Hersheypark

About Hersheypark

RIDES

How many roller coasters does Hersheypark have?

Hersheypark has 11 thrilling roller coasters and over 65 rides and attractions including over 20 kiddie rides, so there is something for everyone to enjoy!

How many water rides does Hersheypark have?

Hersheypark features 9 unique water attractions in The Boardwalk At Hersheypark. In addition, the Coal Cracker, a water flume attraction, is located in Minetown, and Tiny Timbers, a water flume designed for our younger guests, is located in Music Box Way.

Please Note: The Boardwalk At Hersheypark is open Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. View hours.

How many rides are available for young children?

We have over 20 fun and exciting kiddie rides.

Do I need to wear a bathing suit to enjoy The Boardwalk attractions?

Yes, only appropriate swimwear is permitted on the attractions. Revealing bathing suits, shorts with rivets, snaps, zippers, metal ornamentation, cutoffs and jeans are not permitted. All eyeglasses must be secured with safety straps, and aqua shoes are not permitted on the body slides. Parents accompanying toddlers in the children's play area must also wear bathing suits.

Is smoking allowed in The Boardwalk area?

No. The Boardwalk At Hersheypark is totally smoke-free! View our Clean-Air Commitment.

Is there an additional fee to visit the Boardwalk attractions?

No, your one-price admission to Hersheypark includes all rides and entertainment.

Besides water attractions, what else does The Boardwalk offer?

The Boardwalk also features 9 food locations, 6 games, 7 retail outlets, 2 changing areas, and lockers.

Are Cabanas available for rental at The Boardwalk?

While Hershey Resorts' guests have the opportunity to reserve Cabanas first, the possibility exists for non-Hershey Resorts guests to rent a Cabana. Cabanas accommodate a MAXIMUM of 7 guests.

(Cabana price is based on four occupants. Fee charged for additional occupants.) 

Please call 1-800-HERSHEY (437-7439) to check availability. Find out more!

What are the hours of operation for The Boardwalk?

The Boardwalk opens at 10:00 AM. Go here for dates and times of operation.

Do guests need to know how to swim to enjoy The Boardwalk attractions?

Select attractions do require guests to swim and be able to hold their heads upright and have an appropriate center of gravity for bracing. Life jackets will be available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. The maximum water depth varies. Please refer to height restrictions for each attraction. You may bring your own lifejacket, as long as it is Coast Guard approved. Outside wave boards, inner tubes, inflatable toys, or other inflatables including water wings or swimmies are not permitted.

Riders will need to know how to swim to utilize the following attractions:

The Shore (guests of the Miniatures, Hershey's Kisses, and Reese's Peanut Butter Cup height categories must wear life jackets and be accompanied by a responsible swimmer.)

Non-swimmers must be accompanied by a swimmer on the following attractions:

Coastline Plunge

Sandcastle Cove

Bayside Pier (guests of the Miniatures, Hershey's Kisses, and Reese's Peanut Butter Cup height categories must wear life jackets and be accompanied by a responsible swimmer.)

Intercoastal Waterway (guests of the Miniatures, Hershey's Kisses, and Reese's Peanut Butter Cupheight categories must wear life jackets and be accompanied by a responsible swimmer.)

Guests are not required to swim on the following attractions:

East Coast Waterworks

Wave Rider

Are diapers allowed in The Boardwalk attractions?

Only waterproof diapers are allowed in the Boardwalk attractions. These are available at Beachology and other merchandise locations.

Will The Boardwalk area be open when it rains?

When severe weather is detected in the area, attractions will close temporarily until weather has cleared.

Why are there queue lines at The Boardwalk attractions?

