Potomac, MD August 2023

Kids & Pets Issue

HEALTH + WELLNESS

DR. BEN LIU AND HIS SUPERKIDS

LIFE + CULTURE

ADOPTIONS TOGETHER FINDING FAMILIES WITH NBC4

VETERINARY PARK POTOMAC PET BREEDS & NEEDS

ARTS + CULTURE

ERICA LAND’S PROJECT BEAUTY

CHILDREN DESERVE

THE LOVE OF A STABLE FAMILY TO

LEARN, GROW,

&

L e a r n m o r e a t a d o p t i o n s t o g e t h e r . o r g o r s c a n t h e Q R c o d e :

HEAL. T h e c h i l d r e n f e a t u r e d o n t h e A d o p t i o n s T o g e t h e r H e a r t G a l l e r y a r e f r o m V i r g i n i a , M a r y l a n d , a n d W a s h i n g t o n , D C , a n d m a n y o f t h e m a r e e l i g i b l e t o b e a d o p t e d b y f a m i l i e s i n a n y p a r t o f t h e c o u n t r y .

Please donate! $25,000 makes it possible for us to run our Heart Gallery with 50 children on it for one year. $500 per year per child allows us to have weekly communication with case workers, provide timely responses to daily inquiries, coordinate with our Foster Care Adoption Team, and bolster marketing to find families for each child.

THE DIFFERENCE

TRANSPARENCY

We take our time to answer all your questions and concerns and allow you to make informed decisions for your child’s healthcare in a stress-free, judgment-free way.

KINDNESS

We love what we do, and we’re happy to be doing it. We treat everyone with the same level of compassion and positivity we would want from our healthcare professionals.

CONCIERGE

We’re attentive, welcoming, and patient. We know the little things matter when it comes to your overall experience, so we ensure that each visit is just as amazing as the last.

TECHNOLOGY

Better technology means faster, more efficient care. We’re dedicated to providing our community with the best pediatric dentistry, and constantly seek to raise our standards.

COMFORT

Our space has been carefully crafted to help put anxious children at ease, parents to feel comfortable, and for your experience from start to finish to be surprisingly amazing.

“I cannot say enough how awesome the staff is at the Potomac office. My son has anxiety going to the dentist. They were SUPER patient with him and used their positive vibes and expertise to alleviate any fears he had. The staff went above and beyond. Thank you!”

- Daniel B

Voted Best Pediatric Dentist in Potomac 2 Years in a Row!

1-888-266-6614

Kids & Pets

This issue is always one of my favorites. I suppose because of the immense joy that children and pets bring to our families.

We are very proud to announce Dr. Ben Liu of Super Kids Pediatrics in opening up his 4th practice and bringing happy smiles from Potomac to VA. In this issue you will also get to meet Erica Land of Project Beauty and how she inspires one child at a time. We also highlight Adoptions Together as they join NBC4 & Mellissa Mollet in highlighting children in foster care.

Children are not merely the hope for a brighter tomorrow; they are the foundation upon which our society stands. Their innocence, curiosity, and boundless potential have the power to shape the world in ways we can only imagine. Kids represent our hardest work and greatest investment and we are happy to highlight the best for Potomac kids in this issue.

Secondarily, who could forget pets? This special kind of companionship can be a transformative experience for children and adults alike. Pets provide us with unconditional love, and the opportunity to learn, grow and develop essential life skills in a nurturing environment. And who could ignore the bond between kids and their furry or feathery friends? The bond is often deep and meaningful, fostering qualities like empathy, responsibility, and companionship. Veterinary Park Potomac and its staff are a great resource on how to care for our furry friends.

Although children are of infinitely more value, what children and pets share in common is that they need us. Our care, attention, and intention shapes how they are raised and who they become. We hope this issue inspires you to pour a little extra into the children and pets in your life this month.

Cheers!

