Hersheypark

Opening hours of Hersheypark

Standard hours: The park opens around 10:00 and closes between 17:00 and 22:00, depending on the season and day.

Peak hours: During summer, school holidays, and special events (The Dark, Halloween, Christmas Candylane), expect extended hours—sometimes up to 23:00.

Last entry: Ride queues close 30–60 minutes before park closing. Plan your final rides accordingly.

Check the calendar: Hours can vary due to weather, maintenance, or special events—always confirm your visit date in the calendar.

Best time to visit Hersheypark

Lightest crowds: Mid-week visits (Tuesday–Thursday) during May–June or September–October have shorter lines.

Busier but manageable: Fridays and Sundays outside school/public holidays; use rope drop early, take a midday break, and return later in the afternoon.

Heaviest crowds: Saturdays, summer and winter school breaks, public holidays, and event nights.

Weather tip: Light rain or overcast days often thin out the lines—pack a poncho and still enjoy your rides.

Rope drop strategy: first 60–90 minutes

Arrive early: Be at the gates 30–45 minutes before opening to clear security and get ahead of the first wave.

Target top rides: Head directly to Skyrush, Fahrenheit, or Comet for minimal wait times.

Secondary rides: Ride nearby mid-demand attractions before the park fills.

Pro tip: Skip photos/snacks until at least two major rides are done to maximize your early visit.

Smart ride order: Skyrush, Fahrenheit, & other popular rides

Skyrush: Rope drop or last hour—shortest waits.

Fahrenheit: Immediately after Skyrush for steady throughput.

Comet: Arrive late morning or after lunch for shorter lines.

Other rides: Plan family rides and moderate attractions in clusters to reduce walking and stay ahead of crowds.

Fast Track / line-skip options: which tier to buy and when

What it is: Paid access to bypass regular queues on select rides.

When to buy: Weekends, public/school holidays, or during special events to access top rides like Skyrush, Fahrenheit, and Comet efficiently.

When to skip: Mid-week or off-peak months—waits are manageable without paying.

Strategy: Use Fast Track for your first big ride and reserve regular queues for secondary attractions.

Showtimes, parades & character meet strategy: when to ride vs when to sit

Midday break: Schedule one show, parade, or character meet between 11:30 and 14:00 to rest while queues peak elsewhere.

Early/late meet-ups: Meet characters right after opening or late afternoon for shorter lines.

During shows/parades: Ride high-demand coasters—lines drop while guests are watching entertainment.

Water park (The Boardwalk) crowd plan

Best timing: Early morning or late afternoon for shortest lines.

Slide order: Start with family raft/multi-person slides, move to tube slides, and save body slides for later.

Cabanas: Reserve on busy days for guaranteed shade and breaks.

Midday cooldown: Use water attractions from 12:00–14:00 to escape heat and avoid land-ride queues.

Re-rides: Late afternoon or after a short rain shower often have the shortest lines.

Family & kid-friendly crowd hacks

Height checks: Verify children’s eligibility at entrances to avoid wasting time by waiting.

Stroller parking: Use designated areas and label your strollers for easy access.

Quiet zones: Indoor theaters, shaded areas, and calm paths for breaks during peak hours.

Meals: Eat before 11:30 or after 14:00 to avoid crowded food courts.

Family rides: Plan for early morning or late afternoon to avoid waits with younger children.

How long Hersheypark takes

Half-day (4–5 hours): Two top rides (Skyrush, Fahrenheit), 2–3 family attractions, one show, snack break.

Full-day (7–9 hours): All major rides, shows, water park, meals, and a relaxed experience.

With kids/teens: Add extra time for family rides, character meets, and breaks—8–10+ hours recommended.

Tips to avoid crowds at Hersheypark

• Mid-week visits: Tuesdays–Thursdays are the least crowded.
• Early & late: Rope drop and final hour offer the shortest wait times.
• Avoid peak events: Holidays, school breaks, and special events (Halloween, Christmas) bring large crowds.
• Weather watch: Rain or overcast mornings reduce lines—bring a poncho.
• Live wait monitoring: Use the official app to adjust plans in real time.