Hersheypark stands as the largest and most visited theme park in Pennsylvania, offering a unique blend of high-octane thrills, family-oriented entertainment, and a rich history tied to one of the world’s most famous chocolate brands. Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, this 121-acre destination operates on a "3 Parks in 1" admission model, giving guests access to the main amusement park, The Boardwalk water park, and ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park. Originally founded in 1906 by Milton S. Hershey as a leisure space for his employees, the park has evolved into a premier destination featuring 15 world-class roller coasters and more than 70 attractions.

Whether planning a single-day trip or a multi-day family getaway, understanding the layout, seasonal offerings, and the latest additions for the 2025 season is essential for maximizing time and value.

The Unique 3 Parks in 1 Experience

One of the most significant advantages of a Hersheypark ticket is its inclusive nature. While many major theme parks require separate tickets for water parks or nearby zoos, Hersheypark integrates these experiences into a single gate entry.

Hersheypark Amusement Park

The core of the experience is the amusement park itself, which is divided into seven themed regions. Each area offers a distinct atmosphere, from the historic charm of The Hollow to the modern, upscale feel of Hershey’s Chocolatetown. The park is designed to cater to various height categories, famously named after Hershey candies, such as "Hershey’s Miniatures" for the smallest children and "Jolly Ranchers" for those seeking the tallest thrills.

The Boardwalk at Hersheypark

Open seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day, The Boardwalk is an 11-acre water park that rivals stand-alone aquatic destinations. It features over 1 million gallons of water and 16 attractions. Highlights include the Breakers Edge Water Coaster, which utilizes hydromagnetic technology to propel rafts uphill, and Whitecap Racer, the world’s longest mat racing slide. For families, the East Coast Waterworks offers a massive seven-story play structure with nearly 500 interactive water features.

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park

Accessible via a bridge within the park, ZooAmerica is an 11-acre walk-through zoo dedicated to the conservation of North American species. It houses more than 200 animals, including black bears, gray wolves, Canada lynx, and river otters. Visiting the zoo provides a naturalistic change of pace from the adrenaline of the coasters and is included in the park admission when entered from within Hersheypark during operating hours.

New Thrills for 2025: Twizzlers Twisted Gravity

The headline addition for the 2025 season is the Twizzlers Twisted Gravity ride. Located in The Hollow region, this attraction has claimed the title of the world’s tallest "Screamin’ Swing." Manufactured by S&S Worldwide, this high-thrill pendulum ride takes the classic playground swing to an extreme level.

Riders are seated in back-to-back gondolas that swing high above Spring Creek. The ride reaches a peak height of 137 feet and hits speeds of up to 68 miles per hour. During the experience, guests encounter multiple moments of zero-G airtime as the pendulum reaches its maximum angle. The ride is themed after the iconic Twizzlers candy, adding a vibrant red splash to the park’s skyline. In our assessment, this ride fills a specific niche in the park’s lineup, providing a massive physical sensation of flight that complements the traditional gravity-defying drops of the neighboring coasters.

A Deep Dive into the Roller Coaster Collection

Hersheypark is often cited as the "Coaster Capital of the Northeast" due to the density and variety of its 15 coasters. For enthusiasts, the lineup offers a progression from classic wooden structures to state-of-the-art steel hypercoasters.

Candymonium: The Hypercoaster Experience

Located in Hershey’s Chocolatetown, Candymonium is the tallest, fastest, and longest coaster in the park. It features a 210-foot lift hill and reaches speeds of 76 miles per hour. The ride is characterized by its smooth "out-and-back" layout, emphasizing airtime hills and high-speed banked curves. The finale includes a panoramic swoop around the iconic Hershey’s Kisses Fountain, providing excellent photo opportunities for those watching from the ground.

Skyrush: The Adrenaline Peak

Skyrush is widely considered one of the most intense coasters in North America. Its yellow track dominates the skyline over The Hollow. With a 200-foot drop and high-speed transitions that generate significant lateral G-forces, it is not for the faint of heart. Recent updates to the seating and restraint systems have aimed to make the experience more comfortable without sacrificing the "near-miss" sensations that the wing-style seating provides.

Wildcat’s Revenge: The Hybrid Revolution

Opening to critical acclaim recently, Wildcat’s Revenge is a wood-and-steel hybrid coaster created by Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC). It features a 140-foot hill and four inversions, including the world’s largest underflip. The hybrid nature allows for the classic aesthetic of a wooden coaster but with the inverted loops and buttery-smooth transitions of modern steel engineering.

Great Bear and Storm Runner

Great Bear is a classic Bolliger & Mabillard inverted coaster that weaves through the terrain of The Hollow, while Storm Runner offers a hydraulic launch that blasts riders from 0 to 72 miles per hour in just two seconds, followed by a series of unique maneuvers like the "Cobra Loop" and "Flying Snake Dive."

Family Attractions and Kiddie Rides

While the coasters garner much of the attention, Hersheypark remains a family-first destination with over 20 rides specifically for younger children. These are strategically spread throughout the park to ensure that families with children of different ages can stay together.

Classic Family Rides

The Dry Gulch Railroad offers a relaxing train ride through the scenic outskirts of the park, providing a view of the coasters from a distance. The Kissing Tower, an observation ride themed after Hershey’s Kisses, rotates as it rises to 250 feet, offering panoramic views of the entire town of Hershey. The Monorail is another practical attraction, providing a narrated tour of the park and ZooAmerica.

