You’ve heard of Hershey chocolate, but have you heard of Hersheypark? Founded in 1906 by owner Milton S. Hershey, Hersheypark was once a leisure park created for Hershey Chocolate Company employees. Today, it’s known as one of the most beloved theme parks in the northeast. Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, ninety-five miles west of Philadelphia, families from all over the country visit Hersheypark for delicious sweets and jaw-dropping thrills. But in the summertime, when the weather gets warm, the Boardwalk at Hersheypark becomes the main attraction. See what this iconic water park is all about in the blog below, and start planning your sweet escape!
What Is the Boardwalk at Hersheypark Water Park?
Since 2007, the Boardwalk at Hersheypark has been your go-to park for water thrill rides in the northeast. Open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Boardwalk guests can indulge in summer fun in the sun with tantalizing poolside treats and plenty of thrilling water slides. Learn more about the Boardwalk attractions that make this iconic theme park so special below.
Dive Into Top Water Attractions
Relaxing Water Attractions
What better way to cool off from a hot summer day than a water park? The Boardwalk at Hersheypark is home to sixteen water attractions that are perfect for swimmers of all ages. The park features over one million gallons of water, with over 350,000 gallons of it residing in the wave pool, known as The Shore. Gradually easing from zero to six feet, the Shore welcomes the whole family for an exciting swim among the waves. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a relaxing lazy river ride, take a trip down the Intercoastal Waterway. This lazy river winds 1,360 feet through the Boardwalk, and with a depth of two feet, it’s perfect for family tubing!
Racing Waterslides
Want more action? There’s plenty to be found at the Boardwalk at Hershey Park. Head to Coastline Plunge, and choose between six thrilling, splash-filled hills. These water slides feature dark tunnels, tight turns, and corkscrew paths before dumping riders in a refreshing splash pool. Likewise, adrenaline junkies won’t want to miss Breakers Edge, a HydroMAGNETIC water coaster. Hop on your tube and speed through narrow tunnels, over sudden drops, beneath cascades of water, and along open-air turns that redefine water thrill rides. Finally, if you’re looking for a bit of competition, head to Whitecap Racer, a mat-racing slide guests always love. Brace yourself as you compete against six others on these body slides and race down double-looping tunnels, with end times displayed on the arena-sized scoreboard.
Family-Friendly Water Attractions
Moreover, there are three kiddie attractions families can enjoy at the Boardwalk at Hersheypark. Let the little ones shoot water cannons, race down miniature water slides, and splash in the shallow pool at Sandcastle Cove. Or rather, watch as they toddle beneath dancing fountains, bubblers, and the drenching tipping bucket at Shoreline Sprayground. Finally, Bayside Pier welcomes younger children with rolling waves, tipping cones, and a zero-entry ramp. What’s more, the whole family can make a splash at East Coast Waterworks. This water attraction features almost 600 interactive water features, including seven waterslides, two crawl tunnels, and a 1,000-gallon tipping bucket.
*Parents accompanying toddlers should note that only waterproof diapers are permitted in the children’s play area, as well as other water park attractions. All children must wear bathing suits.
Cabana Reservations
Elevate your day at the Boardwalk with a cabana reservation! The park features twenty-seven cabanas along the lazy river, perfect for escaping the sun and relaxing as the kids play. Inside each cabana, guests will find two chaise lounge chairs, refrigerated water bottles, and a table and chairs. Each guest also receives a beach towel, beach bag, and sunscreen upon check-in. Moreover, cabana guests receive exclusive ride entry to the lazy river, as well as food and beverage deals, including complimentary fountain soda at the Cabana Pepsi station.
*Please note that only appropriate swimwear is allowed at the Boardwalk at Hersheypark, meaning guests should avoid revealing bathing suits while in the water park.
Delicious Eats at the Boardwalk at Hersheypark
Of course, between the hot sun and water rides, you’ll likely work up an appetite. Luckily, you can refuel with 10+ food and beverage options at the Boardwalk. Hanging near the wave pool? Stop for fried shrimp at Shoreline Grill. Have some picky eaters? Nathan’s at the Boardwalk has you covered with delicious dogs and French fries. For heartier helpings, head to East Coast Burger Works for savory burgers, chicken strips, and more. Plus, you’ll find sweet treats at quick stops like Rita’s and lighter eats like acai bowls at Oola Bowls. So, it’s pretty clear that you’ll never go hungry at the Boardwalk.
