If you’re looking for a fun-filled day trip that will make your sweet tooth tingle, look no further than Hersheypark! This Pennsylvania amusement park is home to dozens of rides, attractions, and eateries that are sure to please everyone in your family. We’ll provide an overview of what Hersheypark has to offer visitors, as well as some insider tips on how to make the most of your visit. Put on your walking shoes – we’ve got a lot of ground to cover.
Where is Hershey Park?
Hershey Park, known officially as Hersheypark, is located in Hershey, Pennsylvania – about two hours from Philadelphia and three hours from New York City. The park sits on 110 acres of land and features over 70 rides and attractions. In addition to the rides, there are also live shows, a water park, and several shops and restaurants. Hershey Park is open from April 1, 2023, through January 1, 2024, for the current season.
Milton Hershey had planned out the town’s layout even before he built his chocolate factory. He’d set aside land for his employees for leisure activities and opened the first version of the park in the spring of 1907. It’s popularity increased and it quickly became a tourist attraction with trains and trolleys arriving with droves of families and fun-seekers from nearby communities.
Hershey Park Ticket Discount
If you’re looking for a bargain on Hershey Park tickets, let us guide you through the options. If you live close enough to Hershey, PA, you may want to consider purchasing a season pass. With the park opening in Spring and staying open until Fall, you’ll get more bang for your buck with a season pass. They’ve even been kind enough to offer payment plans for season pass holders so that you can spread your payment out.
If you’re just going for the day or the weekend, the ticket prices are much more affordable than other amusement parks in the region. For just $47.95 for the day {or buy a two-day pass and get the daily price down to $43}, you can have access to all that Hershey Park has to offer.
Military Discount at Hersheypark
If you’re a member of the military, Hershey Park also offers a generous Military Discount. Check with your local military base for discounted Hersheypark tickets or show your military ID at Ticketing Services to receive $20 off of a regular full-price 1-day ticket.
Springtime in the Park
Springtime In The Park features more than 40 rides {weather permitting}, including family favorites like the Ferris Wheel, which turns 25, and thrilling attractions like Skyrush, which celebrates its 10th anniversary. Learn more about the Hersheypark ride anniversaries in 2022 here.
Tickets also include photo opportunities with Hershey Characters and visits to ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park only by accessing the zoo through the Hersheypark bridge during posted park hours.
Download the Hersheypark App for real-time ride availability, ride wait times, mobile ordering, and an interactive map.
Hershey Park Hours
Hershey Park is more than just the amusement park, so when you’re planning your day or weekend you’ll want to take a look at their interactive calendar of events including all the operating hours for the amusement park, zoo, and chocolate attractions. Hershey Park has typical hours of 11 am – 7 pm during weekdays in the summer and typical hours of 11 am – 8 pm on weekends in the summer.
In Spring, Fall, & Winter, you’ll want to look at their website to get the most up-to-date information on opening hours.
Hershey Park is Now Cashless
Starting April 2, 2022, Hersheypark is now cashless in an effort to create more convenient retail and dining experiences for guests. All major credit cards, Hersheypark gift cards, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay will be accepted.Â
Guests with cash only can convert cash to prepaid debit cards at five Cash-To-Card kiosks located throughout the Park, with the locations noted in the Hersheypark App. For games, guests will need to purchase a separate Gaming Card, which they can load via cashless payment at an in-park Gaming Card kiosk. The good news is that there are no fees associated with converting or using the prepaid cards inside of Hersheypark.
Hotels Near Hersheypark
Visitors looking to extend their stay in The Sweetest Place On Earth can book a sweet spring getaway at The Official Resorts Of Hersheypark: The Hotel Hershey luxury accommodation, Hershey Lodge resort, and Hersheypark Camping Resort® campground. Guests who book by March 31, 2023, can save up to 40% with the best rates of summer, included with popular packages.Â
All guests of The Official Resorts Of Hersheypark also receive free Resort Benefits, including the best price on Hersheypark tickets, extra hours at Hersheypark with Preview Plan, free admission to Hershey Gardens, and The Hershey Story Museum, and more.
Camping at Hersheypark
Roughing it without actually roughing it at all is the name of the game at the Hersheypark Camping Resort®. Guests can enjoy immaculate RV, cabin, and tent sites in a beautiful setting featuring activities for the whole family.
With outdoor recreation space, a swimming pool, and a country store, the Hersheypark Camping Resort® is a great place to spend a weekend in the spring or summer. In addition to what you’d expect at a family campground, Hersheypark levels up by hosting animal encounters & character visits.
ZooAmerica at Hersheypark
ZooAmerica is a great place to visit if you want to learn about North American Wildlife. With over 200 animals from five regions, there are plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning.
Visit the charming River Otters, say hello to the Black Bears, or if you’re feeling extra adventurous, opt for an animal encounter. You can go behind the scenes at ZooAmerica® and explore even more of the wild of North America. Choose from one of their three unique tours that guide you through non-public spaces, get you up-close with zoo animals, and leave you with a deeper understanding of nature and a greater appreciation for the animal world.
