Are you visiting Hersheypark in Hershey, PA, in 2024? This guide has everything you need to know!
Hersheypark is a fun, family-friendly amusement park located in Hershey, PA, not far from Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore.
With over a dozen roller coasters, tons of rides the whole family can do, and an awesome water park, Hersheypark is a great place to bring your entire family for a day (or more) of fun.
We love Hersheypark and have been dozens of times growing up and as a family. It’s such a wonderful place to visit with kids. And when you’re not in the park, Hershey itself has plenty of things to do.
Hersheypark offers great fun and value. To maximize that, it’s always best to be prepared before your first visit. This guide shares everything you need to know before your visit to Hersheypark in Hershey, PA.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Hersheypark Location
First things first. Where exactly is Hersheypark?
Hersheypark is located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, less than 2 hours from Philadelphia and Baltimore, and approximately 3 hours from New York City. It’s central location makes a perfect stop on a road trip through Pennsylvania.
Hersheypark Hours and Admission
While the park is not open year-round, it is open from April through December. Hours and admission rates vary depending on the season and ticket type.
You can maximize your ticket by utilizing the Preview Plan. You can visit Hersheypark the evening before your planned visit for the last few hours of the park opening. We’ll share more details about that below!
In 2024, Hershey will be open weekends from March 29 through May 19th ( and select Fridays) and then will be open daily from May 23rd through Labor Day. They will reopen again in the fall for their Halloween weekends and in November and December for their Christmas Candylane.
Quick Tips Before You Visit Hersheypark in Hershey, PA
- Hersheypark is not flat. In fact, it is very hilly, and some of those hills are steep! If a member of your party has difficulty walking or gets tired easily, make sure to bring a wheelchair or stroller.
- Hersheypark does not allow outside food. We’ve been able to bring in water bottles and small snacks, but don’t push your luck with a large cooler.
10 Things to Know About Before You Visit Hersheypark
1. Hersheypark Has an App
Before you even step foot into Hersheypark, you’ll want to download their FREE app.
The app allows you to see the wait times for many of their popular rides. It also has an interactive map that gives you directions to the next attraction you want to experience. Just tap “Take Me There” and a trail will appear on the map giving you exact directions to the attraction.
Do you want to meet the Hershey Characters or catch a show? The Hersheypark app lets you know where and when under the Shows & Characters category.
In addition to ride and attraction information, the Hersheypark app gives you information about purchasing Fast Track and other add-ons, like their dining deals and ride photo passes.
The app also gives you information about upgrading your ticket to a season pass.
2. Hersheypark’s Preview Plan and Sweet Start
One of the FREE perks (you read that right!) about visiting Hersheypark is their Preview Plan, where guests can enter the park the night before their planned visit two hours before closing (three hours if you’re staying at the Hershey resort like the Hershey Lodge).
If you will be in the area for more than one day, use your ticket to enter the park the day before your planned visit. Entry time depends on park closing time.
The chart displays the entry time information; however, that information could change at any time. It is best to check the Hersheypark website for the most accurate information.
Another FREE perk for season pass holders and guests of the official Hershey resorts, like the Hershey Lodge, is the Sweet Start. Qualified guests can go on select rides up to an hour before the park’s official opening time.
3. Hersheypark Ride Height Categories
Hersheypark makes it fun for kids to measure up!
It’s difficult to remember how tall your child in addition to the minimum ride height requirements. Hersheypark makes it easy.
Kids can measure themselves before they enter the park or at any ride.
Once a height candy is determined, parents can easily locate the corresponding rides on the park map.
The ride height requirement categories are also prominently displayed at the entrance to each ride.
See the table below to find out which candy category your child fits into and then compare it to the list of rides.
4. Hersheypark Fast Track Passes
Hersheypark has several different Fast Track passes for those who want to get on the rides, well, a little faster.
Fast Track lets you skip the line just once on select rides.
Fast Track Unlimited allows guests to skip the line on those same rides, but as many times as they would like throughout their visit.
If you are visiting during the summer, Hersheypark also sells Boardwalk Fast Track and Fast Track Unlimited for just the water rides.
And if you really want to go big during the summer, you can buy a Fast Track or Fast Track unlimited combo that includes both the dry rides and water rides.
5. Hersheypark Has Rides Are For Everyone
Roller Coasters
Every good amusement park has roller coasters, but Hersheypark has 14 roller coasters of varying intensity levels.
Everyone from little kids (Hershey Kisses) to the big kids (Twizzlers and Jolly Ranchers) has more than one roller coaster to choose from.
There is even a loop roller coaster (the sooper dooper Looper) that kids as young as 5 can go on! It truly is a family-friendly park. No one gets left out of the fun!
