We love a good waterpark! And the Boardwalk at Hersheypark is a great one.
One of the best perks of visiting Hersheypark in the summer is access to the Boardwalk waterpark area. There is no additional fee to visit the waterpark; it’s included in your ticket!
If you’re planning a trip to Hersheypark in the summer, pack a swimsuit and towel and read the guide below to ensure you are ready for a fun time on the Boardwalk.
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What to Know Before You Visit Boardwalk at Hersheypark
Admission
One of the best things about the Boardwalk waterpark area is that it’s included with your admission to Hersheypark! You don’t need a separate ticket to access the water rides, slides, and splash areas of the waterpark.
However, Hersheypark’s waterpark area is not always open when the park is open. It’s typically open every day from Memorial Day through Labor Day and closes earlier in the day than the rest of the park (usually around 6 or 7 pm). Check Hersheypark’s calendar before you visit for the most accurate hours.
Location of Waterpark in Hersheypark
The Boardwalk at Hersheypark is located toward the back of the park between Pioneer Frontier and Midway America. You’ll know you’re close to the entrance when you reach Farhenheit and pass Tidal Force.
What You Can (and Cannot) Wear at Hersheypark’s Boardwalk
To get on any of the attractions at the Boardwalk, you must be wearing proper swim attire. Revealing bathing suits, clothing with exposed metal, and jeans are not permitted.
Eyeglasses or sunglasses must have straps.
Babies and toddlers who aren’t toilet trained must wear swim diapers.
Lockers
There are multiple locker areas within the Boardwalk water park of Hersheypark, including the restroom and changing areas by Tidal Force, in front of Bayside Pier (in my opinion, the best location), and next to the wave pool.
Self-serve kiosks are located in each locker area. Lockers are first-come, first-served. You’ll know lockers are available to rent if there is a green light above the scan-in screen at the lockers.
As of publication, locker rentals cost $18 for a small locker or $25 for a large locker. A large locker would fit two backpacks and four pairs of shoes and still have some extra space. You have access to your locker all day.
After you pay for your locker rental, you’ll receive a wristband. You can have up to four wristbands for one locker, making it easy for a family or group to share one locker without having to track someone down to open it.
Next, you’ll scan the wristband at the locker screen. If there are lockers available, the light above the screen will be green. If the light is red, you must take your wristband to another group of lockers until you find a green light.
After you scan your wristband, you’ll be assigned a locker that pops open. From then on, you’ll have to scan in at the screen to open your locker.
Changing Areas and Showers
There are several places to change your clothes in the Boardwalk area of Hersheypark. There is a small changing room across from Tidal Force and two larger changing rooms near Bayside Pier and The Shore (wave pool).
If you want to clean up after the waterpark, there are showers at the changing rooms near Bayside Pier and the Shore. They are located outside the changing rooms and have a curtain for privacy.
Seating
One of the best parts about the Boardwalk area at Hersheypark is the number of chairs available. There are chairs next to East Coast Waterworks, Bayside Pier, Shoreline Sprayground, and the Shore wave pool.
There are also several tables with bench seating throughout the area where you can enjoy a bite to eat.
Cabanas
Cabana rentals are available for those wanting a more relaxing visit to Hersheypark (and willing to spend a little more money). Rentals start at $310 and include the following:
- Cabana with refrigerator, table, four chairs, and two chaise lounge chairs
- Beach towels
- Beach bag and suntan lotion at check-in
- 12 complimentary water bottles per cabana
- Exclusive access to Cabana Grill food stand
- Complimentary fountain soda
- Complimentary locker
- Exclusive restrooms & changing Rooms
- Exclusive entry and exit to the lazy river
Towel and Shoe Drops
At every ride and attraction, there are shoe and towel drops. They are small cubbies that can hold a pair of shoes and a towel, so you don’t have to leave them behind in your locker at your chair.
Additionally, there are cubbies in the loading area of Breakers Edge (the water coaster). So, feel free to wear your shoes, cover-up, or towel while waiting in line.
