Hershey Park Operating Hours
Hershey Park’s schedule varies by season, ensuring guests can enjoy a wide range of festivities throughout the year. In general, operating hours during the peak summer season are more extensive, while off-peak times offer more limited hours.
Summer: During the height of summer, the park usually opens its doors from early morning to late evening. Visitors can take advantage of these longer hours to experience the variety of attractions on offer.
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays | 10:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Weekends | 10:00 AM | 11:00 PM |
Fall: In the fall, Hershey Park celebrates Halloween with special weekend events, and hours may be reduced as it operates mainly during the day and early evening.
Halloween Season
- Weekends: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM (varies)
Winter: The park welcomes the winter holidays with Hershey Sweet Lights, a drive-through light display, and limited park hours.
Winter Season
- Hershey Sweet Lights: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Spring: The park opens for spring weekends, providing visitors with the opportunity to enjoy the attractions as the weather begins to warm.
Springtime in the Park
- Weekends: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Note that hours may vary and it’s always best to check the official Hershey Park hours page for the most accurate and up-to-date information before planning a visit. The park also offers special hours for season pass holders and guests staying at the official resorts.
Seasonal Hours Variation
Hersheypark offers a diverse array of seasonal events throughout the year, each with its own specific operating hours. These variations cater to different holiday celebrations and school schedules, ensuring guests can enjoy the park during various times of the year.
Summer Season Hours
During the Summer Season, Hersheypark is typically open daily, providing extended hours to take full advantage of the warm weather. For instance, from May 25 to September 10, the park usually welcomes guests for longer periods of daytime fun, often from 10:00 AM until 10:00 PM.
Halloween Season Hours
The Halloween Season sees Hersheypark adapt its schedule to focus on weekends, with hours designed around the “Hersheypark Halloween” and the “Dark Nights” events. The park adjusts its hours to accommodate the spooky festivities, usually beginning in September.
Christmas Season Hours
Christmas Season hours at Hersheypark feature the “Christmas Candylane” celebration, which starts in early November. The park operates primarily on weekends and offers evening hours to allow visitors the chance to experience the holiday lights and decorations.
Springtime In The Park Hours
Lastly, “Springtime In The Park” hours signal the kickoff of Hersheypark’s seasonal calendar. This event typically occurs in April and features weekend operation with hours designed around the spring break schedules of schools in the region, marking a lighter schedule compared to the summer.
Special Hours and Events
Hersheypark offers unique experiences through special hours and seasonal events, designed to enhance the amusement experience for guests with different interests and needs.
Early Access Hours for Resort Guests
Guests staying at the official Hersheypark resorts receive the benefit of entering the park before the general public. The Sweet Start offers early access, allowing an extra hour of ride time on select attractions.
ZooAmerica Opening Hours
ZooAmerica is part of the Hersheypark experience and typically operates daily. Visitors can check the zoo’s schedule, which sometimes varies from the main park’s operating hours, especially during special events or seasons.
Hershey Park in the Dark Hours
The park transforms for Halloween with Hershey Park in the Dark, featuring themed attractions and entertainment. Specific dates and times can be found during the fall season, providing a spooky twist for visitors.
Hershey Park Christmas Candylane Hours
During the winter holidays, Hershey Park Christmas Candylane offers festive decorations and themed entertainment. Operating from November 10 through January 1, with varying hours, the event adds a magical touch to the holiday season.
Park Hours During Weekdays vs Weekends
When planning a visit to Hersheypark, guests should be mindful that operating hours may vary between weekdays and weekends. During the weekday, the park has historically been known to experience fewer crowds, which could translate to reduced wait times for attractions and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Weekday Hours:
- Typically, hours are shorter during the standard weeks outside of peak seasons.
- Summer weekdays might offer extended hours due to higher visitor numbers.
Weekend Hours:
- Weekends usually see extended hours to accommodate the increased number of visitors.
- Special events often occur on weekends, which might further extend operating times.
Hersheypark’s schedule is subject to change, especially during holiday seasons or special events. For instance, the Hersheypark Crowd Calendar indicates that weekends (and especially Saturdays) are more crowded during the holiday season, with mid-week days being most manageable. Furthermore, details on specific opening times for the park, including for various eateries and attractions like Hershey Sweet Lights, can offer insight into how to plan the timing of your visit.
Visitors are encouraged to check the official Hersheypark hours for the most accurate and current information before making their travel plans. It is especially beneficial to look up any particular dates of interest, as the park may occasionally alter its hours for private events or based on the season.
Hours for Adjacent Attractions
Visiting Hershey Park includes the chance to explore its adjacent attractions, each offering unique experiences with their own operational hours.
Hershey’s Chocolate World Hours
Adjacent to Hershey Park, Hershey’s Chocolate World offers an immersive chocolate experience outside the park’s gates. It typically opens at 10:00 AM, but closing times may vary depending on the season and day of the week.
The Boardwalk At Hershey Park Hours
Just steps away from the rides, The Boardwalk At Hershey Park features water attractions perfect for cooling off. During the summer season, it generally operates from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Please check the park’s official calendar as hours may be subject to change.
