Hershey is a sweet weekend getaway with something for every age: gentle rides for little ones, big coasters for teens, and plenty of chocolate-themed fun in between. Here’s how to plan a family visit around your kids’ ages, the season, and your budget.
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Hershey’s main attractions: what works for each age
Plan by height as well as age. Hersheypark uses candy-themed height categories: smaller guests are in the 0–36-inch group, followed by Hershey bar (36–42 inches), Twizzler (42–48), Jolly Rancher (48–54), Reese’s (54–60), and King Size (60+). Check each ride’s posted restrictions when you visit.
A 2026 online one-day Hersheypark ticket is $66.99 for ages 9–61 and $54.99 for ages 3–8 and 62+. Children 2 and under are free. General parking is $25 online. Fast Track add-ons start at $30 for Fast Track Forward or $45 for standard Fast Track.
Toddlers
For a little one, aim for gentle rides and breaks rather than a coaster checklist. The Carrousel welcomes all riders; Cocoa Cruiser has a 36-inch minimum. Hershey’s Chocolate World is an easy all-ages stop: admission and its Chocolate Tour ride are free, and the ride includes a free sample. Cocoa Castle, a playground, is another free option.
The Boardwalk water park is included with Hersheypark admission, but it’s seasonal: it’s open May 23–September 7, 2026. It won’t be available for fall or winter visits.
Ages 5–8
This is a great age for mixing kiddie rides with first coaster tries. Comet and SooperDooperLooper have a 42-inch minimum; Wild Mouse and Wildcat’s Revenge require 48 inches. For a hands-on indoor activity, Chocolate World’s Create Your Own Candy Bar starts at $30.45. At The Hershey Story, a Chocolate Lab class costs $16.50 for an adult and $12.50 for a child ages 5–12.
Tweens, ages 9–12
Tweens who meet the height requirements can work up to bigger thrills: Candymonium, Skyrush, Fahrenheit, and Storm Runner have a 54-inch minimum. Build in a slower stop, too. The Hershey Story Museum admission is $16.50 for adults and $12.50 for juniors ages 3–12. The museum-and-lab combo is $28 adult / $22 junior.
Teens, ages 13+
Teens may be ready to make coasters the main event. Measure first and use the posted ride requirements; King Size starts at 60 inches. For a quieter contrast, Hershey Gardens costs $17.50 for adults ages 13–61 and $13.50 for juniors ages 3–12, including the Butterfly Atrium. A Gardens and The Hershey Story combo ticket is $29 adult / $23 junior.
For a separate wildlife visit, ZooAmerica costs $16.50 for ages 9–61, $14.50 for ages 3–8 and 62+, and is free for children 2 and under. It’s also included with Hersheypark admission when you enter the zoo from inside the park.
Seasonal fun in 2026
For a fall visit, Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights run weekends September 12–November 1. Select evening entry tickets start at $39.99; the Family 4-Pack is $57 per person and includes parking. Families can try Hershey’s Trick-or-Treat Trail, designed for children 12 and under, or the scare-free Avenue of the Afterlife DJ dance party. Dark Nights’ haunted houses are recommended for ages 13+; use your judgment for your family. Creatures of the Night at ZooAmerica starts October 16.
Christmas Candylane runs on select dates November 13, 2026–January 3, 2027. Select family and kiddie rides operate, alongside more than 5 million lights and the NOEL light show. Check conditions before you go, since seasonal ride availability can vary.
Nearby day trips
- Indian Echo Caverns: About 3 miles west of Hershey, with cavern tours and a cool change of pace from the park.
- Pennsylvania State Capitol, Harrisburg: Free 30-minute tours make this a budget-friendly stop.
- Turkey Hill Experience, Columbia: Interactive ice cream and tea exhibits offer an indoor outing.
- Dutch Wonderland, Lancaster: At 2249 Lincoln Hwy E, this is a good fit for families with children under 10.
- Lancaster Amish Country: Take a scenic drive and explore the area at a relaxed family pace.
Age-by-age quick guide
- Toddlers: Carrousel, Chocolate World’s free tour, Cocoa Castle, and frequent rest breaks.
- Ages 5–8: Start with rides that fit your child’s height; consider a Chocolate Lab class or the Halloween trick-or-treat trail.
- Tweens: Mix coasters with a hands-on activity or a visit to ZooAmerica.
- Teens: Prioritize height-eligible coasters; consider Dark Nights only if they enjoy scares.
Sample 2-day weekend itinerary
Day 1: Park day. Get to Hersheypark early and choose rides around everyone’s height and comfort level. Take a midday break for food or a slower attraction. In fall, make time for the Trick-or-Treat Trail or the scare-free dance party. The Boardwalk is a summer-only option, not a fall or winter one.
Day 2: Chocolate and a nearby attraction. Start at Chocolate World with the free tour, then choose a paid activity if it suits your family. Spend the rest of the day at Hershey Gardens, The Hershey Story, or ZooAmerica. If your family prefers a short outing beyond town, choose Indian Echo Caverns or the free Capitol tour.
Budget tips
- Buy tickets online and check the date-specific offer before you go. You can compare ticket-saving options through Undercover Tourist and this additional ticket link.
- Remember that parking is $25 online. The Halloween Family 4-Pack is $57 per person including parking.
- Take advantage of free Chocolate World admission and tour, Cocoa Castle, and the Capitol’s free tours.
- Food adds up: a half-pound burger at East Coast Burger Works is $18.19. Consider sharing or setting a meal budget before entering the park.
- Official resort promo rates start at $299/night at The Hotel Hershey, $179 at Hershey Lodge, $149 at Hershey Inn & Suites, and $59 at Hersheypark Camping Resort. Official resort guests get a front-gate shuttle, one-hour early park entry during the summer operating season, and extra evening hours. Guests at The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge also get free admission to Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story.
- For a road trip, compare car rental discounts. If your plans include flying or an overnight stay, check trip.com travel deals and North America travel deals. Hershey is about 90 minutes from Philadelphia and a few hours from New York City.
Packing picks for the drive and park
For a car ride or flight, a kids travel tray, four-pack of travel board games, magnetic travel game tin, or four-pack of LCD doodle tablets can keep little hands busy. Add a mess-free coloring set, seek-and-find sticker pad, or plane activity book.
For younger travelers, consider a compact Jeep stroller or GB Pockit+ ultra-compact stroller. A kids’ neck pillow with eye mask and ride-on scooter luggage can help make travel days easier. Round out your day bag with flushable wipes, hand sanitizer wipes, a kids’ motion-sickness roll-on, and a mini first aid kit.
Hershey can be a coaster-packed weekend, a gentle chocolate-themed getaway, or a little of both. Pick the season that suits your family, plan around your children’s heights and interests, and leave room for an unhurried treat stop. Find more family trip ideas at Packed for Fun.