Guide to Summer 2025 at Hersheypark

Date: May 23, 2025

Ready, set, Hersheypark… Summer means a new thrill ride, water park splashes, Twizzlers-themed treats and a new Character show! Hersheypark amusement park is now open daily through Sept. 1 for its 119th operating year.  Hours vary by day this summer.

If you plan a summer visit to the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania, this ultimate Hersheypark Summer 2025 Guide covers details on things to do, where to eat and stay, and insider tips to maximize your time in The Sweetest Place On Earth. 

THINGS TO DO

From coaster rides and family-friendly attractions to character entertainment and strolls through the zoo, Hersheypark offers so many only-in-Hershey experiences in the summer. 

All-New Twizzlers Twisted Gravity Ride

Fit for the ultimate thrill seeker, Twizzlers Twisted Gravity opens to the public on May 24, 2025, as the World's Tallest Screamin' Swing. The high-thrill pendulum attraction manufactured by S&S Worldwide features the newest candy to join the Hersheypark skyline. Riders of Hershey's height category (48-54") and above ascend 137 adrenaline-pumping feet, defy gravity at speeds reaching 68 miles per hour and experience multiple mind-bending zero G moments as they swing high above Spring Creek in The Hollow region of Hersheypark. 

Coasters and Family-Friendly Rides

Thrill seekers can also take a ride on 15 iconic coasters this summer. Hersheypark is home to the most coasters in the Northeast, which means plenty of opportunities to experience hair-raising thrills and the ultimate airtime this summer. 

Including its iconic coaster collection, Hersheypark offers more than 70 summer attractions, weather permitting, with something for everyone. The youngest guests can enjoy nearly 20 kiddie rides, while those who prefer mild thrills can take in the clean and green views of the 121-acre amusement park from attractions like Dry Gulch Railroad, Ferris Wheel, Kissing Tower and Monorail. Kissing Tower is one of five Hersheypark rides celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2025.

Insider Tip: Download the Hersheypark app for real-time ride availability and wait times. Hersheypark is open rain or shine. In the event that inclement weather conditions or cold temperatures cause our major rides to close for a continuous 60 minutes, a Return Visit Voucher will be issued at Guest Services for a return visit for the same current operating season.

Summer Splashes at The Boardwalk

The Boardwalk At Hersheypark is an 11-acre water park open daily from May 24 through Sept. 1, 2025, weather permitting. Guests can cool off on 16 water attractions, including a lazy river, wave pool, water coaster, racing water slides and more.

Hershey Characters

For more than 50 years, Hershey Characters have delighted generations of guests while visiting Hersheypark. In fact, Hersheypark is the only amusement park in the world where visitors can meet and greet with their favorite Hershey brands. New for summer 2025, visitors of all ages can test their knowledge of the 121-acre amusement park at Twizz's Twisted Trivia inside the air-conditioned Chevrolet Music Box Theatre daily at 2:30 p.m., 3:45 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. The high-energy trivia game features your favorite Hershey Characters and lots of music and dancing.

Insider Tip: The Hersheypark app will list Character appearance times on the day of your visit. After the show, the Hershey Characters stick around inside Music Box Theatre for photos with guests.

Our Friends From The Sea

Did you know that Hersheypark has an Aquatheatre where a marine mammal show takes place throughout the operating year? Held in partnership with Ocean Connections, the Our Friends From The Sea show features animal care specialists interacting with California sea lions and Atlantic harbor seals to teach guests about marine life, conservation and the environment.  

Our Friends From The Sea is offered every day this summer at 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. The educational show is included with a Hersheypark ticket.

Insider Tip: Guests interested in a VIP experience should consider the new Ocean Encounter - Touch & Feed program. It features the opportunity to feed and give a back rub to one of the seals or sea lions, a commemorative photo, a behind-the-scenes tour and preferred seating for the show. Registration is required in advance.

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park

Parkgoers looking for a break from coaster riding can also head to ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park to see dozens of North American animals, such as black bears, gray wolves, river otters and Canada lynx. The 11-acre zoo is included with a Hersheypark ticket only by accessing the Zoo through the bridge inside Hersheypark during posted Park hours. It takes about one hour to walk through the entire Zoo, but visitors are encouraged to spend as much time as they like!

Starting June 9, ZooAmerica will offer daily summer activities, such as special animal enrichment and training sessions for guests to watch, weather permitting. The full schedule will be posted online. 

Insider Tip: ZooAmerica offers behind-the-scenes tours throughout the summer. These tours guide participants through non-public spaces, allowing them to get close to North American animals.

WHERE TO EAT

Throughout the summer, Hersheypark offers dozens of places to eat both inside and outside the front gate. View the Summer 2025 Foodie Guide for all of the sweet (and savory) details.

In-Park Food and Beverage Updates

This summer, the Hersheypark culinary team debuts sweet and savory items throughout the Park and Hershey’s Chocolatetown region.  Here's a taste:

• New Twizzlers-inspired offerings inside Hersheypark include a Twisted Gravity Hot Dog with Strawberry Rosemary Jam from Berks stand, a Strawberry French Toast Burger from East Coast Burger Works location and a King Size Shake and sundae from Simply Chocolate dessert shop.
• All-new this summer, Milton's Ice Cream Parlor offers a reimagined menu featuring house-made donuts topped with fresh fruit, Hershey's candies and more.