Unexpected Changes in Operating Hours
Hersheypark, known for its variety of attractions and entertainment, has announced alterations to its operating schedule for the current season. Visitors are advised to take note of these adjustments to ensure a seamless experience when planning their trip.
Summer and Halloween Seasons: There is a shift in the pattern of hours for the remainder of the summer and leading into the Halloween season. Initially, the park had a consistent schedule, but recent updates necessitate guests to confirm the hours prior to their visit.
Specific Dates to Consider:
- June Schedule: Before June 15 on weekdays, the park was open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Fridays until June 16, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays saw the park operational till 9 p.m. Starting June 17, there was an earlier opening at 10 a.m. on Fridays.
- Holiday Hours: For dates like November 25, the hours have been stated as 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM for broader access to venues such as Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor and Sweeterie Confectionery Kitchen.
Visitors can stay informed about the latest schedule and any further changes by checking updates on the Hersheypark official hours page.
It’s important for guests to review these changes as they could significantly impact their visit. Hersheypark has not only adjusted daily hours but also introduced changes for specific seasonal events. These efforts are likely aimed at enhancing guest experience and accommodating varying attendance patterns throughout the year.
Extended Hours for Holidays and Peak Times
During key holiday periods and peak times, Hersheypark extends its hours, offering visitors more time to enjoy the park. Guests can experience the festive atmosphere and additional hours across select dates, particularly during the summer season and special events.
Summer Season:
Hersheypark often extends its operating hours during the summer. On particular days, the park may open earlier and close later, allowing for more enjoyment of the rides and attractions.
- Early Access: Season pass holders and resort guests may benefit from preview plan access, entering an hour early to enjoy a selection of rides. For more details, visit Hersheypark Tickets.
Holiday Hours:
Special holiday hours are implemented to enhance the Hersheypark experience during these festive times.
- Halloween: The park traditionally opens for an expanded schedule to accommodate the excitement of Hersheypark Halloween celebrations.
- Christmas: Holiday season tends to come with extended evening hours, ensuring park-goers have ample time to experience the magical Christmas lights and displays.
For an exact schedule and additional information regarding extended hours, it is wise to consult the park’s official hours page at Hersheypark Hours.
During these extended hours, visitors can maximize their time and create lasting memories with friends and family. Always check the park’s official schedule or contact customer service for the most current information, as hours can vary based on the time of year and park events.
Dining and Shopping Hours Within the Park
At Hersheypark, visitors have a range of dining and shopping options to enhance their visit. Here are the typical hours, but they can vary based on the season and park hours:
Dining:
The park boasts a variety of dining locations for every taste. Guests can enjoy meals and snacks throughout the park, with general hours as follows:
- Breakfast Locations: Typically open by 10:00 AM
- Lunch and Dinner Spots: Open from 11:00 AM to park closing
- 1906 Grill, Overlook Food Court, and others have varying specialty hours.
Shopping:
Hersheypark offers an array of shopping experiences from sweet treats to souvenirs:
- Hersheypark Supply Co.: Opens with the park and typically closes an hour before park closing
- Other Retail Outlets: Operational hours often mirror the park’s opening times but may close earlier.
Guests are encouraged to check the specific Hours of Operation for the date of their visit to plan effectively.
All-Day Options:
For convenience, all-day dining and drink deals are available at many dining locations, where guests can purchase deals that fit their schedule within the park’s operating hours.
Please note that the hours above are subject to change. Visitors should verify the hours for individual dining and shopping venues on the day of their visit to ensure the best experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating the operational nuances of Hersheypark can enhance a visitor’s experience. This section aims to address common inquiries regarding the park’s hours and accessibilities.
What are the operating hours for Hersheypark in September?
In September, Hersheypark traditionally adjusts its hours for the autumn season, typically offering weekend hours. Visitors should check the park’s official hours closer to their visit, as these can vary.
When do the rides at Hersheypark typically open and close?
Rides at Hersheypark usually open with the park and close shortly before the park’s official closing time. This ensures guests can safely complete their final rides of the day.
What are the water park hours within Hersheypark?
The water attractions within Hersheypark follow the park’s seasonal schedule, with full operation during summer months. For specific hours, guests are advised to review the updated schedule prior to their visit.
How early can guests enter Hersheypark gates?
Guests can often enter Hersheypark up to an hour before the official opening time through the Sweet Start program, available to select pass holders and resort guests. This benefit allows early access to specific areas of the park.
Is Hersheypark open throughout the year?
Hersheypark offers year-round entertainment with varying schedules, hosting special events during the Halloween and Christmas seasons, in addition to full operations in the warmer months. Detailed seasonal hours are provided by the park.
Do Hersheypark guests have any options for complimentary admission?
Hersheypark occasionally extends offers such as Preview Plan, which permits entry for a couple of hours the evening prior to a full-day ticket use. Prospective guests should enquire about current promotions before planning their visit.