Guess what I did this weekend? I spent hours standing in the blazing hot sun with high humidity at Hersheypark. And I lived to tell the tale. I’m here to tell you that you can do the same.
Let’s face it – theme parks can be hot. You’re surrounded by lots of metal and walking on hot pavement. Couple that with whiny kids and it’s enough to make you never want to leave your air-conditioned house.
BUT WAIT!
I just spent the day at Hersheypark on one of the hottest days of the year and had a great time! We didn’t choose to go to the waterpark since it was just a day trip for us. But I think it worked to our advantage. It seemed like many people were at the Boardwalk at Hersheypark leaving the rest of the park to us!
So even without the waterpark, you can still have a cool time. Here are some tips on how you can beat the heat at Hersheypark this summer.
1. Dress the part.
I’ve been preaching the “cute but comfortable” mantra for years. You can look stylish when visiting a park but you also need to dress for the weather and for comfort.
My son wore a light colored top to reflect the heat with no logos on it (they can often make shirts hotter). He also wore a hat. Both he and my husband have vener fair skin so they usually wear wither a baseball cap or a floppy hat to protect the ears. And don’t forget sunscreen!
You’ll notice that my hair is in braids. That allowed me to keep it off of my neck but still let me put my head all the way back on rides that required it. I also wore a sleeveless top (admittedly black isn’t the best color choice), plastic sunglasses (easy to slide on top my head, and comfortable sandals.
I don’t do sock and shoes when it’s hot out because my feet only get hotter. And when my feet are hot, the rest of me is hot. I made sure these were already broken in and able to keep me cool (don’t forget to pack band-aids just in case).
2. Use the Hersheypark app
I love that more and more parks have wifi in the park and apps with all sort of information. Hersheypark is no exception. But one of the features I love is the wait times. Instead of spending hours in the sun waiting in line for a ride, you can maximize your time (and minimize your heat exposure) by hitting the rides with the shortest wait times.
Even better you can set up an alert that lets you know when the wait time for a particular ride drops below a certain threshold.
3. Stay hydrated
If you’re kids start to get really whiny and rundown (or maybe you or your spouse do), chances are you’re starting to get dehydrated. By the time you feel thirsty, your body is already in a deficit. While each visitor is allowed to bring one, unopened bottle of water into the park, here’s a better way to stay hydrated.
When buying a drink, splurge on the souvenir cup. When you use it the rest of the day and the rest of the entire 2016 season you only pay 99 cents for a refill. And water is FREE! What I love about the cup is the handle makes it easy to carry and you can unhook it if you want to attach it to your purse or belt loop.
4. Sample some water rides
It is possible to go one some water rides without getting soaked. After our first ride of the day, we were ready for some relief so we headed to the Coal Cracker. We gently floated through the water canals until we reached the end of the ride and took a big plunge! We were heavily misted but certainly not soaked. In fact, we wouldn’t have minded getting even wetter on the ride!
If you really want some water, with the waterpark, you can also hit up Tidal Force, although from what I saw, you WILL get wet.
5. Find some indoor rides
At Hersheypark, there are plenty of indoor attractions like the brand new indoor roller coaster, Laff Track, which I still haven’t ridden. And there’s the Reese’s Xtreme Cup Challenge. What makes these indoor rides so great is that they are INDOORS. That means air conditioning and sometimes you just need to cool down.
One of our favorite ways to cool down is the Kissing Tower which affords you a panoramic view of the whole park (it’s where I got my shot of the Coal Cracker above).
7. Pay a visit to ZooAmerica
If you’re at the Kissing Tower, you’re right near the entrance to ZooAmerica, a park focused on North American animals. I didn’t even know it existed until my visit last year and I certainly didn’t know that admission is included with your ticket to Hersheypark.
While it’s both indoors and outdoors, it’s a nice break from the lines and the crowds and gives you a chance to stroll through historic grounds at your own leisurely pace. And when you’re ready, you simply re-enter the park and keep going!
8. Take a breather
Parks can be a lot of “hurry up and wait.” You’re trying to get the most out of your day and out of your money. But don’t forget to stop once in a while and soak in the moment. Find some shade and sit on a bench (there are plenty throughout Hersheypark). Refuel, rehydrate, rest your feet, and just take stock of how everyone is feeling. Sometimes a ten minute break is enough to revitalize everyone for the next round!