Life Jackets
Kids can borrow life jackets in several different sizes. You can also bring your own, as long as it is Coast Guard-approved.
The Water Rides and Attractions at Hersheypark’s Boardwalk
The Boardwalk at Hersheypark has several options for water fun! Everyone from Miniatures to Jolly Ranchers can get wet and cool off.
Water Rides and Slides
There are two true “rides” within the Boardwalk area of Hersheypark. Tidal Force is a huge flume ride, and Breakers Edge is a water coaster. Both require riders to be Reese’s height or taller.
There are several waterslides inside the Boardwalk, including six different tube slide options at Coastline Plunge. Vortex and Whirlwind require Hershey’s Bar height and taller, while Reese’s height can ride the others.
Another fun waterslide is Whitecap Racer, where riders go down on a head-first mat, racing against other guests. Riders must be Reese’s height or taller for this ride.
Lastly, after all of that excitement, you’ll want to relax on the Intercoastal Waterway, a quarter-mile-long lazy river. Everyone can enjoy this attraction!
Spray and Splash Areas
There are several spots in Hersheypark’s Boardwalk area where guests can get wet without going on a ride. One is even dedicated to the smallest guests.
First, for your baby or toddler, Sandcastle Cove offers a zero-entry splash area with sprayers, slides, and pools up to 18 inches deep. This area is strictly for guests of Hershey’s Bar height or smaller, but they must have a supervising companion.
Everyone can enjoy the other spray and splash areas. Bayside Pier is a smaller version of a wave pool. The Shore is the big wave pool at the park. The Shoreline Sprayground is a fun play area featuring sprayers, dumping buckets, and water curtains.
Of course, the most popular is the East Coast Waterworks. This area features seven body slides, two water-dumping buckets, and tons of sprayers. With its size, you’ll want to stay close to your little ones, as it’s easy to lose track of them.
Tips For Your Visit
Get a Locker Early (and in a Central Location)
If you know you’ll use a locker while visiting Hersheypark and the Boardwalk waterpark area, buy your locker early in the day! They can sell out, and, due to the nature of the rental, even if someone leaves, that locker does not become available.
We also recommend choosing a locker in a central location. That’s why we like the lockers next to the Bayside Pier and Sandcastle Cove. They are close to everything, so you don’t have to walk too far to get your belongings.
Bring Your Own Towel
Hersheypark does not provide towels at their waterpark, so make sure to bring your own. You can put your towel at the shoe drop for each ride and attraction so it’s ready for you to dry off when you’re done.
Wear Sandals or Water Shoes
We made the mistake of not bringing sandals or water shoes. Walking around on that hot concrete does not feel good! So don’t forget to bring a pair of shoes. There are shoe drops at each attraction, so you can leave them there while you enjoy your ride.
Don’t Trust the App Wait Times
I love the Hersheypark app! One of my top tips for visiting Hersheypark is to download the app. But, we learned on a recent trip that wait times for the water slides aren’t always accurate. The app listed all of the slides at Coastline Plunge as 60-minute waits! But in reality, they were closer to 15-20 minutes.
Drink Lots of Water
Waterparks are a prime spot for dehydration. Because you are always getting wet, you don’t realize how much water your body loses throughout the day. So don’t forget to rehydrate.
Thankfully, you are allowed to bring a water bottle to Hersheypark. Recently, they’ve added water bottle filling stations at their fountains. We didn’t see them everywhere, but we noticed one outside of the bathrooms and changing rooms by Bayside Pier. So drink up and refill as needed!
Forget Something?
There is a shop next to the changing area by Bayside Pier. Beachology sells sunscreen, swimwear, and waterproof cases, among other necessities.
Hersheypark Boardwalk Waterpark Wrap-Up
When you’re visiting Hersheypark in the summer, you’ll definitely want to stop by the Boardwalk waterpark area. So, plan ahead. Bring your swimsuit and towel, and get ready for a fun time! Use the above information to help plan the best day at Hersheypark.
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