Red Lion Hotel Harrisburg Hershey

Our hotel places you minutes away from an array of things to do in Harrisburg, PA, Dauphin County, and Pennsylvania Amish Country. Enjoy a day of thrills and sweets at Hersheypark, or experience history at the famous Gettysburg battlefield.

As the capital city of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg sits at the intersection of history and culture. We have many events throughout the year that you'll love.

Harrisburg Activities for Families & Fun

Family-Friendly Vacations to Hershey, PA

On a family vacation to Harrisburg / Hershey, PA? Make it a memorable one by exploring the best Harrisburg activities for families. Enjoy an afternoon indulging your sweet tooth at Hershey's Chocolate World, or visit The State Museum for an educational day of archaeology and history, or lounge around the hotel with onsite family activities in Pennsylvania for kids. Browse these nearby Harrisburg Hershey attractions to make the most of your family vacation!

Family Activities in Harrisburg and Hershey

Hershey's Chocolate World

Hershey's Chocolate World is the go-to place for Hershey lovers. Visitors can take a ten-minute chocolate tour ride, make their own candy bars, go on a trolley ride around Hershey, participate in chocolate tasting groups, and shop.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania

The State Museum of Pennsylvania has over 4,000,000 objects related to life in Pennsylvania since the beginning of time. See historical cars, like a Model T, and ancient dinosaur and mammoth skeletons.

Dutch Wonderland

Dutch Wonderland is a 42-acre amusement park with 34 rides and a water play area. The park is geared for parents of small children, and it also has shows that are geared towards preschool age children.

The Pennsylvania State Capital

When President Theodore Roosevelt attended the dedication of the capital building, he said, “This is the handsomest building I ever saw.” The Capitol was designed in the American Renaissance style by Philadelphia architect Joseph Huston, who envisioned the building as a “Palace of Art." Marvel at this gorgeous building, where the state's laws are created, debated and passed.

Historical Things To Do In Harrisburg

Explore The Past

There are many things to do in Harrisburg, PA for history buffs. Our hotel near Gettysburg lets you explore the pivotal battle of the Civil War. Explore the Gettysburg battlefield or see the National Civil War Museum. 

Gettysburg National Park A must-visit for history buffs. Gettysburg National Park commemorates the battle that was the turning point in the Civil War. The battle was also the inspiration for Abraham Lincoln's famous "Gettysburg Address." Visit this historical site to experience an important part of American history while staying at our hotel near Gettysburg.

National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum has excellent exhibits on the Civil War. Exploring both sides of the conflict, the museum exhibits many artifacts, pieces of clothing, and documents that pertain to this tumultuous era in American History.

A Gem in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Hotels

The Commonwealth's Capital City

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is home to a long and proud history as the capital city of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Dating back to the 1600s, Harrisburg has been an important city and is now home to some of the finest attractions and destinations not just in Pennsylvania, but in the United States. From historic landmarks to protected parks and more, no visit to Harrisburg is complete without experiencing the rich history of the city. Though the city is rich with iconic destinations both old and new, we have selected a few of our favorite attractions to help start your adventure when you stay at the best choice in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania hotels.

Attractions in Harrisburg

 

Pennsylvania State Capitol

Completed in the early 1900s, the Pennsylvania State Capitol was envisioned as a "Palace of Art" by architect Joseph Huston. A priceless icon of both Harrisburg and Pennsylvania, the capitol remains a hub of democracy. Guided tours are sure to please any visitor, as are any of the events hosted throughout the year at the capitol.

National Civil War Museum

The National Civil War Museum is a Smithsonian Affiliated Museum dedicated to providing a balanced portrayal of the entire American Civil War. The museum attracts over 40,000 visitors annually and offers an expansive program of exhibits, lectures, programs and more.

Wildwood Park

Home to countless species of flora and fauna, Wildwood Park sits on the edge of Harrisburg and is an ideal place for both solo and family travelers. Explore the trails and snap photographs, or attend one of the park's programs or special events to learn more about Harrisburg's natural environment.

Fort Hunter Mansion & Park

Situated on a bluff over the Susquehanna River, Fort Hunter Mansion and Park embodies the rich history of Pennsylvania. A former war fort, the property has also been a hub for commerce and a private estate. Now open to the public, Fort Hunter Mansion is a beautiful and educational venue favored by locals and visitors alike.

State Museum of Pennsylvania

From regional wildlife and ancient dinosaurs to Civil War artifacts, classic cars and more, the State Museum of Pennsylvania is home to a broad collection of outstanding artifacts and tremendous exhibits. With a calendar full of events, exciting groups and terrific exhibits, there is always something going on at the museum.

Experience our lodging in Harrisburg today and make the most of your Pennsylvania vacation.

Experience The Best Hershey, PA Attractions

All Located Near Your Room at Red Lion

The home of Hershey chocolate, Hershey, PA really is the Sweetest Place on Earth. Visitors flock to Hershey each year to see the sites, like streetlights designed to look like Kisses and the Hershey Museum, and soak in the good cheer of Hershey. When the air smells like chocolate, you know you have found yourself in a truly wonderful place.

 

Year-Round Fun

Hersheypark

With rides for all sizes and an array of dining, live entertainment and shopping spots throughout the park, Hersheypark is a must-visit destination for all visitors to Hershey.

Hershey's Chocolate World

Take a tour to see how your favorite chocolate is made, create your own candy bar, enjoy an immersive chocolate-tasting experience and more at Hershey's Chocolate World.

ZooAmerica

Visit one of North America's most beloved zoos--ZooAmerica. This year-round, 11-acre zoo is adjacent to Hersheypark and features more than 200 animals from five regions of North America.

 

Things To Do

New! Brew Baron Beer Trail (Fall Season)

Brew Barons Beer Trail or head outdoors to spots along the Hershey Harrisburg Adventure Trail. Fall colors provide a beautiful backdrop to the region’s wineries.

New! Hersheypark in the Dark (Fall Season) and Hersheypark Christmas Candylane (Winter Season)

Hersheypark is open on weekends through September and will extend its annual Hersheypark in the Dark seasonal event to cover 5 weekends (October 2 – November 1) this year. The park also announced today that Hersheypark Christmas Candylane will be open select dates between November 13, 2020 and January 3, 2021. This marks the first time guests can enjoy fall and winter in the new Chocolatetown section, as well as select rides and regions throughout the park!

The Chocolate Spa

The Chocolate Spa offers the ultimate indulgence with a lineup of premium, chocolate-themed treatments in a classic, peaceful environment.  

Hershey Country Club

Hit the links on one of three award-winning golf courses at Hershey Country Club. Dating back to the 1930s, Hershey Country Club offers fun for golfers of all caliber.

Dining

Though no one could blame you for eating only chocolate during your stay in Hershey, the area is full of excellent dining options like The Forebay, The Bears' Den and more.

Hershey Theatre

The Hershey Theatre is the area's premier performing arts center, hosting everything from Broadway productions, world-famous entertainers, dance performances and much more.

Shopping

Whether you are looking for the perfect gift at Hershey Gardens or picking up something from Hershey Country Club for the golfer in your family, there is an array of shopping destinations throughout Hershey.