Top 5 Wellness Tips for Your Trip to Hersheypark

Date: July 23, 2025

Following expert wellness tips while at Hersheypark is simple, and so is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you're in need of world-class care, check out PennState Health: an integrated academic health system serving patients and communities across 15 counties in central Pennsylvania.

A day of fun at Hersheypark is a day of walking (or running!) from attraction to attraction – an important part of an active lifestyle. It’s also an opportunity to make some healthy choices that won’t take anything away from all that fun. Here’s a rundown of our top five wellness tips so your next trip can be the sweetest one yet!

1. Stay Cool 

During the peak summer season, temperatures can reach into the high 90s, something to prepare for before and during your visit. Always stay hydrated by drinking water, and stay away from too many sugary beverages and cups of coffee, which can lead to dehydration. Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing to help keep you cool throughout the day, as well as a hat or visor to shade your head and face. Plan your lunch around the hottest part of the day so you can enjoy some air-conditioning and escape the heat.

Or, stay outside and enjoy The Boardwalk, a water park inside Hersheypark with one million gallons of water. Home to 16 water attractions, there's something for everyone - from thrilling water slides and a lazy river to a splashpad with zero-depth entry areas for the youngest water lovers. 

Bonus Tip: Each visitor is allowed to bring an empty reusable water bottle or one sealed water bottle into Hersheypark. Free water and ice can be dispensed at all Pepsi Fast Fill locations without needing to scan a Hersheypark Souvenir Cup. There are also bottle fillers in multiple locations throughout the Park. Complimentary cups of water are available upon request at all Hersheypark-owned food and beverage locations (look in the Hersheypark app for any participating All Day Drink Deal location). Learn more ways to stay cool with our Beat the Heat Guide.

Follow Penn State Health's tips to avoid heat-related illness.

2. Apply Sunscreen

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., but it’s also the most preventable. Don’t forget to pack the sunscreen for your next trip to Hersheypark. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests using sunscreen with an SPF ‒ sun protection factor ‒ of 30 and, if you’re fair-skinned, 50 is recommended.

Of course, sunscreen only works when you apply it correctly. Be sure to put it on yourself and your family 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or after sweating or swimming, and ‒ most importantly ‒ apply enough. One ounce of sunscreen ‒ enough to fill a shot glass ‒ is how much you need to cover exposed areas of your body. For spray-on sunscreen, apply it as if you're spray-painting and rub it in with your hands afterward. Don’t forget those lips! Protect them with a lip balm that contains sunscreen. Be sun-smart, and your skin will thank you!

Bonus Tip: Sunscreen is available for purchase at select retail locations, including Hersheypark Supply Co., HP Collections and Surfside Styles.

Learn more about proper sunscreen application with Penn State Health's sunscreen guide.

3. Protect Your Eyes

Always bring a pair of sunglasses to the park. Even on overcast days, your eyes are susceptible to sun damage. If you’re looking to purchase a pair of sunglasses, always choose 100 percent UVA or UVB protection. Loose articles of clothing aren’t permitted on rides, but you can easily take your sunglasses off before entering the ride and put them back on afterward.

Bonus Tip: Sunglasses are available for purchase at select retail locations, including HP Collections and Surfside Styles.

Learn more about sunglasses' best practices from Penn State Health.

4. Wear Smart Shoes

Hersheypark requires all guests to wear some sort of footwear at all times during their visit to the park, but is your footwear hurting your feet? The summer sandal of choice for many park- goers is flip-flops. However, flip-flops don’t offer much cushioning or support. Instead, choose a sandal or sneaker with arch support to give you a comfortable walking experience during your full day of fun at Hersheypark!

Bonus Tip: Multiple footwear options are available at Surfside Styles, Beachology, and Flip Flop Shop.

Find ways to protect your feet with Penn State Health's summer foot fashion guide.

5. Eat a Heart-Healthy Meal

Instead of eating three big meals throughout the day, eat small snacks between your lunch and dinner. Many different snack options are available throughout Hersheypark to help to decrease the portion size of meals. Avoid too many sugary beverages – water is the best choice for staying hydrated. Also try to limit foods that are high in fat. Hersheypark has over 45 different places to eat, and many of the vendors are now offering healthy options for guests. Some menu items include vegetarian and gluten-free options, as well as fresh salads and grilled chicken, all of which can help you stay on track with healthy eating.

Bonus Tip: Check the Hersheypark app to see which food and beverage locations are open during your visit. Our allergen-friendly guide is also a helpful resource.

Make healthy choices with a heart-healthy eating guide from Penn State Health.

As you get ready for your next visit to Hersheypark, remember these wellness tips to help keep you and your family Hersheypark Happy – and healthy! For more health and wellness news, visit the Penn State Health newsroom.