Guide to Hersheypark Spring Weekends 2025
Everything You Need to Know Before You Go to Hersheypark This Spring
Ready, set, Hersheypark… spring means coaster rides, King Size shakes and character meets are back! Hersheypark amusement park springs back to life on April 5 for its 119th operating year.
Hersheypark is open for seven spring weekends from April 5 through May 18 for its spring season. Hours vary by day this spring, with extended hours over Easter Weekend (April 18-20):
- Saturdays from April 5 through May 17 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sundays from April 6 through May 18 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Easter Sunday, April 20, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
- Friday, April 18 (Good Friday), and all Fridays in May from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
If you plan a spring visit to the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania, this ultimate Hersheypark Spring Weekends 2025 Guide covers details on things to do, where to eat and stay, and insider tips to maximize your time in The Sweetest Place On Earth.
THINGS TO DO
From coaster rides and family-friendly attractions to character entertainment and strolls through the zoo, Hersheypark offers so many only-in-Hershey experiences in the spring.
Coasters and Family-Friendly Rides
Spring Weekends at Hersheypark mark the return of coaster riding season for thrill seekers. Hersheypark is home to the most coasters in the Northeast, which means plenty of opportunities to experience hair-raising thrills and the ultimate airtime this spring.
Including its iconic coaster collection, Hersheypark offers more than 50 spring attractions, weather permitting, with something for everyone. The youngest guests can enjoy nearly 20 kiddie rides, while those who prefer mild thrills can take in the clean and green views of the 121-acre amusement park from attractions like Dry Gulch Railroad, Ferris Wheel, Kissing Tower and Monorail. Kissing Tower is one of five Hersheypark rides celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2025.
Please keep in mind that spring in Central Pennsylvania can see some hotter weather days, but The Boardwalk At Hersheypark is closed during Spring Weekends. The 11-acre water park is open daily from May 24 through Sept. 1, 2025.
Insider Tip: Download the Hersheypark app for real-time ride availability and wait times. Hersheypark is open rain or shine. In the event that inclement weather conditions or cold temperatures cause our major rides to close for a continuous 60 minutes, a Return Visit Voucher will be issued at Guest Services for a return visit for the same current operating season.
Hershey Characters
For more than 50 years, Hershey Characters have delighted generations of guests while visiting Hersheypark. In fact, Hersheypark is the only amusement park in the world where visitors can meet and greet with their favorite Hershey brands. This spring, guests can say hello and snap a selfie with Hersh and Reese inside the Chevrolet Music Box Theatre.
Insider Tip: The Hersheypark app will list appearance times on the day of your visit.
Our Friends From The Sea
Did you know that Hersheypark has an Aquatheatre where a marine mammal show takes place during Spring Weekends and throughout the operating year? Held in partnership with Ocean Connections, the Our Friends From The Sea show features animal care specialists interacting with California sea lions and Atlantic harbor seals to teach guests about marine life, conservation and the environment.
Our Friends From The Sea is offered every operating day this spring at 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. The educational show is included with a Hersheypark ticket.
Insider Tip: Guests interested in a VIP experience should consider the Flippered Friends & Family program, which includes a feeding and training session. The program is offered at noon on all Spring Weekend operating days. Registration is required in advance.
ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park
Parkgoers looking for a break from coaster riding can also head to ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park to see dozens of North American animals, such as black bears, gray wolves, river otters and Canada lynx. The 11-acre zoo is included with a Hersheypark ticket only by accessing the Zoo through the bridge inside Hersheypark during posted Park hours. It takes about one hour to walk through the entire Zoo, but visitors are encouraged to spend as much time as they like!
Insider Tip: ZooAmerica offers behind-the-scenes tours throughout the spring season. These tours guide participants through non-public spaces and allow them to get close to North American animals.
WHERE TO EAT
During Spring Weekends, Hersheypark offers dozens of places to eat both inside and outside the front gate. View the Foodie Guide to Hersheypark Spring Weekends 2025 for all of the sweet (and savory) details.
In-Park Food and Beverage Updates
Here is a taste of what is new or changed for food and beverage offerings this spring at Hersheypark.
- Simply Chocolate will debut a new Twisted Strawberry King Size Shake and a King Size Cold Brew Float, featuring vanilla ice cream with caramel cold brew and topped with a cinnamon sugar donut.
- Tower Fries will debut a Twisted Flight, featuring fresh-cut fries, vanilla ice cream, cherry cone dip and Twizzlers.
