6 Ways to Beat the Heat at Hersheypark

Date: June 23, 2025

It is officially summer and we’re experiencing some of the hottest days of the year. The safety of our team members and guests visiting any of the attractions across our sweet destination of Hershey, Pa., is always our top priority. Guests are encouraged to stay hydrated, wear light clothing and sunscreen, and take breaks under shade or indoors whenever possible during the warm summer months. Read on to learn more about how visitors to The Sweetest Place On Earth can stay cool during their time with us. 

Hersheypark Happy

1. Take A Plunge on the Water Rides at Hersheypark

Included in the one-price admission to Hersheypark is The Boardwalk At Hersheypark, an 11-acre water park with more than one million gallons of water and 16 water attractions for guests to cool off on during a hot summer day. 

Thrill-seekers can plummet through the Breakers Edge Water Coaster, the first hydromagnetic coaster at Hersheypark, or race against their friends on Whitecap Racer, one of the longest mat-racing slides in the world. Those looking to relax can enjoy a 1,360-foot, slow, winding lazy river ride. Plus, guests of all ages can catch a wave at the 378,000-gallon wave pool or make a splash at Sandcastle Cove, Shoreline Sprayground and East Coast Waterworks, which offers more than 600 interactive water features alone. 

2. Stay Hydrated

The best way to keep your body cool is to drink water – and lots of it. 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). 

We recommend taking advantage of the All-Day Drink Deal for $22.98 to save with free refills on fountain drinks all day long. 

3. Play a Game of Trivia

Test your knowledge of Hersheypark at the all-new Twizz's Twisted Trivia show inside the air-conditioned Chevrolet Music Box Theatre daily at 2:30 p.m., 3:45 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. After the performances, stick around to meet and snap a photo with Twizz Character.

4. Explore Indoor Animal Exhibits

 ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park features two indoor exhibits, located in the Great Southwest building and theSouthern Swamps building. Be sure to stop by the Zoovenirs gift shop featuring exclusive Zoo merchandise. 

Access to ZooAmerica is included with your Hersheypark admission when you enter via the bridge,

5. Grab a Bite to Eat Indoors

There are a variety of dining locations for guests seeking AC or shade while eating lunch or dinner. 

The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio

Located in Hershey's Chocolatetown just outside the Hersheypark front gate, The Chocolatier is a full-service restaurant, bar, and patio filled with delicious food, signature desserts and hand-crafted cocktails. The space features nods to past and present elements from the Hersheypark ride collection, one-of-a-kind views of neighboring attractions, and two bars, including a second-story patio with a bar that provides panoramic views of Hersheypark. Reservations are strongly recommended and accepted for indoor dining. 

Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor

Inspired by Mr. Hershey’s early ventures in sweetness, Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor pays homage to all that came before his famous chocolate factory. Expert Ice Creamologists will craft custom creations from 100% local dairy house-made ice cream, Hershey’s candy toppings, decadent sauces, and savory shareables. 

The Sweeterie Confectionery Kitchen

The Sweeterie is a confectionary kitchen with a curated collection of mouth-watering confections including chocolate-dipped treats, decadent desserts, signature hand-crafted fudge and more. 

Overlook Food Court

Located in the Kissing Tower Hill region, guests can enjoy burgers, handcrafted salads, made-to-order wraps, grilled chicken sandwiches, and much more! Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-friendly options also available at Overlook Food Court.

6. Go Shopping

A visit to Hersheypark is not complete without a sweet souvenir to remember all of the #HersheyparkHappy memories made. Many of our shops inside the Park are air-conditioned, including East Coast Surf Co., the retail store designed to beat the heat. Located next to The Boardwalk, East Coast Surf Co. is your one-stop shop for all of your summertime needs. Retail items include bathing suits, hats, water tumblers, sunscreen and more. Or, don’t forget to stop by some of our other favorite retail shops in Hershey’s Chocolatetown on your way out – Hersheypark Supply Co. and HP Collections.

Be Prepared for the Fun

When packing for a hot day at Hersheypark, there are a few important items to add to your packing list. Visitors should consider wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing. Small bags and backpacks are allowed, so it doesn’t hurt to bring a poncho in case of a passing storm. Guests planning to visit The Boardwalk At Hersheypark should also pack a bathing suit and towel. Most importantly, don’t forget the sunscreen! The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone spending time in the sun apply sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays), SPF 30 or higher and water resistance. Discuss any planned visit with your healthcare provider to ensure the best plan for your specific needs.

More Ways to Cool Off

Hang Out At The Swimming Pools At The Official Resorts of Hersheypark

A stay at one of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark comes with many sweet benefits. This includes complimentary access to all of the resorts’ fun amenities, including their pool complexes. 

The Hotel Hershey

Guests can cool off at the outdoor pool complex at The Hotel Hershey, which features a family pool with zero-grade entry, two large waterslides, a kiddie spray deck plus an infinity pool for guests ages 18 and up. Guests can also enjoy a refreshing drink or meal from Poolside, the resort's pool-side café. 

Hershey Lodge

The outdoor pool complex at Hershey Lodge features a zero-entry pool, spray fountain and lounge area available daily through Labor Day. If you're looking for some sweet indoor fun, the Lodge's indoor pool complex, Hershey's Water Works, has interactive water features, such as a zero-entry pool, sand castle spray zone, lighthouse tipping bucket, basketball hoops, Twizzlers Twists water slides, Reese's Water Walk and more. 

Hersheypark Camping Resort

The pool complex at Hersheypark Camping Resort has two swimming pools and a kiddie pool, making it the perfect place to cool off after an afternoon at Hersheypark. The pool complex is open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day. 

Visit The Hershey Spas

What better way to beat the heat this summer than with a day of complete relaxation at one of Hershey’s decadent spas? The Spa At The Hotel Hershey and MeltSpa by Hershey offer one-of-a-kind signature chocolate treatments and seasonal treatment collections that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed on even the hottest summer days. 

Additional Attractions

The Hershey Story Museum

Visitors to The Hershey Story Museum can learn the story of our founder and chocolate pioneer, Milton S. Hershey, his wife Catherine, and the town of Hershey through exhibits, artifacts and interactive experiences. Guests can also make and decorate chocolate in the Chocolate Lab for an additional fee or sip chocolates from around the world during Chocolate Tastings. New this year, visitors can now learn the fascinating story of William E. “Bill” Dearden at a special exhibit called “From Hershey Industrial School to Hershey CEO: The Story of Bill Dearden.” 

Open daily, The Hershey Story tickets are included with a stay at The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge and are discounted with a stay at Hershey Camping Resort. Tickets may also be purchased at the Museum's main entrance.

HERSHEY'S CHOCOLATE WORLD

Hershey’s Chocolate World is open daily this summer (view hours here). During a visit, families can experience HERSHEY'S Great Candy Expedition. This one-of-a-kind train-themed adventure will take passengers on a fantastical journey through colorful lands inspired by all the favorite Hershey candies. To sweeten the experience, guests get to help choose the train's path for a fun, interactive element! Visitors should not forget to make their candy dreams a reality at the Create Your Own Candy Bar experience or indulge in some of the delicious food and drink offerings Hershey's Chocolate World has to offer.

We hope you enjoy your visit to The Sweetest Place On Earth! Stay cool!