When your child is in the hospital, deciding where you and your family are going to sleep can be a very important decision.

Families have several options for staying overnight at Penn State Health Children's Hospital or near the hospital, many with special rates.

Free Accommodations

At the bedside

Pediatric acute care unitAccommodations vary by unit. In units that offer places to sleep, clean sheets, pillows, and blankets are available in the cabinet outside the patient’s room.

  • Pediatric Acute Care Unit: Two places for a family member (18 years or older) to sleep
  • Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit: Two places for a family member (18 years or older) to sleep in these rooms
  • Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit (PICU): Two places for a family member (18 years or older) to sleep in these rooms
  • Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU): One place for a family member (18 years or older) to sleep in these rooms, with a possibility of room for a second family member, depending on the equipment and care the patient needs.
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): No sleeping accommodations at the bedside. One family member (18 years or older) may sign up for a bed in the Ronald McDonald Family Room on the seventh floor of the main hospital.

Near the Children’s Hospital

Room at Ronald McDonald HouseRonald McDonald House

Located across the street from the Children’s Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House, a program of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central PA offers free overnight accommodations for families of patients who live more than 30 minutes away. Rooms are filled on an “as available” basis. You need a referral to arrange for a stay at the Ronald McDonald House. Ask see your social worker or care coordinator for a referral.

Learn more about the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central PA.

The Parsonages: Love INC of Greater Hershey operates two homes for patient families who live at least one hour away from Hershey. Accommodations are free, and rooms are filled on an “as available” basis. You need a referral to arrange for a stay at a Parsonage house. Please see your social worker or care coordinator for a referral.

Learn more about the Parsonages.

Other lodging options

Hotel roomHotels and other accommodations are located near the Children’s Hospital. Options range from budget motels to bed and breakfasts. Discounted rates for patient families are available at some facilities.

Hotels are frequently full during the summer and holiday months. You may need to expand your search outside of Hershey during these times.

View nearby lodging options