Plan the Perfect Hersheypark® Trip: Insider Tips + What's New in 2026
Planning a family trip to Hersheypark® in 2026? With over 70 rides, ZooAmerica, and The Boardwalk water park all included in one ticket, it's the ultimate summer destination in Pennsylvania.
We visited Hersheypark® for the first time during the 2024 season, and it was a BLAST! It’s one of our favorite places, and we’re already planning our first trip for this summer. This year we’re in for something extra special: the park is celebrating its 120th year with patriotic decor, Americana-themed rides and light packages, Hershey Characters in their festive best, and limited-time red, white and blue food and drink offerings. I cannot wait to get back, and in the spirit of planning our trip, I’m sharing some of my top tips and tricks to make the most out of your visit!
Hersheypark® Tips
Hershey Hotels
One of the best decisions we made was staying at a Hershey Hotel. Not only did it provide a comfortable and convenient place to stay, but it also came with some AWESOME perks. If you stay at a Hershey Hotel or Lodge, you can enter the park at 9 AM and enjoy select rides before the general public. This early access is a great way to beat the crowds and start your day with some excitement.
Free Night Before Preview
Another fantastic tip is taking advantage of the free night before preview. You can enter the park two hours before closing the day before your tickets are valid. This gives you a sneak peek at the fun ahead and a chance to enjoy some rides without the long lines. If you're staying at a Hershey Hotel, you get an extra hour — three hours of extra fun!
From mobile food ordering to limited-edition red, white and blue treats, dining at Hersheypark® is part of the experience. Pro tip: order ahead on the Hershey app to skip the lines!
Get to the Park Early
Getting to the park early is a game-changer. The ride lines are super short in the morning, and it's a great way to take advantage of the cooler weather, especially for little ones. After enjoying the rides, we hit up the water park to cool off midday. It was the perfect way to keep everyone happy and refreshed.
Hershey App
Don't forget to download the Hershey app! It has a map of the entire park, lets you check wait times for rides, buy additional tickets, and even explore different attractions. The app was incredibly useful for navigating the park and planning our day.
Mobile Food Ordering
There are SO many dining experiences to choose from — including new limited-time red, white and blue offerings this summer! Food lines can get just as long as the ride lines, so be sure to use the Hershey app to place your food orders for easy pickup.
Chocolate World
Chocolate World is a must-visit! Some activities require extra money, but creating our own chocolate bar and filling our Reese's Cup were such awesome experiences. Plus, there's a free Hershey tour inside Chocolate World where you get a fun-sized Hershey Bar at the end. The kids loved it!
FREE WATER!
All Hersheypark® food stands offer free cups of water — a lifesaver on hot days. Simple tip, big difference!
ZooAmerica®
Your Hersheypark® ticket includes access to rides, the water park, AND ZooAmerica, an 11-acre walk-through zoo accessed via the Hersheypark bridge during posted park hours. It's genuinely three parks in one!
Water Park — Now with Brand New Attractions!
The Boardwalk at Hersheypark is open from May 23 through September 7 this year, and they just debuted two brand-new water play areas: The Inlet and The Island at Bayside Pier. Together they feature 45 aquatic elements — even more ways to cool off and catch thrills. Between the lazy river, wave pool, water coaster, racing slides, and these new additions, there's something for every age!
Don't miss Sweet Land of Liberty: A Celebration of the American Songbook, Hersheypark®'s all-new live music show debuting this summer in the Chevrolet Music Box Theatre — perfect for families looking for a fun break between rides.
Sweet Land of Liberty Live Show — New This Summer!
One thing that's brand new this season: an all-new live music show called Sweet Land of Liberty: A Celebration of the American Songbook, debuting May 29 in the Chevrolet Music Box Theatre. Such a fun addition for families who want to take a break between rides!
Fun Fact
Hersheypark® was specially designed with thrill rides and kiddie rides in the same area — so families don't have to split up. It makes sticking together throughout the day so much easier!
Ways to Save This Summer
Hersheypark is celebrating 120 years of Hersheypark Happy with some great deals:
Tickets from $34.99 when you choose your visit date and book online. A variety of offers are available through May 31 at hersheypark.com/tickets.
Summer Fun Card for $99 — unlimited visits from purchase date through Labor Day! Grab it here.
Military Discount — active and veteran military can get tickets starting at $29.99 when verified through ID.me. Tickets are valid through September 7. Purchase here.
Plan Your Trip Today!
Hersheypark® really is the sweetest place on earth, and with the 120th anniversary celebration making this summer extra special, now is a great time to go. I hope these tips help you plan a fantastic visit with your family and friends. Enjoy the rides, the chocolate, and all the fun Hersheypark® has to offer!
