Birthdays are Better in Hershey, PA: A Guide to Parties, Freebies & More

I am a #SweetestMoms Ambassador with Hershey Resorts and Entertainment. All opinions are my own.

We love Hershey, PA for birthdays! There’s nothing better than building birthday memories together as a family, and that’s exactly what Hershey is to us – a place to share all those special moments that make our birthdays special. Whether it’s a character breakfast and a day of roller coasters for the kiddos, or a grown-up night of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Martinis at one of my favorite restaurants, there’s something for everyone when you plan a Hershey birthday. Eat, drink, ride, pamper or shop – it’s your birthday, so it’s your choice! And with the guide below, you’ll be able to plan ahead, score some free gifts, and party like the chocolate lover you are! (And if you’re planning someone else’s birthday, all the better! There’s enough chocolate for everyone!)

Read on for insider tips and secrets for celebrating the best birthday ever in The Sweetest Place on Earth.

There are SO many ways to have a very @HersheyPA birthday! (Freebies, too!) See the list here: Click To Tweet

 

Plan a wild birthday party at ZooAmerica! What could be more fun than celebrating your kiddo’s special day with a bunch of  furry and feathered friends? ZooAmerica birthday party packages are available from September through May, and they include a 20-30 minute live up-close-and-personal animal presentation exclusively for you and your guests (plus lots more!)

Consider the time of year when planning your trip. If it’s in the off-season, you’ll save a lot when rates go down. Our son’s birthday is in November, and we took him for an entire weekend of swimming at Water Works and an overnight stay at Hershey Lodge, and believe it or not, it cost us less than we spent the year before for a party at the local bounce place! Plus, the whole family got a fall getaway with lots of pool time and memories to treasure (and I got to hang by the pool with a sangria instead of getting the house ready to host a bunch of guests.)

When in Hershey, making your own chocolate bar at Hershey’s Chocolate World is a must! You get to design your wrapper and each bar comes in a reusable Hershey’s tin, which is special anytime – but for a birthday? It’s a personalized Hershey’s keepsake that will last long after the bar is gone.

Or, for the birthday kid with a really big sweet tooth, visit the personalized chocolate stand at Hershey’s Chocolate World. They’ll add your special message to a supersized Hershey’s chocolate bar of your choice.

Inside the park, you can get a personalized t-shirt made to commemorate your birthday visit. Think “Birthday Kid,” “Sweet 16” or “Turning 29…again!”

Skip the cake and go with a 32-ounce King Shake at Simply Chocolate (inside Hersheypark.) Inspired by the freak shake craze, these creations are seriously stacked and totally birthday-worthy.

Start their birthday the Hershey way with a character breakfast at Hersheypark. Admission includes breakfast, Hershey character performances, photo opps, and early access to select rides and attractions.

Depending on the time of year, Hershey Gardens is an exquisite place to celebrate a birthday. Check HersheyGardens.org to see what’s in peak bloom at the moment along with a calendar of events. Food is not permitted inside, but picnic tables are available by the entrance and there is a gift shop on site.

Hershey Lodge is one of the official resorts of Hersheypark, and it’s our favorite place to stay when we visit. If you’re celebrating a birthday during your stay, give the resort a call ahead of time and they’ll help you set up a special gift basket delivery right to your room. Balloons, baskets and more are available, and options range from a Taste of PA basket with local treasures to a Cocktail basket filled with Godiva Chocolate Liquor, a martini glass, and Hershey’s chocolates. We surprised our little one with a Birthday Treat basket (and they also left us a complementary surprise at turndown with some special birthday wishes.) Fees apply for deliveries. 

Sign up for emails from Dining in Hershey and you’ll get updates on restaurant events throughout the year AND a free entree for your birthday!

Devon Seafood Restaurant  also offers a FREE birthday entree when you sign up for email.

Have a happy BEARthday with the Hershey Bears! Party with Coco the Bear and watch some Hershey Bears hockey while you enjoy cake, gifts and more at the Giant Center. For info or to book a party, visit Hershey Bears online or call (717) 534-3352.

Depending on when your special celebration falls on the calendar, you might be able to catch one of the Dining in Hershey events that happen throughout the year. We’ve been to the Wine and Food Festival, held in September, and it’s the perfect type of night or weekend out for a foodie friend or significant other. We’ve also attending high teas, chocolate tasting events, and cocktail mixology classes. Dining in Hershey events range from kid-friendly to adults only, and every one is a memorable experience that would make a thoughtful  birthday gift. The entire calendar of events is available online.

If theater is your thing, plan a birthday show at the Hershey Theater. They accommodate groups, offer van parking, and there are lots of restaurants nearby where you can celebrate before and after. The upcoming schedule includes everything from Peppa Pig Live to Alton Brown and Kinky Boots. There’s something for everyone, and there’s always a new show on the way. (Check often, though. Some popular tickets go on pre-sale really early!)

FREEBIE! A birthday list wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the the most decadent, indulgent place in Hershey, PA. Sign up for emails from the Chocolate Spa at The Hotel Hershey and they’ll send you a birthday gift along with updates on seasonal specials and services.

Celebrate YOURSELF and book a Chocolate Spa package with an overnight stay at The Hotel Hershey. If a shorter visit is more your style, don’t forget that when you book a service at the spa, you get use of the facilities for the whole day, including the pool, fitness room, silent relaxation room and more. You deserve a Whipped Cocoa Bath or Chocolate Fondue Wrap, don’t you think?

NEW FOR 2017! This fall, Hershey’s brand new MeltSpa is opening! They’re taking reservations now, and it promises to be yet another indulgent, chocolate-filled way to celebrate your birthday (or any other day!)

Celebrate Birthdays All Year Long in Hershey

I’ll keep updating as I find more fun birthday finds in Hershey, PA. Be sure to Pin the image below so you can check back (or send hints!) when those special days roll around!