Hershey Park is a family-friendly amusement park located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA. The park is owned by the Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company and is known for its exciting rides, live entertainment, and chocolate-themed attractions.
The park opened in 1907 as a leisure park for the employees of the Hershey Chocolate Company, which was founded by Milton S. Hershey. Over the years, Hershey Park has expanded to become one of the most popular theme parks in the United States, with over 70 rides and attractions spread across its 121 acres.
One of the park’s most popular rides is the Lightning Racer, a wooden roller coaster that features two tracks that race side by side. Other popular rides include the Great Bear, a steel roller coaster that reaches speeds of up to 61 miles per hour, and the Fahrenheit, a vertical roller coaster with a 97-degree drop.
In addition to rides, Hershey Park offers a variety of entertainment options, including live shows, musical performances, and a water park. Visitors can also take a tour of the Hershey’s Chocolate World attraction, where they can learn about the history of chocolate making and sample some of Hershey’s famous chocolate.
For those looking for a more relaxing experience, Hershey Park also offers a variety of dining options, from quick-service eateries to sit-down restaurants. Visitors can also stay overnight at one of the park’s many accommodations, including the Hershey Lodge and the Hershey Hotel.
Here are the top 10 rides you don’t want to miss at Hershey Park:
- Skyrush: This thrilling coaster is not for the faint of heart, with speeds of up to 75 miles per hour and a 200-foot drop. It’s one of the park’s newest and most popular rides.
- Fahrenheit: Another coaster that’s sure to get your heart racing, Fahrenheit features a 97-degree drop and speeds of up to 58 miles per hour.
- Lightning Racer: This classic wooden coaster is a fan favorite, with two tracks that race side by side for a thrilling ride experience.
- Storm Runner: This coaster launches riders from 0 to 72 miles per hour in just two seconds, and features a 150-foot drop and a cobra roll inversion.
- Great Bear: A steel coaster that reaches speeds of up to 61 miles per hour, Great Bear features seven inversions, including a loop and a corkscrew.
- Laff Trakk: This unique indoor coaster is designed to look like a funhouse, with spinning cars and trippy effects that will leave you laughing and disoriented.
- Comet: Another classic wooden coaster, Comet has been a fixture at Hershey Park since 1946. It’s a smooth ride with plenty of airtime and a 78-foot drop.
- Candymonium: The park’s newest coaster is also its tallest, at 210 feet. It’s a hypercoaster with speeds of up to 76 miles per hour and a sweet candy-themed design.
- Tidal Force: This water ride features a 100-foot drop that plunges riders into a splashdown pool below. You’re guaranteed to get wet on this one!
- Coal Cracker: Another water ride, Coal Cracker takes riders on a scenic journey through a mine before plunging down a 50-foot drop into a pool of water.
What to Wear
Here are some tips to help you dress comfortably and appropriately for a day at the park:
- Dress in comfortable clothes: Hershey Park is a place where you’ll be walking around a lot, so you want to make sure you’re wearing clothes that are comfortable and won’t restrict your movement. Wear loose-fitting clothes, breathable fabrics, and comfortable shoes.
- Wear appropriate footwear: You’ll be on your feet for most of the day, so make sure you’re wearing shoes that are comfortable and supportive. Sneakers or closed-toe shoes with good arch support are recommended. Avoid wearing sandals or flip-flops, as they may not provide enough support and could lead to blisters or foot pain.
- Dress for the weather: Check the weather forecast before heading to the park and dress accordingly. If it’s going to be hot and sunny, wear light-colored, lightweight clothing and a hat to protect your head and face from the sun. If it’s going to be cooler or rainy, bring a light jacket or raincoat.
- Bring a swimsuit and towel: If you plan on visiting the water park, bring a swimsuit and towel. You can change in the park’s changing rooms, and towels are available for rent if you don’t want to bring your own.
- Pack a bag with essentials: Bring a backpack or small bag to carry your essentials, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a water bottle, and snacks. You can also store your souvenirs in your bag as you walk around the park.
- Avoid wearing clothing with offensive language or graphics: Hershey Park is a family-friendly park, so it’s important to avoid wearing clothing with offensive language or graphics. Keep it clean and appropriate for all ages.
Get a POV of all the coaster rides at Hershey Park in this video: