Are you visiting Hersheypark and want know what you can’t miss? These are my picks for the things I always include on our day at Hersheypark.
We started visiting Hersheypark when my kids were toddlers and now they are teens, this list has evolved over the years, but there are things we like to include every time we visit the park.
It is not only about the rides, Hersheypark is about the atmosphere, the food, and everything that goes into a great day at the park.
On our most recent visit I had to include a few updates to this list. So lets get into my top ten Hersheypark rides, attractions, and can’t miss activities.
What to Do at Hersheypark
Hersheypark has awesome roller coasters, a rich history of rides, a water park, seasonal events, kiddie rides, and shares a parking lot with Hershey’s Chocolate World.
The food at Hershey is also on the list because of the sweet treats and family favorites. Hershey’s Chocolate World is also right next door and you might want to include a visit.
Top Ten Hersheypark
Laff Trakk
The first thing we ride on every visit is Laff Trakk. It is a fun house themed indoor roller coaster. With a height of 42 inches, all of us can ride and it has become a family favorite.
When you arrive at Hersheypark I suggest starting with Laff Trakk because it can get long lines through the day. We rode it 3x in a row because we were one of the first to arrive.
Be prepared to walk because Laff Trakk is at the very end of the park. Starting here works for us and then we work our way back to the front of the park.
During the Halloween ride it in the dark. During Christmas they add holiday lights! This is our favorite ride at Hersheypark and we make sure we ride it every visit!
Wildcats Revenge
Wildcats Revenge is a hybrid wooden roller coaster. This means it is wooden and steel. It is an intense ride and coaster fans may want to ride this as soon as the park opens.
Meet Characters at Hersheypark
A visit to Hersheypark wouldn’t be complete without meeting KISS or Hershey. We have also met Reese and KitKat. If you are visiting during Halloween or Christmas you will see them dressed up for the season.
Often you will find them around the carousel and typically the lines are short. Check the Hersheypark app to find times and locations.
Walk ZooAmerica
If you have an animal lover in your family you can walk over to ZooAmerica. A visit to ZooAmerica is included in your Hersheypark admission ticket. It is a small zoo but a nice quiet place to walk around in the afternoon.
We enjoyed the quieter pace and it was a break from the action of the theme park.
Reese’s Cupfusion
This is a dark ride that guests shoot the targets on a mission to protect the factory. It is a fun one and does get long lines most of the day. I do think it is lacking something but I recommend including Reese’s Cupfusion in your day at the park.
Lunch at Chickie & Pete’s
It is always about the food for us and we have two favorites when we visit the parks. The first is Chickie & Pete’s. You will find two Chickie & Pete’s locations inside the park.
One is near The Boardwalk entrance and the other is in Pioneer Frontier.
If you do anything at Hersheypark you must try the fries! I cannot recommend this place enough. They have burgers and chicken fingers but we go for the Crabfries. Fries are perfectly acceptable for lunch on vacation…right??!!
Candymonium
Candymonium is the fastest, tallest, and longest ride at Hersheypark. If you are okay with the slow climb to the top, I did it once-my kids loved it, you will want to include this in your day. It is a smooth coaster with gorgeous views of the park.
Try a King Sized Shake
When in Hershey you have to enjoy something sweet. There are so many options for sweet treats inside the park but our all time favorite is the Kind Sized Shake.
The King Sized Shake at Simply Chocolate doesn’t disappoint. With many different flavors and options this is a great treat to share…if you can pick only one!!
Kissing Tower
Kissing Tower is an enclosed Hershey kiss that takes guests up on a 360 degree view of the park. This slow moving ride is for all ages and is a great way to see the park.
Ride the Historical Attractions
The carrousel at the entrance of Hersheypark is a historical ride dating back to park open. You do not need to ride this first but be sure to include it in your visit.
Take time to ride the monorail that gives guests an overhead view of the park. We also really enjoyed the Coal Cracker which is an old-fashioned log flume ride that everyone loved!
Be sure to include these top ten Hersheypark in your next visit!
Leah has been traveling with her family of 5 since 2012 and sharing her expertise on planning family vacations and visiting theme parks since 2016. Leah has been featured in Visit Rochester, Undercover Tourist, and Home Publications. She has worked with brands like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Hersheypark, Toyota, and various Tourism boards and destinations. Leah creates family travel itineraries based on real trip experiences with her family. Her guides and tips help others plan great family vacations. Learn more about Leah and Five for the Road.
we love chickie and petes in AC – didnt know the buckets came that large! I haven’t been to Hershy since I was in like the 7th grade! Baby girl is about 44″ and we are def avoiding theme parks until she is a little taller. She is almost 7, she is just so short and gets so annoyed when she cant go on the big rides!
So good!! My son is 45 inches and he can go on a lot of the coasters. He likes them!