Guide To Memorial Day Weekend 2022 in Hershey
Top Picks of Things to Do Over the Long Weekend
On Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice defending our country while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
While Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start to the summer season, the town of Hershey is already bustling with summer activities for visitors of all ages. If you are planning to spend the long weekend in The Sweetest Place On Earth, use this guide to help map out your sweet stay.
Take A Flavor Ride At Hersheypark
The countdown is on to May 28 - the official opening of two new Jolly Rancher attraction experiences guests can only find at Hersheypark. Starting Memorial Day weekend, guests can take a flavor ride on Jolly Rancher Remix coaster, a reimagined coaster for the senses, and enjoy spinning 360 degrees on Mix'd Flavored By Jolly Rancher all-new family ride located next to Jolly Rancher Remix.
In addition to these two rides, Hersheypark offers a wide range of family-friendly rides like the 25-year-old Ferris Wheel, more than 20 kiddie rides interspersed throughout the Park, 15 mild to wild coasters and other thrill attractions, weather and maintenance permitting.
Summer tickets also include The Boardwalk At Hersheypark water park starting May 28 and ZooAmerica only when accessing the zoo through the Hersheypark bridge during posted park hours. See below for more details on both attractions!
Hersheypark is open every day starting May 26, so there is plenty of time to experience the fun this summer. But don’t wait to plan a visit - Everyone Pays Kids’ Price when purchasing tickets online through May 31. The tickets are valid on any 2022 public operating day through Jan. 1, 2023.
Make A Splash At The Boardwalk At Hersheypark
The Boardwalk at Hersheypark officially opens for its 15th season on Saturday, May 28. With 16 water attractions and one million gallons of water, The Boardwalk is the perfect place to cool off all summer long. Guests can relax on the lazy river, catch a wave in the 378,000-gallon wave pool, take the plunge on various water slides, race on Whitecap Racer mat racing slide, rocket through hills, tunnels and turns on Breakers Edge HydroMAGNETIC water coaster, and so much more. The biggest splash comes from a 10,000-gallon tipping bucket for those looking to get drenched.
See The Animals At ZooAmerica
Families looking to get outside and enjoy the fresh air over the long weekend should consider a visit to ZooAmerica. The 11-acre zoo cares for more than 200 animals representing over 60 species from five regions of North America. Guests can see black bears, gray wolves, river otters, Canada lynx, elk, an American alligator, an ocelot and many other animals native to this continent.
ZooAmerica is open May 26-29 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hours extend to 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. starting May 30. The zoo is included with a Hersheypark ticket only when accessing the zoo through the Hersheypark bridge during posted park hours. Those interested in visiting ZooAmerica in the morning before Hersheypark opens will have to purchase separate zoo admission tickets. Regular admission to ZooAmerica is $13. Juniors ages 3-8 and seniors ages 62+ are $11. Children 2 and under are free.
Stay Overnight at the Official Resorts and Cool Off at the Pool
Guests staying overnight at The Official Resorts of Hersheypark Memorial Day weekend can look forward to splashes at the resorts’ outdoor pool complexes, which open for the summer season Friday, May 27 (weather permitting). Guests of The Hotel Hershey can enjoy a family pool with zero-grade entry, two large slides and a kiddie spray deck, as well as an infinity-edge adult pool and whirlpool. Campers at Hersheypark Camping Resort can cool off in two swimming pools and a kiddie pool. And, guests staying at Hershey Lodge can enjoy pool time at a zero-entry outdoor pool or a sweet indoor pool complex, Hershey’s Water Works, complete with Twizzlers Twists water slides, a Reese’s Water Walk, sand castle spray zone, lighthouse tipping bucket and more.
Still need to book your stay? Save with sweet packages, including the 2-Day Stay & Play Package and 3-Night Sweet Stay Package at The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge and the Hersheypark Summer Camping Package at Hersheypark Camping Resort. Plus, all resort guests receive FREE Resort Benefits, including free front-gate shuttle service to and from Hersheypark, extra hours at the Park and more.
Check out our guides to The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hersheypark Camping Resort to help you prepare for a sweet visit!
Dine Outdoors
Patio season is here! As we welcome the unofficial start to summer, it’s the perfect time to enjoy outdoor dining. Guests can find a beautiful patio with one-of-a-kind views of Hersheypark at The Chocolatier, located in Hershey’s Chocolatetown. The restaurant features a Fun to Table menu showcasing classic family fare with a fun spin and hints of chocolate. Be sure to check out our top 10 menu items to try during your next visit. Note: A Hersheypark ticket is not required.
Or, head downtown to enjoy views of the Hershey’s Kiss-shaped street lights from the patios at Devon Seafood + Steak and Houlihan's Restaurant + Bar. We recommend giving these guest-favorite menu items a try at Houlihan’s.
For more dining inspiration during your time in Hershey, check out some of our favorite over-the-top eats and sweets found across the destination, and don’t miss out on new additions to the summer menus at Hershey Lodge.
Hit The Links at Hershey Country Club
Enjoy a round of golf at Spring Creek Golf Course, the area's best and longest nine-hole course located at Hershey Country Club. This course is beginner-friendly and is a terrific way to introduce kids to the sport of golf or to play a round by yourself. Book a tee time now by calling the Spring Creek Golf Shop at 717-533-2847.
Be sure to share your sweet summer photos with us on social media using #HersheyPA!