I’ve always dreamed of exploring Hershey Park, a chocolate-themed amusement park that seemed like a fantasy come to life. So, when my family and I realized it was just a 15-minute detour from our route during our bis summer road trip, we couldn’t resist the temptation. Stepping into Hershey Park, we were greeted by a world where every corner promised joy and the air was filled with the irresistibly sweet fragrance of chocolate.
Hershey Park opens for the season at the end of March on weekends only. One quick tip: A sweet sneak peek is included with every ticket! Visit the park up to two hours before closing present your ticket at the main entrance the day before your full-day visit and enjoy a fun-filled evening during public operating hours! Ad-ons are available for tickets, including Fast Track skip-the-line passes, all-day dining, meal plans, beverage refills, and more.
Hershey’s Chocolate World Free Tour
One of the highlights of our visit was the simulated factory tour. During the free Hershey’s Chocolate World ride, it felt like we were transported into a magical world of chocolate making. As we rode the tram through realistic replicas of the Hershey factory, the sights, sounds, and smells of chocolate production surrounded us. My youngest, Quinn, quickly drifted off, perhaps dreaming of chocolate waterfalls and candy-coated landscapes, while the rest of us were completely absorbed in the marvels of this educational ride. Hershey’s Chocolate World is open daily, year-round.
Hershey Park Amusement Park
Hershey Park boasts an impressive array of rides, ranging from adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to gentle rides for the little ones. Families can scream their way through the loops of the Great Bear or enjoy the panoramic views atop the Kissing Tower. For the adventurous souls, the Skyrush coaster offers an exhilarating experience, while kiddie rides ensure the younger guests have their share of fun. Hershey Park is open seasonally.
Family Fun for Everyone
Hershey Park truly shines in its ability to entertain guests of all ages. For families with young children, the park offers a variety of gentle rides and attractions. The Dinosaur-Go-Round and the Cocoa Cruiser provide just the right amount of excitement for little ones. The Boardwalk, Hershey Park’s water park section, is a refreshing escape on hot summer days, with water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers that offer cool fun for the whole family.
Here’s a look at some of the most popular rides at Hershey Park:
Skyrush
Skyrush is a high-intensity roller coaster that has earned a reputation as one of the most thrilling rides at Hershey Park. Known as the “winged coaster,” Skyrush features a unique seating arrangement that extends beyond the track, providing an unobstructed view for riders. With a 200-foot drop and speeds of up to 75 mph, Skyrush delivers intense airtime and adrenaline-pumping excitement.
Candymonium
Candymonium is the newest addition to Hershey Park’s coaster lineup and holds the title of the tallest, fastest, and longest coaster in the park. It features a height of 210 feet, a top speed of 76 mph, and a track length of 4,636 feet. This hypercoaster offers a smooth ride with several airtime hills, providing breathtaking views of the park and a sweet ride experience, true to its candy-themed name.
Great Bear
The Great Bear is an inverted roller coaster that offers a unique flying sensation as riders’ feet dangle freely below them. The coaster soars through loops, corkscrews, and a zero-gravity roll, all while making a roaring sound that adds to the thrill. Its location near the park’s entrance makes it one of the first sights—and sounds—visitors experience, setting the tone for an exciting day at Hershey Park.
Storm Runner
Storm Runner is the park’s launch coaster, propelling riders from 0 to 72 mph in just 2 seconds. This ride features a 150-foot drop and several inversions, including a heartline roll and a snake dive. The combination of speed, height, and loops makes Storm Runner a favorite among thrill-seekers.
Fahrenheit
Fahrenheit boasts a 97-degree drop right after its lift hill, making it one of the steepest coasters at Hershey Park. This vertical lift coaster also features six inversions, including a Norwegian loop, cobra roll, and corkscrews, offering a high-intensity ride experience that keeps guests coming back for more.
Lightning Racer
Lightning Racer is a wooden, dueling coaster that offers a unique racing experience as two coasters—Lightning and Thunder—compete along parallel tracks. With plenty of hills, twists, and turns, the ride provides a thrilling race to the finish line, with each ride offering a potentially different outcome.
Laff Trakk
Laff Trakk is Hershey Park’s indoor, spinning, glow-coaster, designed with a funhouse theme. This family-friendly ride combines the elements of a traditional roller coaster with a spinning motion, creating a unique and dizzying experience as riders navigate through the brightly colored, glow-in-the-dark environment.
Reese’s Cupfusion
Reese’s Cupfusion is a newer addition to Hershey Park, blending the excitement of an interactive dark ride with the beloved theme of Reese’s. Riders become agents on a mission to protect the Crystal Cup from Mint the Merciless and his League of Misfit Candy. Equipped with laser guns, guests score points by hitting targets throughout the ride, making for a fun and competitive experience for all ages.
The Boardwalk Water Park at Hershey Park
The Boardwalk, Hershey Park’s water park, serves as a refreshing oasis on hot summer days. With attractions like the East Coast Waterworks, the largest water play structure in Pennsylvania, and the thrilling Breakers Edge Water Coaster, families can cool off and enjoy water-based fun. The wave pools, lazy rivers, and water slides cater to all ages, making it a perfect spot for family relaxation and excitement.
Hershey Park Concessions and Food
Hershey Park offers a wide range of dining options that cater to every taste and preference. From classic amusement park fare like hot dogs and burgers to more gourmet offerings, there’s something for everyone. Chocolate, of course, features prominently on the menu, with chocolate-dipped cheesecakes, chocolate-covered pretzels, and the famous Hershey’s chocolate milkshakes. There are even ordinary food items that are chocolate-infused. From chocolate barbecue sauce to decadent desserts.
