The Boardwalk at Hersheypark Opens May 27 For Summer 2023

Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start to summer and the opening of The Boardwalk At Hersheypark water park on May 27, 2023. The 11-acre water park is included in the one-price admission to Hersheypark as part of three parks in one and features 16 water attractions for guests of all ages to cool off this summer. 

Catch a Wave

The Boardwalk features one million gallons of water, including a 378,000-gallon wave pool that gradually deepens from 0 to 6 feet. Known as The Shore, it is the perfect place for the whole family to cool off and catch a wave in between riding some coasters. 

Take a Plunge

A water park is certainly not complete without some water slides and The Boardwalk has six of them with Coastline Plunge. Guests can take the plunge on Hydro, Pipeline, Riptide, Surge, Vortex and Whirlwind. The water slides feature 1- or 2-person tubes that go through dark tunnels, serpentine curves and corkscrew revolutions - all dropping riders into a splash pool. 

Win a Race

Guests with a competitive edge will love Whitecap Racer, a mat racing slide with colorful double-looping tunnels. The water attraction features 6 lanes, so guests can compete against family or friends. At the end of the attraction, race times are featured on an arena-sized leaderboard - an opportunity to earn bragging rights for the rest of the summer.

Riders can maximize their experience by picking up a free HPGO wristband at the kiosk outside of Whitecap Racer and connecting it to the free Hersheypark App. By tapping the wristband to the Kisses-shaped HPGO reader, riders can collect their racing stats and photos at Whitecap Racer.

Make a splash

Families with young children can splash and play all day at three kiddie attractions in The Boardwalk. Sandcastle Cove features water slides, cannons, water curtains, jets, and a pool that reaches depths of 18 inches. Shoreline Sprayground is an all-ages water fun playground with misters, bubblers, dancing fountains, spraying jets, water curtains and a drenching tipping bucket. Bayside Pier is an ideal water attraction for younger children. It has a zero-depth entry ramp, rolling waves, fountains, tipping cones and more. 

The Boardwalk is also home to East Coast Waterworks, an attraction that offers more than 600 interactive water features. The biggest splash comes from a 10,000-gallon tipping bucket for those looking to get drenched on a hot summer day. Our teams have also added brand new flooring to the attraction that makes the whole area pop. 

Ride a Coaster

Guests looking for a little more thrill can experience Breakers Edge, the HydroMAGNETIC water coaster inside The Boardwalk. Rocket through thrilling splash-filled hills, intense open-air FlyingSAUCER turns, and high-speed tunnels. Riders accelerate on rafts through a dynamic course of drops, dives, and maximum g-force curves that re-define water thrill rides.

Relax in the River

Experience 1,360 feet of sweet, tubular relaxation on the Intercoastal Waterway! This slow, winding lazy river ride features bridges and waterfalls and is located in the heart of The Boardwalk. Intercoastal Waterway reaches depths of 2 feet and is accessed via a zero-depth entry ramp.

Fuel Up

The Boardwalk is home to a variety of food and beverage options for guests to choose from. Nathan's at The Boardwalk has signature hot dogs and french fries for guests looking for the typical Boardwalk experience. Oola Bowls provides a refreshing meal for anyone looking to cool off with an acai bowl and Rita's offers ice and custard as another sweet treat. Anyone looking for tasty burgers, chicken strips, fries and more will want to stop by East Coast Burger Works. 

Stay tuned for our 2023 Boardwalk foodie guide coming this summer. 

Purchase Tickets Now, Save All Year 

Guests can save now on Hersheypark tickets when purchased online. 2023 summer tickets are valid any 2023 public operating day through Jan. 1, 2024. But, if you want to visit The Boardwalk, keep in mind it is only open May 27 through Sept. 4.