Hersheypark Nominated for Multiple National Awards in 2026

Date: March 23, 2026

Hersheypark amusement park in Hershey, Pa., has been nominated in various theme park categories in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards 2026. We need our fans' help! You can vote once daily for the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania in the following categories and more until the polls close on Monday, April 20, at 11:59 a.m. ET. The winners will be announced on Wednesday, April 29, so check back at that time to see how we place. 

Best Theme Park

USA TODAY 10Best asked a panel of amusement park and family travel experts to nominate their 20 favorite theme parks out of more than 400 amusement parks and attractions on the continent - and Hersheypark made the list again this year. 

Centrally located within driving distance of five of the largest metropolitan areas in the Northeast, Hersheypark will kick off its 120th operating year on April 3. Guests can visit the place Where Fun Meets Chocolate through four distinct seasonal events, including Spring Weekends through May 17, daily summer operations from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights, and Hersheypark Christmas Candylane.

The amusement park of every chocolate lover's dreams offers more than 70 rides and attractions (including 15 thrilling coasters - the most in the Northeast), The Boardwalk At Hersheypark water park (open from Memorial Day through Labor Day) and an 11-acre North American Wildlife Park – all accessible via a single admission. 

New for summer 2026, Hersheypark will debut an enhancement to its water park and special summer events highlighting America’s 250th anniversary. 

Best Theme Park Hotel

The Hotel Hershey is a sweet spot for visitors to lay their heads when in town to check out Hersheypark. A member of Historic Hotels of America, the AAA Four-Diamond Hotel 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. 

Guests can take advantage of recreation on the property, including 5.5 miles of hiking trails, daily fitness classes, an indoor pool complex, an arcade, an 18-hole putting course, disc golf, and an outdoor sports complex featuring basketball, volleyball, tennis, pickleball, spikeball, bocce ball, cornhole and soccer. On spring weekends, The Hotel Hershey also offers family-friendly activities ranging from s'mores roasts and chocolate bingo to Hershey Character appearances, glow putting, scavenger hunts and more. Check out The Hotel Hershey Spring Guide 2026 to learn more.

The Villas at The Hotel Hershey offer guests an elevated luxury accommodation experience with 98 rooms and unmatched amenities, including access to an all-new exclusive Concierge Lounge, daily Hersheypark tickets and a One-Day Fast Track per person.

Best Roller Coaster

Wildcat is back and seeking vengeance. Opened in 2023 as the first hybrid manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) in Pennsylvania, Wildcat's Revenge combines the best of wood and steel by adding a new steel track with unique elements to the wooden framework for a one-of-a-kind thrilling ride experience found only at Hersheypark. 

The 2-minute and 36-second experience begins as riders of Hershey's height category (48-54") and above climb a 140-foot hill on one of three custom trains, plunge into an 82-degree drop and hit a maximum speed of 62 miles per hour along 3,510 feet of red track on a black steel and wood structure. The pursuit continues as riders stalk their prey through four inversions, including the World’s Largest Underflip, which begins with an upward climb, followed by a counterclockwise 270° roll and a dive down towards the side. 

Wildcat's Revenge received the Amusement Today Golden Ticket Award for Best New Roller Coaster of 2023. The 15th coaster at Hersheypark was also named one of the top new attractions of 2023 by USA TODAY 10Best. 

Plan a Visit to Hersheypark

Guests can save more than 45 percent on 1-Day Any Day Tickets to Hersheypark when purchased online by March 31, 2026, with the current Best Price Of Summer offer. Tickets purchased during the sale are valid on any 2026 public operating day, including Spring Weekends, through Jan. 3, 2027. 

If you plan to visit Hersheypark twice in 2026, a 2-Day Any Day Ticket is the best value. Plus, it does not need to be used on consecutive days, so you can visit once during spring and again at any other point throughout the operating year. But those craving endless fun in 2026 should buy a Season Pass, which pays for itself in less than three visits! 

Visitors looking to extend their stay in The Sweetest Place On Earth can book a sweet spring getaway at The Official Resorts of Hersheypark: The Hotel Hershey luxury accommodation, Hershey Lodge resort, Hersheypark Camping Resort campground or the all-new Hershey Inn & Suites select service hotel debuting soon. Popular packages available on select dates starting April 3 include the Hersheypark 1-Night Package and 2-Day Stay and Play Package, with the Best Price Of Summer available through March 31.