Tips for a Busy Summer Weekend in Hershey

If you are visiting Hershey, Pa. this weekend to ride the thrilling coasters at Hersheypark, attend a concert at Hersheypark Stadium or cool off at The Boardwalk, we want to make sure you are as prepared as possible! Here are a few insider tips to maximize your time and fun!

Because your bags will be searched prior to entry into both Hersheypark and Hersheypark Stadium, be sure to only pack essential items. For the Park, comfortable walking shoes, a reusable water bottle and water park attire are just some of the essentials to add to your packing list.

For Hersheypark Stadium - please keep in mind that Hersheypark Stadium recently updated its bag policy to prohibit bags inside the venue that exceed 5”x 8”x 1” for guest safety. Hand clutches, wristlets and small purses are permitted but may not exceed the size limit and are subject to search. Backpacks, large purses, clear bags, fanny packs, camera bags, drawstring bags, totes and suitcases are not allowed inside the venue. A medical equipment bag and/or a parenting bag needs to be smaller than 14”x14”x6”. These personal items will need to go through metal detection screening at entry and are subject to a physical search.

For Park and concertgoers, don’t forget to bring a debit card or credit card for purchases. Hersheypark and Hersheypark Stadium are now cashless. Guests who may not have credit or debit cards can convert cash to prepaid debit cards at Cash-to-Card kiosks for no fee.

Fun fact: Concert attendees get a discount on Hersheypark tickets at Ticketing Services located in Tram Circle with proof of the concert ticket on the day of, the day before or the day after the event.

With Hersheypark and concert attendance at its peak in the summer season, parking can get busy. Because of this, it is always helpful to carpool! If you are looking for other parking options, field parking is available with a concert ticket and guests staying at the Official Resorts of Hersheypark have the option to take the free shuttle to Hersheypark.

Hersheypark and The Boardwalk are open varying hours this summer. The Hersheypark app and website are the best places to view hours before a visit. Download the Hersheypark app to view ride wait times, Hershey Character appearances and open dining locations, so you can plan accordingly. If you find that the rides you’re most excited for have longer wait times, Fast Track passes are available for purchase.

On days with super warm weather, we recommend heading straight to The Boardwalk to enjoy the 16 water attractions! Click here to learn more about ways to beat the heat during your visit.

Those attending a concert should download their digital ticket to their mobile device prior to arriving at Hersheypark Stadium to avoid slow or weak cellular service. Screenshots and photos of tickets will not be accepted.

With guests coming for the Park and concerts on weekends, food locations across the destination can be more crowded than usual. Before noon or after 2 p.m. are the best times to visit for lunch to experience a shorter wait time.

Quick tip: The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio in Hershey’s Chocolatetown is one of the most convenient sit-down dining locations for guests visiting Hersheypark and Hersheypark Stadium. The best part is that guests do not need a Hersheypark ticket to dine there. The Chocolatier is open daily at 11 a.m., making it a great option around lunchtime!

Traffic around Hershey is usually heavy on concert nights and weekends. Concertgoers are encouraged to arrive about an hour prior to event start time, so they aren’t rushing to see their favorite performances! Arriving closer to when doors open means a shorter line getting through security, leaving more time to enjoy the show.

We know it can be overwhelming to plan your trip to Hershey during the busy summer season, and we are here to help. With the tips and tricks included in this guide, rest assured that you will have a great experience visiting The Sweetest Place On Earth!