August 2023

PUBLISHER

KC Cole | KC.Cole@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Sarah Rezvani | Sarah.Rezvani@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Catherine Trifiletti | Catherine.Trifiletti@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Anicia Juarez | Anicia.Juarez@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Trina Cox | Trina.Cox@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Marie Robey Wood, Erica Moody

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ryan Corvello, Erica Land

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

KC COLE, PUBLISHER @POTOMACLIFESTYLEDC

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

Proverbs 3:5-6

THE MARKET RIVER FALLS

YOU WILL REMEMBER HOW WE MAKE YOU FEEL

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

GameTruck Howard County/DMV

Whether you want a Video Game Party or your own Laser Tag Arena, GameTruck’s unique mobile video gaming theaters and arenas can make your ultimate party wishes come true. With their expert Game Coaches and state-of-the-art equipment, your party will be as stress-free as it is spectacular. For the past nine years, owner Erik Maxwell and his team ensure a successful celebration or event every time. Call (866)253-3191, email howard-county-dmv@gametruck.com or visit gametruckparty.com

Photography: In Camera Studios

Learn to Shred Skateboard Lessons

Jonathan “Shreddie Mercury” Marino has been skating for over 20 years and his mission is to help you progress at skateboarding while having a super fun time in the process. No experience necessary and all skill levels welcome, under guided instruction you’ll learn the fundamentals like foot placement to carving, kick turns, safety, board maintenance and more. Email ShreddieMercury@ yahoo.com to set up a lesson or visit shreddiemercury.com .

Ultimate Amusements

Owned and operated by Howard Cutler & family, with headquarters in Rockville, Ultimate Amusements has brought fun and excitement to events all over the country. For over 35 years the team has handled things as big as major charity events, to birthday parties, with corporate events in between. They will help coordinate everything from the venue, to food, to decorations, and more. You bring the people and they'll bring the fun. Contact Howard@ Ultimateamusements.com.

Selling Homes BETHESDA ·

Your Dog's Friend

Your Dog’s Friend educates to help dogs become lifetime companions. The goal is to help keep dogs out of shelters by educating and supporting their humans. YDF is a nonprofit 501-C3 organization established to promote positive methods of training and behavior modification. YDF offers webinars, online and in-person classes with trainers, veterinary behaviorists, and other dog-related professionals. Visit the website  yourdogsfriend.org or Instagram @yourdogsfriendtraining.

K9 Aquatic and Wellness Center

Dogs don’t stop playing because they grow old;  they grow old because they stop playing. S wimming is the best exercise for your pup at any stage of life and K9 Aquatic Center provides a safe, dog friendly environment in swimming pools across Maryland. Any dog is welcome, swim coaches are always ready to jump into the water with your pup. Call (240) 683-1100 or visit  k9aquaticcenter.com

Atlas Doghouse

Atlas Doghouse proudly offers dog daycare, boarding, walking, and training services throughout the Washington, DC & Bethesda areas. Their unique open-concept designs promote social interaction and supervision for all dogs - totally free of cages. Your dog's safety and comfort are the priority above all else. Fully licensed, bonded, and insured with over a decade of experience taking care of your best friends. Visit  atlas doghouse.com or call 240-268-0050.

S miles

Creating a Beaut iful, Healthy S mil e in the Safest Set ting

As a Washingtonian Top Dentist and The Face of Smile Makeover, Dr. Markogiannakis and her practice, Smiles of Chevy Chase, is known to be the most innovative practice in the area providing Advanced General and Implant Dentistry to the world through technology, experience and artistic skill.

Being at the leading edge of digital dentistry allows her to complete smile makeovers and full mouth reconstructions seamlessly while guiding you through the process towards an optimal result. In as little as two weeks, the years of hiding your smile because of misalignment, discoloration, and decay could be taken away and the confidence you deserve regained.

From technology guided dental procedures for crowns and fillings, to sophisticated implant and cosmetic treatments, the Smiles of Chevy Chase experience is unmatched. Just as technology is always changing, so are they; always pushing beyond the extra mile by using their minds and bodies to think outside the box and lead the way.

Our highly experienced team of family law attorneys delivers successful results to countless clients throughout Maryland, D.

VOTED THE INDUSTRY’S BEST

The Kawai GL-10 is simply the finest 5’0” baby grand piano in the world today. With the most complete set of music-enhancing features ever offered on a piano of this size, the GL-10 has everything a pianist needs to succeed.

Kawai

ERICA LAND PHOTOGRAPHY

Focusing the Lens on Everyone’s Inner Beauty

ARTICLE BY MARIE ROBEY WOOD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERICA LAND

Erica Land didn’t start out as an award-winning photographer. Initially, she spent 13 years working as an attorney, with photography as a hobby she loved and practiced in her spare time. However, with three young children and the need for more flexibility in her life, she decided to turn her passion into a profession. She took classes and began her career as a portrait photographer.

