Over the weekend I surprised the kids and my husband, with their first trip to Hershey Park. 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 in an effort to look cool in front of a cute boy. But that is a story for another day. This trip was all about my birthday boy! 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 Hershey Park!
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.
You can choose to air dry if you want but you will get SOAKED at The Boardwalk!
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.
5. Download the Hershey Park 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.
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!
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.
My boy had a great day celebrating his birthday at Hershey Park. The whole family cannot wait to go back for more sweet fun!
Get your tickets to Hershey Park today!
They definitely went home #HersheyparkHappy!
Thank you to Hershey Park for hosting us for the day. All opinions and chocolate mustaches are our own.
Deborah Anderson
June 29, 2017 at 8:55 amHi, 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 😉
Kristy
June 29, 2017 at 9:11 amAfter 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
Sarah Bailey
June 29, 2017 at 11:16 amI keep hearing so much about Hershey’s Park, it sounds like such an amazing place to visit and spend the day.
Jessica Taylor
June 29, 2017 at 11:36 amI have always wanted to go to Hershey Park! It seems like there is so much to do! Especially for the kids!
Heather Johnson
June 29, 2017 at 12:07 pmI have yet to get to Hershey Park with my family. I would love to go and explore someday though!
Corinne & Kirsty
June 29, 2017 at 1:53 pmI 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
Shannon
June 29, 2017 at 2:08 pmMy 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!
Heather Lawrence
June 29, 2017 at 3:14 pmChocolate 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….
jay
June 29, 2017 at 3:14 pmThese are some great tips !! I had no idea they even had an app !! Thanks for the tips !!
Carrie Chance
June 29, 2017 at 3:20 pmIt looks like a lot of fun. These are great tips for just about any park
colleen wool
June 29, 2017 at 3:21 pmThis looks like so much fun. I really want to visit someday.
Amber Myers
June 29, 2017 at 3:33 pmI 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 😉
Emily
June 29, 2017 at 6:28 pmThis 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.
peter @feed your soul too
June 29, 2017 at 7:35 pmGetting good insight on going to parks like this, makes it a more enjoyable experience because we get to experience more of the park.
Helene Cohen Bludman
June 29, 2017 at 7:37 pmHershey Park is so much fun for the whole family. We took the kids there many times when they were young.
Brandi Crawford
June 29, 2017 at 9:09 pmYour 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.
Melanie
June 30, 2017 at 1:47 amMy 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.
Denay DeGuzman
June 30, 2017 at 1:51 amOMGosh! 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!
Ophelia Tang
June 30, 2017 at 2:12 amI love Hershey Park. It has great Roller Coasters and water rides. Thanks for sharing.
XOXO //SINCERELY OPHELIA | NYC Petite Fashion Blogger
Elizabeth
June 30, 2017 at 4:44 amThis sounds like a fantastic day out! Is it in America? I’ve never heard of this park before!
Akamatra
June 30, 2017 at 4:49 amHappy birthday to your sweet kid! Looks like you had a ton of fun! And these are cool tips, hope I get to go!
Amy Cape Cod Moms
June 30, 2017 at 6:57 amHershey 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.
Louise
June 30, 2017 at 7:21 amHershey Park looks absolutely amazing! I would most definitely visit with my two kids if I was ever in the area 🙂
Louise x
Agentszerozerosetter
June 30, 2017 at 8:08 amWhat a funny park! Kids sure will have lot of fun here, I am sure adult too!
Rebecca Bryant
June 30, 2017 at 1:35 pmYou 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.
michenn
June 30, 2017 at 2:28 pmI 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!
Ali Rost
June 30, 2017 at 9:06 pmI’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
Hey Sharonoox
June 30, 2017 at 9:53 pmWhat a fun park to visit! Looks like the children have lots of fun. I want to take a photo with Mr Reese!!
Blair villanueva
July 1, 2017 at 9:33 amAmazing! This is so much fun! I might go gaga with that waterpark.together with my little sistet 🙂
Elizabeth O
July 4, 2017 at 7:03 pmThis 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.
Sapana V
August 11, 2017 at 11:57 amHershey Park is a great place for family outing and these awesome tips will make it memorable and convenient.
susan kowall
August 26, 2018 at 11:41 amDid u purchase a fast pass? Did u feel like u needed one?