Looking for something fun to do in PA? Make it a point to visit Derry Township. Sound unappealing? How about its doppelganger name: Hershey! Hershey, Pennsylvania is not only home to the world-famous chocolate company, but also Hersheypark! The park was originally built as a vacation spot for employees of the Hershey company and their families, but is now open to the public during the spring, summer, and early fall. There are year-round attractions in the park, including Christmas Candylane, Hersheypark in the Dark during Halloween, and Springtime in the Park. However, if you're an adrenaline junkie, or are just interested in visiting this awesome amusement park, the best time to visit is during the Summer! Here is a beginning-to-end list of the things you MUST do during your Hersheypark visit.
1) Go on a weekday, if possible
Take it from someone who has been to Hersheypark on both weekends and weekdays: the park is more enjoyable during the week because there aren't as many people there. It's less crowded and the lines are shorter.
2) Stay from opening to closing
Hersheypark has varying hours during the summer, so be sure to check on the Hersheypark website for operating hours before your visit. If you want to include everything that Hersheypark has to offer in your day, plan on getting there early and staying late.
3) Visit Chocolate World
If you don't feel the need to stay in the amusement park the whole day, visit Hershey's Chocolate World before you enter the park. The Hershey's Chocolate Ride is a free attraction that is fun for all ages and takes you on a tour of how Hershey's chocolate is made. Bonus: you get a sweet surprise at the end of the ride, and it's free!
4) See how you measure up
Are you a Miniature, Kiss, Resse's, Hershey Bar, Twizzlers, or Jolly Rancher? Before you even enter the park, you'll be greeted by a six-level measurement system composed of various Hershey's candies. Hersheypark determines what rides are safe for visitors based on height. This is a novelty way to start your trip, especially if it's your first time visiting. If you missed the measurement when entering the park, fear not; each ride has a measurement bar at the entrance to show who can and cannot ride.
5) Grab a map
First-time visitors should definitely grab a map of the park upon entering. There are so many fun attractions to squeeze into your day, so be sure not to miss any of them!
6) Visit ZooAmerica
One thing that a lot of people disregard during their trip to Hersheypark is their included access to ZooAmerica. When you buy a Hersheypark ticket, you get automatic entry to the zoo on the same day as your trip to the amusement park. This is something that everyone should take advantage of, especially if you're spending the whole day at Hersheypark. The zoo has special, daily meet and greets with various animals, and houses over 200 animal species for guests to see and learn about.
7) Bring your bathing suit
If you visit during June, July, or August, the Boardwalk will be calling your name. Attractions at the Boardwalk, Hershey's waterpark, include Tidal Force, the super-soaker coaster that greets you upon entering the Boardwalk, three different waterslides, a lazy river, and the Wave Pool. Daily cabana rentals are also available and provide many accommodations, including private access to the lazy river.
8) Try a 'Makin' Whoopie' whoopie pie
A new dessert option for the 2016 season was two whoopie pie stands. One is located in Founder's Way and the other is located on the Boardwalk. You can create your own whoopie pie at these locations and choose from a variety of cake and filling flavors freshly made in Lancaster county.
9) Ride the Great Bear three times
While in Kissing Tower Hill, you might hear something resembling a bear's mighty growl. Fear not, for the sound is produced by the iconic Great Bear. If you are up to it, ride this coaster once in the front row, once in the middle, and once in the back. The ride is, of course, different from each location, but almost seems different altogether with each ride.
10) Grab some crab fries from Chickie's & Pete's
Make a visit to Chickie's & Pete's, which has two locations in Hersheypark; One in the Boardwalk and one in Pioneer Frontier. Their delicious crab fries will send you over the moon.
11) Ride The Wildcat when the sun goes down
This wooden coaster is rickety, but part of the nostalgic Hersheypark experience is riding The Wildcat when it is all lit up. The coaster includes an 85-foot drop, numerous twists and turns, and a vintage coaster appeal.
12) End the day with kettle corn
Upon exiting Hersheypark, you may smell something sugary in Founder's Way. That scent is freshly made Kettle Corn being popped. The stand is set up so customers must walk around the large popcorn kettle to reach the vendor's window. This is a classic (and yummy) way to end your Hersheypark trip!
Hopefully, this list was both interesting and informative, and makes your Hersheypark trip all the sweeter! Be sure to wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes while visiting the Sweetest Place on Earth!
