Hersheypark
Amusement Park Chocolate-themed amusement park with roller coasters
Hersheypark pairs amusement-park rides with a chocolate-themed visitor experience in central Pennsylvania; families combine roller coasters and water attractions with nearby Hershey chocolate attractions.
Hersheypark is an amusement park in Hershey, Pennsylvania, opened by chocolatier Milton S. Hershey for employee and public recreation in 1906. The park has expanded over more than a century into a multi-acre complex with numerous rides, roller coasters, and a water park area.
Today’s park includes a mix of family rides, thrill coasters, and seasonal events, plus themed areas and live entertainment. The complex is closely integrated with other Hershey-branded attractions in the town, creating a larger visitor destination.
Hersheypark began as a leisure park for the company town and expanded through the 20th century with successive additions of rides and themed areas. Its growth reflects both local tourism and the Hershey Company’s role in the town’s development.
The park is located in Hershey, near Harrisburg in south-central Pennsylvania, and is easily reached by car from I-83 and regional highways; parking and on-site services support high visitor volumes during peak season.
- Timing tip: Best visited on weekdays or outside peak summer months to avoid long lines at popular roller coasters and attractions.
- Nearby attractions: Adjacent attractions include Hershey's Chocolate World and the Hershey Story museum in the same Hershey, Pennsylvania complex.
How to Get to Hersheypark #
By car: Hersheypark is in Hershey, Pennsylvania, just east of Harrisburg. From Harrisburg drive roughly 10-20 minutes (about 10-15 miles) following US‑322/PA routes and local signage to Hersheypark and its on‑site parking lots. From Philadelphia expect a longer drive (about 90-100 miles west).
Public transit: Hershey is served by local and regional buses and occasional seasonal shuttles from Harrisburg-check the Hersheypark website and Harrisburg Transportation Center for current shuttle and public‑transit options.
Tips for Visiting Hersheypark #
- Arrive at park opening on weekdays or during the first hour after opening to ride major coasters with substantially shorter lines; use the Hersheypark mobile app to check real-time wait times and show schedules.
- If you want to avoid long lines without buying premium access, prioritize the biggest coasters first and schedule slower attractions and family rides for midday when crowds peak on thrill rides.
- Don't skip ZooAmerica (admission included) early in your visit-its shaded paths and animal talks are much quieter in the morning and provide a calm break from the busy midway.
Best Time to Visit Hersheypark #
Best to visit Hersheypark in late spring or early fall for milder weather and lighter crowds; summer is busiest.
Weather & Climate near Hersheypark #
Hersheypark's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1060 mm/year), wettest in May, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (110 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