- Milton's Ice Cream Parlor will be open during Park operating hours for those craving a sweet treat. The kitchen will be closed.
- Overlook Food Court will offer allergen, vegan and gluten-friendly options, including wraps, salads, pizzas, chicken tenders, and vegan and gluten-friendly snacks.
- Food Truck Fridays will return on May 2, 9 and 16 in The Boardwalk. Stay tuned for more details on food truck offerings!
Insider Tip: When available, guests can utilize the mobile ordering system at select locations around the Park by using the Hersheypark app or scanning the QR code outside a participating location to start a mobile order. Season Pass Holders can use their Season Pass discount.
The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio
If you're looking for a full-service option, The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio is open daily in Hershey's Chocolatetown. The restaurant features family fare with a fun spin and hints of chocolate, one-of-a-kind views and a second-story patio and bar open this spring, weather permitting.
The Chocolatier will debut a new spring menu closer to May, so stay tuned to their Facebook page and @HersheyparkEats Instagram for details!
Insider Tip: Reservations are strongly encouraged at The Chocolatier. The patio is first-come, first-served.
WHERE TO SHOP
Nearly a dozen gift and souvenir shops are open during Spring Weekends inside Hersheypark.
Guests looking to give the gift of Hersheypark Happy or take a piece of it home with them will find the largest selection of apparel, gifts, toys and more at Hersheypark Supply Co., the premier, 10,000-square-foot flagship store in Hershey's Chocolatetown. New this spring, Hersheypark Supply Co. features 2025-branded clothing, hats, magnets and mugs for parkgoers of all ages, as well as a new and returning line of Season Pass Holder swag.
New Spring Retail Offerings
Some other new retail offerings this spring include:
- A new HP Toys & Collectables store (located in Hershey's Chocolatetown in the former Hyperdeck building) features a wide selection of adorable plush characters, popular toys and exciting collectibles for all ages.
- A full Life is Good store (located in the former HP Toy Box building) features expanded offerings, including home décor, entertainment products and more.
- A new Puppie Love store (located in the former Life is Good building) features the popular brand previously found in HP Collections.
Insider Tip: Check out the Hersheypark Spring 2025 Retail Guide for more details.
WHERE TO STAY
Visitors looking to extend their stay in The Sweetest Place On Earth can book a sweet spring getaway at The Official Resorts of Hersheypark: The Hotel Hershey luxury accommodation, Hershey Lodge resort and Hersheypark Camping Resort campground. Popular packages available on select dates starting April 4 include the Hersheypark 1-Night Package and 2-Day Stay and Play Package, with the Best Price Of Summer available through March 31.
All guests of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark receive free Resort Benefits, including discounted Hersheypark tickets, extra hours at Hersheypark with Preview Plan, free admission to Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story Museum, and more.
The Hotel Hershey
Opened by chocolatier Milton S. Hershey in 1933, The Hotel Hershey is a one-of-a-kind destination with a rich history. Situated high atop the town of Hershey, the resort is known for its refined elegance, signature service and abundant amenities and has received the AAA Four-Diamond Award.
Marking its first spring season, The Villas at The Hotel Hershey offer guests an elevated luxury accommodation experience with 48 reimagined rooms, refreshed furnishings and unmatched amenities. Amenities include access to an all-new exclusive Concierge Lounge, daily Hersheypark tickets and a One-Day Fast Track per person.
Insider Tip: Check out The Hotel Hershey Spring Guide for more information on this luxury resort. New this spring is 1933 Restaurant & Tavern coming in April!
Hershey Lodge
Warm, welcoming, and distinctly Hershey, Hershey Lodge provides convenience and comfort for families and guests of all ages. The property is home to Hershey’s Water Works at Hershey Lodge indoor pool complex featuring two pools, Twizzlers Twists Slides, Reese’s Water Walk, a sand castle water play structure, a whirlpool and an outdoor splash pad.
Insider Tip: Check out the Hershey Lodge Spring Guide for more information on this family-friendly resort.
Hersheypark Camping Resort
Hersheypark Camping Resort is a year-round camping facility in Hershey, Pa., that has welcomed guests since 1963 with its 55 acres of emerald hills. The campground offers more than 300 open and shaded sites, including 50 cabins and two tiny homes with heat, air conditioning and additional amenities; full hook-up sites with electric, water, sewer and cable; partial sites with electric, water, and cable; and no hook-up tent sites.
