Hersheypark: The Sweetest Theme Park in America
A complete guide to Hersheypark — world-class coasters, chocolate-themed attractions, water park fun, nearby hotels, and family vacation tips for Pennsylvania's sweetest destination.
15 Coasters and Counting
From the hypercoaster Candymonium to the launch coaster Storm Runner — one of the best coaster lineups on the East Coast.
The Boardwalk Water Park
A massive water park included with admission featuring slides, a wave pool, lazy river, and a water coaster.
Chocolate at Every Turn
Hershey's Characters roam the park, cocoa-scented attractions fill the air, and free chocolate samples are part of the experience.
Year-Round Events
Hersheypark in the Dark for Halloween, Hersheypark Christmas Candylane with lights and coasters, and summer concerts.
Family-Friendly Design
Hershey's founder built this park for families — gentle rides for toddlers, thrill rides for teens, and plenty to do together.
- Thrill Rides: 8/10
- Family Appeal: 9/10
- Atmosphere & Theming: 8/10
- Value for Money: 8/10
- Location: Hershey, Pennsylvania
- Opened: 1906 by Milton S. Hershey as a picnic ground for chocolate factory workers
- Highlight: Candymonium — a 210-foot hypercoaster and the tallest, fastest ride in the park
- Best For: Families, coaster fans, chocolate lovers
- Price Range: $50–$80 per day (significant online discounts and resort packages available)
- Season: Spring through early January (closed January–March)
Built on Chocolate — A Park With Heart, History, and Serious Coasters
Hersheypark began not as a business venture but as an act of generosity. In 1906, Milton S. Hershey — the man who brought milk chocolate to America — opened a picnic grove for the workers of his chocolate factory. There were baseball fields, a bandshell, and a simple carousel. Over the next century, that modest park grew into one of the most beloved regional theme parks in the United States, all while remaining true to its founder’s vision: a place where families could have fun together without spending a fortune.
Today, Hersheypark spans 121 acres and packs an extraordinary amount into that footprint. The coaster lineup has grown into one of the strongest on the East Coast, headlined by Candymonium — a 210-foot B&M hypercoaster with a smooth, graceful layout and a chocolate-themed name. Storm Runner launches riders from 0 to 72 mph in two seconds into a 180-foot top hat. Fahrenheit boasts a 97-degree first drop — one degree beyond vertical. Lightning Racer is a dueling wooden coaster where two trains race side by side. Wildcat’s Revenge, a Rocky Mountain Construction hybrid conversion, has earned rave reviews since its debut.
But Hersheypark is more than its coasters. The Boardwalk water park is included with admission — a massive aquatic area with a wave pool, lazy river, water slides, and the Breakers Edge water coaster. ZooAmerica, an accredited zoo, is also included and features animals native to North America. Chocolate World, just outside the park gates, offers a free dark ride through the chocolate-making process with a free sample at the end. The park’s seasonal events — Hersheypark in the Dark for Halloween and Christmas Candylane in winter — extend the season and draw visitors from across the Northeast. For families looking for a multi-day vacation that blends thrills, water park fun, and a charming small-town atmosphere, Hersheypark delivers.
Explore the Sweetest Lands at Hersheypark
From chocolate-themed thrills to water park waves — every corner of Hersheypark has something to discover.
Pioneer Frontier
The park's largest themed area. Home to Storm Runner, Fahrenheit, and the dueling Lightning Racer. A Wild West atmosphere with thrill rides and family attractions.
The Boardwalk
A full water park with no separate ticket. Wave pool, lazy river, water slides, and two water coasters — Breakers Edge and the uphill-launching water coaster with magnetic acceleration.
Chocolatetown
The park's newest area built around Candymonium. Features the Chocolatier restaurant, an ice cream parlor, and the Kisses Fountain. The main entrance plaza, reimagined with a Hershey's chocolate bar theme.
The Hollow
The park's original section near Spring Creek. Home to Comet, a classic wooden coaster from 1946, and Skyrush, an intense coaster with winged seats suspended over the track.
Kissing Tower & Midway
Classic park charm. The Kissing Tower observation ride gives views of Hershey, the factory, and the surrounding countryside. Classic flat rides and carnival games line the midway.
ZooAmerica
A year-round zoo included with park admission. Features over 200 animals native to North America: black bears, gray wolves, bobcats, bald eagles, and river otters in naturalistic habitats.
Hersheypark Strategy: Fast Track, Sweet Start, and Pro Tips
Hersheypark is extremely popular with regional visitors, and weekends — especially summer Saturdays and during seasonal events — can be very busy. The park is also a major destination for school groups, youth sports teams, and summer camps throughout June and July. Smart planning makes all the difference.
Fast Track is Hersheypark’s line-skip system, available in two tiers. Fast Track covers most major coasters with one-time priority access. Fast Track Unlimited allows unlimited rides on participating attractions. Prices vary by date, typically $30 to $80 per person. On busy summer Saturdays and during Hersheypark in the Dark, Fast Track Unlimited is worth the cost if you want multiple rides on headliners.
Sweet Start is a perk exclusive to resort guests and season passholders: early access to select rides one hour before the general public. The included attractions rotate but typically feature Candymonium, Comet, and several family rides. This is the best way to ride Candymonium without a long wait — it is near the entrance and draws the biggest crowds in the park.
Parking is $25 for standard, with preferred and VIP options. A tram connects the lot to the entrance. The Hersheypark app provides wait times, show schedules, and a GPS map. The park is cashless — bring a card or use mobile payment. Outside food is generally not permitted, but the dining options are reasonably priced and themed. The Chocolatier restaurant in Chocolatetown is a full-service option with chocolate-infused dishes and a view of Candymonium.