9. Go shopping
You don’t have to tell us twice to take a shopping break. Maybe you don’t want to spend any money or you don’t want to waste your time when you’d rather be riding rides.
Here’s a secret. When I say to go shopping, I really mean go “shopping.” Just walk around inside looking interested because IT’S AIR-CONDITIONED! And actually the shops have pretty cool stuff.
10. Save the best for last – Hershey’s Chocolate World
Here’s a pro tip for you: Hershey’s Chocolate World is not to be missed… but not until later in the day.
Everyone entering the park is so excited to be there that they all head to the Chocolate World just outside the main gate on their way in. Not only that, it’s a standalone attraction so visitors flock to it even if they aren’t going to the park.
We usually hit the Chocolate World on our way out. Not only does it give us a chance to cool down before we get in the car, we also take advantage of the free Chocolate Tour, and then purchase all the chocolate we want on the way out. No melting!
Now that I’ve shown you ways to beat the heat at Hersheypark, I expect to see your pictures soon!
I was invited to participate this year in the Sweetest Moms program for Hershey. My family was provided tickets to attend Hersheypark on Saturday, May 28th and we had a wonderful time, as always. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I would love to go it has been years and the boys can now go on the rides!
I would love to go it has been years and the boys can now go on the rides!
Plenty to do for both little kids and big kids!
Plenty to do for both little kids and big kids!
I’ve never been! And wow for free water in parks — that is actually so cool 🙂
I learned about hydration issues the hard way. Now we always have water nearby!
I learned about hydration issues the hard way. Now we always have water nearby!
We were there last year and my whole family lived the kissing tower. We would love to go back. Thanks for the giveaway.
We’re looking forward to going back in just a few weeks!
We’re looking forward to going back in just a few weeks!
We were there last year and my whole family lived the kissing tower. We would love to go back. Thanks for the giveaway.
These tips are great. One of these days I plan on visiting there JUST so I can make my own candy bar! It has been on my bucket list for so many years.
These tips are great. One of these days I plan on visiting there JUST so I can make my own candy bar! It has been on my bucket list for so many years.
Winning these tickets just might be the thing to motivate you to go!
Winning these tickets just might be the thing to motivate you to go!
I have been loving Hershey Park my entire life! My favorite is Chocolate World and the Kissing Tower!
True story – our first time on the Kissing Tower and my mom stood up to take a Polaroid pic through the Kiss window and didn’t realize it bubbled out. She thought she was falling and we have the blurry picture to prove it!
I went years ago and love the great bear!
Ooh, my favorite!
I went to Hershey Park a few summers ago. Only I didn’t get on any rides. My husband and girls enjoyed it and I just ate. LOL, I need a do-over. 😀
If eating is your thing, you have to try the new Make Your Own Whoopie Pie bar!
Yay! I will try it, yes, eating is my thing ?.
I got to go to HersheyPark twice in December during their holiday hours – it was so nice to have smaller crowds. ZooAmerica is actually my favorite part.
I had tickets to go in December but couldn’t make the timing work. I plan to be there for Halloween and Christmas time this year!
No, we have never been there, and we are all big roller coaster fans so we should!!
Wait – WHAT? They have THIRTEEN coasters and they are some of the best!
I have never been to Hershey Park. I would really love to take my boys this summer! We all love Hershey’s candy 🙂
Your boys would love it. There’s so much to do!
I haven’t been to Hershey Park since my teenager was little. I love Chocolate World and I think my two girls would have a lot of fun in the park! I didn’t know they let you bring one bottle of water into the park. That’s good to know!
They told us that on the parking tram but if you have older kids, they’ll love the coasters!
Hershey Park has always been my families go to summer destination. Growing up, the Super Dooper Looper (I think that’s the name) was always my favorite. Can’t wait to take my son for the first time!
It’s actually the “sooperdooperlooper” and I have many stories from my childhood about NOT getting to ride it (you should find the story on my blog “Why Ride the Coaster…”)
It’s been a couple decades since I’ve been to Hershey Park and I know my kids and husband would LOVE the chance to go!!! How exciting. Thanks for doing the giveaway.
I went as a kid and then didn’t go back until I was an adult. It’s a different experience but just as fun!
