Photo: Ken Heil
Photo: Emily Swanger
Photo: Hasan Ahmad
Shank Park
★4.7(635 reviews)FreePark
🕑 2-4 hours👶 Best for ages 1-12. Toddlers and preschoolers will love the age-appropriate playground sections and splash pad, while elementary-aged kids can enjoy the larger climbing structures, open fields for ball games, and running through the water features on hot days.🧡 Saved by 200+ families
About
Shank Park is a beloved community gem in Hershey that offers something for every age, from toddlers to tweens. With its combination of modern playground equipment, refreshing splash pad, wide-open fields for running and sports, and shaded picnic areas, it's the perfect spot for families looking to spend a fun-filled morning or afternoon outdoors without breaking the bank.
Highlights
- ✓Interactive splash pad with multiple water features perfect for cooling off on hot summer days
- ✓Well-maintained modern playground with equipment suitable for various age groups
- ✓Large open fields ideal for frisbee, soccer, or flying kites
- ✓Covered picnic pavilions and plenty of bench seating for parents
- ✓Clean, family-friendly facilities with convenient restrooms
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early (around 8-9 AM) on summer weekends to snag a pavilion spot and beat the splash pad crowds
- 2.Bring water shoes for the splash pad area and extra towels,kids will want to go back multiple times
- 3.Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the many tables; there's plenty of shade and it saves money when visiting nearby Hershey attractions
- 4.The playground has both sun-exposed and shaded areas, so bring sunscreen and consider visiting during late afternoon for more comfortable temperatures
- 5.Free parking is plentiful in the main lot, but overflow parking fills quickly on hot summer days when the splash pad is most popular
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings (especially Tuesday-Thursday) between 9 AM-12 PM for the smallest crowds and cooler temperatures. Summer months are ideal for enjoying the splash pad, while spring and fall offer perfect weather for playground fun and picnics without the water feature crowds.
What to Know
This is a free public park with ample parking and clean restroom facilities. No food concessions are available on-site, so plan to bring snacks and drinks. The splash pad operates seasonally during warmer months, typically May through September.
Seasonal Notes
The splash pad operates during summer months only (typically late May through early September, weather dependent). The playground and fields are accessible year-round during park hours, making it a great destination in spring and fall. Winter visits are possible but amenities may be limited.
Nearby Eats
Head to The Hershey Pantry (just 2 miles away) for hearty breakfast and lunch options with a kids menu, or visit Troegs Independent Brewing (family-friendly taproom) about 3 miles away for burgers, sandwiches, and a relaxed atmosphere where kids are welcome.
More Activities Near Hershey
Park
Mt. Gretna Spur - Lebanon Valley Rail-Trail
★4.6Free❤️5
The Mt. Gretna Spur section of the Lebanon Valley Rail-Trail offers families an easy, scenic rail-trail adventure perfect for biking, walking, and introducing little ones to outdoor exploration. This historic route features flat, well-maintained paths ideal for strollers and training wheels, with beautiful tree-canopied sections and connections to the charming Mt. Gretna community with its lake and picnic areas.
Park
Elizabethtown College
★4.5Free❤️42
While primarily a college campus, Elizabethtown College's beautiful grounds offer families a peaceful retreat with lovely walking paths, open green spaces perfect for picnics, and educational opportunities. Located just minutes from Hershey, it's an ideal spot for a quiet nature walk or outdoor playtime when you need a break from the theme park crowds.
Adventure
Spring Creek Lane
Free
Spring Creek Lane offers families a beautiful 5-mile hiking trail that winds through peaceful woodlands and follows a babbling creek in Hershey, PA. This moderately challenging route provides the perfect opportunity to introduce kids to nature hiking while enjoying the sights and sounds of the forest, with plenty of spots along the creek for rest breaks and exploration.
Water Park
Hersheypark Water Park
$$$
Hersheypark Water Park is a quintessential summer destination where families can cool off and make lasting memories together. With attractions ranging from gentle splash zones for toddlers to thrilling tube slides for adventurous older kids, plus classics like a wave pool and lazy river, there's something to keep every family member entertained all day long.