5 Reasons to Visit Hershey Park And 4 Tips For Families

Disclosure: My family and I received complimentary admission to Hershey Park. As always, all opinions are my own


This time last week my family and I were heading up 95N to Hershey, PA, which is about two hours from where we stay outside of Washington, DC. We had never had an opportunity to visit Hershey Park before and since we would be staying minutes away at the Homewood Suites hotel, we took the opportunity to check out this world-class amusement park. Simply put: it was worth it!

1. Location

A year-round destination, Hershey is located in central Pennsylvania, three hours from New York City, 90 minutes from Philadelphia or Baltimore, and two hours from Washington. It was a quick and easy ride and the kids could barely ask if we were there yet before we actually made it there. It was easy to get to and locate, which is always a plus.

2. Chocolate

Need I say more? Funnel cake is a must as is…but funnel cake with Hershey chocolate kisses on them takes it to a whole new level. It was the most amazing thing I’ve had in a long time. It was perfect. Seriously. Not only that, but did you know they have a whole building dedicated to choc-o-late? You can make your own candy bars (which we ended up not having time to do unfortunately), and go on a chocolate tour which was super cool and fun.

#HershePark - Chocolate funnel cake

3. Boardwalk

There is soooo much to do on the boardwalk, and so many fun water activities for the little one. The water slides were so much fun, and this momma enjoyed going down the slides just as much as the babies. The section was very well thought out, and I really liked that it was separate from the rest of the park. We got crazy soaked in the water park but I seriously felt like a kid again. It.was.so.much.fun.

4. Something for everyone

My kids are 4, 5 & 7. We were literally at the park for almost the entire duration that they were open that day. Everyone got to ride plenty of rides and do activities. When the older ones wanted to get on rides, my hubby and I could divide and conquer and take the little one on rides that she was tall enough to go on. Did I say there was plenty? Hershey park is the definition of family-friendly. What I also liked is that there was even enough to do without the kids, that my hubby and I could enjoy because we’re both big roller coaster enthusiasts. That being said, if you’re a die-hard roller coaster rider, the new Laff Trakk may not be worth the over hour wait we had to endure to get on it. However, according to my two little ones, it was awesome and it was worth the wait for them and that’s all that mattered to me.

#HersheyPark - teacups - momsncharge

#HersheyPark - kiddie ride - momsncharge

5. Attention to detail

Everything seemed so clean and well thought out. From the location of the food stops throughout the park, to the rides, to how they measure your height (one of my favorite things), it was great. The kids loved their personalized bracelets as well as all of the characters and statues around the park.

#HersheyPark - height requirement - momsncharge

#HersheyPark - hershey statues - momsncharge

4 Tips to keep in mind when traveling to Hershey with little ones:

1. Start with the water park

When we got to the park, it started pouring down rain for a bit. So we decided to stick with the rides and hold off on going to the boardwalk. By the time we finished with the rides and changed into our swim clothes it was a little after 7pm. We didn’t realize the boardwalk closed at 8pm. So it didn’t leave us much time to enjoy it, and there was sooo much to enjoy. So next time, we’ll start here.

2. Bring a change of clothes

Since we changed clothes, we left them in the car. In hindsight, we should’ve kept a dry change of clothes because we went on more rides after the boardwalk closed, and it got a wee bit chilly. But we didn’t have time to run back to the car in order to change our clothes again, so we just toughed it out. Next time we’ll have some dry clothes on hand because the wet towels got uncomfortable quick LOL

#HersheyPark - waterpark - momsncharge

3. Bring snacks and water

While we got our fill of funnel cakes and dipping dots and other snacks and food while at the park, I was so glad we had snacks and water at hand. They came in handy when we were in long lines, or had to wait to get food/drink.

4. Spread it out over two days

While we had an absolute blast at the park, in hindsight, it would’ve been even better to split the day up into two. We could’ve done the boardwalk/waterpark one day and the dry rides the next day. We got to the park close to 11am and didn’t leave until almost 10pm when they closed, and we still didn’t get to do everything. Our youngest fell asleep with daddy while waiting for us to get through the Laff Trakk line. So, I guess this means we need to plan another trip soon.

#HersheyPark - exit - momsncharge

All in all, we will definitely be going back to visit Hershey Park, and wondering what took us so long to check it out. The fact that the kids enjoyed it as much as we did, made it that much sweeter.