At Hersheypark, your safety and security are our top priority! While enjoying the Boardwalk, you'll notice that we have implemented some procedures that will help us to best operate the water attractions. The Pennsylvania Department of Health has instituted a maximum number of allowed guests in each of our aquatic attractions. Consistent with all of our other rides and attractions, all water attractions within the Boardwalk utilize a line queuing system. In order to ensure safety and a consistent experience for all guests, riders enter and exit attractions via designated points. As guests exit the attraction, additional guests will be permitted to enter. Due to capacity and safety standards, timed swim sessions may be initiated to ensure that each guest may safely enjoy time in this attraction. Rude and deliberate line jumping that inconveniences other guests may result in dismissal from Hersheypark without compensation.

I have a cast on, can I still ride rides?

Yes, there are signs posted at each ride indicating the restrictions for that ride. In most cases, your own discretion is suitable for whether or not you wish to ride a certain ride. This information is also included in our Rider Safety & Accessibility Guide. *Casts are not permitted on Skyrush.

Do the rides and attractions close in bad weather?

In the event of electrical storms, inclement weather, mechanical difficulties, or unforeseen circumstances, it may become necessary to temporarily close some rides, shows, attractions, and tram service to and from the parking lots.

What is the Kiddie Swap program?

If you and your partner would like to ride height-restricted rides but your child is not tall enough to ride, let the attendant know that you would like to take advantage of the Kiddie Swap program. One parent may ride while the other stays with the child. At the conclusion of the initial ride, the parents may "swap" places.

Similarly, if one parent has two children who meet the height restriction but must be accompanied by a responsible rider or who wish not to ride alone, the parent may ride with one child while the other child waits in an appropriate area of the ride. At the conclusion of the initial ride, the parent may remain on the ride while the children "swap" places.

What should I not take on a ride?

Hersheypark suggests that if you plan on riding rides to please bring into the park only items that can be safely secured in cargo pockets, a waist pack, or a zipping jacket pocket. To secure loose articles, a cargo pocket must fasten with a Velcro or button flap or a zipper, a waist pack should fasten around the waist and have a zipper closure, and a jacket pocket must have a zipper closure.

Due to the dynamics of some of our rides, loose articles are not permitted on most rides and should be left with non-riders or secured in lockers. Loose or hand-held articles include but are not limited to cameras, cell phones, pagers, purses, stuffed animals, basketballs, prizes, hats, loose fitting jewelry, glasses, backpacks, etc. Hersheypark and its employees are not responsible for lost or stolen items which include items that fall out of pockets. Ride operators and attendants are not responsible for articles left by patrons at the ride stations. Neither Hersheypark nor its employees assume responsibility for the loss of, or damage to, personal property. Locker storage is available throughout the Park.

Is there a Fast Track* Program?

Yes, there is a Fast Track Pass for Coaster Lovers! If you just can't wait to get on our roller coasters, purchase our new Fast Track Pass inside Hersheypark at Hospitality Services. Get your Fast Track Pass as soon as you get to Hersheypark, quantities are limited daily and sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

2012 Fast Track Day Pass - $50 - Skip the lines on 9 of our coasters!

(For riders between 42" and 47" the cost is $20.)

2012 Fast Track Evening Pass - $25 - Skip the lines on 5 of our coasters!

(Available for purchase after 4:00 PM. Valid 5:30 PM to close.)

*Availability of program and attractions subject to change.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Does Hersheypark offer dining with Hershey's Product Characters?

Yes! Character Dining is offered daily until September 2 at Hersheypark Place located just outside the entrance to Hersheypark. Guests who participate in Breakfast at The Park can enter the park up to an hour early! Find out more about this delicious and delightful experience!

Where can we enjoy a sit-down meal at the Park?

Just outside the front gate, is Hersheypark Place a themed family friendly restaurant. No need to go to your car to leave the Hersheypark Complex for a relaxing sit-down meal, Hersheypark Place has everything you need, including delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts. View Menu or Make Reservations. 

Is there a picnic area for guests?

