Living in NYC, we’re surrounded by incredible places to explore—but not all of them are family-friendly, affordable, or worth the drive with little ones in tow. That’s why Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania has become our go-to destination. It’s chocolatey, exciting, and packed with things to do for every age (even us parents!).
Whether you’re looking for the best weekend getaways from NYC with kids, planning a fun family road trip, or just want to know where to find the best rides and hotels near Hersheypark, this post has you covered.
🚗 How Far is Hersheypark from NYC?
Hersheypark is about 3.5 to 4 hours from NYC by car, making it the perfect road trip getaway. We love using the drive to snack, sing, and unplug from the city.
Don’t want to drive? You can take Amtrak to Harrisburg and grab a quick Uber or rental car to the park.
🎒 Planning a trip? Read: Road Trip Tips with Kids That Actually Work
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🎢 Best Rides at Hersheypark for Families
One of the things I love most is how many rides are perfect for mixed-age families like ours. Some are thrilling, others are chill, but they’re all about making memories.
Here are a few of the best rides at Hersheypark that we always go back to:
- Kissing Tower – A slow-moving, scenic ride with a full view of the park. Great for winding down.
- Twin Turnpike Cars – The kids think they’re driving, and it’s always a blast!
- Laff Trakk – An indoor spinning coaster that’s just the right level of wild.
- The Monorail – Our favorite way to rest our feet and still keep exploring.
✨ Tip: Ride wait times are lowest during early entry and just after lunch.
🔗 Related: Hersheypark Rides Guide – What to Ride by Age
🎢 What’s the Best Roller Coaster at Hersheypark?
If you’re traveling with a thrill-loving tween or teen, don’t skip Skyrush — often called the best roller coaster at Hersheypark for its crazy fast drops and airtime. My niece rode it three times in a row!
And for the daredevils: Candymonium and Fahrenheit are among the biggest roller coasters at Hersheypark. My tip? Start your day with these before the lines grow.
💦 The Boardwalk at Hersheypark: Summer’s Best Surprise
Visiting in summer? Pack your swimsuits! The Boardwalk at Hersheypark is a full water park inside the park, included with admission.
From the lazy river to water slides and splash zones, it’s the perfect way to cool down and let the kids burn energy. My daughter spent more time in the wave pool than on any ride!
🩱 Pro tip: Bring water shoes and a waterproof bag.
🍫 Don’t Miss Chocolate World (It’s Free!)
Right next to the entrance, Hershey’s Chocolate World is free to visit and packed with sweet experiences. We always ride the Chocolate Tour Ride (also free!), where singing cows teach how Hershey chocolate is made — and yes, you get a free chocolate sample at the end.
Other can’t-miss fun:
- Create Your Own Candy Bar (custom wrapper included!)
- 4D Chocolate Movie
- The massive Hershey gift shop
🛏️ Best Hotels Near Hersheypark for Families
We’ve tried a few hotels nearby, and these are the ones we’ve loved for their comfort, kid-friendliness, and value. If you’re planning a trip, here are the best hotels near Hersheypark that I personally recommend:
🛌 Cartoon Network Hotel (15 min away)
It’s colorful, playful, and fully themed—perfect for younger kids. Bonus: indoor pool + cartoon bingo night!
🔗 Check availability on Hotels.com
🛌 Hershey Lodge (official partner)
Spacious rooms, an indoor pool complex, and shuttle service to the park. They even give you chocolate at check-in!
🛌 SpringHill Suites Hershey
A lifesaver for families with toddlers—mini fridge, microwave, free breakfast, and room to breathe.
🔗 Book your stay near Hersheypark here
🗓️ Best Time to Visit Hersheypark
Every season brings something special:
- Summer: Water rides, late hours, and Boardwalk fun.
- Halloween: Not-so-scary rides, trick-or-treat trails, and pumpkins everywhere.
- Christmas Candylane: Over 5 million lights, Santa’s reindeer, and festive music!
🎃 Peek inside: Our Hersheypark Halloween Recap
🧺 What to Pack & Family Tips
- 🎟️ Use the preview plan — enter the evening before your ticket date!
- 👟 Comfy shoes and a stroller if your little one tires out.
- 💦 Swimsuits and sunscreen if visiting in summer.
- 📲 Download the Hersheypark app for ride times + mobile ordering.
📸 Best Instagram Spots in the Park
Trust me—your camera roll will thank you. Snap these:
- 🍫 Hershey Kisses fountain (it’s iconic!)
- 📍 Candy character photo ops near the front gate
- 🌇 Top of Kissing Tower at sunset
- 🎃 Seasonal decor during Halloween or Christmas
📲 Follow our adventures at @fortheloveto
🐾 More Family Fun Near Hersheypark
Make it a full weekend! Here are some family-friendly things to do near Hersheypark:
- ZooAmerica – Included with your ticket!
- Hershey Gardens – Butterfly atrium + floral paths.
- The Hershey Story Museum – Great for hands-on learning (and indoor breaks).
💖 A Sweet Weekend Escape from NYC
If you’re looking for one of the best weekend getaways from NYC with kids, Hersheypark delivers every time. From sweet treats and exciting rides to the relaxing water park and family-focused hotels nearby, it’s the kind of place your kids will ask to go back to—again and again.
🛎️ Start planning now: Check out the best hotel deals near Hersheypark on Hotels.com
🎟️ Bundle your tickets + hotel to save time and money—and make it the easiest trip of the year!
💬 Let’s Chat! Have You Been to Hersheypark?
Drop your tips or questions in the comments below—what’s your family’s favorite ride or treat? Let’s swap stories and help each other plan the perfect trip 🍫💕
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