Insider Tip: When available, guests can utilize the mobile ordering system at select locations around the Park by using the Hersheypark app or scanning the QR code at participating locations. Season Pass Holders can use their Season Pass discount when placing a mobile order.

The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio

If you're looking for a full-service option, The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio is open daily in Hershey's Chocolatetown for guests with or without a Hersheypark ticket to enjoy lunch or dinner. The restaurant features family fare with a fun spin and hints of chocolate, one-of-a-kind views and a second-story patio and bar open this summer, weather permitting. 

New seasonal favorites include Loaded Pierogis, Caramel Brownie Cheesecake and a new spin on the fan-favorite Ferris Wheel Sampler.

Insider Tip: Reservations are strongly encouraged at The Chocolatier. The patio is first-come, first-served.

WHERE TO SHOP

More than a dozen gift and souvenir shops are open during the summer inside Hersheypark. 

Guests looking to give the gift of Hersheypark Happy or take a piece of it home with them will find the largest selection of apparel, gifts, toys and more at Hersheypark Supply Co., the premier, 10,000-square-foot flagship store in Hershey's Chocolatetown. Hersheypark Supply Co. features 2025-branded clothing, hats, magnets and mugs for parkgoers of all ages, a new and returning line of Season Pass Holder swag, and items to celebrate milestone ride anniversaries. 

Insider Tip: Check out the new Twizzlers Twisted Gravity line, including apparel, accessories, drinkware and more!

New Summer Retail Offerings

Some other new retail offerings this summer include: 

• A new Surfside Styles store (located in the former Kisses Boutique building) features luxury beach brands, including Rip Curl, Roxy, Chubbies, Costa and more.
• A new HP Toys & Collectables store (located in Hershey's Chocolatetown in the former Hyperdeck building) features a wide selection of adorable plush characters, popular toys and exciting collectibles for all ages.
• A full Life is Good store (located in the former HP Toy Box building) features expanded offerings, including home décor, entertainment products and more.
• A new Puppie Love store (located in the former Life is Good building) features the popular brand previously found in HP Collections. 

WHERE TO STAY

Visitors looking to extend their stay in The Sweetest Place On Earth can book a sweet summer getaway at The Official Resorts of Hersheypark: The Hotel Hershey luxury accommodation, Hershey Lodge resort and Hersheypark Camping Resort campground. 

Guests can save on a multi-night stay with popular summer packages, including Kids Stay, Play & Eat FREE Package and 2-Day Stay And Play Package at The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge. Two Summer Fun Packages that include deluxe accommodations and the Hersheypark Summer Fun Card for unlimited summer Park visits are also available for booking. 

All guests of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark receive Free Resort Benefits, including discounted Hersheypark tickets, extra hours at Hersheypark with Sweet Start and Preview Plan, free front-gate shuttle service to the exclusive resort drop-off location, indoor and outdoor pools, resort recreation and activities, free admission to Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story Museum and more.

Insider Tip: Resort guests can download the new HersheyResorts app for shuttle times to Hersheypark, resort navigation, and dining and amenities.

The Hotel Hershey

Opened by chocolatier Milton S. Hershey in 1933, The Hotel Hershey is a one-of-a-kind destination with a rich history. Situated high atop the town of Hershey, the resort is known for its refined elegance, signature service and abundant amenities and has received the AAA Four-Diamond Award.

The Villas at The Hotel Hershey offer guests an elevated luxury accommodation experience with exclusive amenities. Ten existing cottages were reimagined as The Villas in May 2024, featuring 48 reimagined rooms with unmatched amenities, including an all-new exclusive Concierge Lounge with complimentary food, drinks, and activities, daily Hersheypark tickets and a One-Day Fast Track per person. Nine new Villas, which will add 50 new sleeping rooms, will open with limited availability each month this summer. The Villas will double in size, offering even more luxury as part of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark and the most premium Hersheypark experiences.  

The Hotel Hershey opened its newest dining experience, 1933 Restaurant & Tavern, in April for daily lunch and dinner, as well as Sunday brunch. The full-service restaurant and tavern combines culinary classics with modern 
comfort and pays tribute to the unique history of The Hotel Hershey. The menu features approachable steakhouse offerings, elevated pub fare, signature cocktails, and curated draught beer and wine selections. 

Insider Tip: Check out The Hotel Hershey Summer Guide for more information on this luxury resort. 

Hershey Lodge

Warm, welcoming, and distinctly Hershey, Hershey Lodge provides convenience and comfort for families and guests of all ages. The property is home to Hershey’s Water Works indoor pool complex featuring two pools, Twizzlers Twists Slides, Reese’s Water Walk, a sand castle water play structure, a whirlpool and an outdoor splash pad. 

Insider Tip: Check out the Hershey Lodge Summer Guide for more information on this family-friendly resort.