The Boardwalk water park gets extremely crowded on hot summer afternoons. Visit first thing in the morning or after 3 PM when families with young children start leaving. Lockers are available near the water park entrance. Towels are not provided, so bring your own. Wear water shoes — the pavement gets hot.
Must-Do Coasters and Experiences at Hersheypark
Candymonium is the park’s signature coaster and the tallest, fastest, and longest ride at Hersheypark. This B&M hypercoaster reaches 210 feet and speeds of 76 mph. Unlike the intense, aggressive coasters elsewhere in the park, Candymonium is smooth, graceful, and designed for airtime. The first drop is long and floaty, the camelback hills deliver sustained weightlessness, and the helix finale wraps around the Chocolatetown plaza. Ride in the back row for maximum airtime.
Storm Runner is a hydraulic launch coaster that hits 72 mph in two seconds, launches into a 180-foot top hat, and immediately drops into a flying snake dive — a twisting inversion unique to this coaster. The ride is short but unforgettable. The launch alone is worth the wait. It packs more punch than it looks from the midway.
Wildcat’s Revenge is the park’s newest headliner — a Rocky Mountain Construction hybrid conversion of the former Wildcat wooden coaster. Steel track on a wooden structure with a beyond-vertical first drop, four inversions, and relentless airtime. It is intense, smooth, and has been warmly received by enthusiasts since opening in 2023.
Skyrush is one of the most intense coasters in the park. Winged seats suspend riders over the track, and the first drop delivers crushing ejector airtime. The ride is famously aggressive — some love it, some find it too intense. The thigh restraints can be uncomfortable, so adjust them carefully before dispatch. It is a polarizing experience, but fans consider it one of the best coasters in the world.
Lightning Racer is a dueling wooden coaster where two trains race on parallel tracks. Riders on the Lightning train and the Thunder train compete through a twisting layout of airtime hills and crossovers. It is smooth for a wooden coaster, family-friendly, and one of the most purely fun rides in the park. Ride multiple times to try both sides — Lightning tends to win.
Hershey’s Chocolate World is not inside the park gates and does not require a ticket. The free Hershey’s Chocolate Tour dark ride takes you through the chocolate-making process — from cocoa bean to wrapped bar — with singing cows and a free sample at the end. It is charming, informative, and smells like melted chocolate. The attached shop sells fresh-baked cookies, milkshakes, and every Hershey’s product imaginable.
On-Site Resorts and Where to Stay in Chocolate Town
Hershey operates three official resorts, each offering a distinct experience. The Hotel Hershey is the crown jewel — a grand 1930s hotel perched on a hill overlooking the town. Built during the Great Depression as a way to keep local workers employed, it is a National Historic Landmark with elegant rooms, formal gardens, a world-class spa, and fine dining. The Circular dining room serves breakfast with floor-to-ceiling views of the valley.
Hershey Lodge is the larger, more family-focused resort. The lobby smells like chocolate, the rooms are spacious and modern, and the pool complex includes a splash pad and water slides. The lodge hosts family activities year-round, from s’mores by the fire pit to character breakfasts with Hershey’s mascots. It is the most popular choice for families with children.
Hersheypark Camping Resort offers cabins, RV sites, and tent camping in a wooded setting just minutes from the park. It is the most affordable on-site option and includes shuttle service to the park. Cabins have kitchens and separate bedrooms — a great choice for families who want more space and a campfire experience.
Sweet Start early entry to the park is included for guests at all three official resorts, along with complimentary shuttle service and discounted park tickets. Resort packages that bundle hotel stays with park tickets offer the best value.
The town of Hershey itself is part of the experience. Chocolate Avenue is lined with Hershey’s Kiss-shaped streetlights. The Hershey Story Museum traces Milton Hershey’s life and legacy. Hershey Gardens features 23 acres of botanical displays and a butterfly atrium. The town is walkable, safe, and deeply charming — a genuine company town built on chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need at Hersheypark?
Two days is ideal. One day covers the major coasters and dry rides. The second day lets you enjoy the Boardwalk water park, revisit favorites, and explore Chocolate World and ZooAmerica at a relaxed pace.
Is the Boardwalk water park included with admission?
Yes. The Boardwalk is included with every Hersheypark ticket. There is no separate water park ticket. The water park includes a wave pool, lazy river, water slides, and two water coasters.
Is Hershey's Chocolate World part of Hersheypark?
No. Chocolate World is a separate attraction located outside the park gates. It does not require a ticket, and the Chocolate Tour dark ride is free. Parking at Chocolate World is free for the first hour.
What is the difference between Hersheypark and Hershey's Chocolate World?
Hersheypark is the theme park with rides, coasters, and the water park — it requires a ticket. Chocolate World is a free visitor center with a dark ride, shops, and food — no ticket required. They are next to each other but separate.
When is the best time to visit Hersheypark?
Late May, early June weekdays, and late August after Pennsylvania schools return to session offer lighter crowds. September weekends are quieter but the water park may have reduced hours. Hersheypark in the Dark (October) and Christmas Candylane (November–December) are very popular — book early.
Is Hersheypark good for toddlers?
Yes. The park has over 20 rides with no height requirement, and a dedicated kiddie area with gentle attractions. ZooAmerica and Chocolate World are both excellent for toddlers. The Boardwalk has splash pads designed specifically for young children.