Get essential tips with things to know before visiting Hersheypark for a fun-filled experience packed with chocolate and thrills.Although I received season passes to facilitate my review by being part of the 2025 Sweetest Families, all opinions are 100% my own! Make sure and scroll down to enter to win 4 -One day tickets to Hersheypark!
18+ Things to Know Before Visiting Hersheypark – Hershey’s Insider Tips
Planning a trip to Hersheypark? You’re in for a sweet adventure! Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a chocolate lover, or a parent looking for the perfect family getaway, Hersheypark offers something magical for guests of all ages. Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, just a short drive from major cities like New York City and Philadelphia, this chocolate-themed amusement park is packed with major attractions, exciting Hersheypark rides, and of course—lots of chocolate.
This is my third year as part of the Hershey’s Sweetest Families program, and over time, I’ve become a bit of a go-to person when it comes to questions about visiting Hersheypark. Friends and readers are always asking for my best tips: What should we ride first? What’s the best time to go? Do we really need the Hersheypark app? (Spoiler alert: Yes, it’s a free app that makes your day way easier.) So, I decided to put everything in one place and share my top insider tips to help make your visit smooth, fun, and as stress-free as possible.
From the Ferris Wheel to Reese’s Cupfusion, from the Kissing Tower to the legendary Great Bear roller coaster, there’s a ride or attraction for every member of the family. If you’re traveling with younger kids, they’ll love the children’s play areas, gentle rides, and adorable Hershey characters who roam the park for photos. Older kids and teens will have a blast on coasters like Wildcat’s Revenge and Lightning Racer. Don’t forget to pack a bathing suit—you’ll want it for the refreshing water attractions during the summer season.
Getting ready to visit Hersheypark
One of the best things you can do before the day of your visit is to download the Hersheypark app. It provides ride wait times, mobile food ordering, an interactive map, and up-to-date show schedules, making it the best bet for navigating long lines, planning your stops, and getting to your favorite rides faster. Some attractions, like select rides and shows, can fill up quickly, so arriving early and using the Sweet Start program (available for guests of the Official Resorts of Hersheypark) can help you get a head start.
Hersheypark also goes the extra mile with safety standards, helpful Guest Services, and programs like the Return Visit Voucher, which can come in handy if your trip is impacted by cold temperatures or inclement weather. For the best experience, be sure to check what ticket type includes certain add-ons, like Fast Track options or entry to Hershey’s Chocolatetown, and note that some experiences come at an additional cost.
Tips for your next trip to Hersheypark
Being local to the Hershey & Harrisburg region, our family has visited often, and it truly is a special place. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning after a recent visit, these tips will help you make the most of your time, avoid surprises, and discover the best attractions, sweet treats, and must-do experiences that make this park shine.
Get ready to build sweet memories—and maybe even find your new favorite way to spend a summer day in Pennsylvania!
1. Buy Tickets Online Ahead of Time
Don’t wait to buy tickets when you get to Hershey Park. The ticket price is usually higher at the park, and you’ll almost always save money buying in advance. There are always great sales going on, like pay kids’ prices or special deals for 2-day tickets.
Look for seasonal promotions or combo tickets. The Best part is that any ticket you buy includes free entry to Zoo America, the Boardwalk (the water park), and Chocolate World is always free! My recommendation is as soon as you know you’ll be visiting head online to see what the best deals are. You can also get some great deals by staying at one of their hotels. There are some great packages available when staying at a Hershey Hotel.
2. Download the Hersheypark mobile App
The Hersheypark app is an absolute must-have to make your visit as smooth, fun, and stress-free as possible. With its easy-to-use interactive map, you’ll never have to worry about getting lost in the park again. Whether you’re looking for the closest bathroom, trying to find a specific ride, or hunting down your next snack stop, the app guides you there with just a few taps. One of the best features is the ability to check real-time wait times for rides—this means you can avoid the longest lines and maximize your time doing what really matters: having fun.