Erica Land and family

Soon Erica was photographing a variety of subjects in all types of situations —from preschoolers to professional actors, dancers, and athletes. Her work included photographing her daughter’s teenage friends and then high school seniors. This led to her starting three separate programs, or teams, to fill gaps she noticed: for teens — The Teen Model Ambassador Program; for high school seniors —The Senior Influencer Team; and for dancers —The Fierce Images Dance Team. All the programs are unique but contain similar characteristics.

The Teen Model Ambassador Program involves a year-long experience with the goal of empowering teens through photography. Team members focus not just on building a photographic modeling portfolio, but also serving as positive role models in the community, with an emphasis on kindness and compassion for others. The program runs from June to June, beginning with an individual filling out a questionnaire and then spending time with Erica so she can get to know their likes and interests. Next is an individual portrait session. After that session team members are eligible for group photo sessions and community service activities. Some of her teen model members want to be professional models and several have competed in the Miss Teen USA program.

The Senior Influencer Team offers high school seniors connections with other seniors in the area, along with group photoshoots throughout the year with the members of the teen group as well as their fellow seniors, both in Erica’s studio and in different locations. The students cooperate in choosing the subject of their monthly photo shoot. These themes include special holidays such as the Fourth of July, Christmas, and Hanukkah. Additionally, she offers members special sessions with their families,

prom sessions, cap and gown sessions, college gear sessions, and friend sessions.

Another unique aspect of Erica Land Photography’s program is that she offers her team members leadership positions —photo assistant, writing assistant, and fashion assistant.

In 2022 Erica formed her third team, The Fierce Images Dance Team, with the goal of helping dancers build their own unique photographic portfolio while meeting and forming friendships with other dancers. During the team’s first year, she took photos in her “fierce” studio, her regular studio, in the city, and in a rain machine she built. This team will no doubt grow in 2023. All three teams will have the opportunity to be featured internationally in the many photography magazines where Erica regularly submits images.

Erica’s three teams are involved in many charitable causes. This year, through her 501(c)(3) nonprofit “ELP Gives Back,” Senior Influencers and Teen Model Ambassadors put on a fashion show to raise funds for The Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation and DanceHopeCure. Additionally, team members have opportunities to raise funds and provide food for a food pantry, as well as clothing for a homeless shelter. All three teams can participate in “Project Beauty,” where Erica photographs students who aren’t wearing make-up with the goal of redefining true beauty versus beauty portrayed on social media. She uses the project to raise mental health awareness. Last year they activated a campaign for an organization to help prevent teen suicide. Details can be found at ericalandphotography.com/project-beauty

At the end of a busy year, Erica Land Photography offers team members something unique in today’s digital world: an heirloom-quality photo album and ready-to-hang wall art, precious mementos of a special time in their lives.

“I recognized my skill is with people, interacting with them, bringing out their smiles, and showing their inner beauty.”

SuperKids Pediatric Dentistry founder Dr. Ben Liu celebrates a decade of success with his customer-first approach to dental care.

ALL SMILES

ARTICLE BY ERICA MOODY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERICA LAND

Is it possible to look forward to a visit to the dentist? If your dentist is Dr. Ben Liu or one of his team members, it’s quite likely. The Falls Church–based doctor, who recently opened his fifth SuperKids Pediatric Dentistry location in the DMV — there are now two in Alexandria, along with offices in Potomac, Sterling, and Rockville — does everything he can to make dental health visits a painless experience for kids and their parents alike.

“What’s always constantly occupying my mind is, how can we deliver better customer experiences?” Dr. Liu says. “What really sets us apart is we go that extra mile. I always tell my team that the attitude that we want to have is we are here to serve the community.”

He emphasizes a “partnership” approach with parents to help them implement his recommendations at home, as well as complete and judgment-free transparency every step of the way.

“We very much emphasize that we don’t want parents to feel like they’re ever misled from a clinical or a financial perspective,”

Dr. Liu continues. “We present all of our care plans upfront, and we don’t touch a tooth until the parent fully understands the treatment recommendations and the financial costs. The top priority is whatever we choose to do, with the parent’s consent, is the best option for the dental health of the child.”