Kiddie Rides
If your little one is not a fan of roller coasters, fear not! There are almost two dozen kiddie rides in the park. While some members of the family are riding a wild roller coaster, the smaller members can take a ride on an airplane or Mack truck.
Hersheypark is perfect for your toddler because they offer miniature versions of some of their bigger rides, including the swings, pirate ship, and scrambler.
Family Rides
One of the reasons Hersheypark is a family-friendly amusement park is the many rides that everyone can do together.
From classics like the Coal Cracker log flume and Ferris wheel to rides with a view, like the Sky View and Kissing Tower, fun times together will be easy to come by!
6. The Boardwalk Water Park is Included With Your Ticket
Unlike many other amusement parks across the country, Hersheypark’s water park is located within the park and is included with your ticket.
There are tons of water slides, a lazy river, and a huge waterworks structure within The Boardwalk.
Even the littlest members of the family can enjoy getting wet in the Shoreline Sprayground and Sandcastle Cove.
Changing areas, showers, and lockers make it easy for families to switch gears from dry rides to water rides and then back again.
7. You Can Visit ZooAmerica From the Park
Included with your Hersheypark ticket is admission to ZooAmerica. You can enter the zoo from within the park by the Hershey Triple Tower.
The zoo features more than 200 animals from all over North America, including Canada and Mexico. Big cats, various reptiles, and birds of prey are a few of the amazing animals you find there.
The zoo is open year-round and is fun to visit at any time. We loved visiting the zoo during Christmas at Hersheypark!
8. There Are Hershey Characters
Is there anything sweeter than meeting a life-sized version of your favorite candy? At Hersheypark, you can meet many of their famous confections.
Regular appearances by Hershey’s Bar, Hershey’s Kiss, and Reese make any kid’s day happy! You may get lucky and meet Twizzler and Symphony as well!
9. Hersheypark Dining Deal
Hersheypark offers three different dining deals. If you plan on eating more than one meal throughout the day, the All-Day Dining Deal may be the best option.
The Hersheypark app lists which locations participate in the dining deals. In addition, if you purchase the All-Day Drink deal with the Souvenir Cup, your cup can be refilled on future visits for $1.00 each refill.
10. Hersheypark Ride Photo Pass
Do you want to see (and remember) the face your child made when they went on their favorite roller coaster?
Hersheypark has cameras on many of its big rides to capture the excitement and fear on the riders’ faces. Photos can be purchased individually. However, Hersheypark also offers Ride Photo Passes.
Just remember to present your Ride Photo Pass at the photo booth at the ride’s exit. Your photos will be available for download within 24 hours.
Common Questions About Visiting Hersheypark
Can Hersheypark be done in one day?
It’s almost impossible to do Hersheypark in one day. With over a dozen rollercoasters, tons of other rides, and shows, plus the waterpark area, there is so much to do and see at Hersheypark you’ll need at least two days to do it all.
If you’re staying overnight but only have one day planned for the park, consider utilizing the Preview Plan. You can enter the park up to three hours before closing the night before your planned visit.
What is not allowed in Hersheypark?
Hersheypark does not allow weapons of any type, laser pointers, radios, and/or sound-emitting electronic devices. Skate shoes (Heelys) are not permitted. Illegal substances and outside alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited.
What does a Hersheypark ticket include?
Your ticket to Hersheypark includes access to all of the rides and shows in Hersheypark and admission to ZooAmerica. It does not include photos or Fast Track,
Other Things to Do Near Hersheypark
Hershey’s Chocolate World
Before or after you play around in Hersheypark, stop at Hershey’s Chocolate World. You don’t need park admission to enjoy this sweet spot.
Even if you’re short on time, you’ll want to make sure to go on the Hershey’s Chocolate Tour. This easy ride takes you through a tour of how Hershey’s chocolate is made.
If you have more time, try some of the chocolate themed activities. You can create your own candy bar and see a 4-D chocolate movie.
Chocolate World is open year-round. Free parking for up to 3 hours is available in the Chocolate World parking lot if you are not visiting Hersheypark
Hershey’s Chocolatetown
Right next to the main entrance of Hersheypark is Chocolatetown. Here, guests can enjoy a delicious meal at the Chocolatier or grab a sweet treat at Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor before heading into the park.
Explore Hershey, PA
There are plenty of things to do in Hershey outside of Hersheypark. Even some good family-friendly restaurants near the park.
If you are staying at one of the official Hershey resorts, like the Hershey Lodge, you’ll receive complimentary admission to the Hershey Story Museum and Hershey Gardens. But even if you’re staying at another hotel in the area, they are still worth visiting.
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