Things to Do in Gettysburg, Hershey and Harrisburg
A Civil War battlefield and a chocolate town, about an hour apart.
See top-rated activities »Things to Do in Pennsylvania With Kids, and a Battlefield for Everyone
South central Pennsylvania packs two of the state's most visited places into one easy trip, and it is where many families find the best things to do in Pennsylvania with kids. Hershey was built by Milton Hershey in the early 1900s as a model town for the workers of his chocolate factory, with streetlights shaped like Hershey's Kisses. Hersheypark, which started as a picnic ground for those workers, is now a large amusement park with more than a dozen roller coasters, a water park and a zoo. Hershey's Chocolate World, at the park entrance, has a free ride through a simulated chocolate factory, plus a make-your-own candy bar experience.
The Hershey Story museum covers Milton Hershey's life and the town he built, with a chocolate lab where visitors can mold their own, and Hershey Gardens has a butterfly house and themed children's garden. Harrisburg, the state capital, is 15 minutes west; its domed Capitol building, finished in 1906, is open for free tours and has a striking interior of murals and marble.
Gettysburg, about an hour southwest of Hershey, is one of the most visited battlefields in the country. Over three days in July 1863, more than 160,000 soldiers fought here, and some 51,000 were killed, wounded, captured or missing. Start at the Museum and Visitor Center, which has a film, the restored Gettysburg Cyclorama painting and the museum, then tour the field. Licensed Battlefield Guides ride in your car for a personal two-hour tour, and there are also bus tours, an auto tour route with numbered stops, and walks to Little Round Top, the Wheatfield and the site of Pickett's Charge.
In November 1863, Lincoln dedicated the Soldiers' National Cemetery here with the Gettysburg Address. The town itself has the David Wills House where he stayed, many buildings still marked by bullet holes, and plenty of evening ghost tours. The Eisenhower National Historic Site, the only home the president ever owned, sits beside the battlefield and is reached by shuttle from the visitor center. For children, the Junior Ranger programs at both parks turn the history into a hunt.
Don’t Miss
The 1863 battlefield, the National Cemetery and an auto tour of the main sites.
The film, Cyclorama painting and museum that make the best start to a battlefield visit.
Dwight Eisenhower's farm and home, reached by shuttle from the visitor center.
Roller coasters, family rides, a water park and ZooAmerica in one park.
A free chocolate-making tour ride, plus candy bar and tasting experiences.
A grand domed capitol with free guided tours of its decorated chambers.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Gettysburg and Hershey
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ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 28, 2026. Pennsylvania Travel Guide may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
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Get free trip quotes »Gettysburg and Hershey — FAQ
How long do you need at Gettysburg?
One full day covers the visitor center, a guided or auto tour and the National Cemetery. History enthusiasts often spend two or three days.
Is Hershey's Chocolate World free?
The chocolate tour ride is free. The make-your-own candy bar, tastings and other experiences are ticketed.
How far is Hershey from Gettysburg?
About 50 miles, or roughly an hour by car, so many families stay in one and day-trip to the other.
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