If a theme park vacation is on your family’s bucket list (hello, mouse house), but you’re overwhelmed even thinking about it, we’ve got good news—you can head to a theme park this spring and summer and not have to fly or plan out months in advance. Take a trip over the border to Pennsylvania to the sweetest spot on Earth, aka Hersheypark, with thrilling rides for older and younger kids, character visits, an 11-acre waterpark, a zoo, and lots and lots of sweet chocolate. Oh, and did we mention you can make your own one-pound Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup? Spend a weekend at themed lodges and hotels that keep the entertainment going (with a spa for adult time). We’ve made the planning easy, so read on for everything you need to know about Hersheypark, one of our top family-friendly resorts. (featured photo credit: Hershey Entertainment and Resorts)
Hersheypark, Hershey’s Chocolate World, And More
Get wild at the amusement park
Milton S. Hershey created Hersheypark as a place for employees of Hershey’s Chocolate Factory to enjoy, and today, this family-friendly amusement park has grown to include 14 roller coasters, making it the Northeast’s largest collection of daring rides. Brave riders can try the Candymonium, the longest, tallest, and fastest coaster in the park, or the sooperdooperLooper, which was the first-ever looping coaster on the East Coast (and their “I survived the sooperdooperLooper” shirts are the most popular shirts ever sold at Hersheypark). Look out for the new Twizzlers Twisted Gravity themed pendulum ride, and its zero gravity moments—it will be the tallest screamin’ swing in the world. If you are traveling with guests of all ages, Hersheypark offers a Kiddie Swap program that allows one parent to ride while the other stays with the child. Then, the parents “swap” places, never missing a beat.
Lots of fun for the littles
Hersheypark is not just for thrill seekers—kiddie rides are sprinkled throughout the park, offering kids new to amusement parks (or those who prefer smaller rides) plenty of options. Try the Carousel, the Convoy trucks, and the Mini Scrambler ride. Family favorites include the Dry Gulch Railroad, the Monorail, and the Kissing Tower, which gives 360-degree views of the entire park. And kids can hang with their favorite chocolates come to life, like a Hershey Bar and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, who will pose for selfies and have an impromptu dance party in between the rides. Need a break? Take a walk over to the ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, located right in the heart of the park. This 11-acre Zoo features animals from all five regions of North America, and admission is included with each Hersheypark ticket. See if you can spot the Ocelot in the Great Southwest area, the Gray Wolf from the Northlands, or the rare Gila Monster from the Southwest. There are also a bunch of educational opportunities at the Zoo, including a behind-the-scenes tour to meet the animals before the park opens.
Slip and slide in the waterpark
Hot days call for splashing around at the Boardwalk Water Park within Hersheypark (open from Memorial Day through Labor Day). The water park features 16 water attractions for all ages. The little kids can explore the Shoreline Sprayground, featuring dancing fountains, bubblers, and a tipping bucket. Big kids can test their speed on the Whitecap Racer or zip down the Coastline Plunge-Pipeline. And if you don’t mind getting wet, try Tidal Force, which takes a 100-foot incline before diving downhill at over 50 miles per hour with a giant, water-drenching splash that even reaches the onlookers. For more tame family fun, the zero-depth-entry Bayside Pier is an easy start, featuring a new-for-2026 shade-filled play zone called The Inlet at Bayside Pier with water-spouting dolphins and fish, as well as whimsical water-spray features. In addition, The Island at Bayside Pier will debut new 10-foot-tall palm trees that tip buckets of water. Or visit the East Coast Waterworks, which features 54,000 gallons of water flowing through its mind-blowing huge tipping bucket and includes tons of interactive water toys. Looking to cool off or catch a wave? The Shore Wave Pool lets you body surf and is an ideal place to start or end your day.
Tour and taste at Hershey’s Chocolate World
The aroma of chocolate can easily lure you into Hershey’s Chocolate World, a building before the park entrance, where everything chocolate exists (yes, there are tastings). Start with a 30-minute, complimentary Chocolate Factory Tour, where you’ll learn how chocolate begins as cocoa beans and ends up on the conveyor belt to create your favorite Hershey treats (don’t miss the complimentary treat at the end). You can also join in their newest attraction—Hershey’s Great Candy Expedition, a train-themed adventure for the whole family where you can explore colorful, candy-filled worlds in an authentic train station, and then cast your vote for one of the three candy-themed lands you’ll visit in an immersive theatre. And for chocolate lovers, you can personalize your candy at Reese’s Stuff Your Cup and Create Your Own Candy Bar, which lets you choose custom ingredients and wrappers. Before you leave, stop by the gigantic candy store, featuring 5-pound Hershey bars, among other treats. For heartier food options, check out the Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio, which serves up family fare with hints of chocolate for lunch and dinner, like Hershey’s Chocolate BBQ Chicken Wings, ChocolateTown Burger with chocolate-drizzled potato chips, and Heathbar-crusted Salmon.
Stay the night or visit the spa
What’s a theme park vacation without a resort hotel attached? Hersheypark has three options, depending on what type of vacation you’re looking for. The Hotel Hershey and Villas is renowned for its refined elegance, sports and fitness complex catering to active families, and indoor and outdoor pools. And for some adult time, check out the spa with exclusive chocolate treatments like the Chocolate Fondue Wrap, Cocoa Facial, or the Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Immersion treatment. For family fun, The Hersheypark Lodge offers deluxe accommodations, an indoor pool complex featuring a variety of water attractions, including slides, a spray zone, tipping buckets, and numerous resort activities. If you are looking for something a little more rustic, the year-round Hersheypark Camping Resort is also available and features cabins, open and shaded campsites, and plenty of amenities for guests. And bonus: All the resorts include the Sweetest Benefits with early and after-hours admission to parks, savings on passes to Hersheypark and attractions, and a shuttle bus service that drops you off steps away from the park front gate.
FAQs
When does Hersheypark open for spring 2026?
Hersheypark will open for its 120th season on April 3, 2026, with spring weekends operating until May 17. Summer hours will start on May 21 and continue until September 7. The Boardwalk at Hersheypark Water Park will be open from May 23 to September 7. You can purchase daily tickets or season passes, which also include free extra hours the night before a full-day visit.
What type of payment can I use at Hersheypark?
Hersheypark is a cashless facility that accepts major credit and debit cards, Hersheypark gift cards, and mobile payments. Cash can be converted to prepaid debit cards at no charge at park kiosks.
What’s new for 2026?
Hersheypark is celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary with special entertainment, patriotic lights on attractions, and fireworks. Another addition will take place at the existing Bayside Pier splash pad, which will now feature two water play areas with 45 aquatic elements, including a new shade-filled play zone. The Island at Bayside Pier will feature new 10-foot-tall palm trees that tip buckets of water. And look for another lodging option at the newly opened Hershey Inn & Suites, with family-style suites (bunk beds!), an indoor pool, an arcade, and a fitness center.
Is the park open after Labor Day for any special events?
The park will also be open for Halloween from September to November and for Christmas Candylane from November to January.
Are strollers available?
Stroller rentals are available, and a designated area in the First Aid room is reserved for nursing mothers.
Is anything open year-round?
ZooAmerica, Hershey Chocolate World, the hotels, and Hershey Gardens operate year-round. While you are there, check out the concerts at Hersheypark Stadium, watch games at the GIANT Center, or attend shows at the historic Hershey Theatre.
To learn more about Hersheypark, visit their website, Instagram, and Facebook.
Hersheypark
100 West Hersheypark Drive
Hershey, PA 17033
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