Insider Tip: Check out the Hersheypark Camping Resort Spring Guide for more information on this camping facility.
HOW TO SAVE
For your planning, Hersheypark, The Chocolatier and ZooAmerica are cashless. These locations accept all major credit cards, Hersheypark gift cards, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay.
Admission Tickets
Guests can save more than 45 percent on 1-Day Any Day Tickets to Hersheypark when purchased online by March 31, 2025, with the current Best Price Of The Year offer. Tickets purchased during the sale are valid on any 2025 public operating day, including spring weekends, through Jan. 4, 2026. If you consider visiting Hersheypark twice in 2025, a 2-day ticket is the best value. Plus, it does not need to be used on consecutive days so that you can visit once during spring and again at any other point throughout the operating year.
Insider Tip: All guests can use the free Preview Plan included with every ticket. You can present your ticket at the main entrance before your full-day visit (if the Park is open the preceding day) to enjoy two free extra hours of fun. For a 2-day ticket, Preview Plan must be experienced prior to a guest's first full day visit. Guests at The Official Resorts of Hersheypark can enjoy three hours of riding the night before their full day. The Hersheypark calendar lists the Preview Plan start time by date.
2025 Season Passes
The 2025 Hersheypark Season Pass program features four tiers with unlimited visits and sweet perks to fit every family’s lifestyle - all for less than the cost of three visits.
All 2025 Season Passes include unlimited visits throughout the 2025 operating year for all four seasons at Hersheypark, including Spring Weekends, Summer, Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights, and Hersheypark Christmas Candylane. Depending on the Pass type, Season Pass Holders can also enjoy free parking, a free Pre-K Pass, other sweet perks, exclusive Season Pass Holder events and great discounts around town.
Now is the time to buy your Season Passes to save with Best Price Of The Year through March 31!
Insider Tip: Please note that seasonal events DO NOT include Sweet Start 1-hour early access, which begins on May 22 for 2025 Hersheypark Full, King and Giant Size Season Pass Holders and Resort guests.
Parking
Guests are encouraged to purchase a parking voucher online in advance of a visit to save money. General parking is $26 plus taxes and fees online, compared to $35 in person at the parking booth.
Insider Tip: Guests of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark receive free front-gate shuttle service to the exclusive resort drop-off location. Hersheypark Full, King and Giant Size Pass Holders receive free parking.
Drink and Dining Add-Ons
Hersheypark offers ticket add-ons that allow guests to save with drink and dining plans.
- All-Day Drink Deal ($22.98 plus taxes and fees): The All-Day Drink Deal includes a 2025 Souvenir Cup for free fountain drink and Slush refills every 10 minutes on the day of redemption. Plus, you get $1 refills on future visits.
- All-Day Dining Deal ($39.99 plus taxes and fees): The All-Day Dining Deal allows guests to dine all day for one low price! The Deal includes one entrée and one side at more than 15 locations throughout Hersheypark. You must wait 90 minutes in between uses. View the locations and menus.
- Single-Use Meal Deal ($17.98 plus taxes and fees): The Single-Use Meal Deal includes an entrée, side and drink from one of 15 locations. Guests must present their Meal Deal voucher at any participating location. Vouchers are valid for one use.
Insider Tip: New this year, All-Day Dining is no longer tied to a wristband. Guests can purchase the add-on online or at a Guest Services location and present the voucher at a participating location.
Fast Track
Guests can get to the thrills faster this spring with Fast Track and Fast Track Unlimited.
- Regular Fast Track allows you to skip the regular line on participating attractions once per day during your visit.
- Unlimited Fast Track allows you to skip the regular line on participating attractions all day long.
- All-Year Fast Track Unlimited is also available as a Season Pass add-on.
The following attractions are available with Fast Track this spring: Candymonium, Carrousel, Comet, Fahrenheit, Great Bear, Hershey Triple Tower, Jolly Rancher Remix, Laff Trakk, Lightning Racer, Reese’s Cupfusion, Skyrush, sooperdooperLooper, Storm Runner, Trailblazer, Wild Mouse and Wildcat’s Revenge. Please note height restrictions for Fast Track-eligible attractions, as they are primarily high-thrill rides. Attraction availability is subject to change.
Insider Tip: Fast Track pricing and options vary by day. New this year, guests are encouraged to buy early and save by purchasing three days or more before their visit for the most savings. Hersheypark admission is not included with Fast Track and is sold separately.