Situated three hours from New York City and two hours from Philadelphia, Hershey—often referred to as “Chocolate Town, USA”—was established in 1907 by chocolate magnate Milton Hershey to create a community for his workforce. He subsequently developed an amusement park exclusively for his employees, which transformed into Hersheypark, a prominent destination featuring roller coasters and various rides.
Visitors have the option to stay at one of three official Hersheypark resorts, which provide numerous complimentary family-oriented activities and advantages such as discounted theme park tickets, early entry to the theme park, an additional 3.5 hours of access to Hersheypark on the night prior to your arrival, and complimentary shuttle service to Hersheypark.
Additional attractions comprise ZooAmerica, an expansive 11-acre zoo and wildlife trail; Hershey Gardens, a captivating 23-acre botanical garden; and Hershey’s Chocolate World, a visitor center featuring shops, dining options, and a chocolate factory-themed tour ride.
The Boardwalk at Hersheypark
In celebration of Hersheypark’s centennial in 2007, a significant expansion included the introduction of The Boardwalk, a state-of-the-art water park costing $21 million. Conveniently located near the Midway within Hersheypark, it replicates the classic charm of Northeast seaside boardwalks. The water park saw further enhancements in 2009 and 2013, expanding to include 15 water thrill rides.
Entry to The Boardwalk is incorporated with admission to Hersheypark. It operates exclusively during the summer months, from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day weekend.
Attraction Highlights
- East Coast Waterworks: A seven-story waterplay structure complete with seven body waterslides, two tipping buckets, two crawl tunnels, and nearly 600 interactive water toys. Children can pull ropes, tip cones, and navigate bridges during their exploration.
- Coastline Plunge: A slide tower with six distinct tube waterslides.
- Sandcastle Cove: A dedicated children’s play area featuring a safe, zero-depth entry tailored for younger guests.
- Bayside Pier: A kiddie wave pool with an average depth of 18 inches.
- Waverider: A simulated surfing experience designed for thrill-seekers.
- The Shore: A 378,000-gallon wave pool featuring both zero-depth entry and a maximum depth of 6 feet.
- Intercoastal Waterway: A leisurely 1,360-foot lazy river maintained at a uniform water depth of 30 inches.
- Shoreline Sprayground: A splash area for children, equipped with misters, bubblers, water jets, and fountains.
The availability of cabanas, lockers, and life jackets (for younger guests) incurs additional charges. Please be advised that towels are not supplied to patrons.
Tips for Visiting
- It is advisable to wear bathing suits under your clothing to avoid changing when arriving at the water park.
- Swimsuits adorned with buckles, rivets, or zippers are prohibited in The Boardwalk.
- Bring flip-flops to enhance comfort during your time at The Boardwalk.
- Similar to the rest of Hersheypark, The Boardwalk experiences lower attendance in the morning and evening hours.
- Swim diapers are available for purchase at the gift shop, though they tend to be expensive; it is wise to pack a sufficient supply in advance.
Edited by Suzanne Rowan Kelleher
