Can You Do Hersheypark in One Day?
Yes. With the right strategy, you can experience Hersheypark, The Boardwalk Water Park, ZooAmerica, and live entertainment, and shows in a single day.
During our visit, I drove 2 hours from Washington DC solo with four kids, including a newborn, determined to see if we could experience enough with just one day. The answer surprised me. Not only did we experience all three attractions included with admission, but we also enjoyed live entertainment, family rides, and still made it home that night.
This guide shares our exact one-day itinerary, what to pack, insider tips, and everything you need to know before visiting Hersheypark.
Whether you’re planning a family day trip from Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, Baltimore, or another nearby city, this guide will help you maximize your time and avoid the mistakes many first-time visitors make.
Is Hersheypark Worth Visiting?
If you’re wondering whether Hersheypark is worth the drive, my answer is absolutely.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that Hersheypark is simply a theme park. Your admission includes three different experiences that can easily fill an entire day.
Families can spend the morning cooling off at The Boardwalk Water Park, ride world-class roller coasters and family attractions throughout the afternoon and finish the evening exploring ZooAmerica before heading home. Zoo hours are different than Park hours so please be sure to check the zoo hours before making your plans.
What impressed me most wasn’t just the number of attractions. It was how much variety there was for every age. My oldest child was chasing roller coasters while my toddler enjoyed kid-friendly rides, and I was able to slow down with my newborn during indoor shows without feeling like we were missing out.
Know Before You Go
A little planning can make a huge difference. Here are a few things to know before your visit.
Download the Hersheypark App
Before arriving, download the official Hersheypark App.
The app allows you to:
- View ride wait times
- Navigate the park using an interactive map
- Check entertainment schedules
- Find dining locations
- Locate restrooms and nursing stations
- See Hershey Character Sweet Greets times
- Plan your day more efficiently
This became one of the most useful tools during our visit.
Arrive Before the Park Opens
Plan to arrive at least 45 to 60 minutes before opening.
Getting through parking, security, and the entrance takes time, especially if you’re traveling with young children. Arriving early also gives you the best opportunity to head straight to your first attraction before crowds begin to build.
Every ticket includes two extra hours the day before your visit, the Preview Hour. This is another great value add that’s included in every ticket.
Wear Swimsuits Under Your Clothes
If you plan to visit The Boardwalk Water Park first, save time by having everyone wear their swimsuits underneath their clothes before arriving.
This simple trick helped us transition quickly from the water park to the rest of the park without wasting time in changing rooms.
Bring Towels
Bringing your own towels will save both time and money.
Rent a Locker if Needed
If you don’t want to carry towels, extra clothes, or other items throughout the park, locker rentals are available near The Boardwalk and other locations throughout Hersheypark.
Visit on a Weekday if Possible
If your schedule allows, weekdays generally offer lighter crowds than weekends, especially outside of holidays and peak summer dates.
You’ll spend less time waiting in line and more time enjoying the park.
Take Advantage of the Rainy-Day Promise
Weather doesn’t always cooperate, but Hersheypark offers a Rainy Day Promise that may allow guests to return on another day if weather significantly impacts their visit.
Be sure to review the current policy before your trip so you know how it works.
Nursing Stations and Family Services
Traveling with a baby can feel overwhelming, but Hersheypark offers family-friendly amenities, including nursing stations, baby care areas, and plenty of shaded spots to take breaks throughout the day.
As a mom who visited with a newborn, having these spaces available made the experience much more enjoyable.
What’s Included with a Hersheypark Ticket?
One of the biggest surprises during our visit was realizing that a Hersheypark ticket includes much more than access to the rides.
If you’re planning your first visit, it’s easy to assume you’re paying for a traditional amusement park. Your admission includes three distinct experiences that can easily fill an entire day, making Hersheypark one of the best values for families looking for a day trip in Pennsylvania.
Here’s everything included with your admission.
Hersheypark
Hersheypark is home to more than 70 rides and attractions, including 15 roller coasters, family rides, and attractions designed specifically for younger children.
