A Day in Hershey Park: Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

A Day in Hershey Park: Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visitors post thumbnail image

If you’re gearing up for your first visit to Hershey Park, you’re in for a delightful adventure! Known as the Sweetest Place on Earth, Hershey Park offers an array of thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, and, of course, plenty of chocolate. To help you make the most of your day, I’ve crafted the perfect Hershey Park itinerary to ensure a fun and memorable experience. Here’s how you can enjoy every moment of your visit!

Morning: Start Your Day Sweetly

9:00 AM – Arrival and Entry

Start your day bright and early! Arriving at Hershey Park when it opens gives you a head start on the crowds and lets you savor every minute. Once you’ve parked, head straight to the entrance, where you’ll be greeted with the sweet aroma of chocolate in the air.

9:30 AM – Hershey’s Chocolate World

Begin your adventure with a visit to Hershey’s Chocolate World, located right next to the park entrance. Take the free Chocolate Tour ride to see how Hershey’s iconic chocolates are made and don’t forget to grab your complimentary chocolate sample at the end! If you have extra time, consider crafting your own candy bar – a unique and tasty souvenir to remember your visit.

10:30 AM – Hit the Thrill Rides

Now that you’ve got some chocolatey energy, it’s time to dive into the park’s adrenaline-pumping rides. Start with the classics: Skyrush and Fahrenheit. These roller coasters are a must for thrill-seekers, offering heart-pounding drops and twists that will leave you exhilarated. If you’re visiting with younger kids, the Comet and SooperDooperLooper are perfect introductions to the world of coasters.

Kick-Off with Reese’s Cupfusion

Begin your day with one of Hershey Park’s most exciting attractions: Reese’s Cupfusion. This interactive ride is incredibly popular and often has long wait times, so it’s smart to hit it early. Join Agent Cup on a mission to protect Reese’s Central from the evil League of Misfit Candy. With its engaging gameplay and fun for all ages, it’s a must-do for every visitor. Did you know Reese’s Cupfusion has the most targets in any theme park ride? It’s a thrilling experience that will set the tone for your day.

Midday: Thrills and Chills

11:00 AM – Explore the Big Thrills

After enjoying Reese’s Cupfusion, dive into Hershey Park’s top thrill rides. Skyrush, Fahrenheit, and Candymonium offer heart-pounding excitement for thrill-seekers. If you’re visiting with younger kids, make sure to visit The Boardwalk at Hershey Park, where the water park provides a refreshing break and splashy fun.

1:00 PM – Lunch Break

By now, you’ll have worked up an appetite. Grab lunch at Chickie’s & Pete’s for classic Philly fare or explore other dining options throughout the park. Don’t forget to save room for a Hershey’s chocolate treat—after all, you’re at the Sweetest Place on Earth!

Hershey Park itinerary

Afternoon: More Fun Awaits

2:00 PM – Must-See Attractions

In the afternoon, explore Hershey Park’s iconic attractions. Take a relaxing ride on The Kissing Tower for panoramic views of the park, and visit ZooAmerica to see North American wildlife up close. If you’re a chocolate lover, don’t miss Chocolate World. Learn about the history of chocolate, create your own candy bar, and enjoy a chocolate-tasting tour.

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4:00 PM – Insider Tips for the Afternoon

To maximize your experience, download the Official Hershey Park app. It provides real-time ride availability, wait times, mobile ordering, an interactive map, and show times. Staying hydrated is crucial, so take advantage of the free cups of water available at all food stands and use the water refill stations throughout the park.

Evening: Wind Down Your Day at Hershey Park

6:30 PM – Final Rides and Sweet Treats

As evening approaches, take advantage of the last hour and a half to revisit your favorite rides or grab a final sweet treat before heading out. This is also a great time to explore any parts of the park you might have missed earlier, like The Hollow or Kissing Tower Hill.

7:30 PM – Grab a Quick Bite or Souvenir

Before the park closes at 8:00 PM, stop by a snack stand for a quick bite or refreshing drink. If you’re looking for souvenirs, browse the shops for last-minute keepsakes like giant Hershey’s bars or cute Reese’s plushies.

8:00 PM – Departure

With a day packed with fun and excitement, it’s time to head out as the park closes. Reflect on the wonderful memories you’ve made and start planning your next visit to Hershey Park, where the magic of chocolate and adventure awaits!

Perfect Hershey Park Itinerary for First-Time Visitors | Must-See Rides & Tips

Important Dates and General Tips

Dates and Hours:

Hershey Park is open daily through September 2. Hours vary by day for Hershey Park, The Boardwalk Water Park, and ZooAmerica, so be sure to check the hours for your visit. The summer season ends on September 8, but note that The Boardwalk will be closed that weekend.

General Tips:

Final Thoughts

This Hershey Park itinerary ensures you experience the best of what the park has to offer from start to finish. With thrilling rides, delicious treats, and unforgettable moments, your visit will be sweet in every way!


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1 thought on “A Day in Hershey Park: Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visitors”

  1. Wow Hershey Park looks amazing my kids would love to go There Thinking of this weekend thanks so much for sharing

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