You are welcome to picnic outside the Park with your family or group at our picnic sites located near the restrooms in the parking lot. Picnic tables are also available on the patio of the historic Hersheypark Arenaand at the Hersheypark Stadium (availability based upon other Complex events). Electric table-top grills are permitted while picnicking. Any item or cooking equipment that contains an open flame is not permitted, tables are on a first-come, first-served basis. If you need a convenient place to store your cooler, lockers are available by the restrooms in the west parking lot, and between the historicHersheypark Arena patio picnic area and Tram Circle. Other than one sealed water bottle per person,Hersheypark does not permit food or drink to be brought into the Park. Guests with special dietary needs can review our food and beverage information.

What are the dining options at Hersheypark?

Hersheypark offers an exciting variety of dining options ranging from air-conditioned restaurants, to walk-up locations serving fresh salads and grilled items, to snack shacks serving up your Park favorites! You may also be interested in our Breakfast At The Park program which includes exclusive meal time with theHershey's Product Characters and early entrance into Hersheypark. For savings and convenience, consider a refillable souvenir cup, or our Hersheypark Meal Tickets.

What options are there for guests with food allergies?

Hersheypark is committed to helping our guests with food allergies make the best possible dining choice during their visit with the help of our dining guide and specialty food offerings. Each restaurant is listed on our website with menu items, ingredients and allergen information. You can bring Epi-Pens intoHersheypark, and our First Aid has Registered Nurses on site at all times.

What options are there for groups?

Hersheypark is the perfect destination for social or corporate groups of 20 to 20,000. Enjoy a group or company picnic with delicious picnic meals in a private catering area inside Hersheypark, or provide your guests with convenient meal tickets.

GUEST SERVICES & SAFETY

How can I celebrate a birthday at Hersheypark?

Give someone a day to remember with our Commemorative Bag including distinctive souvenirs and a special VIP ride pass. Or, host a group event inside the Park or a party inside the colorful and air-conditioned Hersheypark Place on one of our Birthday packages. Call 717-534-3900 for more details!

What if it rains during my visit?

There’s no need to let the threat of rain in the forecast keep you away! If it rains during your visit and you decide to leave the Park for the remainder of the day, stop by the Guest Services Building as you exit the Front Gates to learn about our rain guarantee program.

Can I purchase tickets in advance?

Get a head start on your day and avoid waiting in line to buy tickets, by purchasing them in advance online and printing them out at home. At the Park, look for the Pre-Purchased Ticket gate to help you get into the Park faster.

What forms of payment does Hersheypark accept?

We accept cash, major credit cards, all Hershey Entertainment & Resorts gift cards, Chocolate Currency, and the Hershey Card for payment in most places throughout the Park. (Free-standing food and retail carts are cash-only.) The Sweetest Gift, a Hersheypark or Hershey gift card, can be redeemed throughout Hershey for entertainment, dining, and other purchases. Gift cards can be purchased in any denomination at all Guest Services and retail locations, as well as in the Season Pass Office, at Tram Circle Information, and at the ZooAmerica admissions desk. Hershey gift cards are a thoughtful gift with the promise of fun to come! Shop online for gift cards.

Hersheypark is pleased to offer our Chocolate Currency in $1, $5, and $10 denominations. It makes a fun souvenir of your trip, or it can be used as cash within Hersheypark. Chocolate Currency can be purchased at all Guest Services and retail locations, as well as in the Season Pass Office, at Tram Circle Information, and at the ZooAmerica admissions desk.

The Hershey Card is a convenience for the guests of Hershey Lodge and The Hotel Hershey, The Official Resorts of Hersheypark. The Hershey Card is a room key and charge card all in one, allowing guests to charge costs back to their room throughout their stay here in Hershey. ATMs are conveniently located throughout the Park at the Tram Circle Group Sales Building, in the Craftbarn, at the Play Dome Arcade, on Decades Patio, next to the Lightning Racer Markdown Store, and in the Minetown Arcade.

What is the parking fee, and what are the transportation options?