Thrill seekers can spend the day chasing record-breaking coasters, while families with young kids will find plenty of rides everyone can enjoy together. From classic attractions to kid-friendly areas, there is something for every age and comfort level.
The Boardwalk Water Park
One of the best parts of visiting during the summer is that The Boardwalk Water Park is included with your Hersheypark admission.
The 11-acre water park features everything from high-speed water slides and a lazy river to splash areas designed for younger children.
Because it is included with your ticket, many families choose to spend part of the day cooling off before returning to the rides.
This ended up being one of the smartest decisions we made.
Starting our day at The Boardwalk allowed us to enjoy several attractions before the afternoon crowds arrived, and it gave the kids a chance to burn off energy early in the day.
ZooAmerica
ZooAmerica is another experience that’s included with your Hersheypark admission when you enter through the bridge inside the park.
Many guests skip it simply because they run out of time.
Don’t make that mistake.
Home to more than 200 North American animals across 11 acres, ZooAmerica offers a completely different pace from the excitement of the amusement park.
Walking through the zoo after a full day of rides gave us a chance to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and end our visit on a relaxing note.
Live Entertainment
Another benefit included with admission is the variety of live entertainment offered throughout the park.
Depending on when you visit, you’ll find musical performances, family-friendly shows, seasonal entertainment, and opportunities to meet Hershey Characters.
These shows became one of my favorite parts of the day because they naturally built breaks into our schedule.
Instead of rushing from ride to ride, we had dedicated time to sit down, cool off in the air conditioning, feed the baby, grab a snack, and recharge before heading back into the park.
If you’re traveling with young children, don’t overlook the entertainment schedule. It can make your day feel much more manageable.
Hershey Character Sweet Greets
Throughout the day, you’ll also have opportunities to meet some of Hershey’s most recognizable characters.
Using the Hersheypark App, you can see where characters will appear and what time they’ll be available.
For younger kids especially, these meet-and-greets often become some of the most memorable moments of the day.
Seasonal Entertainment
Depending on the time of year you visit, Hersheypark also features seasonal festivals, limited time shows, and special events that are included with admission.
During our visit, we watched Sweet Land of Liberty: A Celebration of the American Songbook, one of the park’s newest productions. It quickly became one of our favorite experiences and offered a welcome break during the hottest part of the afternoon.
Before your visit, check the entertainment schedule in the Hersheypark App so you don’t miss any seasonal offerings.
Our One-Day Hersheypark Itinerary
This is the exact itinerary we followed during our visit to Hersheypark. It gave us enough time to enjoy The Boardwalk Water Park, rides, live entertainment, Hershey Character Sweet Greets, and ZooAmerica without feeling rushed.
Park hours vary throughout the season, but on most summer days Hersheypark opens at 10:00 a.m. I recommend arriving early and aiming to be parked by 9:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m. | Arrive Early
Arrive at the parking lot by 9:00 a.m. to give yourself plenty of time before the park opens.
Before entering the park:
- Park your vehicle.
- Go through security.
- Open the Hersheypark App.
- Check the day’s entertainment schedule and Hershey Character Sweet Greets.
- Organize your stroller, and day bag.
- Apply sunscreen and fill your water bottles.
- Make one last restroom stop.
10:00 a.m. | Start at The Boardwalk Water Park
As soon as the park opened, we headed straight to The Boardwalk Water Park.
Most guests naturally head toward the roller coasters first, so the water attractions are often less crowded during the first couple of hours. The cooler morning temperatures also make it much more enjoyable.
We spent about two hours enjoying the water slides, splash areas, wave pool, and family attractions before changing into dry clothes.
Parent Tip: Wear swimsuits under your clothes before arriving. It saves time and gets you into the water much faster.
12:00 p.m. | Change, Recharge, Lunch Time and Make a Game Plan
After spending the morning at The Boardwalk, we changed into dry clothes and took a break for lunch and snacks.
This was also the perfect opportunity to decide which rides everyone wanted to experience next.
Before heading back into the park, I asked each of my older kids to choose their four must-do rides. Giving everyone a chance to pick their favorites eliminated arguments later and made planning the afternoon much easier.
