did not add any sprinkles, or jimmies or anything. I’m a purist.
Finally your chocolate is cooled, then wrapped in a special box with your name on it.
After that you pick up your bar where it’s wrapped in your unique design that you made and you’re ready to go.
Mine isn’t very creative but I made it!
Not everything is chocolate themed at Hershey. Aside from the ZooAmerica, Hershey PA is home to Hershey Gardens, a 23 acre garden of roses. It was much too cold to tour the gardens while we visited, but we did visit the spectacular Butterfly Atrium. We saw so many beautiful butterflies up close; it was amazing.
You can get close up and personal with any butterfly you like.
They are so amazing! But don’t touch. And don’t try to sneak one home with you.
Such a great time in Hershey PA; so much to do and you can visit the zoo!