There is a daily parking fee of $12 per vehicle, and $20 per camper, with no overnight parking. From our parking lots to the Hersheypark entrance, our tram service runs approximately every 15 minutes from Park opening to closing. The Tram drop-off and pick-up area is Tram Circle, just outside the main entrance. Tram service may be interrupted due to special events or weather conditions. Hersheypark Season Pass Holders enjoy free parking and guests of Hershey Lodge, The Hotel Hershey, and Hershey Highmeadow Campground, enjoy free shuttle bus service to and from the Park from those properties. Shuttles run approximately every 1/2 hour depending on traffic. Guests wishing to visit The Hershey Story Museum or downtown Hershey may take The Chocolate Town Shuttle. It runs between Hershey's Chocolate Worldattraction and the Hershey Intermodal Stop in downtown Hershey, next to The Hershey Story Museum.

Are there lockers?

Lockers are available on a first-come, first-served basis and located inside the Park entrance, at Founder's Circle, and at several locations in The Boardwalk. Lockers are rented by the day. Credit cards accepted. Neither employees, Guest Relations, or Security are permitted to hold customer items for temporary storage. The lockers are not large enough to store big stuffed animals. the big stuffed animals can be stored at the "Barking Lot" located under the West Stand of Hersheypark Stadium near the entrance to the Park. Any problems with lockers will be handled through the Merchandise Office. Rental costs: large locker $20.00 and regular locker $15.00.

What if I have my pet with me?

For the safety of guests and pets alike, pets are not permitted within Hersheypark, and please do not leave pets in your car. During our regular summer season, mid-May through mid-September, and during our seasonal events, pets can stay in our "Barking Lot" located under the West Stand of HersheyparkStadium near the entrance to the Park for a nominal fee. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. All dogs must be current on all vaccinations for Rabies, Distemper, and Bodatella (canine cough), and they must be flea/tick free. The Barking Lot is not available for overnight accommodations. Service animals are allowed inside Hersheypark. The Barking Lot is sponsored by Capital BlueCross.

What items are restricted at Hersheypark?

For your safety, ALL hand-carried items, including backpacks and belt bags, are subject to search. Metal detection equipment may be used. Weapons of any type, laser pointers, radios and/or sound emitting, electronic devices, and skate shoes (Heely's) are not permitted. Locker storage is available at the outside picnic areas and guests are encouraged to keep nonessential items in their vehicles. Other than one sealed water bottle per person, Hersheypark does not permit food or drink to be brought into the Park. Guests with special dietary needs can review our food and beverage information.

What is the Clean Air Commitment?

At Hersheypark, we strive to accommodate both non-smokers and smokers. As part of our Clean Air Commitment to our guests, smoking is restricted to designated areas only. These areas are conveniently located throughout the Park. The Boardwalk At Hersheypark and ZooAmerica are completely smoke-free. This guideline is meant to preserve the safety and health of all our guests. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Where is First Aid located?

First Aid Stations are located in the Family Health & Services Center in Pioneer Frontier area next to Play Dome Arcade and in The Boardwalk. A registered nurse is on duty at all times. If immediate first aid is needed, ask any Park employee for assistance. A special area is also available in First Aid for nursing mothers.

What should you do if you are separated from your family or group?

We suggest that at the beginning of your visit, you select a place within the Park to be the meeting place if your group becomes separated. If you do become separated, please contact the nearest Security Officer for assistance. Lost children may be found in the Lost Children's Corral located in the Family Health & Services Center and the Lost Children's Cove located in The Boardwalk area next to Waverider. In the event your child is lost, notify the nearest Security Officer. The Lost Children's Cove and The Lost Children's Corral are sponsored by PA State Police.

Family Finder Program - Take advantage of this program by visiting Hospitality Services or any of the Lost Children's Areas inside Hersheypark for a complimentary wristband for your child to wear while in the Park. Should you become separated, this wristband, with your cell phone number on it, will help reunite you. The Family Finder Program is sponsored by Penn State Children's Hospital.

Where is Lost & Found located?

Lost and Found, located in the Family Health Services Building is open during Park operating hours and is staffed by security. Ride operators and attendants are not responsible for articles left by patrons at the ride stations. Neither Hersheypark nor its employees assume responsibility for the loss of, or damage to, personal property. Locker storage is available throughout the Park.