When hunger strikes (and we all know it will), the app has your back. You can skip the lines and order food ahead at select dining locations, which is a total lifesaver when the kids are this close to a meltdown and you need food, fast. From quick bites to sit-down meals, it helps you plan your meals without wasting time standing around.
You’ll also stay up to date with daily showtimes, Hershey character appearances, and any special events happening during your visit, so you don’t miss a moment of magic. Have your hands full with bags and little ones at the gate? No problem! The app also stores your tickets, season passes, and ride photos, so everything you need is in one place—no more fumbling through emails or losing printed tickets.
Traveling with little ones? The app includes a super helpful height-based ride filter, so you can quickly find which rides are appropriate for each child based on their height category. This saves a lot of time and avoids disappointment when kids get in line for something that ends up being too tall for them to ride.
And while it’s not officially named this, I like to call it the “sweet tooth tracker”—because you can also use the app to find all your favorite snacks and treats in the park, from King Size Shakes to chocolate-dipped everything. It truly makes navigating the best attractions, food stops, and entertainment at Hersheypark incredibly easy, giving you more time to focus on making sweet memories.
3.Arrive Early to Hersheypark
Gates open before rides start—get through security, grab your wristbands, and be ready at the ropes. If you arrive too late there is a chance premium parking will be sold out and you will need to park far so getting the most of your Hersheypark day is crucail. Head to the most popular rides first (like Candymonium or Fahrenheit) for shorter wait times.
Once they’re filled, it will be harder to get in. You can also head to the back of the park first to ride the busier rides like Wildcat’s Revenge and the new Twizzler Twisted Gravity ride, and other popular roller coasters. Hersheypark also includes a fun bonus with their tickets.
4. Bonus hours with every theme park ticket
Every Hersheypark ticket comes with an extra treat—bonus preview hours the night before your full-day visit! Thanks to the Preview Plan, you can enter the park a couple of hours before closing the evening before your scheduled day, giving you a head start on the fun. Just bring your valid admission ticket to the main entrance and enjoy access to select rides, attractions, and dining locations during regular public operating hours. Bonus if you’re staying at the hotels you get an extra preview hour, so maybe grab dinner the night before your visit there.
This sneak peek is perfect for getting a feel for the park layout, checking off a few favorite rides like Candymonium or Reese’s Cupfusion, or simply soaking in the sweet atmosphere of Hershey’s Chocolatetown without the pressure of doing it all in one day. Plus, parking for preview night is included with your admission if you’ve already purchased parking for the next day.
Keep in mind that the preview must be used before your full-day visit—it doesn’t have to be on consecutive days, but if you’re using a 2-day ticket, the preview is only valid the night before your first visit. Guests with a 1-day ticket are also eligible, making this a fantastic value no matter how long you’re staying.
It’s one of the best-kept secrets of Hersheypark and a great way to extend your trip without paying more. Whether you’re traveling with kids who need time to warm up to coasters, or you just want to squeeze in more fun, the Preview Plan is the perfect way to start your Hersheypark adventure early!
4. Know the Height Categories
Hersheypark makes planning your ride adventures easy and fun by using candy-themed height categories like Reese’s, Jolly Rancher, Twizzler, and more. When you arrive at the park, kids can be measured and given a color-coded wristband that corresponds to their height category, so you’ll always know which rides they can safely enjoy. Even better, you can add their height info directly into the Hersheypark app, making it super convenient to filter rides throughout the day and avoid any guesswork or disappointment.
5. Hersheypark Doesn’t Take Cash – Plan Ahead!
Hersheypark is a fully cashless park, so it’s important to be prepared before you arrive. Whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat, picking up a souvenir, or renting a locker, you’ll need to use a credit card, debit card, or mobile payment option like Apple Pay or Google Pay—cash is not accepted anywhere in the park.
If you prefer to use cash or don’t have a card, don’t worry—there’s a simple solution. You can visit one of the Cash-to-Card kiosks located throughout the park, including inside the main gift shop. These machines allow you to load cash onto a prepaid Hersheypark gift card, which can then be used just like a debit card anywhere in the park. The best part? There are no fees to load or use the card, and any leftover balance can be used outside of the park wherever debit cards are accepted.
