Over the last few years, we have discovered that one way our family rests well is to intentionally plan little moments and experiences into our weekends. Sitting in front of the televisions makes us feel lethargic and moody, but a trip to the mountains for a cookout, campfires with friends, traveling to visit family? Those fill us up and get our hearts and minds energized for a new week.
Since we can’t do a huge trip to Disney World every summer, and we don’t always want to spend the night to go somewhere like Great Wolf Lodge, we made the decision last winter to do something we’d never done before. We bought season passes to Hershey Park! After spending so much time there last summer, fall and winter (including a number of trips to Chocolate World) we realized we would save money not just on the park tickets, but parking as well. Now we have the freedom to go spend an entire day at just the waterpark or go for a few hours on a slow Sunday evening.
One of the blessings of living in a small town in the middle of Pennsylvania is the ability to plan adventures from Philly to Baltimore, New York City to Pittsburgh. It’s all within a few hours of driving. But Hershey Park? That sweet gem is less than an hour away, making it the perfect spot for family fun all summer long!
Springtime in the Park kicked off this past weekend and, although we already had plans to go to the park this coming Saturday, we decided to make a last minute trip for a few hours of Hershey Park happy on a gorgeous spring day. We got our season pass photos taken, met up with friends, and made memories. There are 3 fun new features at the park this year, so if you’re planning to come for a day, or if you’re planning to stay at the Hershey Hotel for a few days (like we are in June for my mom’s birthday), you won’t want to miss these.
- King Shakes – You guys. I don’t know who the genius was who decided to make a milkshake and then stack more dessert on top of it, but I love them. We tried the Carrot Cake King Shake (a vanilla milkshake with a slice of carrot cake blended in, poured into a plastic mason jar mug with a chocolate & sprinkle rim, topped with another slice of carrot cake and a chocolate dipped Peep) and loved it. It’s the perfect sweet treat for a hot day and definitely one you’ll want to share with a few friends!
- Triple Towers – These new rides were announced last fall and made their debut at Springtime in the Park. My husband was thrilled because his favorite Disney World ride has always been the Tower of Terror, and these three towers follow a similar concept. Riders are propelled to the top of the ride (80 feet, 131 feet, or 189 feet depending on the tower you choose), then lowering riders in a series of G-force-inducing drops. I took the kiddos to a ride they would enjoy since they aren’t tall enough for the towers while the other adults jumped in line for the Reese’s Tower – and had a blast!
- Chick-fil-A – This was the only new feature we couldn’t try out on our visit since it was a Sunday, but you better believe I’ll be there on Saturday. As a member of the Chick-fil-A Mom Panel for the last few years, I love a waffle fry and an “it’s our pleasure” 🙂 Located in Founders Way, it’s nice to know we’ll have a place to eat (and use our season pass discount) somewhere we all love!
Since Hershey Park is celebrating their 110th season this year, I thought you might enjoy this “throwback Thursday” video as a bonus!
Let’s Discuss:
- What are your “rest well” ways to recover after a “work hard” week?
- What are your favorite local places to visit or fun ways to create memories with your family?