Instead of walking back and forth across the park, we grouped nearby attractions together and worked our way through each section.
Parent Tip: Don’t skip this break. Taking 20 to 30 minutes to eat, hydrate, change clothes, and make a plan for the afternoon will save you much more time than rushing from one attraction to the next.
12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. | Ride Your Priority Attractions
With everyone refreshed and a plan in place, we spent the next couple of hours riding our priority attractions.
Since everyone had already chosen their favorite rides, we avoided unnecessary backtracking and focused on making our way through one area of the park at a time.
If your budget allows, this is also a great time to take advantage of Fast Track.
Parent Tip: Fast Track was one upgrade I didn’t regret paying for. Spending less time waiting in line meant more time making memories, fewer complaints from tired kids, and a much more enjoyable experience as a parent. If you’re visiting during the summer, on the weekend, or during a holiday, I highly recommend adding it to your visit.
2:00 p.m. | Cool Off at Sweet Land of Liberty Show
By early afternoon, everyone was ready for a break from the heat.
We planned our day around Sweet Land of Liberty: A Celebration of the American Songbook, and it worked out perfectly.
The show gave everyone a chance to sit down, cool off in the air conditioning, and recharge. It also gave me time to feed the baby, change a diaper, and rest before heading back outside.
Parent Tip: Even if you’re bringing a stroller or wagon, I highly recommend packing a baby carrier as well. For all of the live shows, including Sweet Land of Liberty and Our Friends From The Sea, you’ll need to leave your stroller or wagon in the designated stroller parking area before entering the theater.
Having my newborn safely in a baby carrier made this part of the day so much easier. Instead of carrying her through the theater or trying to juggle everything in my hands, I could simply wear her and enjoy the show. It’s one item I wouldn’t visit Hersheypark without if you’re traveling with a little one.
3:30 p.m. | Hershey Character Sweet Greets
After the show, we checked the Hersheypark App to see which Hershey Characters were greeting guests nearby.
Since we were already in the area, it was an easy stop that didn’t require changing our route through the park.
For younger children, these character interactions often become some of the most memorable moments of the day.
4:00 p.m. | Our Friends from The Sea Show
Our next stop was Our Friends from The Sea, featuring California sea lions and Atlantic harbor seals.
Before the show, we grabbed a quick snack, refilled our water bottles, and took another break in the shade before finishing the rest of the afternoon.
These planned breaks helped keep everyone happy and energized throughout the day.
4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | Ride Time
After the show, we spent the rest of the afternoon riding our remaining favorites.
Because we had already enjoyed The Boardwalk, taken planned breaks, and mapped out our priority rides earlier in the day, we were able to simply enjoy the park without feeling rushed.
By this point, the temperatures had started to cool down, making it even more comfortable to explore the park.
6:30 p.m. | End the Day at ZooAmerica
Before heading home, we crossed the bridge into ZooAmerica.
After a full day of rides and water attractions, the quieter atmosphere was a welcome change of pace. Many of the animals were active in the cooler evening temperatures, making it an enjoyable way to wrap up our visit.
Since ZooAmerica is included with your Hersheypark admission, I recommend setting aside about an 30 minutes to explore before heading home. Remember – zoo hours can be different than Park hours so please be sure to check the zoo hours before making your plans.
Pro Tip: Don’t feel like you must stay until Hersheypark closes. During the summer, the park typically stays open until 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and 10:00 p.m. on weekends, but if you have a long drive home, consider leaving 30 to 60 minutes early. Use that time to walk back to your car without rushing, grab dinner, make one last bathroom stop, feed the baby, and let everyone settle in before hitting the road. Trust me, those extra few minutes can make the drive home much more enjoyable. Especially if you’re doing this solo with the kids.
Must-Have Items for a Fun Day at Hersheypark
Packing the right essentials will help you stay comfortable and make the most of your day. Here’s what I recommend bringing:
- Refillable water bottles
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Portable phone charger
- Swimsuits and towels (if visiting The Boardwalk)
- Sunscreen
- Poncho or light rain jacket
- Snacks
- Baby essentials (if applicable)
- Baby carrier, even if you’re bringing a stroller
How Much Does a Day at Hersheypark Cost?
