Over the weekend I surprised the kids and my husband, with their first trip to Hersheypark. The last time I was there was in middle school, so it was practically my first visit too. I remember riding my first big roller coaster at Hersheypark, conquering the Super Dooper Looper. We had an amazing day and we definitely went home #HersheyparkHappy!
I want you to have a great visit too so I'm sharing my top 10 tips for visiting Hersheypark! From Hersheypark lockers to parking info, I've got everything you need to know.
Thank you to Hersheypark for hosting us for the day. All opinions and chocolate mustaches are our own.
Top 10 Tips For Visiting Hersheypark
1. Rent a locker
Lockers are located in several locations throughout the park. We rented one close to The Boardwalk since we would be spending a lot of time there. Since we brought a backpack with us, we chose a large locker. I recommend renting early in the day if it is a busy, because they are first come first serve. The good news once you rent the locker it is yours for the whole day!
2. Pack a bag
I never go to an amusement park or theme park without a bag. When you have kids are you even allowed to leave the house without one? I packed sunscreen, wipes, hand sanitizer, swim suits, water shoes, towels, and high protein snacks.
Fact: You can choose to air dry if you want but you will get SOAKED at The Boardwalk! So pack a towel or two to dry off.
3. Get officially measured at the front of the park located near the fountain of Milton S. Hershey
By getting measured right from the start you know exactly what they can ride. It will also save time in the lines because they won't have to stop and be measured.
4. Arrive when the park opens
This gives you a good parking spot and a chance to get right on the rides. Season pass holders get to enjoy Sweet Start, which gives you access to the park 1 hour before it opens to the public. There are a lot of other sweet benefits to being a Hersheypark Season Pass holder, so you should definitely check it out.
Related: Top 10 Tips For Visiting Hersheypark
5. Download the Hersheypark App
The free official Hershey Park app has ride info, wait times, character appearances, show times, food locations, and more. Download it for Apple and Android. You can also see your ride photos and other interactive ride info like racing times and high scores.
Ready to ride the Super Dooper Looper! And thanks to the app we knew the wait time was 10 mins and both of the kids were the right height.
6. Character fun
This is probably the only time you can hug chocolate without it melting on you! Throughout the day and at various locations you will run into some pretty sweet friends. Check the app to see where your favorite candies will be hanging out.
7. Eat a S'More
I had the regular the kids got the cookie one. Either way, you need it. Looking at these pics, I know what I want to make at home this weekend. Yum! Psst: Season Pass Holders can save 15% on these and other food items in the park!
8. Stay Hydrated
Bottled water is available throughout the park for purchase. You can also get free water at the various food places, or you can purchase a Souvenir Cup and get free refills throughout the park all day.
9. ZooAmerica and other in park entertainment
ZooAmerica and other shows are included with your park ticket. We watched a traveling show with Ms. Twizzler, met a sea lion, and danced along with the Character Commotion.
10. The Boardwalk
The Boardwalk and all the awesome water rides are included with your regular park admission. We spent a good chunk of the day there and it was so much fun! Get instantly soaked on the Tidal Force, relax in the lazy river, or hangout at the East Coast Waterworks.
If you need a place to cool off between coasters, The Boardwalk is where it's at. I will post up here all day to beat the Summer heat.
My boy had a great day celebrating his birthday at Hersheypark. The whole family cannot wait to go back for more sweet fun!
Get your tickets to Hersheypark today!
They definitely went home #HersheyparkHappy!
Hi, Ashley. I haven’t ever been to Hershey Park, but after reading your article, I am interested and interested in taking my family. Your tips are so helpful. We were a bit spoiled living close to a Six Flags, close enough that if we forgot anything, we could drive home and come back with our season pass, but that is certainly the exception. Your list is essential! And, it would seem that you could apply it to other parks, as well. Great pics, too. Thank you for sharing 😉
After googling tips for visiting Hersheypark, I came upon your post. This is just what I needed; thank you for sharing tips for visiting Hershey park ! I family goes to what is the year once in the summer and enter for their holiday in the park
I keep hearing so much about Hershey’s Park, it sounds like such an amazing place to visit and spend the day.
I have always wanted to go to Hershey Park! It seems like there is so much to do! Especially for the kids!
I have yet to get to Hershey Park with my family. I would love to go and explore someday though!
I have never been but it looks so so cool! The last time I have been to an amusement park was in 2012 at eurodisney! so much fun! xx corinne
My husband and I were debating on whether or not we would stop at Hershey Park next summer on our way up to New York, and this post made the decision easy for us! It looks like great fun! Hershey Park…here we come!
Chocolate and roller coasters?
I’m totally in!
The kids would have a blast! I wonder how far the nearest park is from where we live….
These are some great tips !! I had no idea they even had an app !! Thanks for the tips !!
It looks like a lot of fun. These are great tips for just about any park
This looks like so much fun. I really want to visit someday.
I LOVE chocolate, so I’ve always wanted to go here. I think we’re going to try and go in a few years. It looks like a lot of fun! My kids can do the rides. I’ll pig out 😉
This looks like so much fun, I want to take my kids! I love your tips, I agree that renting a locker at any large park like this is so important. Much easier to run around after kids without dragging a big bag long.
Getting good insight on going to parks like this, makes it a more enjoyable experience because we get to experience more of the park.
Hershey Park is so much fun for the whole family. We took the kids there many times when they were young.
Your photos are adorable! You have some really good tips. I’m so happy these days we have apps to help navigate our fun. It was soooo much different in the past.
My tip for visiting Hershey Park…dress warm if you go in December. I went during a Christmas visit to my sister’s and this California girl FROZE! I can’t wait to go back. Chocolate is my true love all year round. Your family looks like they had so much fun.
OMGosh! What a fantastic park. I love those splash rides and water features in your images. My daughter actually works for Hershey’s here in California. Such a wonderful company. She and her fiancee hope to someday visit Hershey Park. I’m going to share your beautiful images with her!
I love Hershey Park. It has great Roller Coasters and water rides. Thanks for sharing.
XOXO //SINCERELY OPHELIA | NYC Petite Fashion Blogger
This sounds like a fantastic day out! Is it in America? I’ve never heard of this park before!
Happy birthday to your sweet kid! Looks like you had a ton of fun! And these are cool tips, hope I get to go!
Hershey Park is on our list of regional parks to visit with the kids! After seeing this list it is now a priority. Now must find a place to stay while there.
Hershey Park looks absolutely amazing! I would most definitely visit with my two kids if I was ever in the area 🙂
Louise x
What a funny park! Kids sure will have lot of fun here, I am sure adult too!
You had me at the word Hershey. So happy your son had a great time. He is such a cutie pie. Plus those S’Mores look amazing.
I remember going here when I was a kid and it was so fun!! I haven’t been in almost 15 years, these pictures took me down memory lane and I really want to visit again!
I’ve heard so many great things about Hershey Park, but haven’t been yet. Now that we’re grandparents, we’re always looking for adventures with our grandkids, and this is definitely one we’re adding to our list. I’d love to see all of the funny candy characters and (of course!) eat my weight in S’Mores. x
What a fun park to visit! Looks like the children have lots of fun. I want to take a photo with Mr Reese!!
Amazing! This is so much fun! I might go gaga with that waterpark.together with my little sistet 🙂
This brought back wonderful memories of our time at the park when my kids were younger. We had so much fun that we went back the next year.
Hershey Park is a great place for family outing and these awesome tips will make it memorable and convenient.
Did u purchase a fast pass? Did u feel like u needed one?