There’s something about walking toward the Hersheypark entrance that immediately gets everyone excited. You can see the coasters in the distance, everyone starts talking about what they want to ride first, and suddenly all the planning you did before the trip feels completely worth it.
After spending a full day at Hersheypark with kids, though, I realized there are quite a few things that are much easier to understand once you’re actually inside the park.
Hersheypark is BIG. Between the rides, food, The Boardwalk, ZooAmerica, characters, and all the little stops along the way, there’s a lot competing for your attention. And if you go in thinking you have to do absolutely everything, you may end up spending more of your day rushing around than actually enjoying it.
We definitely didn’t do everything—and looking back, I’m completely okay with that.
So instead of giving you another huge list of everything there is to do, I wanted to share the things I think are actually helpful to know before visiting Hersheypark with kids, especially if this is your family’s first trip.
Hersheypark Is Bigger Than It Looks on the Map
One of the first things I would tell another family is not to underestimate how much walking you’ll do.
Looking at the Hersheypark map before your visit is one thing. Actually walking from one area to another with kids, stopping for rides, food, bathroom breaks, drinks, photos, and everything else is completely different.
We found that having a general idea of where we wanted to go made things much easier.
My biggest suggestion is to avoid bouncing back and forth across the park whenever possible. Take a look at the map before your visit and figure out where your family’s must-do attractions are located.
You don’t need to schedule every minute—I actually wouldn’t recommend doing that—but having a loose plan can save you a lot of unnecessary walking.
This becomes even more important if you want to fit The Boardwalk and ZooAmerica into the same day.
If you’re still in the early planning stages, my 9 must-know tips for planning a trip to Hershey Park can also help you get some of those bigger decisions out of the way before you arrive.
Download the Hersheypark App Before You Leave Home
This is one of those simple things that’s much easier to take care of from your couch than while you’re standing inside the park trying to decide where everyone wants to go next.
Download the Hersheypark app before your trip and spend a few minutes looking through it.
You can use the app for park navigation, ride information and wait times, dining information, and finding attractions throughout the park.
When you’re visiting Hersheypark with kids, being able to quickly check what’s happening around the park can save you from unnecessary walking.
I also like having the map right on my phone. Even if you’ve already looked at the park layout beforehand, you’ll probably still be checking it throughout the day.
And here’s another parent tip: bring a portable phone charger.
Between using the app, taking photos and videos, and everything else we use our phones for during a family day out, that battery can disappear surprisingly fast.
Hersheypark Is Cashless, So Be Prepared
This is one detail that’s definitely worth knowing before you arrive.
Hersheypark is cashless.
The park accepts major credit and debit cards, Hersheypark gift cards, and supported mobile payment options.
We saw the cashless reminder while we were there, and it’s one of those little details that’s easy to overlook when you’re focused on tickets, rides, parking, and everything else that goes into planning the day.
It’s especially worth remembering if your kids normally bring their own cash for souvenirs or treats.
A little preparation beforehand means you won’t be standing inside the park trying to figure out how everyone is going to pay for something they suddenly need to have.
Because somehow, there’s always something. 😂
Check Your Kids’ Ride Heights Before You Go
If rides are one of your family’s biggest priorities, spend a few minutes checking the height requirements before your visit.
Hersheypark uses candy-themed height categories, which is cute, but it’s also genuinely useful for figuring out which rides your child can enjoy.
Knowing your child’s category before arriving can help prevent that disappointing moment when they get excited about a ride only to find out they aren’t tall enough.
It also makes planning Hersheypark with kids much easier because you can focus on areas where there are several attractions everyone can enjoy.
I’ve already put together an Ultimate Guide to Hersheypark Rides, where I go much deeper into the ride options, so I won’t repeat all of that information here.
My biggest suggestion is simply to know everyone’s height before you go and identify a few must-do rides ahead of time.
Don’t Make the Entire Day About the Biggest Rides
The roller coasters get a lot of attention at Hersheypark—and for good reason—but there’s so much more happening around the park.
And sometimes the moments you didn’t plan end up being some of the best ones.
We ran into Hershey characters during our visit, and of course we had to stop for a picture.
It’s easy to get into that theme-park mindset where you’re constantly thinking about what ride you’re heading to next. I’ve definitely been guilty of that.
