If you have a sweet tooth for adventure, then spending a day or two at Hersheypark should be at the top of your summer bucket list. Located in Hershey, just 30 minutes north of B.F. Hiestand House, this world-renowned amusement park offers a delightful blend of chocolate-themed attractions, heart-pounding rides and a larger-than-life waterpark that will leave you craving for more.
Hersheypark is an iconic destination that has been entertaining families since it first opened in the early 1900s as leisure grounds for employees of Hershey's Chocolate Factory. Today, Hersheypark features more than 70 rides and attractions across 121 acres. Even before you enter the park, you're greeted with the tantalizing aroma of chocolate wafting through the air. Your first stop should be the Hershey's Chocolate World attraction, where you can take a free tour to learn about the chocolate-making process and shop at the world's largest Hershey's store.
After Chocolate World, it's time to head into the park itself, which offers the perfect mix of thrilling rides, live entertainment, sweet eats and more. If you're a fan of roller coasters, you won't be disappointed. Hersheypark boasts 15 exhilarating coasters, including the iconic Great Bear and the lightning-fast Storm Runner. New in 2023 is the Wildcat's Revenge, a wood and steel hybrid coaster that reaches top speeds of 62 mph, dives into an 82-degree drop and inverts four times. If you prefer a slower pace, take a spin on the Ferris Wheel or a ride in the Kissing Tower, both offering beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Of course, there are rides catering to all ages and adrenaline levels, so you'll have plenty to choose from.
When the temperatures rise, cool off at The Boardwalk, Hersheypark's 11-acre waterpark. Relax as you float down the Lazy River, splash and play at East Coast Waterworks, or speed down waterslides like Riptide and Surge and plunge into the pools below. Entry into The Boardwalk is included in your Hersheypark admission ticket. Also included in your ticket is admission to Zoo America. This small, accredited zoo spans 11 acres and features 200 animals native to five regions of the North American continent. You'll see everything from a Mexican bearded lizard and a nine-banded armadillo from the dry deserts of the Southwest to a Canada lynx and gray wolf from the forests and tundra of the Northlands.
Finally, don't forget to grab a bite to eat at one of the 60 food stands and restaurants scattered throughout the park. Indulge in chocolate-themed treats like funnel cakes topped with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups or savor a classic Hershey's chocolate milkshake. Check out the new full-service dining experience at The Chocolatier, or find a plethora of options to fill your belly with popular fast-food choices, amusement park favorites and plenty of Hershey's sweet treats.
Come spend a fun-filled summer day at Hersheypark. It's a great place to feel like a kid again and create new memories. From exhilarating rides and attractions to delectable chocolate treats and so much more, it's no wonder Hersheypark is often referred to as "The Sweetest Place on Earth."
