How to Beat the Heat at Hersheypark This Summer 2026

Date: June 30, 2026

We’re experiencing some of the hottest days of the year in Central Pennsylvania, but there's still so much fun to be had at Hersheypark amusement park and ways to experience it while saying cool. Read on to learn more about how you can beat the heat during a visit to The Sweetest Place On Earth this summer. 

Hersheypark Happy

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. 

New this year, guests can get to the water quicker with The Inlet and The Island at Bayside Pier. This zero-depth water play area features 45 interactive aquatic elements and an open concept design with shaded canopies.

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 Shoreline Sprayground and East Coast Waterworks, which offers more than 600 interactive water features alone. 

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 (download the Hersheypark app for any participating All-Day Drink Deal location). 

We recommend taking advantage of the All-Day Drink Deal for $24.98 to save with free refills on fountain drinks all day long. 

Journey Through The American Songbook

Celebrate the anthems that shaped American history at Hersheypark with our all-new live stage show, Sweet Land of Liberty: A Celebration of the American Songbook, inside the air-conditioned Chevrolet Music Box Theatre daily. Be sure to stick around after the show for an encore featuring a surprise bonus song!

Explore Indoor Animal Exhibits

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park features two indoor buildings where guests can see animals like turtles, snakes and a dwarf caiman in an air-conditioned environment. Animal lovers should make it a point to stop by the Zoovenirs gift shop, featuring exclusive Zoo attire, stuffed animals and more. 

Access to ZooAmerica is included with your Hersheypark admission when you enter via the bridge inside Hersheypark during posted Park hours.

Grab a Bite to Eat Indoors

There are a variety of dining locations for guests seeking air conditioning 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 confectionery 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 are also available at Overlook Food Court.

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

The safety of our team members and guests visiting any of the attractions across our sweet destination of Hershey, Pennsylvania, 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.

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 Around Town

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, including complimentary access to all of the resort 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. 

Hershey Inn & Suites

Hershey Inn & Suites is the newest addition to The Official Resorts Of Hersheypark and boasts an indoor pool located off the main lobby. This indoor pool is open all-year round.

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. 

Open daily, The Hershey Story tickets are included with a stay at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hershey Inn & Suites 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!