Hersheypark
4.5(67K)google
3.3(1.6K)yelp
KidsYouth-FriendlySwimmingOutdoorThrillingMust-SeeLocal FavoriteCarnivalRoller Coaster
Overview
Hersheypark is a world-class, chocolate-themed amusement park founded in 1906 by Milton S. Hershey as a recreational spot for his chocolate factory workers. Today, it has expanded into a massive global destination featuring over 70 exhilarating rides, including 15 world-class roller coasters like Candymonium and Skyrush. Admission includes access to a large boardwalk water park and ZooAmerica, an adjacent wildlife park. It is a dream destination for families and thrill-seekers looking to blend high-energy amusement rides with the sweet, nostalgic legacy of Hershey's chocolate culture.
Practical Info
Mon–Fri10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sat–Sun10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Suggested Duration6-12 hours
Best TimePeak season is summer from mid-May to Labor Day. Highly recommended on midweek mornings (Tuesday to Thursday); arrive at the main turnstiles by 8:30 AM to enter exactly at 9:00 AM opening. This gives you a massive tactical advantage to ride the premier hypercoaster 'Candymonium' without lines before regional crowds swell the parkway, offering pristine morning light for family photos.
Getting ThereLocated in Hershey at 100 Hersheypark Drive. Driving is seamless: take US-322 straight into the Hershey resort corridor, and take the dedicated exit for Hersheypark Drive. The coaster tracks are highly visible on the north side. The theme park features its own immense, fully staffed paid surface asphalt parking plaza ($25+ per day) equipped with complimentary tram shuttles to the front turnstiles.
Travel Tips
- Hersheypark operates on a 100% cashless basis, accepting only major credit/debit cards and digital wallets at all sales points. The park enforces a strict security screening protocol where all bags pass through advanced electronic scanners; outside food, hard-sided coolers, and glass containers are legally barred from entry (except for one unopened plastic water bottle).
- Ticket holders can utilize the complimentary 'Preview Plan' privilege, allowing park entry 2 to 3 hours prior to park close on the evening before their full-day visit. Utilizing this evening window to clear out high-demand marquee coasters like Candymonium or Wildcat's Revenge allows you to target the boardwalk water attractions immediately upon official gate opening the next morning.
- On-site general parking is highly expensive; secure pre-paid discounted parking permits via the official web portal to optimize costs. For expedited access, utilize Preferred Parking located directly adjacent to the main gate to completely bypass the 30-minute tram queues during peak closing rushes, and utilize the hourly electronic lockers for loose articles before ride boarding.
Reviews
Positive
- A coaster lover's paradise! The park features a huge variety of thrilling coasters, ranging from vintage wooden to ultra-fast modern ones.
- The chocolate theme is woven perfectly throughout, the characters are adorable, and tickets come with free chocolate bars—a dream for kids.
- The ticket includes access to the Boardwalk water park and ZooAmerica next door, providing fantastic value with three attractions in one ticket.
- The park runs efficiently; restrooms are plentiful and continuously cleaned, and staff attitude is warm, full of classic American theme park joy.
Heads up
- Summer peak and weekends bring suffocating crowds; lines for top coasters often exceed 2 hours, making the expensive Fast Track almost essential.
- Food and drinks inside are exorbitantly overpriced; standard burger and fry combos cost nearly double the outside rate, and food lines are long.
- The park layout is massive and built on hilly terrain with lots of inclines, making a full day physically draining and tough for pushing strollers.
- Locker rentals are pricey, and certain roller coasters force you to store bags without offering complimentary short-term lockers, feeling like a cash grab.