Explore the Rest of Hersheypark
Did you know that every Hersheypark admission ticket includes access to the theme park, water park, and on-site zoo? It’s true. When you head to the Boardwalk at Hersheypark, you’re in for a day of adventure, and the water park is just the beginning.
Hersheypark Theme Park
Don’t be mistaken; the Hersheypark theme park packs just as many thrills as the biggest-name parks out there. In fact, the Hersheypark theme park boasts fifteen coasters with daunting loops, chaotic twists and turns, and unforgettable drops. Candymonium, a crowd favorite, even reaches speeds of up to 76 miles an hour, while the newest coaster, Twizzlers Twisted Gravity, ascends 137 feet in the air and swings guests at speeds of 68 miles an hour!
Aside from the various high-thrill rollercoasters, children’s rides, and in-park amusement games, Hersheypark is known for its sweeter-than-candy dining experiences. Grab dinner and a one-of-a-kind milkshake at The Chocolatier Restaurant & Bar, or sample something sweet at Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor or the Sweeterie Confectionery Kitchen. What’s more, be on the lookout for your favorite Hershey characters around the park!
ZooAmerica
If you get tired of the coasters, head to ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park. This 11-acre zoo is open year-round to Hersheypark guests and can be accessed via the Hersheypark Bridge. Here, you and your family can visit with animals from five different regions of North America, including creatures such as the ocelot, Gila monster, grey wolf, and more.
You can also book a behind-the-scenes tour or attend a group program to learn more about the behavior of these interesting animals and how they operate in the wild. For a truly unforgettable experience, book an animal encounter or otter feeding, or simply stay for an educational program.
Where to Stay Near the Boardwalk at Hersheypark
So, now that you know how to spend your day at the Boardwalk at Hersheypark, it’s time to explore where to stay. Check out three fantastic resorts near the Boardwalk below.
Suites at Hershey
If you’d like to stay within a few minutes’ drive to the park, you can’t do much better than the Suites at Hershey. This Bluegreen Vacations resort is just a five-minute drive from the Boardwalk, making it the perfect home base for families looking to spend most of their vacation at the park. Not to mention, this resort has plenty of amenities to fill your downtime with, including an indoor/outdoor pool, game room, fitness center, playground, hot tub, and more. Additionally, the two-bedroom villas sleep up to eight guests and feature full kitchens, washers/dryers, and living and dining areas. So, there’s plenty of room to spread out and unwind after a day in the sun.
Depuy Village at Shawnee
Part of Club Wyndham/WorldMark Shawnee Village, Depuy Village is just two hours from the Boardwalk at Hersheypark in the Poconos of Pennsylvania. This resort is ideal for travelers looking to spend a day or two at the water park while also enjoying the natural beauty and historic towns of rugged Pennsylvania. On-site, guests can relax with walking trails, crackling fire pits, swimming pools, hot tubs, and plenty of yard games and sports courts. Not to mention, the surrounding area is known for its fishing, kayaking, and other outdoor recreation opportunities. So, there will seldom be a dull moment on your getaway. Moreover, choose from a one- or two-bedroom suite, sleeping six to eight guests with home-like in-unit amenities.
Endless Mountain Resort
The Endless Mountain Resort is located about two and a half hours from the Boardwalk at Hersheypark in the four-season destination of Union Dale, Pennsylvania. When you’re not at the water park, nearby Elk Mountain offers a wealth of outdoor activities, from hiking to mountain biking to horseback riding. Yet on-site, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly amenities to fill your day. Play a game of pickleball or tennis, or make a splash at the indoor pool and hot tub. Other amenities include a fitness center and a game room. As for accommodations, this resort features two-bedroom residences with top-notch amenities, such as a full kitchen, gas fireplace, jacuzzi tub, and spacious living and dining rooms.
Kick Back at the Boardwalk at Hersheypark
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