What Hersheypark is and what you'll find there
Hersheypark is a large amusement park in Derry Township, Pennsylvania, about two hours north of Baltimore and near the town of Hershey. The park sits on 121 acres and operates year-round, though with reduced hours in fall and winter. It includes more than 15 roller coasters, water rides, family attractions, and live entertainment stages.
The park is owned and operated by Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company, a private company. Admission requires a paid ticket, and the park also sells food, drinks, and merchandise inside the gates. A separate water park called Hersheypark's Waterpark operates during warmer months and requires its own ticket or a combo pass.
Key Takeaways
- Single-day admission tickets cost more when bought at the gate than when bought online in advance, and prices vary by the date you visit.
- The park operates different hours depending on the season, so check the calendar before you plan your trip.
- Parking costs extra and is separate from your admission ticket; you can also take a shuttle from nearby hotels or public transit.
- Food and drinks inside the park are significantly more expensive than outside, so budget accordingly or bring a refillable water bottle.
- Season passes and multi-day tickets offer lower per-day costs if you plan to visit more than once or stay longer.
How ticket prices work and where to buy them
Hersheypark uses variable pricing, which means the cost of a single-day ticket changes based on when you want to visit. Peak days (typically summer weekends and holidays) cost more than off-peak days (weekday visits in spring or fall). The park publishes a calendar showing which dates fall into each pricing tier.
Buying your ticket online before you arrive is almost always cheaper than buying at the gate. Online tickets are typically available at a discount, and you can purchase them through the official Hersheypark website. If you buy at the gate, you will pay the highest price for that date. Tickets are non-refundable but can sometimes be transferred to a different date if you contact the park in advance.
If you plan to visit multiple times in a year, a season pass may cost less overall. Season passes include unlimited visits during the operating season and often include parking and discounts on food and merchandise. The park also sells multi-day tickets that let you visit on separate days within a set window, which cost less per day than buying single-day tickets separately.
Operating hours and when the park is open
Hersheypark operates year-round but with different schedules depending on the season. During summer (roughly June through August), the park typically opens at 10 a.m. and closes between 10 p.m. and midnight. Spring and fall hours are shorter, often 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Winter hours are the shortest, sometimes opening only on weekends.
The park closes entirely on certain days in winter and may have special event hours (like Halloween events in fall). The official Hersheypark website publishes a full calendar showing hours for each day of the year. Check this calendar before you plan your visit, because arriving on a day with limited hours can cut your time in the park significantly.
Some attractions and rides close for maintenance or seasonal reasons, even when the park is open. The park posts this information on its website and at the park entrance, but it is worth checking ahead if you are traveling specifically to ride a particular coaster.
Parking, transportation, and getting to the park
Parking at Hersheypark costs extra and is not included in your admission ticket. Standard parking is charged per vehicle per day. The park also offers premium parking options (closer to the entrance) at a higher rate. If you buy a season pass, parking may be included depending on which pass level you choose.
You can avoid the parking fee by using other transportation. Several hotels near Hersheypark offer free shuttle service to the park for their guests. Public transit is limited in the area, but some regional bus services do serve Hershey. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in the area, though the cost depends on where you are coming from.
If you drive, arrive early on busy days to get a closer parking spot. The parking lot fills up on summer weekends and holidays, and walking from distant spots can add 15 to 20 minutes to your arrival time.
Food, drinks, and what to bring into the park
Food and beverages sold inside Hersheypark are priced significantly higher than outside restaurants or grocery stores. A single meal (entree, drink, and snack) typically costs $40 to $60 per person. The park does allow you to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, which can save money if you are visiting with a family.
You can bring a refillable water bottle and fill it at water fountains throughout the park at no cost. Many visitors pack sandwiches, snacks, and fruit in a small cooler or bag. The park does not allow glass containers, alcohol, or outside beverages in cans or bottles, but you can bring food in any form.
If you prefer to buy food inside, the park has restaurants, quick-service stands, and snack carts. Quality and pricing vary. Some locations offer better value than others, so ask other visitors or check reviews before you buy. Dining plans are sometimes available for season pass holders or multi-day visitors, which can reduce per-meal costs.
What to know about rides, attractions, and wait times
Hersheypark has rides for different ages and thrill levels. Roller coasters range from family-friendly to extreme; water rides are separate from the main park; and there are dark rides, shows, and gentler attractions for younger children. The park publishes a map and ride list on its website so you can plan which attractions matter most to you.
Wait times vary dramatically by time of day and season. Peak times (summer weekends, holidays, and late afternoons) have the longest waits, sometimes 60 to 90 minutes for popular coasters. Early morning, weekday visits, and off-season dates have much shorter waits. The park offers a Quick Pass system that lets you reserve a time slot for certain rides instead of standing in line, though this costs extra.
Some attractions close during bad weather (especially water rides and outdoor shows). The park does not refund admission if weather forces closures, so plan for this possibility on rainy days.
Nearby hotels, lodging, and multi-day visits
Hershey has several hotels within walking distance or a short drive from the park. Some are owned by Hershey Entertainment & Resorts and offer perks like free parking, early park entry, or shuttle service. Other hotels are independently owned and may offer lower rates but fewer perks.
If you are visiting from far away, staying overnight can make sense. A multi-day ticket (visiting on two or more separate days) costs less per day than buying single-day tickets. Combining a hotel stay with a multi-day ticket can be a good value if you want to experience the park without rushing through everything in one day.
The town of Hershey also has restaurants, shops, and attractions outside the park, including Chocolate World (a free-entry facility with paid attractions and tours). You can spend time in the town between park visits or on days when you do not go to the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave the park and come back the same day?
Yes, but you need to get your hand stamped at the exit. This is free and lets you re-enter on the same day with the same ticket. Plan your exit point in advance if you want to leave for lunch or a break.
What is the best time to visit if I want shorter wait times?
Weekday visits in spring (April to May) or fall (September to October) have the shortest waits and lower ticket prices. Summer weekends and holiday weeks are the busiest. Winter weekdays are also quiet but the park has reduced hours and some attractions may be closed.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance or can I buy them at the gate?
You can buy at the gate, but online tickets are cheaper. Buying online a few days ahead takes a few minutes and saves money. On very busy days, buying online also lets you skip the ticket booth line.
Is there a height requirement for rides?
Yes, most coasters and thrill rides have minimum height requirements, typically 42 to 54 inches depending on the ride. The park posts these at each attraction entrance. Children who do not meet the height requirement can sometimes ride with an adult on gentler attractions.
What happens if it rains during my visit?
The park stays open in light rain, but some outdoor attractions close. Water rides may close temporarily. Your ticket is valid only for the day you use it and is not refunded for weather, so plan for this possibility by visiting on a day when you have flexibility or by buying a ticket that can be used on a different date.