| Hersheypark Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Location | Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
| Language | English |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) |
| Daily Budget | $100 to $350+ per person |
| Best Time | May to September |
| Getting There | Harrisburg (MDT), about 15 minutes |
Hersheypark is a 121-acre theme park in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the town that Milton Hershey built around his chocolate factory. The park has 15 roller coasters, a water park (included with admission), and a zoo, making it one of the most complete family theme parks in the Northeast. The chocolate theme runs through everything from the street names (Chocolate Avenue, Cocoa Avenue) to the ride names. Next door, Hershey’s Chocolate World offers free factory tours, chocolate tastings, and the chance to create your own candy bar. The whole town smells like chocolate on warm days.
For a broader framework for organizing any trip, our how to plan a trip guide covers the fundamentals.
Best Time to Visit Hersheypark
Hersheypark’s main season runs late May through Labor Day, with the longest hours and all rides operating. Springtime in the Park (select weekends in April and May) offers lighter crowds at lower prices. Hersheypark in the Dark (October weekends) adds Halloween theming and evening events. Christmas Candylane (November through January) features holiday lights and select rides. Summer is the most crowded, especially weekends and holidays. Weekday visits in June or early September offer the shortest lines.
Getting to Hersheypark
Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) is the closest airport, about 15 minutes west. It has flights from several US cities via Allegiant, American, Delta, and United. Philadelphia (PHL) is about 1.5 hours east, and Baltimore-Washington (BWI) is about 1.5 hours south, both with more flight options. Hershey sits right off Route 322 and is easy to reach by car. Parking at Hersheypark is about $25 per day.
Top Things to Do in Hersheypark
- Roller Coasters: Hersheypark has 15 coasters. Candymonium (2020) is a 210-foot hypercoaster. Fahrenheit has a 97-degree beyond-vertical drop. Great Bear is an inverted coaster. Wildcat’s Revenge (2023) is a hybrid coaster rebuilt from the original Wildcat.
- The Boardwalk (Water Park): A water park included with Hersheypark admission. Wave pool, lazy river, body and tube slides, and a family splash area. Open during summer season. Bring swimwear and towels.
- Hershey’s Chocolate World: Free admission to the adjacent attraction. Take the free chocolate tour ride, make your own candy bar ($30), or do a chocolate tasting experience ($15). A great rainy-day activity or add-on.
- ZooAmerica: An 11-acre zoo within Hersheypark with animals from five North American regions. Included with park admission during park hours. Can also be visited separately year-round.
- Hershey Gardens: A 23-acre botanical garden across from the park featuring a butterfly house, children’s garden, and seasonal flower displays. Separate admission ($13 adults). Especially beautiful in spring.
- Hershey Story Museum: Learn about Milton Hershey and the town he created. Interactive exhibits include a chocolate tasting lab where you make your own chocolate ($13 adults).
Where to Stay
Hershey Resorts operates two main properties: The Hotel Hershey (luxury, $300 to $600 per night, includes a chocolate spa) and Hershey Lodge (family-friendly, $200 to $400, with an on-site water feature). Both offer perks like early park entry. Budget options include chain hotels along Route 322 and in nearby Hummelstown ($80 to $150 per night). Camping at Hersheypark Camping Resort offers sites from $50 to $100 per night. Staying at a Hershey Resort property gets you Hersheypark Preview (early entry to select rides), which is valuable for avoiding morning lines on popular coasters.
Sample 2-Day Hersheypark Itinerary
- Day 1 – Hersheypark: Arrive at park opening and head to the back of the park for the newest coasters first (Candymonium, Wildcat’s Revenge). Work your way forward through the day. Afternoon break at The Boardwalk water park. Return for evening rides with shorter lines. Many rides are open until closing.
- Day 2 – Chocolate World and More: Morning at Hershey’s Chocolate World for the free tour, candy bar making, and chocolate tasting. Visit ZooAmerica or Hershey Gardens. Afternoon back at Hersheypark for any rides you missed, or drive 15 minutes to Harrisburg for the State Capitol building and City Island.
Budget Estimate
Budget travelers can manage on $100 to $150 per day with a chain hotel, bringing your own lunch (Hersheypark has a hand stamp for re-entry), and limiting paid attractions. Park admission is about $75 to $85 per adult; buying online in advance saves $5 to $10. Mid-range travelers should plan for $200 to $350 covering Hershey Lodge, in-park dining ($12 to $18 per meal), Chocolate World experiences, and park admission. Season passes pay for themselves in 2 visits and include perks. Chocolate World’s factory tour ride is free and worth doing.
Planning Tools
Ready to start building your Hersheypark trip? Our free AI trip planner can generate a custom itinerary based on your dates, budget, and interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hersheypark worth it compared to other theme parks?
Hersheypark offers excellent value. It has a strong coaster lineup, a water park included with admission, and the unique chocolate theming. It is smaller than Disney or Universal but has shorter lines and lower prices. For families and coaster enthusiasts in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, it is one of the best options.
What is the best age for kids at Hersheypark?
Hersheypark works for all ages. The park uses a height-based ride system (characters from Hershey Miniatures). Kids 36 inches and up can ride many family rides. The Boardwalk water park has areas for toddlers and young children. Teenagers will enjoy the thrill coasters. There is genuinely something for everyone.
Can you bring food into Hersheypark?
Outside food and beverages are not allowed inside the park (except water bottles and baby food). However, the park offers hand stamps for re-entry, so many families park nearby and return to their car for a cooler lunch to save money. Chocolate World, which is outside the park gates, has its own dining options.