But I’m learning that slowing down a little makes these family days much more enjoyable.
Stop for the character.
Take the picture.
Let everyone look around.
That extra ride will still be there.
Decide Beforehand If The Boardwalk Is Part of Your Day
If you’re visiting when The Boardwalk at Hersheypark is open, this is one decision I would make before leaving home.
Are you actually planning to spend time there?
Because if the answer is yes, it changes what you need to bring and how you should plan the day.
You’ll want swimsuits, sunscreen, appropriate footwear, and whatever other water-park essentials your family normally needs. A small waterproof pouch for phones and valuables can also be useful when you’re going back and forth between dry attractions and water areas.
More importantly, give yourself enough time to actually enjoy The Boardwalk.
Trying to squeeze a water park into an already packed Hersheypark itinerary can make the day feel rushed very quickly.
The Boardwalk is included with Hersheypark admission during its operating season, so it’s tempting to say, “We’ll just stop by for a little while.”
But once the kids are having fun in the water, that “little while” may turn into a much bigger part of your afternoon.
There are also cabanas available for families who want that option. I would check current availability and pricing directly with Hersheypark before your visit since those details can change.
Don’t Forget About ZooAmerica
I’ll admit that when you think about Hersheypark, animals probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind.
But ZooAmerica is right there.
ZooAmerica is accessible from inside Hersheypark, and admission is included with your Hersheypark ticket when entering through the park during operating hours.
I think this is such a nice option when visiting Hersheypark with kids because it gives everyone a break from going from ride to ride.
It’s also great if you have kids with completely different interests. One child may be all about the coasters while another is perfectly happy slowing down and looking at animals.
That’s another reason I wouldn’t plan every hour of your day.
Leaving a little flexibility means you can stop somewhere like ZooAmerica without feeling like you’re falling behind on a schedule.
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Don’t Wait Until Everyone Is Starving to Find Food
Every parent knows there’s a big difference between:
“I’m getting a little hungry.”
and
“I’m STARVING!”
Once you reach the second one, suddenly finding food becomes the most important attraction in Hersheypark. 😂
There are plenty of food options spread throughout the park. During our visit, we passed places like 1906 Grill, Flying Fare, and Spring Creek Smokehouse, along with smaller snack and drink locations.
And yes, we also had to try a Doritos Walking Taco.
Rather than deciding exactly where everyone has to eat before you arrive, I think it’s more useful to have a general idea of what dining options are near the areas where you’ll be spending your time.
You can check dining information in the Hersheypark app too.
Another thing that works well for us during busy family days is eating a little earlier than the normal lunch or dinner rush when possible.
It doesn’t always happen—because kids have their own schedule when it comes to being hungry—but when it does, it can make meal stops feel much easier.
A Refillable Drink Cup May Be Worth Considering
We used a Hersheypark refillable drink cup during our visit, and I was glad we had it.
A full day at an amusement park involves a LOT of walking, and during warmer weather everyone seems to be thirsty constantly.
Whether a refillable option makes sense for your family will depend on how many drinks you normally purchase and whatever refill program Hersheypark is offering during your visit.
For us, having a drink option available throughout the day was convenient.
I would check the current cup and refill options before your visit rather than relying on old prices you may find online, since these programs can change.
And yes, I know reminding everyone to stay hydrated isn’t exactly the exciting part of visiting Hersheypark.
But after a few hours of walking around on a hot day, it suddenly becomes pretty important.
Know What You Can Bring Into Hersheypark
This is something I always check before packing our park bag.
Hersheypark currently allows guests to bring one sealed water bottle per person. Outside food and beverages generally aren’t permitted, with exceptions for special dietary needs.
I always recommend checking the park’s current policies shortly before your trip because rules can change.
As far as everything else goes, I try to keep our bag pretty simple.
For a summer day at Hersheypark with kids, a few things I would consider bringing are sunscreen, sunglasses, a portable phone charger, lightweight ponchos if rain is possible, and a small cooling towel for especially hot days.
You don’t want to carry half the house around Hersheypark all day.
Trust me, your shoulders will thank you later.
Build in Breaks Before Everyone Actually Needs One
This is something I’ve learned from family travel in general.
Don’t wait until everyone is completely exhausted to take a break.