SuperKids offers a range of dental and orthodontic services, including standard teeth cleaning, dental sealants, childfriendly sedation, gum disease treatment, Invisalign, and braces. Dr. Liu now has teenage patients that he’s treated since they were toddlers.

Another perk for everyone in the family: nobody is kept waiting. Even five minutes, Dr. Liu says, is too long for folks to sit in the waiting room. The doctor,

who studied at Johns Hopkins, NYU, and Columbia, says great service comes down to caring, something he’s always emphasizing with his team.

Caring for kids comes easily to Dr. Liu, who understood them from an early age; even as a young adult in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, he was the voice of reason, taking his younger sister and cousins under his wing. Like others who are great with children, he doesn’t talk down to them. And he appreciates their honesty: “Kids are upfront with you. They’re straight to the point and they’ll tell you how they feel,” he says.

In high school and college, Dr. Liu volunteered at pediatric hospitals and says working in a pediatric oncology ward made a lasting impression on him. From that experience, he resolved to work with children in some capacity but it wasn’t until he was getting a Ph.D. in molecular biology in his mid-twenties that he realized what his path should be. For one, he “didn’t want to spend all day in the lab and have no interactions with people.” Pediatric dentistry proved to be the perfect path.

Dr. Liu moved back to the DC metro area with his wife and opened his first practice in 2013. Now, three kids (ages 7, 5, and 3, who love playing “dentist and patient” at dad’s workplace) and five locations later, he isn’t slowing down. It’s easy to keep up momentum when you love what you do.

“I can’t think of a better job for me than what I’m currently doing,” Dr. Liu says. Now that’s something to smile about.

M.O.S.T IS A LEADER IN PREVENTION, RECOVERY, AND INJURY TREATMENT

DON’T LET PAIN KEEP YOU DOWN.

Let the team at MOST help you harness your body’s healing potential. Stimulate your body’s ability to repair itself and restore the health of your musculoskeletal system to its optimal performance.

The team at MOST offers Innovative Regenerative Medicine Treatments that include:

Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF)/ Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

∙ Microfragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT)

∙ Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC)

These nonsurgical, minimally invasive regenerative treatments complement the full suite of traditional orthopedic solutions, and physical therapy options that are available.

Schedule an appointment with one of our providers so that we can help educate you on your choices to help alleviate pain, improve your functionality, and get you back to an active lifestyle.

Gilbert, MD, CDR USN

Michael Lewis, MD Mens Health Specialist & Preventive Medicine Physician

Joshua Martin, MD Head of Regenerative Medicine

WELCOME JOSHUA MARTIN, MD TO MOST AS THE NEW HEAD OF REGENERATIVE MEDICINE.

Nadim Hallal, MD Orthopedic Surgeon Colin Mizuo, DPM, FACFAS Podiatrist

A Home For Every Child

Adoptions Together joins NBC4 to highlight children in foster care.

ARTICLE BY ERICA MOODY | PHOTOGRAPHY

PROVIDED

Williams-Greer

Mollet-Schaller Family

Currently, there are more than 391,000 children in the U.S. foster care system. Those eligible for adoption wait an average of nearly three years to be placed in a permanent home.

“It’s not good for a child to not know each day —who’s my family, where am I going to be, and if I misbehave, am I going to get kicked out?”

Adoptions Together founder and CEO Janice Goldwater says. She shares the story of a child’s former school bus driver spotting him on TV and reaching out to her agency. “She said, I always loved that child; he’s a great kid and I had no idea he was in foster care. I’d like to know about him. And I’d like to consider adopting him.”

That TV program was NBC4’s “Finding Families” segment hosted by Melissa Mollet. Each month, it features one child from the Adoptions Together’s online photo gallery (or “Heart Gallery”) in need of a permanent home. Mollet, who grew up watching Barbara Harrison’s “Wednesday’s Child” segments on NBC4, was inspired to pitch “Finding Families” and continue the station’s decades-long history of helping foster children find a forever home. “When I joined WRC-TV back in 2010, Barbara became a dear friend. When my husband and I decided to adopt, Barbara became a guide and sounding board throughout our own adoption journey,” Mollet says. “My experience with our adoption fit right into what the station had done for so many years. And I just love interviewing these kids. They’re insightful

old souls, who want nothing more than a place to belong and for someone to love – truly love – them. That’s what we all want, right?”