The total cost of your Hersheypark visit will depend on the time of year, your family size, and any optional add-ons you choose. In addition to admission, you’ll also want to budget for parking, food, gas, and extras like Fast Track or souvenirs.
Our One-Day Budget
For reference, I visited as one adult with four kids. Since my youngest was under 4, I only needed admission for one adult and three children. Hersheypark is currently offering a Family 4-Pack offer through end of summer which includes FREE Parking with 4 Tickets – a great value!
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HERSHEYPARK ONE-DAY BUDGET
Family of Five
(One Adult + Four Kids | Four Paying)
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Admission (Family 4-Pack) $216
General Parking (pay in advance online to lock in this rate) $25
Gas (Round Trip) $72
Food Budget $150
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TOTAL WITHOUT FAST TRACK $463
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Optional Fast Track (4 Guests) +$320
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TOTAL WITH FAST TRACK $783
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* Souvenirs were not included in our budget.
Money-Saving Tip: If your schedule is flexible, consider visiting on a Sunday. In my experience, that’s when you can often find some of the best pricing on ticket add-ons, including Fast Track. Buying tickets online in advance, bringing refillable water bottles, and setting a food budget can also help reduce your overall costs.
Should you buy a Hersheypark Season Pass?
While we don’t have a Hersheypark Season Pass yet, it’s something we’re seriously considering for 2027.
As a parent, these are the kinds of gifts I love investing in. Instead of spending money on toys that eventually get forgotten or broken, I’d rather give my kids experiences they’ll talk about for years.
A Hersheypark Season Pass isn’t just about unlimited visits. Depending on the pass level you choose, you’ll also receive valuable perks like free or discounted parking, discounts on food and merchandise, exclusive passholder events, monthly rewards, Bring-A-Friend tickets throughout the season, and even early access to select attractions. Some pass levels also include complimentary Pre-K Passes and other exclusive benefits.
One of the biggest reasons I’m considering a Season Pass is the flexibility to spread the cost over time with a payment plan. Instead of paying for everything upfront, it becomes a much more manageable investment for our family’s budget.
It also gives us an affordable way to keep the kids entertained throughout the year. Rather than constantly searching for new activities or spending money on one-off outings, we can visit again and again during the spring, summer, Halloween, and Christmas seasons. Every trip offers something a little different, making it a fun and budget-friendly way to create lasting family memories.
For me, that’s worth far more than another toy that will eventually end up in the donation pile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hersheypark
Where is Hersheypark located?
Hersheypark is located at 100 W. Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
What are Hersheypark’s hours?
Park hours vary by season and day. During peak summer, the park is often open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM during the week and 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on the weekends but always check the official calendar before your visit.
Can you do Hersheypark one day?
Yes. With a plan, you can experience the highlights in one day, but two days allow for a more relaxed visit.
Is The Boardwalk included with admission?
Yes. Admission to The Boardwalk is included during the summer season.
Is ZooAmerica included?
Yes. Your Hersheypark ticket includes same-day admission to ZooAmerica.
What is the best age for Hersheypark?
All ages. There are attractions for toddlers, kids, teens, and adults.
Is Hersheypark good for toddlers?
Absolutely. There are plenty of kid-friendly rides, splash areas, and entertainment.
Is Fast Track worth it?
If you’re visiting on a busy day, yes. On slower weekdays, you may not need it.
Can you bring food into Hersheypark?
Outside meals aren’t permitted, but guests may bring bottled water, baby food, and medically necessary items.
What time should I arrive?
Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before the park opens to maximize your day.
When is the best time to visit?
Weekdays typically have the lightest crowds. Summer is best for The Boardwalk.
How far is Hersheypark from Washington, DC?
About 2.5 hours by car.
How far is Hersheypark from Baltimore?
About 1.5 hours by car.
So, this is how I survived Hersheypark solo with four kids in one day. We had an incredible time, checked off our must-do experiences, and every single kid left happy. I hope this guide helps you plan your own Hersheypark adventure and create memories your family will never forget. Safe travel!