What if I need to leave and re-enter the Park?

If you wish to leave Hersheypark and re-enter the Park on the same day, please have your hand stamped at the exit gates before departing. Ticket stubs are not valid for re-entry. To re-enter the parking lot on the same day, please show your parking ticket upon your return.

What is proper attire?

For your safety and health, all Park visitors are required to wear shoes and shirts at all times. As a courtesy to others, modest dress is expected of all guests, and revealing or offensive clothes are not considered appropriate. Bikini tops, bikini bottoms, Speedo bikinis, thongs, and brief halter tops are not considered appropriate attire while in the Park. Some language, gestures, and suggestive art on apparel may also be considered inappropriate. Hersheypark reserves the right to address these issues with all guests. Your cooperation is appreciated. While in The Boardwalk area, only appropriate swimwear is permitted on the attractions. Revealing bathing suits, shorts w/rivets, snaps, zippers, metal ornamentation, cutoffs and jeans are not permitted. All eyeglasses must be secured with safety straps, and aqua shoes are not permitted on the body slides. Parents accompanying toddlers in the children's play area must also wear bathing suits. While in any of our water zone areas (including Roller Soaker The Boardwalk, and Tidal Force), swimsuits may be worn, but after completion of these rides, we ask that you change to more appropriate attire (i.e. shorts, shirt) prior to leaving this area.

What assistance is available for Guests with Disabilities?

Hersheypark offers services to help our guests with disabilities enjoy their visit. Guests should visit Hospitality Services located inside the Front Gate where guests can enroll in our Ride Accessibility Program. Guests will be asked to complete and sign a Ride Accessibility Questionnaire. Based on the responses on the Questionnaire, guests will receive a Boarding Pass with a list of rides they may be able to enjoy. Guests will also receive a wristband signifying their participation in this program. Guests are welcome to enter with their own wheelchairs but must be enrolled in our Ride Accessibility Program in order to receive exit clearance at our attractions. You can download the Ride Accessibility Questionnaire below if you would like to print and complete it prior to arriving at the Park. Please bring your completed questionnaire to Hospitality Services located inside the park on the right, just past our stroller rental. We hope that you will find this to be helpful in planning your day! View Rider Safety & Accessibility Guide. View Ride Accessibility Questionnaire.

Can I rent a wheelchair or Electric Convenience Vehicle?

Wheelchair and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECV) for ADULTS (must be 18 years plus to rent an ECV) may be rented in Tram Circle adjacent to Group Sales at the Park entrance. Wheelchairs and ECVs have a weight limitation of 325 pounds and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Quantities are limited. A valid driver's license will be held as a deposit. The person operating the ECV must be present as training is required for the rental process. Hersheypark reserves the right to refuse any guest rental of an ECV if that guest is unable to complete the on-site training or unable to comply with the restrictions of the unit. Each unit is designated as a single person unit. Failure to comply with the Rental Agreement is cause for surrender of the rental equipment or dismissal from the Park. ECV rental price: $45.00.

What services are offered for families with babies and young children?

A special area is available in First Aid for nursing mothers. Bring your own or rent one of our strollers. Strollers are available inside the entrance on a first-come, first-served basis. Rental prices: Single - $12.00; Double - $17.00. Stroller Rental is sponsored by Olly Shoes.

Does Hersheypark make charitable donations?

Hersheypark receives several hundred charitable donation requests each month. We are pleased to help charitable organizations and wish it were possible to honor all of them since they are all very worthwhile causes. Find out more.

Do you have a Hersheypark experience that you would like to share with us? We value your comments - please take a minute to complete our Online Comment Form.

Where is Hershey's Chocolate World?

Hershey's Chocolate World is located just outside the main gate to Hersheypark. Guests can enjoy many activities, including the Great American Chocolate Tour Ride - Free to all visitors. Find out more.