When Goldwater founded Adoptions Together in 1990, the adoption landscape in the U.S. was fraught with challenges. “For healthy, majority-race infants, if their parents wanted to choose adoption for them, they had every opportunity to work with a licensed child placement agency. Everybody else went to a department of social services where kids would often spend years in foster care before getting adopted,” she says. “I started Adoptions Together with the goal of welcoming every child that was in need of a family regardless of their race, their health, their age, or any single variable that impacted them as a human being.”

Adoptions Together wouldn’t limit prospective parents by factors like religious affiliation, marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The agency would offer counseling services that really understood the unique needs of the population, developing culturally competent practices available to children and families before, during, and after placement.

Now in its 33rd year, the Calverton-based nonprofit has placed thousands of children in permanent homes and continues to serve families through every step of the adoption process. Goldwater, an adoptive parent herself, is careful not to romanticize adoption,

“I started Adoptions Together with the goal of welcoming every child that was in need of a family regardless of their race, their health, their age, or any single variable that impacted them as a human being.”

emphasizing the benefits of ongoing counseling support and education. Adoptions Together offers a 30-hour training program prior to adoption that helps parents understand behaviors they might see in their children, strategies to manage those behaviors, and how they can help their child heal from the difficult things that may have happened in their past.

If families feel inspired but don’t personally have the capacity or desire to adopt a child, they can always volunteer, Goldwater encourages. “This is a grassroots organization in our 33rd year and it’s because the community stepped up and got involved that we’ve been able to do the work. So if anyone is looking for a new project or some meaning in their life and adoption is not their thing, there’s plenty that they can do.”

LEARN MORE: Adoptions Together is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit adoption agency that has provided adoption home studies, infant adoption, and foster care adoption services since 1990. The organization offers extensive post-adoption support as well as 24-hour support to birth parents considering placing a child for adoption. To learn more, donate, or volunteer:

Mollet, who grew up watching Barbara Harrison’s “Wednesday’s Child” segments on NBC4, was inspired to pitch “Finding Families”

and continue the station’s decades-long history of helping foster children find a forever home.

Mental Health and Addiction Treatment

Second Chance offers world-class treatment for mental health and substance use disorders, consisting of individual and group therapy

Second Chance 9800 Falls Road, Suite 7 Potomac, MD 20854 secondchancecare.com

"Second Chance is saving my life. "

ARTICLE BY MARIE ROBEY WOOD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN CORVELLO

VETERINARY PARK POTOMAC

The team at Veterinary Park Potomac (VPP), which includes owner and veterinarian Katie Malehorn —“Dr. Katie” —and veterinarian Mariana Fonseca —“Dr. Mari”— view their work as providing an in-depth experience for all the pets they see. The goal of their practice is comprehensive care, including preventive and early detection. “We want to stay ahead of your pet’s health to make sure you’re setting them up for a life of success and comfort.” In addition, their philosophy is built around “fear-free” exams, which provide a peaceful and

calm environment so that owner and pet alike will enjoy coming to their appointment.

Almost anything a pet needs during an appointment can be found in the hospital’s treatment area. It includes a full in-house lab and state-of-the-art digital radiology capabilities. They also offer dental cleanings with dental x-rays and a full surgery suite for spay, neuters, mass removals, and more.

The health inclinations of different dog breeds are also considered during a pet’s visit. Here are several examples:

YOUR PET’S NEEDS ARE AS INDIVIDUAL AS YOURS.

SIMBA MINNIE YORKIE CHIHUAHUA

Dr. Katie with Simba, a 5-year-old Yorkie, and Dr. Mari with Minnie, a 4-year-old Chihuahua. Both dogs pictured are small breed dogs, which makes them very prone to periodontal disease. The VPP team advises their owners on the importance of annual preventive dental cleanings with X-rays as well as daily brushing. Yorkie mixes are also prone to gastro-intestinal diseases so early testing is recommended as well as annual fecal exams. Preventive medicines to guard against flea, tick, and heartworm infections are strongly encouraged.

DIXIE CATTLE DOG

Dixie, a 9-year-old cattle dog, with Hope, one of VPP’s beloved Veterinary Assistants

Dixie, a cattle dog, is part of a breed used for herding, usually sheep, and accustomed to running in the fields non-stop. These pets can exhibit behavioral issues if they’re not stimulated enough, so the VPP team discusses ways that owners can provide mental enrichment. Cattle dogs are also inclined to contract skin diseases. Once again, the best defense against fleas, ticks, mites, and ringworm disease is preventive care. Many older dogs have muscular skeletal issues due to the level of activity they exert daily. X-rays in the radiology department at VPP are one way the doctors can diagnose arthritis and advise appropriate pain management.