Keep this in mind when planning your trip so there are no surprises, especially when traveling with kids who may want to purchase snacks, drinks, or souvenirs. Planning ahead will help your visit run smoothly—and ensure you don’t miss out on any sweet treats or fun experiences due to payment issues!
6. Bring Swimsuits & Towels for The Boardwalk
Don’t forget to pack swimsuits and towels if you’re visiting Hersheypark during the summer months! The Boardwalk, Hersheypark’s built-in water park, is included with your admission and is the perfect way to cool off between roller coasters. Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, it features water slides, a lazy river, splash zones, and more—making it a must-visit during warmer weather. Be sure to bring flip-flops, sunscreen, and maybe even a change of clothes so you can enjoy the water attractions and then comfortably return to the rest of the park. They even have lockers there for your to leave your clothes and belonging while enjoying the water themed attractions as well as leave wet clothes between rides.
Also note: If you plan to spend time on The Boardwalk or have valuables with you, renting a locker early is a smart move. Lockers are conveniently located at several spots throughout the park, but they tend to fill up fast—especially on busy days. Securing yours ahead of time means you won’t have to worry about where to safely stash your belongings while you enjoy the rides and attractions.
7. Pack Smart—But Light
A visit to Hersheypark is an action-packed & fun-filled day, but be prepared to do a lot of walking—this park is big and packed with things to do! If you’re visiting with young children, a stroller or wagon can be a lifesaver, both for giving little legs a break and for carrying your essentials. Wagons and strollers are also available for rent near the entrance if you don’t want to bring your own.
When it comes to packing, the key is to bring what you need, but keep it as light and compact as possible so you’re not weighed down all day. Essentials include: refillable water bottle (there are water fountains and refill stations around the park), sunscreen to apply throughout the day, ponchos or light jackets in case of rain or water rides, cooling towels for those hot summer days, hand sanitizer, and snacks (just note that outside food and drinks aren’t allowed unless it’s for medical or dietary reasons).
I always carry a book bag that includes a change of clothing for my younger kids, water and extras we may need.
Another smart thing to pack? A portable phone charger. Hersheypark is a place where you’ll be taking lots of photos, checking the app for ride wait times, show schedules, and mobile food orders—all of which can drain your phone battery fast. Thankfully, Hersheypark has Fuel Rod Kiosks located throughout the park so you can purchase a portable charger if necessary.
Packing thoughtfully ensures you’ll be comfortable and prepared for a full day of fun—without needing to carry half your house on your back.
A waterproof phone case is also a great addition especially if heading to the board walk.
8. Don’t Skip Hershey’s Chocolate World (It’s Free!)
One of the best parts about visiting Hersheypark is that you don’t actually need a park ticket to experience Hershey’s Chocolate World — and it’s completely free to enter! This makes it a perfect stop for anyone looking to dive into the sweet world of Hershey without the cost of admission.
Inside, you can enjoy the free Chocolate Tour Ride, a fun and informative journey that shows you how chocolate is made, complete with delightful sights and smells. Beyond the ride, Chocolate World offers a large gift shop filled with all kinds of Hershey goodies and souvenirs — perfect for picking up unique treats or gifts.
Hungry? The food court serves up delicious snacks and meals to keep you fueled during your visit. And if you want to take your experience to the next level, there are several paid activities available, like the chance to make your own personalized candy bar, where you can customize ingredients and packaging to create a one-of-a-kind sweet treat. Whether you’re with family, friends, or solo, Hershey’s Chocolate World offers something fun and tasty for everyone, without needing a park ticket!
9. ZooAmerica Is Included with Your Hersheypark Admission
Did you know that your Hersheypark ticket also grants you access to ZooAmerica, a charming and educational wildlife park right next to the main amusement area? This hidden gem is included at no extra cost and is a fantastic way to add variety to your day.
ZooAmerica features over 200 animals representing North American wildlife, including bears, wolves, owls, and more. It’s a wonderful opportunity for kids and adults alike to learn about native animals in a beautiful, naturalistic setting. Plus, the zoo’s peaceful trails and shaded paths offer a refreshing break from the excitement and bustle of the rides.
