Headed on a family vacation to the “Sweetest Place on Earth?” You’ll want to check out my Top 10 tips for visiting Hersheypark with Kids! I was provided with complimentary tickets. All sweet opinions are my own.
My family just returned from a 3-day mini vacation to Hersheypark. The last time we visited Hershey, Lincoln was 3.5 years old (the age Avery is now), and I was pregnant with Avery. Now I have two little boys, ages 7 and 3 — boy how time flies! We brought Lincoln’s Grammy and Grandpa with us too! We love all traveling together…and the boys love it too!! If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly vacation, Hersheypark is a great choice! There’s a reason it’s called “the sweetest place on earth.” From the moment you enter the park, you should be prepared for a complete chocolate overload! Here are my tips for visiting with younger kids.
Top 10 Tips for Visiting Hersheypark with Kids
1. Have a Plan
Any parent would agree that it’s always best to have a plan ahead of time before going anywhere with kids. If you can, check out the park map ahead of time. Do your research on the rides and attractions your children will be interested in. Hersheypark is HUGE. There are also a lot of hills, so be prepared to stop and rest. You don’t want to over do it! Thankfully, there is a ton of shade throughout the park with benches– perfect to get out of the sun.
2. Visit During the Week
I can assure you the park will be less crowded if you can visit on a weekday. We visited on a Tuesday, and there were seriously no crowds. Now keep in mind, we didn’t ride any of the big roller coasters — and Hersheypark has quite a few! However, both Lincoln and Avery rode the Coal Cracker (a flume ride), and the Trailblazer (a family-friendly coaster), and didn’t have a long wait in line.
3. Visit the Official Measurement Station right away!
Immediately upon entering Hersheypark, measure your kids at the Official Measurement Station. Hershey really made it fun for kids, assigning them a different candy based on how tall they are! Once they are measured, kids will receive a wristband with their height category — now you can easily know which rides your child can go on! Lincoln was a Hershey Bar, and Avery was a Hershey Kiss! I will say though, they were BOTH super close to that next height level. Such big boys!!
4. Do the Preview Plan
When you purchase a regular full-day admission ticket, you are welcome to visit the park 2 1/2 hours before closing time the night before! You can even use your parking stub the next day, so you don’t have to pay for parking twice!
5. Download the Hersheypark App
Trust me, the Hersheypark App is such a lifesaver. You can do just about anything you can imagine right from the convenience of your smartphone: Purchase tickets, view the park map, see dining and restroom locations, view ride wait times and height restrictions, meet up with your favorite Hershey’s characters, and so much more!!
6. Stay Hydrated
Although it was *only* 86 degrees the day we visited, the humidity was almost unbearable. We made sure each person in our family had a water bottle to stay hydrated. Hersheypark also offers an All-Day Drink Deal. For only $14.83, you can purchase a a Souvenir Cup and receive FREE refills all day long. While we didn’t take advantage of this, we did enjoy the most refreshing fresh-squeezed lemonade. It was perfect to quench our thirst!!
7. Visit ZooAmerica
ZooAmerica is included in your one-price admission when you visit from within Hersheypark. It features an 11-acre walk-through zoo with tree-lined pathways. You can learn about more than 200 animals from five regions of North America. We spent about an hour at ZooAmerica. It was really nice to slow down a bit and enjoy the animals with the kids.
8. Plan an entire day for the Boardwalk
We only had one day at Hersheypark, so we chose to not do the Boardwalk. BUT, next time I hope to have two days so we can spend an entire day there! The Boardwalk at Hersheypark is a massive water park. There is something for everyone, and the perfect way to cool off! I sort of regret not bringing our bathing suits, because it really would have been a great mid-day break! Next time, for sure!!
9. Visit Hershey’s Chocolate World
Don’t forget to visit Hershey’s Chocolate World!! Located right next to Hersheypark, you can explore the many wonders of chocolate! If you’re looking for that perfect Hershey souvenir, this is where you will find it! Hershey’s Chocolate World also offers several attractions, like the Chocolate Tour, the 4D Chocolate Mystery, and everyone’s favorite, Make your own Candy Bar! You can easily spend a few hours here, so make sure you have time! We visited the day before we visited Hersheypark.
10. Have FUN and Make Memories with your Family!
This one seems all too easy, but I think it’s the most important! Enjoy your children. Let them take the lead! Ask them what they want to do next! Take lots of photos, and enjoy this special time!!
What a fun day!! We can’t wait to visit Hersheypark again — it’s always a sweet time! Until next time…stay #HersheyParkHappy !!
Have you visited Hersheypark with your family? What tips do you recommend?
Looks like you had a good time. I love your pictures.
This looks like a really fun place for the family to visit. I would love to go there.
Looks like a fun place!
I just moved to PA so thanks for these tips!
Haven’t been since I was in the 3rd grade I’m 58 now I have ten grand’s me and 1 of my granddaughters was just talking about it I’m saving my coin’s now so we can go
Thank you so much for these tips! This will be my families first time visiting and we are super excited! Your advice and memories are so refreshing. We hope your enjoying this year!