Character Interactions

Hersheypark is the only place where you can meet official Hershey characters, including the Hershey Bar, Reese’s Cup, and Kiss. In 2025, the park has introduced "Twizz’s Twisted Trivia" at the Chevrolet Music Box Theatre, a high-energy show that allows kids to interact with these characters in an air-conditioned environment—a welcome relief during the peak of summer.

Hershey’s Chocolatetown and Dining Highlights

The park’s main entrance, Hershey’s Chocolatetown, serves as a hub for dining and shopping that is often accessible year-round, even when the rides are closed.

Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor

Inspired by Milton Hershey’s own malt shop, this parlor offers house-made ice cream, custom sundaes, and savory snacks. For 2025, the menu has been reimagined to include "King Size" shakes that are topped with entire donuts or slices of cake, catering to the "foodie" trend that has become a staple of modern theme park culture.

The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio

This full-service restaurant features a menu infused with hints of cocoa. It offers a unique view of the park’s entrance and the Candymonium coaster. Signature items like the Reese’s Peanut Butter King Size Milkshake and cocoa-rubbed steaks are popular among visitors looking for a sit-down meal rather than quick-service fare.

Dietary Accommodations

In our observation, Hersheypark has made significant strides in accommodating dietary restrictions. Most food locations offer gluten-free and allergen-friendly options. The park’s mobile app includes filters for specific dietary needs, making it easier for families with allergies to plan their meals.

Seasonal Events and Operating Calendar

Hersheypark is not a year-round operation for its rides, but it offers four distinct seasons that change the atmosphere of the park.

Spring Weekends

Starting in early April, the park opens for select weekends. This is often the best time to visit for those who want to experience the major coasters with shorter wait times, although the water park remains closed during this period.

Summer Season

From late May through Labor Day, the park is open daily. This is the only time the Boardwalk water park is operational. Crowds are at their peak, but the park operates with maximum staffing and full entertainment schedules.

Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights

As autumn arrives, the park transforms with "Hersheypark Halloween." For younger guests, there is a trick-or-treat trail. For those seeking scares, the "Dark Nights" program includes five immersive haunted houses and several scare zones throughout the park. A unique highlight is the "lights-out" coaster rides, where the park turns off the track lights on major coasters like Wildcat’s Revenge and Comet.

Christmas Candylane

The year ends with Christmas Candylane, featuring 5 million lights and a visit from Santa and his reindeer. While the water park and some high-thrill coasters are closed due to temperature, select rides remain open, and the park’s atmosphere is focused on holiday music, hot chocolate, and the "Noel" light show synchronized to music over the water.

Logistics: Maximizing Your Visit

The Official Resorts

Staying at one of the official resorts—The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge, or Hersheypark Camping Resort—unlocks several "Sweet Benefits." The most valuable is the "Sweet Start," which allows resort guests to enter the park one hour before the general public during the summer season. This hour is crucial for riding popular coasters like Candymonium or Skyrush with minimal waits. Additionally, resorts provide free shuttle services, eliminating the need to pay for parking.

The Hersheypark Mobile App

Utilizing the official app is no longer optional for a high-value visit. It provides real-time wait times, which are generally accurate within a 5-to-10-minute margin. The app also allows for mobile food ordering, which can save up to 30 minutes during the lunch rush.

The Preview Plan

A unique feature of Hersheypark tickets is the "Preview Plan." Any guest with a ticket for the following day can enter the park for the last few hours of the previous night for free. This is an excellent way to get a few major rides out of the way or to enjoy the park’s nighttime atmosphere without using a full day of admission.

Fast Track

For those visiting on peak Saturdays in July or August, the Fast Track program allows guests to skip the regular lines. There are two tiers: one that allows a single skip per ride and one that allows unlimited skips. Given the price, this is recommended only when wait times for major coasters exceed 60 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best age to take a child to Hersheypark?

While there is no "best" age, children who have reached the 42-inch height requirement (Reese’s category) will find a significantly larger number of rides available to them. However, with over 20 kiddie rides, even toddlers can enjoy a full day.

Is the water park included in the price?

Yes, admission to The Boardwalk at Hersheypark is included with all summer tickets. There is no separate gate or additional fee required to access the water slides or wave pool.

How much does parking cost?

Parking fees vary depending on whether you pay in advance online or at the gate. As of the 2025 season, pre-paying online usually offers a discount. Season pass holders (depending on the tier) often receive free or discounted parking.

Can I bring my own food into the park?

Hersheypark generally does not allow outside food or coolers inside the gates, with exceptions for medical needs or baby food. There is a picnic area located outside the park entrance for those who wish to bring their own meals and eat before entering.

What happens if it rains?

Hersheypark operates rain or shine. However, in the event of lightning or high winds, major attractions and coasters will close. If the major rides are closed for more than 60 minutes continuously due to weather, the park may issue a "Return Visit Voucher" for a future date within the same season.

Summary

Hersheypark continues to justify its reputation as a premier family destination by balancing heritage with innovation. The "3 Parks in 1" value proposition remains one of the strongest in the industry, and the addition of Twizzlers Twisted Gravity for 2025 ensures that even frequent visitors have something new to experience. By leveraging the Preview Plan, staying at official resorts, and using the mobile app to navigate wait times, visitors can turn a potentially overwhelming amusement park trip into a seamless, high-value vacation in the "Sweetest Place on Earth."