Hersheypark in the Dark

Hersheypark in the Dark

Last year was the first year that we visited Hersheypark in the Dark, and we sure did enjoy it!  I must admit that Halloween isn’t one of our top holidays, so, we usually avoid Halloween at theme parks.  You know, some theme parks take some of the more scary parts of Halloween to the extreme; however, Hersheypark in the Dark is more of a family Halloween setting.  It is appropriate for all ages (and sensitivities) without the kind of decorations (or chainsaws) that scares some of the younger set.

The characters have put on their Halloween masks to greet guests to the park.  I love how the characters have understated costumes!  I’m sure that many who head to Hersheypark in the Dark aren’t just looking for costumed characters, so here’s some of the official information about what is available for this season (Friday-Sunday October 13-29, 2017)

• All 13 roller coasters and Hershey Triple Tower attraction will be open for guests.  Laff Trakk coaster will turn off the lights during all operating hours. In addition, the Park will turn off the lights on its three wooden roller coasters during the last hour of each operating evening.
• New for 2017: 13 candy locations in Hershey’s Trick-or-Treat Trail, including Treatville trick-or-treat trail in Hersheypark and ZooAmerica, and Hershey Hollow in Hershey’s Chocolate WorldAttraction. Children ages 12 and younger are encouraged to come in costume for free treat bags and  candy at each stop throughout this whimsical Halloween village. 
• Festive fall-themed food and beverages, such as pumpkin funnel cakes and King-Sized pumpkin milkshakes.
• Live entertainment including “Screaming Mummies,” a band of misfit mummies performing throwback Halloween tunes.

My kids’ favorite part of this season at Hersheypark is Creatures of the Night at ZooAmerica!  We love to see the animals at the zoo, but it is such a unique experience to see the zoo by flashlight.  When we went last year, we were also able to see some of the more nocturnal animals at a time when they are more active.  

Included in the one-price admission to Hersheypark In The Dark Halloween attraction, guests are invited to bring a flashlight for the Creatures Of The Night experience program at ZooAmerica after 6 pm. Separate admission is also available at the Zoo’s off-street entrance. Halloween In Hershey is the only time of the year when guests can visit after dark and experience:

• Viewing the nocturnal habits of the Zoo’s residents.
• Watching as Naturalists offer pumpkin treats to select animals.

Here again, the decorations are laid-back and happy for Halloween.  

We even had the chance to decorate luminaries that were put in the prairie dog area.  I wonder what the prairie dogs thought about that…

When we went last year, there were many unique animal adventures.  In one area, there was a group of skunks, including an albino skunk.  We had never seen an albino skunk before.

As I mentioned before, the animals in the nocturnal display were more active when we went in the dark last year.  This ocelot was roaming throughout his display area while many of us were looking on.

Besides the chance to see the skunks up close, we also had the chance to touch a large tortoise/turtle and this snake.  There was so much animal interaction!

There was also a “show” for lack of better word in which a few of the zoo’s animals and birds were shown and discussed.  We enjoyed seeing the porcupine up close, and this “show” was a great educational opportunity without seeming like “schoolwork”.  

Of course, there are other Halloween offerings throughout Hershey, PA.  Check out the info below.

The Hershey Story Museum

Visitors can learn about the history of chocolate at The Hershey Story, The Museum on Chocolate Avenue, as part of the following events:

• Halloween-themed classes in the Chocolate Lab: “Chocolate Cobweb Creations” and “Build a Batty Bar.” Participants also learn how cocoa beans are transformed into their favorite chocolate confections. Chocolate Lab classes require ticket purchase; individuals must be at least four years old to enter the lab.
• On Saturdays (October 14, 21 and 28) children who visit the Museum Experience at The Hershey Story can create their very own monster pop using a Hershey’s milk chocolate bar, decorative icing and edible candy eyes. They’ll also receive a vintage Hershey’s mask to assemble. For a fun Halloween photo opportunity, children are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite costume and pose in front of a vintage Hershey’s advertising backdrop. Included in Museum Experience admission while supplies last

Hershey Gardens

Hershey Gardens is illuminated with more than 150 uniquely carved pumpkins during Pumpkin Glow, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on October 21, 22, 28 and 29. Kids ages 12 and younger are invited to bring a flashlight, come in costume, trick-or-treat throughout the Gardens and enjoy the following activities:

• Watch live pumpkin carving demonstrations.
• See a unique collection of live spiders and insects in the Educational & Horticultural Wing of the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory. Please note, the Butterfly Atrium will be closed during Pumpkin Glow hours.

Hershey Theatre

Classic Films return to Hershey Theatre on Saturday, October 21. Two timeless Halloween films will be shown in this majestic theatre. Tickets for each film are $8.

• “Hocus Pocus” at 7 p.m.
• “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at 11:59 p.m. Rocky Horror Prop Bags also will be on sale for $8.

Disclosure: I do get perks as part of the Sweetest Moms group for Hersheypark; however, I did purchase my own season passes.  All opinions are my own!