If your little ones need to slow down or take a breather, ZooAmerica is the perfect spot to relax, explore, and enjoy some up-close animal encounters without leaving the Hersheypark experience. It’s educational, fun, and a great way to mix up your visit!
10. Look For Characters
Hersheypark has a plethora of characters you can meet while visiting. From Hershey’s Kisses to Twizzlers there’s a fun character around every corner. So make sure and keep an eye out for them because they’ll make for some great photo opps!
11. Food Options Are Plentiful
From Chick-fil-A to BBQ and snacks galore, there’s something for everyone. There are also a ton of options for every diet, including gluten-free, Kosher, and vegan! So whatever your diet needs are, there is a location at Hersheypark to meet it.
Best of all like I mentioned above you can can order ahead using the Hersheypark mobile app. Some of our favorites you need to try are the Tower fries which are insane delicious, which are fries drizzled with some delicious choices like BBQ Chicken, Ranch and Bacon or the new Mexican Street corn.
My daughter ALWAYS has to get the Acai bowl across from the Twizzler Twisted Gravity.
We are also huge fans of the Berks Hot Dog stand. You will Summer, Fall or Winter you will find a foot log delicious themed Hot dog that is both amazing and super filling with fun names like Scrambler Dog, Tailblazer dog or Twisted Dog (Names will change during the various seasons you will see different foods during Hersheypark at Christmas ) you can’t go wrong with these delicious treats!While here make sure and check out their delicious king size shakes they’re out of this world!
Don’t forget to grab some Hershey’s ice cream on your way out at Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor. It’s seriously AMAZING. Make sure and check out their Marshmallow ice cream it’s the best!
Food Plans at Hersheypark for your budget
You may also want to consider one of the food plans available for your visit. A cheeseburger will run you about 14 dollars but the food plan for one meal is $17, which includes sides and more, so definitely a way to go when eating at the park.
12. Use the All-Day Drink Plan Wisely
If you’re planning to spend the entire day at Hersheypark, the All-Day Drink Plan can be a great way to stay refreshed without constantly reaching for your wallet. For a single price, you get unlimited refills on fountain beverages throughout the park — which is especially handy on hot days or if you’re moving between rides and attractions frequently.
That said, the plan makes the most sense if you’re committed to staying long enough to use it multiple times. If you’re only visiting for a few hours or don’t drink a lot, it might be better to skip it and buy drinks as needed.
Bonus tip: Even if you don’t opt for the drink plan, you can always get free water at any stand that serves fountain drinks. Just ask for a cup of water — it’s a simple way to stay hydrated and save money without any extra cost!
13. Don’t forget to check out the shows
Make sure and check out the shows going on over at Hersheypark. These are a great way for you to sit down and relax while enjoying some sweet fun. From Twizz’s Twisted Trivia to the Our Friends from the sea Ocean show there are lots of fun shows for you to check out. Just click on your app under shows and it will show you the purple star icon with times on when each show is happening and where to grab them.
14. Consider Staying at a Hershey Resort
Continue the magic after you leave the park by Booking at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge, or Hersheypark Camping Resort. Best of all staying at these resorts gets you early access and shuttle service which is the BEST! We love the indoor water park at Hershey Lodge. They also have a fun kid check in when visiting the hotels. There are a million reasons to stay at the hotels and you won’t regret it!
15. Season Pass is the way to go
If you plan to go more than once, a season pass can pay for itself. It comes with perks like free parking and early access and discounts on food . So I definitley recommend a Hersheypark season pass. There are times during the year when you can get the pass for even better prices. If you have a Giant size season pass there’s even a special area for your where you can get free drinks, charge your phones and just relax. Having the Season pass thanks to the Hersheypark Sweetest Insiders program has been a game changer and definitley something I highly recommend.
