Guide to Spring Weekends 2023 at Hersheypark

The countdown to coaster riding is on! Hersheypark amusement park kicks off its 117th operating year on April 1, with eight fun-filled weekends of rides, Hershey Characters selfies, ZooAmerica visits and endless Hersheypark Happy.

If you are planning a visit to Hersheypark in April or May, we’ve got you covered with this ultimate spring guide of important information and insider tips.

Dates and Hours 

Hersheypark is open on weekends from April 1 through May 21 for its spring season. Daily summer operations begin May 25.

Hours vary by day:

• Saturdays from April 1 through May 20 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Sundays from April 2 through May 21 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Friday, April 7, and all Fridays in May from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Insider Tip: Take advantage of 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. Guests at The Official Resorts Of Hersheypark can enjoy three hours the night before their full day. Please note that seasonal events do not include Sweet Start 1-hour early access, which begins on May 25 for 2023 Full Size and King Size Season Pass Holders and resort guests.

Admission Tickets

Guests can save when purchasing tickets online. 2023 tickets are valid on any public operating day from April 1, 2023, through Jan. 1, 2024. Current 2023 Season Pass Holders can enjoy unlimited visits on spring weekends as part of their year-long perks.

NEW - All tickets and Season Passes can be added to your digital wallet to save time when entering the Park, so you can get to the fun faster.

Insider Tip: Consider purchasing 2-day tickets as they are the best value and do not need to be used on consecutive days. A Season Pass is the best option for three or more visits this year. 

Things To Do

The spring season at Hersheypark features more than 50 family-friendly rides and thrilling attractions, including 13 coasters, weather and maintenance permitting. Thrill seekers should add Great Bear and Fahrenheit to their must-ride list as both coasters celebrate milestone anniversaries this year. Please note that The Boardwalk At Hersheypark water park is closed during spring weekends. It is open from May 27 through Sept. 4.

Tickets also include photo opportunities with Hershey Characters at Hershey's Hangout and Our Friends From The Sea shows with the seals and sea lions in the Aquatheatre. Guests looking for a break from coaster riding can also head to ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park to see dozens of North American animals like black bears, gray wolves, river otters and Canada lynx. ZooAmerica is included with a Hersheypark ticket only by accessing the Zoo through the bridge inside Hersheypark during posted Park hours.

Insider Tip: Download the Hersheypark App for real-time ride availability, ride wait times, mobile ordering, an interactive map and show times.

Spring Food and Beverage Offerings

The Hersheypark Food and Beverage team will debut new sweet and savory items during spring weekends, including new flavors of King Size Shakes at Simply Chocolate and the addition of Philly Cheesesteak Co. in the Pioneer Frontier region. Check out our food guide! 

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 that will be open this spring, weather permitting. Reservations are strongly encouraged at The Chocolatier. They are available to book through the end of the year.  Milton's Ice Cream Parlor and The Sweeterie Confectionery Kitchen are also open daily this spring in Hershey's Chocolatetown for guests craving a sweet treat.

Insider Tip: Hersheypark is now cashless in an effort to create more convenient retail and dining experiences for guests. All major credit cards, Hersheypark gift cards, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay will be accepted. The Chocolatier continues to accept cash.

Drink and Dining Add-Ons

Hersheypark offers ticket add-ons that allow guests to skip the lines on select family attractions and roller coasters with Fast Track, save with drink and dining plans, enjoy all-year admission to local attractions, and more!

With the All-Day Drink Deal, you receive a 2023 Souvenir Cup and save with free refills on fountain drinks and Slush every 10 minutes on the day of redemption. Plus, you get $1 refills on future visits.  The All-Day Drink cup can be picked up at the following locations (show your voucher bar code to get your cup):

• Founder's Way - All-Day Drink Cart, Nathan’s Famous, Dispatch Pizzeria Express, 1906 Grill, Pepsi Fast Fill at 1906 Grill and Simply Chocolate
• Kissing Tower Hill - Overlook Food Court 
• Pioneer Frontier - All-Day Deal Center by The Claw 
• Midway America - Chickie's and Pete's or Dispatch Pizzeria

The All-Day Dining Deal allows you to dine all day for one low price! The Deal includes one entrée and one side at more than 10 locations throughout Hersheypark. To activate the All-Day Dining Deal, you can visit any of the locations listed below. When ordering your food, let the cashier know that you are purchasing the All-Day Dining plan or that you have a voucher for redemption. They will then activate your wristband for you and place it on your wrist. Your All-Day Dining can also be linked to your HPGO wristband. If you picked up your HPGO wristband first, the All-Day Dining plan still needs to be activated and paid for before use. 

• Founder’s Way - Nathan’s Famous, Dispatch Pizzeria Express, 1906 Grill 
• Kissing Tower Hill - Overlook Food Court
• The Hollow - Dispatch Pizzeria and Nathan’s Food Truck 
• Pioneer Frontier - Spring Creek Smokehouse, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Flying Fare (Formerly The Outpost), Berks 
• Midway America -  Dispatch Pizzeria

Insider Tip: To use the Pepsi Fast Fill machine, scan the barcode on the front of your cup on the scanner next to the machine, place your cup under the soda of your choice, and use the lever to fill your cup. Once the scan is processed, you have 22 seconds to fill your cup. Do not scan your cup if the countdown is still active from the previous guest. Water and ice will dispense without scanning your cup.

Parking

Guests are encouraged to purchase a parking voucher online in advance of a visit to save 20 percent. General parking is $20 online compared to $25 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.

Accessibility Services

Upon arrival at Hersheypark, please visit Accessibility Services located in a NEW location to the right of the Front Gate to request more information about Hersheypark Accessibility programs. Our team members will assist guests by providing Park-wide information and explaining more about the Attraction Accessibility Program. The Accessibility Services agents can help define ride safety and ridership requirements in addition to discussing any and all accommodations for our guests.
Accessibility Services is located in a special building on the left side of Ticketing Services outside the front gate and open one hour prior to Hersheypark opening. Please look for the Accessibility Services sign.

Accommodations

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. Check out some of our popular packages. 

Insider Tip: All guests of The Official Resorts Of Hersheypark also receive free Resort Benefits, including the best price on Hersheypark tickets, extra hours at Hersheypark with Preview Plan, free admission to Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story Museum, and more.

We look forward to seeing you this April!