Dr. Katie & Dr. Mari

“WE WANT TO STAY AHEAD OF YOUR PET’S HEALTH TO MAKE SURE

YOU’RE SETTING THEM UP FOR A LIFE OF SUCCESS AND COMFORT.”

CHUNK

Chunk, a 5-month-old Pocket American Bulldog. The American Bully is the type of dog veterinarians call “brachycephalic,” meaning they have skull bones that are shorter in length than other breeds, giving the face and nose a pushed-in appearance. American Bullies, Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, and even Persian cats can suffer from this syndrome, making them susceptible to airway and respiratory diseases. Therefore, they should not be outside on hot days due to the danger of overheating. Dr. Mari advises all her clients to have their dogs, not just American Bullies, immunized with the influenza vaccine to help prevent respiratory diseases.

SIMBA

POCKET AMERICAN BULLDOG DOMESTIC SHORTHAIR CAT

XELLA AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER

Xella, a 1.5-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier, with Keirsten, Receptionist  American Staffordshire Terriers have a predisposition for skin diseases and allergies. The VPP team discusses with their owners how best to prevent fleas, ticks, mites, and ringworm diseases. A “total game changer” in the health of this breed are annual preventive medicines they recommend. Much of the discussion will center on managing the dog’s itching and determining its root cause.

Simba the Cat, a 1.5-year-old Domestic Shorthair Feline, examined by Mika and Marine, Veterinary Assistants. Twenty-five percent of cats are considered indoor cats, but whether indoor or outdoor, both are prone to heartworm diseases. Owners need to make sure that they have protection against infectious diseases, which can be the result of mosquitoes, heartworms, or even fleas. A lean body weight is ideal, especially for cats who spend most of their time lounging indoors.

Why Hershey, PA Is The Perfect Summer Destination For Kids

Chocolate, Coasters, and More Family Fun Await at the Sweetest Place on Earth

Hershey, Pa. is home to world-class roller coasters, a North American zoo, three resorts, live concerts and shows, delicious dining options and chocolate around every corner. Just a two-hour drive from the PotomacWashington D.C. area, the town built on chocolate is truly a sweet destination for families beginning the moment they arrive.

From the Hershey’s chocolate bar received upon check-in to meet-and-greets with Hershey characters in the lobby, families will love The Official Resorts of Hersheypark . Visitors to Hershey have three choices based on style and amenities. The Hotel Hershey is a historic Forbes Four Star, AAA Four Diamond property celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. The 665-room Hershey Lodge is a welcoming resort with touches unique to Hershey. Or, enjoy the fun of camping at Hersheypark Camping Resort, a 60-year-old, year-round campground, featuring cabins and RV and tent sites.

While on the property, kids can enjoy a variety of daily resort activities ranging from chocolate bingo to s’mores roasts. Plus, families won’t want to miss  Hershey’s Water Works; an indoor pool complex at

Hershey Lodge featuring Twizzlers Twists water slides, a Reese’s Water Walk, sand castle spray zone, and more. All three resort properties feature outdoor pool areas and guests receive extra benefits.

Of course, a visit to Hershey is not complete without a family trip to Hersheypark ! One ticket includes admission to three parks with 70 rides and coasters for all ages, an entire water park (open through Labor Day), and a zoo. Hersheypark is the only amusement park in the world focused on fun and chocolate, as evidenced by the life-size, chocolate-inspired characters roaming throughout the park, rides inspired by iconic Hershey brands, and incredible chocolate treats (think King Size Shakes and tricked-out funnel cakes).

During a visit to Hershey, guests can also attend a family-friendly show, create their own candy bar at Hershey’s Chocolate World, see dozens of rare butterflies at The Hershey Gardens, explore the history of Hershey, and enjoy the unique and award-winning restaurants across town with sweet dining options for families. For a full list of offerings, please explore HersheyPA.com .

Boardwalk and Ferris Wheel

Wave Pool with guests at the Boardwalk

Family with Hershey characters at Kisses Fountain

Hershey Lodge

The Boardwalk, kids at East Coast Water Works