16.Rain Doesn’t Mean a Ruined Day
Don’t let a little rain dampen your Hersheypark plans! Many of the rides and attractions continue running even in light rain, so you can still enjoy plenty of the park’s excitement without interruption. When the weather gets a bit tougher, it’s the perfect chance to explore some of the park’s wonderful indoor attractions—from interactive exhibits to fun shops where you can browse unique souvenirs.
Hungry? Head indoors to one of the many food courts or cafes to relax and refuel while waiting out the weather. If you’re visiting ZooAmerica, the covered pathways and animal exhibits offer a great indoor-outdoor mix. This is perfect so you can still enjoy the wildlife in a more sheltered setting.
To stay comfortable, it’s a smart idea to bring along a lightweight poncho or small umbrella just in case. And if the rain lasts long enough to interrupt your day significantly, Hersheypark offers rain vouchers . They allow you to return another day—so you won’t miss out on any of the fun. With a little preparation and flexibility, rainy days can become some of the most memorable moments of your visit!
17. Follow Hersheypark on Social Media
The Hersheypark social media team is THE BEST! They have the best content and really do a great job helping you Stay in the loop. So make sure and by follow Hersheypark on their social media channels! They regularly post real-time updates about ride openings, temporary closures, and weather conditions. That can help you plan your day more smoothly. You’ll also find announcements for special events, seasonal celebrations, and exclusive promotions or discounts that aren’t always widely advertised elsewhere.
Plus, following Hersheypark gives you access to insider tips about crowd levels. So you can strategize the best times to visit popular rides and avoid long waits. Engaging with their social pages can also be fun. Fans often share photos, stories, and experiences that make you feel part of the Hersheypark community even before you arrive.
18. Final things to know Before Visiting Hersheypark
I highly recommend going during the week. Mid week is always emptier. Weekends will be insane so be prepared for very long lines on weekends. If it’s a hot day be ready to sweat so come prepared. It gets HOT. The longest wait is always the Candymonium ride so keep an eye on the wait time on your app. There are Fast Track options which may be very worth it for your family. So you don’t have to wait in longs lines.
Finally, Don’t Stress Too Much—It’s Chocolate Town!
Things may not go perfectly, but Hersheypark is designed for fun. Take lots of photos, stay flexible, and enjoy the experience. Visiting Hersheypark is such a blast and will definitely be a favorite theme park of yours once you visit!
Now for the best part! One lucky winner will get their chance at 4- One day tickets to Hersheypark. Giveaway is open to US, must be 18+ to enter! Giveaway ends on 7/16 at 11:59pmEST.
Disclosure: All opinions are 100% mine. This giveaway is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Visa, Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media network. All opinions and experiences are Conservamom‘s. Open to US must be 18+. The Confirmed Winner(s) will be contacted through email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be drawn. No purchase is necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor will be responsible for product fulfillment to the winner(s) of the giveaway. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. For questions or to see your product featured in an Event you can contact Elia At Conservamom The winner will receive 4 general admission tickets to Hersheypark via email (so a valid email address is essential!). Tickets are valid for one-day admission only and expire 1/1/2024 and can be used any day during the Hersheypark operational schedule (through January 1, 2024). Tickets do not include parking (parking is a separate fee). Conservamom is not responsible for lost or stolen tickets.
Comments & Reviews
Never been to Hershey Park yet!
Thanks for the awesome tips! We live Hersheypark!
I’d love to check out the rides and the mascots seem fun!
I am most excited to check out the different rides!
I am most excited to check out all the rides! I haven’t been there since I was a teenager and I would love to see all the changes they have made! My kiddos would love it there!! I have very vivid memories of Chocolate World and being handed a full size candy bar when we got off the ride! Not sure if they still do that, but I’d like to find out, haha! 😉
I would look forward to checking out the water park. It sound awesome.
I’m excited to bring my grand kids to the park
Most excited for the Water Park.
I really want to check out Candymonium
Our family loves Hershey Park and Chocolate World! I’d love to try out a night stay at the Hershey Lodge!
The thing I’m most looking forward to is the boardwalk and the chocolate tour ride!
Thank you for these tips! I have two kids that want to visit!