Guide to The Boardwalk Water Park at Hersheypark 2026

Date: February 12, 2026

We're dreaming of the summer season in The Sweetest Place On Earth! Despite the chill in the Central Pennsylvania air, it's never too early to be thinking about a sunny day at The Boardwalk At Hersheypark water park, which opens in just 100 days! Nestled within the sweet excitement of Hersheypark, the 11-acre water park is a must-visit during the summer season, especially since it is included in the one-price admission to the amusement park as part of three experiences in one. 

This comprehensive water park guide provides an overview of the attractions and essential tips to help visitors make the most of their time at The Boardwalk this summer. 

Overview of 17 Water Attractions

The Boardwalk is home to 17 water attractions with something for every member of the family - from heart-pounding water slides and a thrilling water coaster for the Boardwalk Speedsters to a lazy river for relaxation seekers and zero-depth entry splash areas for the youngest water lovers. 

Two New Water Play Areas

Hersheypark will debut two all-new water play areas, boasting 45 aquatic elements within the existing Bayside Pier, to get to the water faster this summer.

A new shade-filled play zone, The Inlet at Bayside Pier, will feature water-spouting dolphins and fish, and whimsical water spray features. Also new, The Island at Bayside Pier will debut towering 10-foot-tall palm trees that tip buckets of refreshing water. 

Both new areas will feature rubberized decking for additional guest comfort, allowing guests to sit and splash under shaded canopies. The new open design will also allow families to seamlessly flow between other water attractions and cool off faster with access to the abundant water features. 

Make A Splash at Kiddie Attractions

Bayside Pier remains an ideal water attraction for younger children with a zero-depth entry ramp, rolling waves, fountains, tipping cones and more. 

Families with young children can also splash and play all day at Shoreline Sprayground. The all-ages water fun playground features misters, bubblers, dancing fountains, spraying jets, water curtains and a drenching tipping bucket. The area is surrounded by comfortable, shaded seating.

Level Up at East Coast Waterworks

The Boardwalk is home to East Coast Waterworks, a popular water attraction modeled after iconic boardwalks along the East Coast. It offers seven slides, two crawl tunnels, nearly 600 interactive water features and more than 54,000 gallons of splashing fun for all ages. But the biggest splash comes from a 1,000-gallon tipping bucket for those looking to cool off on a hot summer day.

Relax in the River

Guests of all ages can experience 1,360 feet of sweet, tubular relaxation on the Intercoastal Waterway! This relaxing lazy river ride reaches depths of two feet as it winds through the heart of The Boardwalk. The lazy river is accessed via a zero-depth entry ramp and features bridges for guests to walk over it. 

Win a Race on a Mat Racing Slide

Guests with a competitive edge will love Whitecap Racer, a mat racing slide with colorful double-looping tunnels. The water attraction features six lanes, so guests can compete against family or friends. At the end of the attraction, race times are featured on an arena-sized leaderboard - an opportunity to earn bragging rights for the rest of the summer.

Conquer a Water Coaster

Coaster conquerors looking for a little more thrill can experience Breakers Edge, the HydroMAGNETIC water coaster inside The Boardwalk. Riders accelerate on rafts through a dynamic course of thrilling, splash-filled hills and drops, intense open-air FlyingSAUCER turns and high-speed tunnels that redefine water thrill rides.

Take the Plunge on a Water Slide

A water park is certainly not complete without some water slides, and The Boardwalk offers six of them with Coastline Plunge! Guests can take the plunge on Hydro, Pipeline, Riptide, Surge, Vortex and Whirlwind. The water slides feature one or two-person tubes that go through dark tunnels, serpentine curves and corkscrew revolutions - all dropping riders into a splash pool. 

Catch a Wave in the Wave Pool

The Boardwalk features one million gallons of water, including a 378,000-gallon wave pool known as The Shore. Even Hershey's Miniatures can splash around in the wave pool as it gradually deepens from 0 to 6 feet. 

Dining Options in the Water Park

Boardwalk guests are sure to work up an appetite from racing down water slides and splashing around at the various water attractions. They can fuel up with more than 10 food and beverage locations right inside the water park, including the following:

• Conveniently located by the wave pool, Shoreline Grill is the go-to place for a quick bite.
• Nathan's at The Boardwalk offers signature hot dogs and French fries for guests seeking the classic Boardwalk fare.
• Oola Bowls provides a refreshing meal for anyone looking to cool off with an acai bowl, and Rita's offers ice and custard as another sweet treat.
• For savory options like delectable burgers, chicken strips, fries and more, guests will want to stop by East Coast Burger Works.

Essential Water Park Tips

To make your visit as enjoyable as possible, we've compiled a few essential tips for navigating a day at the water park. From what to wear to what to bring, a little preparation goes a long way.

• Arrive Early: The Boardwalk is often less crowded first thing in the morning. Head there first when Hersheypark opens to get a few popular slides in before the lines build.
• Wear Appropriate Attire: Only appropriate swimwear is permitted on the water attractions. Revealing bathing suits, shorts with rivets, snaps, zippers, metal ornamentation, cutoffs and jeans are not permitted. All eyeglasses must be secured with safety straps. Parents accompanying toddlers in the children's play area must also wear bathing suits. Only waterproof diapers are allowed in The Boardwalk attractions.
• Footwear Matters: Wear comfortable sandals or water shoes that you can easily take on and off, as aqua shoes are not permitted on the body slides. Water shoes are excellent for navigating the concrete and keeping your feet cool.
• Bring a Towel: Hersheypark does not provide complimentary towels in The Boardwalk, so guests are encouraged to bring their own.
• Secure Your Belongings: Guests who need a place to store their belongings can rent lockers in The Boardwalk. We strongly advise using them for wallets, phones, and any items you don't want to carry or risk losing on a ride. Lockers are rented by the day. A large locker costs $25, and a regular locker costs $18.
• Grab a Life Jacket: Life jackets of various sizes are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests may also bring their own Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Outside wave boards, inner tubes, inflatable toys or other inflatables, including water wings or swimmies, are not permitted.
• Hydration is Key: Especially on hot summer days, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout your visit. Complimentary water cups are available at any Hersheypark-owned dining location.
• Sun Protection is a Must: Apply (and re-apply!) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a high SPF liberally before and during your day. Consider wearing a hat when out of the water.

Guests who forgot their swimsuit or sunscreen can stop by Beachology to purchase an assortment of essentials for a day at the beach (or water park), including sunblock, waterproof cases and the latest swim styles from O'Neil and Billabong.

Save On Tickets Now, Splash Later

Guests looking to make a splash can get the Best Price Of Summer on Hersheypark tickets when purchased online through March 31. Tickets purchased during this sale are valid on any 2026 public operating day through Jan. 3, 2027, and can be used to experience all the water fun of The Boardwalk during the summer season. 

Get ready to ditch your heavy winter coat for a swimsuit and make a massive splash under the summer sun at Hersheypark. See you soon!