For more information please visit www.HersheyPA.com. You also can like them on Facebook or follow Hershey on Twitter at @HersheyPA.

Here is a quick Periscope video I did while at the park! Fun times (and PS, if you’re not on Periscope or following me yet, you really should 😉 )

Have you visited Hershey Park before? What are some great tips you have for hanging out at the amusement park with the kids?

#HersheyPark - sleeping baby - momsncharge

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22 Comments

  • MJ
    August 5, 2015 at 9:40 AM

    I haven’t been to Hershey Park since I was a child but guess what? I still remember it. Next time we are up North, we will take a ride to visit. My kids would love it. I am definitely here for ALL the chocolate. I love quick family getaways that everyone can enjoy no matter the age.
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    • Christine St.Vil
      August 5, 2015 at 3:41 PM

      I agree MJ! It really was fun for everyone and I’m so glad we finally got a chance to experience it!

  • Janelle
    August 5, 2015 at 2:04 PM

    Aw, this is truly lovely. I honestly enjoy how you’re always sharing your family trips with us. Very helpful tips especially “bring extra clothing” including snacks and water. I have never visited this place before but definitely looking forward to taking my kids there next summer.
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    • Christine St.Vil
      August 5, 2015 at 3:42 PM

      Thanks so much Janelle! This will definitely have to be a family tradition for us because there really is so much to do and for everyone to enjoy! I know your family will enjoy it as much as we did 🙂

  • Tryphena Wade
    August 5, 2015 at 6:11 PM

    wow! I’ve never been to the Park but I’ve heard much about it. And the chocolate makes everything better!

  • Ramona
    August 5, 2015 at 9:08 PM

    I’ve always heard about Hershey Park, but I’ve never been. It looks like you and your family had a great time. It’s awesome that they have rides and a water park. Thanks for sharing your experience.
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    • Christine St.Vil
      August 7, 2015 at 1:19 AM

      Me too Ramona, and it was a shame because we live fairly close. We definitely had a really great time and looking forward to the next visit, thank you!

  • LaKisha
    August 5, 2015 at 9:43 PM

    Loved this. I love a good family trip. And I don’t need more than one reason to visit Hershey park but you gave me plenty and great tips. I will be definitely adding this to the list of places to visit.

  • LaShawn
    August 6, 2015 at 7:02 AM

    I used to LOVE Hershey Park as a kid! I went on my first roller coaster there! LOL Great memories. And don’t forget chocolate.
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    • Christine St.Vil
      August 7, 2015 at 1:20 AM

      OMG that’s awesome LaShawn!!! Why didn’t you tell me about it then??? LOL I’m glad I’m able to give my kids these memories to last a lifetime 🙂

  • Elle
    August 6, 2015 at 7:45 AM

    I haven’t been there since the 90’s. I haven’t been to any parks this summer, or last. Which is crazy, because that’s what summer is for haha.

  • Jaye@Curvatude
    August 6, 2015 at 9:41 AM

    LOL…I love that last picture and I would only need one reason to visit…CHOCOLATE!
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  • Siobhan (BeFree Project)
    August 6, 2015 at 10:18 AM

    I just recently heard of Hershey Park a few years ago and it’s only about 5 hrs from where I live. It sounds like you and your family had so much fun. Chocolate + Funnel Cake, that’s all the reason I need to make my way there.

  • JoAnna
    August 6, 2015 at 4:48 PM

    I’ve never been to Hershey park, but this looks like so much fun! My sister is in PA, so I’ll definitely share this with her. Only a few weeks left before school starts.
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  • Adanna
    August 6, 2015 at 7:09 PM

    I recently took a trip with my family to Hershey Park. It was our first there but we really loved it. The Boardwalk was definitely our favorite. One day was short so next time I’ll do like you and go for two days instead.
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  • GinaB @ Mirror Watching
    August 8, 2015 at 12:18 PM

    Looks like your kids had a great time. I’ve been waiting for my daughter to get bigger so I can take here there when you go North to visit family.
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  • Valerie Robinson
    August 9, 2015 at 8:48 AM

    This post is right on time! We are taking the kids there next weekend before school starts and it will be our first visit. Wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but this post summed it up nicely- I’m so excited :-).

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