VISITING Lancaster–Harrisburg–Hershey · Lancaster, Harrisburg and Hershey

Visiting Lancaster–Harrisburg–Hershey with toddlers and little kids: the plan.

Hershey has Hersheypark and the gardens, Lancaster has the children’s museum and Strasburg’s steam trains, and Harrisburg has the Whitaker Center.

Top 2 can’t-miss spots

#1Hershey, 170 Hotel Road
Hershey Gardens
Open daily 9 to 5.
See it in the guide
#2Lancaster, 721 Landis Valley Road
Hands-on House, Children’s Museum of Lancaster
Closed Mondays.
Kids $12Adults $10.50Indoor
See it in the guide
Nap breaks built in

One day or two in Central PA

A couple of big stops, a real lunch and a nap in the middle. Tap a stop for the full listing.

If you have one day
MORNINGHands-on House, Children’s Museum of LancasterOpens at 9, Tue–Sun · Lancaster, 721 Landis Valley Road · $12 kids, $10.50 adults
NAPBack to the hotel for nap. If your little one sleeps best in the car, take a loop.
AFTER NAPLancaster Science FactoryOpen until 5, Tue–Sat · Lancaster, 454 New Holland Ave. · $13 kids
If you have two days

Day 1 is the one-day plan above. Day 2:

MORNINGHershey GardensOpens at 9 daily · Hershey, 170 Hotel Road
NAPBack to the hotel for nap. If your little one sleeps best in the car, take a loop.
AFTER NAPWhitaker Center Science CenterOpen Fri–Mon until 5 · Downtown Harrisburg, 222 Market St.
Where to stay

Kid-friendly areas near the big attractions

Pick the area by the stops you’ll make most, then plan around nap.

HEHersheyClose to Hersheypark and the gardens.Near Hershey Gardens
LALancasterClose to Hands-on House and Strasburg.Near Hands-on House, Children’s Museum of Lancaster and Lancaster Science Factory
Before you go

Practical tips

Parking, strollers, changing tables and the best times to go.

Driving
You’ll want a car. Lancaster to Hershey is about 45 minutes.
Holidays
Hersheypark and Strasburg sell out on December weekends, so book early.
Visiting in November or December?

Santa and Christmas lights in Central PA

If your trip lands in the holiday season, these two pages have the dates, prices and booking links.

Santa in Central PABreakfast with Santa, Santa photos and Santa trains, with 2026 pricesChristmas lights in Central PADrive-thru and walk-through displays, start times and 2026 prices
Good questions

Visiting Lancaster–Harrisburg–Hershey with toddlers: the FAQ

Is Lancaster–Harrisburg–Hershey kid-friendly?

For a family with kids under 6, yes. Our Lancaster–Harrisburg–Hershey guide lists 5 places we checked for little kids, plus 1 free place and 2 picks for babies and toddlers. This page adds free storytimes at 2 library systems. This week’s list has 5 dated outings for ages 0–6. See free things to do in Lancaster–Harrisburg–Hershey and this weekend’s list.

Where should we stay with a toddler?

Hershey puts you closest to the park and gardens, about 30 minutes from Harrisburg and 45 from Lancaster.

What if it rains?

Try Hands-on House, the Lancaster Science Factory or the Whitaker Center.

Get the list every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the five things we’d leave the house for in Central PA.