Hersheypark Camping Resort

Hersheypark Camping Resort is a year-round camping facility in Hershey, Pa., that has welcomed guests since 1963 with its 55 acres of emerald hills. The campground offers more than 300 open and shaded sites, including 50 cabins and two tiny homes with heat, air conditioning and additional amenities; full hook-up RV sites with electric, water, sewer and cable; partial sites with electric, water, and cable; and no hook-up tent sites.

Save on Hersheypark tickets by adding the Hersheypark Summer Camping Package or Camp & Play Package to your stay.

Insider Tip: Check out the Hersheypark Camping Resort Summer Guide for more information on this camping facility.

HOW TO SAVE

For your planning, Hersheypark, The Chocolatier and ZooAmerica are cashless. These locations accept all major credit cards, Hersheypark gift cards, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay. 

Admission Tickets

Great ticket offers are available on Hersheypark.com. If you consider visiting Hersheypark twice in 2025, a two-day ticket is the best value. Plus, it does not need to be used on consecutive days, so you can visit once during summer and again at any other point throughout the operating year. 

Insider Tip: All guests can use the free Preview Plan included with every ticket. You can present your ticket at the main entrance before your full-day visit (if the Park is open the preceding day) to enjoy two free extra hours of fun. For a 2-day ticket, Preview Plan must be experienced prior to a guest's first full-day visit. Guests at The Official Resorts of Hersheypark can enjoy three hours of riding the night before their full day. The Hersheypark calendar lists the Preview Plan start time by date.

Everyone Pays Kids' Price

Pay like a kid on 1-Day & 2-Day summer tickets valid through September 7, 2025. The deal is available online starting at $44 now through June 30. 

2025 Season Passes

The 2025 Hersheypark Season Pass program features multiple tiers with unlimited visits and sweet perks to fit every family’s lifestyle - all for less than the cost of three visits.

All 2025 Season Passes include unlimited visits throughout the 2025 operating year, including Summer, Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights, and Hersheypark Christmas Candylane. Depending on the Pass type, Season Pass Holders can also enjoy free parking, a free Pre-K Pass, other sweet perks, exclusive Season Pass Holder events and great discounts around town.  

Insider Tip: Sweet Start 1-hour early access is now open for 2025 Hersheypark Full, King and Giant Size Season Pass Holders and Resort guests. Download the Hersheypark app to view ride availability on the day of the visit.

Parking

Guests with 1-day or 2-day tickets are encouraged to purchase a daily parking voucher online in advance of a visit to save. General parking is $26 plus taxes and fees online, compared to $35 in person at the parking booth.

Insider Tip: Guests of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark receive free front-gate shuttle service to the exclusive resort drop-off location. Hersheypark Full, King and Giant Size Pass Holders receive free parking in an exclusive Season Pass Holder lot on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Drink and Dining Add-Ons

Hersheypark offers ticket add-ons that allow guests to save with drink and dining plans.

• All-Day Drink Deal ($22.98 plus taxes and fees): The All-Day Drink Deal includes a 2025 Souvenir Cup for free fountain drink and Slush refills every 10 minutes on the day of redemption. Plus, you get $1 refills on future visits. 
• All-Day Dining Deal ($39.99 plus taxes and fees): The All-Day Dining Deal allows guests to dine all day for one low price! The Deal includes one entrée and one side from 20 locations throughout Hersheypark. You must wait 90 minutes in between uses. View the locations and menus.
• Single-Use Meal Deal ($17.98 plus taxes and fees): The Single-Use Meal Deal includes an entrée, side and drink from one of 20 locations. Guests must present their Meal Deal voucher at any participating location. Vouchers are valid for one use. 

Insider Tip: New this year, All-Day Dining is no longer tied to a wristband. Guests can purchase the add-on online or at Ticketing, HPGO and Guest Services locations and present the voucher at a participating location for added convenience.

Fast Track

Guests can get to the thrills faster this summer with Fast Track and Fast Track Unlimited. 

• Regular Fast Track allows you to skip the regular line on participating attractions once per day during your visit. 
• Unlimited Fast Track allows you to skip the regular line on participating attractions all day long.
• All-Year Fast Track Unlimited is also available as a Season Pass add-on.

The following attractions are available with Fast Track this summer: Twizzlers Twisted Gravity, Breakers Edge Water Coaster, Candymonium, Carrousel, Comet, Fahrenheit, Great Bear, Hershey Triple Tower, Jolly Rancher Remix, Intercoastal Waterway, Laff Trakk, Lightning Racer, Reese’s Cupfusion, Skyrush, sooperdooperLooper, Storm Runner, Trailblazer, Whitecap Racer, Wild Mouse and Wildcat’s Revenge. Please note height restrictions for Fast Track-eligible attractions, as they are primarily high-thrill rides. Attraction availability is subject to change.

Insider Tip: Fast Track pricing and options vary by day. New this year, guests are encouraged to buy early and save by purchasing three days or more before their visit for the most savings. Hersheypark admission is not included with Fast Track and is sold separately.