Hersheypark Tips, Secrets and Must Do’s
Hersheypark is definitely the Sweetest Place On Earth! From rides, to the food, to the characters to the hotels, all of this family fun is waiting for you in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Here are my tips, secrets and must do’s next time you pay a visit to the town that smells like chocolate.
Hershey Trolley Works
I find the best way to get acquainted with a town is to take a tour. Get the lay of the land, learn a bit of the history and see the sites without having to be checking your GPS.
Hershey Trolley Works are group tours that leave from Chocolate World, 364 days a year (not Christmas Day) and not in snow. This 75 minute tour covers the story of Milton Hershey and the main sites of the town of Hershey.
- the original chocolate factory
- Mr. Hershey’s birthplace
- Highpoint Mansion
- Chocolate Avenue
- the Hershey Kiss Streetlights
- HersheyPark
- Milton Hershey School
Plus they give out samples of Hershey chocolate!
Zoo America
Pssst…. Zoo America is included in your Hersheypark ticket!
Take An After Hours Tour
ZooAmerica has extra programs and experiences for their guests. Tours are held Wednesday and Saturday nights year round. Starting times vary with the zoo closing times. This 2 hour behind-the-scenes adventure is perfect for families with children ages 3 and up!
ZooAmerica naturalists tour you through the Zoo, including an insider’s look at the Animal Health Center and a flashlight tour through the animal buildings. Feed the otters, touch a reptile, or hold a bird of prey. Plus, all participants will receive a flashlight, and items to complete your adventure through the Zoo!
More Tours
If you are not a night owl but more of a morning person ZooAmerica also has an Early Morning Tour! On Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from 8:00 – 10:00 AM, observe the animals as they start their day. Join a Zoo educator to get an up close and personal look at select Zoo species, enjoy an enrichment activity, help feed the animals, and more!
Hersheypark Season Pass
If you are going to visit Hersheypark three times a year you should get a season pass. The pass pays for itself in less than 3 visits!
Check out my full post on why my Hersheypark season pass is better than your pool membership.
Hershey Bears Hockey
During ice hockey season be sure to stop in and take in a game. This is a fun, family activity to enjoy! The game moves quickly, there is music playing between plays and lots of audiance participation. My kids ask to go back all the time!
Know before you go.
Parking
- Parking is $9 for Hershey Bears games
- Overnight parking is not permitted
- Tailgating is not permitted. Please review their policy
- Hersheypark Season Passes are not valid for free parking at Giant Center
- Preferred parking available for concerts and shows!
Get the App
The Hershey bears have their own app! Download before you arrive so you can be up to date during and after the game! More in-depth statistics, live scoring updates, game update push notifications, photos, video, social media, and much more! Apple, Google, Amazon.
Noise
There is rock music that plays between plays to get the crowd excited. If you have a kid with sensitivity to loud music,and crowds I would suggest bring ear protection. In my opinion the music is not overly loud but depending on their sensitivity, they might need a bit of buffering from the sound.
Kid Friendly Rides
There is literally something for everyone at Hersheypark. Hersheypark is known for its 13 roller coasters, including the indoor roller coaster, Laff Trak but if your kids are not of the proper height they can’t ride them. My little guys love Hersheypark because they can ride so many things, and those lines are usually pretty short!
Check out the post I wrote with the help of my five year old.
Five Favorite Rides For A Five Year Old At Hersheypark
Buy a Refillable Soda Cup
This video is from a few years ago but the principal is still the same. There is value in purchasing the cup! PLUS you get a discount on the refills if you are a season pass holder! WOOT!
Eat your way around Hersheypark!
Some days I just want to walk around Hersheypark and eat all the things.
New for 2017 there is a Chick-fil-A in founders way! Chick-fil-A is now at Hersheypark and we couldn’t be more excited! They are going to be serving a menu of fresh, handcrafted favorites for lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday. Sit down inside and enjoy the signature hand-breaded chicken sandwiches and fresh waffle fries or grab a hand-spun milkshake or fresh-squeezed lemonade!
Some of my families favorites place to eat include:
- Chickie’s ‘N Petes (2 locations)
- Decades
- Founders Kitchen. Promise me you will get the fried cheese curds!
- Famous Famiglia – Pizza!!!
- Making’ Whoppie Pies – Chocolate shell with peanut butter filling, please!
- Moe’s Southwest Grill
- Spring Creek Spring House – Walk around the park with a turkey leg!
Souvenirs are affordable
There are so many souvenirs to take home without breaking the bank. Check out the link above to find out what to find and where to find them! Here is my bonus hint: Grab your souvenir as you are leaving the park. Less carrying throughout the day!
The Boardwalk
INCLUDED in your Hersheypark ticket is The Boardwalk. Cool down, relax and have a splashin good time!
East Coast Waterworks (pictured above), Plunge tube rides, a lazy river, splash pads for the little kids, Waverider for the big kids and don’t forget the classic coal cracker and Tidal Force. Life vests are provided for those who want them and required for kids 48″ and below.
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published may 19, 2017