Hersheypark Halloween & Dark Nights Rainy Day Guide 2026
Best Indoor Haunted Houses, Covered Attractions and Rain Policy Tips
Don’t let forecasted inclement weather scare you away from a thrilling visit to Hersheypark during Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights presented by Reese's and Kit Kat®! From eerie indoor haunted houses to frighteningly fun undercover activities, there are plenty of ways to stay dry while keeping your spirits alive at Pennsylvania’s largest amusement park during the Halloween season.
Weather-Protected Rides
Hersheypark offers more than 50 rides during Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights, many of which can operate in light rain. But, when heavy precipitation hits, thrill-seekers can still enjoy full-throttle thrills on several fully enclosed or covered attractions:
- Laff Trakk: Experience America's first indoor spinning glow-coaster, operating in complete darkness during all Hersheypark Halloween event hours for an added thrill
- Reese's Cupfusion: An interactive indoor dark ride where guests become agents to protect the factory and ensure the world is never deprived of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
- Fender Bender: Classic bumper cars offering covered fun for friends and family
- Classic Carrousel: Take a nostalgic spin on the iconic 107-year-old Carrousel with all 66 original horses
Five Indoor Haunted Houses
Darkness descends upon Hersheypark (sometimes both literally and figuratively if storm clouds roll in) for Dark Nights each operating evening at 6 p.m. Guests seeking shelter from inclement weather can venture into the shadowy depths of five spine-chilling indoor haunted houses, all included with Hersheypark Halloween admission:
- Kill 'N Fill Garage (Located in the tent in Midway America near Laff Trakk and Wild Mouse): Navigate an abandoned, gore-soaked car wash and body shop where a ruthless group of killers strips victims for parts.
- Twisted Carnevil (Also located in the tent in Midway America near Laff Trakk and Wild Mouse): Enter a never-ending hall of illusions ruled by The Hypnotist, where greasepaint drips like blood.
- Estate of Evil (Located in Tidal Force Catering across from the former Tidal Force attraction and next to the entrance portal for the Fallout Zone scare zone): Explore a traditional haunted mansion filled with long-sealed, malevolent mementos and curated horrors. This haunted house does have an outdoor scene where guests venture into an open air garden before heading back inside.
- Auntie Mortem's Abattoir (Located next to Music Express and Laff Trakk in the Midway America region): Step into a sinister meat-processing shop where old family recipes blend with fresh stock.
- Haunted Coal Mine (Located in the Trailblazer catering space near Spring Creek Smokehouse in the Pioneer Frontier region): Descend into a flooded coal mine as murky waters drag you down further and dark creatures emerge.
Meet Monsters Rain or Shine
When bad weather strikes Central Pennsylvania, park-goers can retreat inside the Chevrolet Music Box Theatre for the all-new Monster Meet & Shriek! Offered nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., this fully covered meet-and-greet experience ensures Halloween excitement continues, rain or shine, as guests snap a sweet photo souvenir with a rotating lineup of Dark Nights monsters. It’s a spell-binding way to wait out a monstrous downpour!
High-Score Indoor Fun at the Arcade
Guests can play their way through an unexpected shower in the two climate-controlled arcades at Hersheypark, while winning prizes and enjoying competitive indoor fun. In the Pioneer Frontier region, Play Dome Arcade delivers hours of indoor entertainment with classic video games, claw crane machines and ticket redemption games. For even more undercover excitement, gamers can head over to Overlook Arcade in the Kissing Tower Hill region—the park's largest arcade, featuring fan favorites like Skeeball, alongside interactive games for all ages.
Delicious Dining Places to Recharge and Stay Dry
A brief rain shower provides the ideal opportunity to relax and recharge while visiting the amusement park. Hersheypark features a range of indoor and covered dining spots—including Overlook Food Court and Chick-fil-A (closed Sundays)—that allow guests to stay dry while fueling up. For an elevated, full-service dining experience, The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio offers an ideal setting for lunch or dinner, complete with seasonal autumn options such as Butternut Squash Pasta and Sausage & Apple Flatbread. The restaurant is open daily, and reservations are strongly encouraged.
Spooky Souvenir Shopping
There are more than 15 shops open during Hersheypark Halloween, many of which are perfect for taking shelter when spooky storms brew or purchasing a poncho to brave the rain. Guests can visit Hersheypark Supply Co. at the front of the park to browse an eerie-sistible collection of apparel, gifts, toys and exclusive souvenirs. Those looking for seasonal fits with a haunting twist should pop into Dark Nights Emporium at the entrance of the Midway Of Misery scare zone.
Creatures Of The Night at ZooAmerica
Guests can grab their flashlight (and poncho, if needed) for the popular Creatures Of The Night event at ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park starting Oct. 16, 2026. Running from 6–9 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 1, this Halloween-themed, after-hours experience offers plenty of covered ways to catch some "fangs" out of the storm. Admission includes a creepy-crawler room, animal encounters under a tent, and two darkened indoor habitats where guests can observe the nocturnal habits of North American animals.
Rainy Day Policy & Insider Tips
Don’t let a little rain dampen your spirits at Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights! Grab a poncho, embrace the spooky atmosphere and brew up an unforgettable adventure in Hershey this season—rain or shine!
- Rainy Day Promise: If inclement weather conditions cause the majority of major rides and attractions to close for a continuous 60 minutes, a Return Visit Voucher may be issued for a return visit. Guests can present their ticket stub or receipt of purchase to any Guest Services location to receive a Return Visit Voucher with our Rainy Day Promise.
- Hersheypark App: Guests are encouraged to download the free Hersheypark app to track real-time ride availability, wait times and entertainment scheduled right from their phone.
- Rain Gear: Umbrellas are allowed to be brought into Hersheypark, but they are not permitted on rides for guest safety. Ponchos are available for purchase at Hersheypark Supply Co. and other stores throughout Hersheypark.