Find somewhere to sit for a few minutes. Get something cold to drink. Grab a snack. Let everyone cool down.
Sometimes ten or fifteen minutes of doing absolutely nothing can completely reset the day.
It’s tempting to feel like sitting down means you’re wasting valuable park time, especially when you’ve paid for admission.
But I’d much rather spend fifteen minutes taking a break than have everyone tired and cranky for the next two hours.
Decide Whether Park Photos Matter to You
You’ll notice opportunities for photos throughout Hersheypark, and there’s also a Photo Hub where guests can view and purchase park photos.
PhotoPass options are available as well.
This definitely isn’t something every family needs.
We’re usually taking so many pictures ourselves that my camera roll is slightly ridiculous after a trip.
But there’s one big difference with park photos:
The person who is usually taking all the pictures actually gets to be in them.
If ride photos and family photos are important to you, it’s worth looking at Hersheypark’s current PhotoPass options before your visit and deciding whether it makes sense for your family.
Otherwise, just keep that phone charged and take plenty of your own.
Comfortable Shoes Are Non-Negotiable
Seriously.
Not cute shoes.
Not “these should be fine” shoes.
Actual comfortable walking shoes.
Between getting into the park and walking from one attraction to another all day, your feet are going to get a workout.
The same goes for the kids.
A blister or uncomfortable shoe can change someone’s mood surprisingly fast, and that’s not how anyone wants to remember their Hersheypark day.
This is one of those Hersheypark tips for families that sounds ridiculously obvious until you’re several hours into the day wishing you’d worn something different.
Don’t Forget to Check the Weather
Pennsylvania weather doesn’t care how carefully you planned your Hersheypark itinerary.
Check the forecast before leaving and pack accordingly.
During warmer visits, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, sunglasses, and water are obvious choices. If rain is possible, I prefer lightweight ponchos because they don’t take up much room in the bag.
And if you’re planning to stay until the evening, check how much the temperature is expected to change after sunset.
The goal isn’t to prepare for every possible scenario.
It’s simply to avoid having to buy something inside the park that you already have sitting at home.
Can You Really Do Hersheypark in One Day?
Yes.
But I think it depends on what you mean by “do Hersheypark.”
Can you have an amazing family day there? Absolutely.
Can you experience every ride, eat everything, spend time at The Boardwalk, explore ZooAmerica, meet characters, take pictures, shop, and still have everyone happily walking out at closing?
Probably not.
And that’s okay.
If you only have one day at Hersheypark with kids, choose your family’s must-do experiences first.
Maybe that’s a handful of specific rides.
Maybe your kids really want The Boardwalk.
Maybe someone is excited about ZooAmerica.
Maybe you’re a coaster family and that’s where most of your time will go.
If this is your first visit, my Hershey Park itinerary for first-time visitors can help you organize the day without trying to squeeze everything into one impossible schedule.
What I’d Do Differently on Our Next Hersheypark Visit
The biggest thing I’d change?
I’d worry even less about doing everything.
Every family experiences Hersheypark differently, and I think that’s part of what makes it such a fun place to revisit.
A family with little ones isn’t going to have the same day as a family with teenagers who want every roller coaster. Someone visiting primarily for The Boardwalk is going to plan differently from a family who wants ZooAmerica and family rides.
That’s why I think the best way to experience Hersheypark with kids is to decide what matters most to your family.
Pick your must-do rides.
Have a loose plan.
Check the map.
Know where you might want to eat.
Then leave enough room for the day to change.
Because chances are, it will.
Someone will suddenly need a snack. A ride will have a longer wait than you expected. You’ll spot a Hershey character and stop for a picture. The kids will see something you hadn’t even considered doing.
And those unplanned moments can end up being some of the best parts of the trip.
If you’re traveling from New York like we do, Hershey also works really well as part of a longer family getaway rather than trying to drive in, conquer the park, and head straight home. I share more ideas in my guide to weekend getaways from NYC with kids.
We definitely didn’t do everything during our Hersheypark visit.
And honestly, I’m glad we didn’t spend the entire day trying.
We rode, explored, ate, took pictures, slowed down when we needed to, and enjoyed being there together.
That’s what I want our family trips to feel like.
And everything we didn’t get to?
Well, that just gives us another reason to come back.
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