I love the Great Bear!
My favorite!
I have never been to Hershey Park but I am really hoping to be able to go this summer!!
I have never been to Hershey Park but I am really hoping to be able to go this summer!!
This should be your year!!!
I’ve been to Hersheypark a few times. I don’t really do too many rides — it’s more my kids who ride and I take the pictures.
That seems to be a trend. Maybe I’ll write a post this summer about what to do if you DON’T like rides. But there’s always chocolate…
Visited last fall and my only regret was we didn’t get a I survived the Sooper Dooper Looper T-shirt!
I wanted a shirt soooooo bad but they don’t make anything in a women’s cut (I’ve asked them to!).
My family and I haven’t been to Hershey park yet but I know they’d love it. My husband would love it most because he’s a choco-holic lol
Stop it. You live so close there’s no reason not to go!
We love the water park!
We love the water park!
We’ll hopefully try that when we head back in a few weeks!
We haven’t been in a couple of years. My 4 year old has been asking to go. She wasn’t old enough to remember. I love their water park.
They have so many fun kiddie rides and definitely the water park!
We haven’t been in a couple of years. My 4 year old has been asking to go. She wasn’t old enough to remember. I love their water park.
We go at least once a year. We love Hersheypark. Always clean and inviting. And who doesn’t love a place centered around chocolate?
We go at least once a year. We love Hersheypark. Always clean and inviting. And who doesn’t love a place centered around chocolate?
I would make the drive just for Hershey’s Chocolate World. It’s always been one of my favorites!
the storm runner is my fave!
I’m not brave enough to try it yet!
The last I went to Hershey Park was before kids. I really enjoyed the tour of Hershey and the Animal Park. I don’t get me wrong, I ride the rides but those two really stuck out to me.
You’ll be happy to know they are both still there and a great way to mix up the day with the rides!
I’ve never been to Hershey Park, but it’s on our list of places to go.
SHUT. UP. Your kids would love it!!! Let’s get you there this summer!
I have been about 7 years ago. We hate heat but my son loves chocolate so I hope I can take him for the experience soon using your tips!
Chocolate and heat usually don’t go well together but I met a woman when I went who raved about the chocolate milkshakes at the Chocolate World!
I have been about 7 years ago. We hate heat but my son loves chocolate so I hope I can take him for the experience soon using your tips!
I LOVE HersheyPark!! It’s the real chocolate city. lol I could go for a Hershey bar right about now. 🙂
You need to check out their hotels as well if you haven’t. You would love the Hotel Hershey and you get Hershey bars when you check in!
We have never been but we would try all the coasters first and I had heard the kettle corn is fantastic
I’ve never tried the kettle corn but I can tell you that the smell is intoxicating!
We are heading there in 3 weeks! Never been so we are excited!
Wait – when are you going? We’ll be there the weekend on June 25th!!
I would love to see my childrens faces. It wouldnt matter tonme what part is my fav cuz i know we dont get a chance to do much and the whole thing would be one amazing famiky memory for us all! I get excited to daydream about this stuff and maybe one day we will. Thk u for the chance to give my family the smiles i daydream about 🙂
Arica – I hope you get a chance to go! And the great thing is that Hershey’s Chocolate World is always free!!
I was there only once 12 years ago on my honeymoon 🙂 never had I been on a coster in my life. I still remember the wooden one. I was screaming “You are not supposed to die on your honeymoon ” lol we went on it 3 times.
Personally, I don’t love the wooden coasters. The steel coasters are my favorite. You need to go back. They have 13 coasters now!!!
Went to Hershey park last year and loved it! Would love to go back!
The great thing is you can go in the spring, summer, fall, and even winter!
we used to go all the time when the kids were little. The wildcat was always our favorite!
I’m not sure I’ve ridden that one. It looks like a neckbreaker to me. Very old school!
Our kids looove Hershey Park and we’re hoping to take them again this summer…..I love the tip about saving Hershey Chocolate World for last – good idea!!!
The line was still long when we went at the end of the day but not NEARLY as long as it was mid-day. And you have to go, you know?
I have been but it has been a really long time….ready to ride the Comet and Super Duper Looper and see what’s new!
Oh my. If those are the two rides you remember, you need to go back! The steel coasters they have are amazing!!
I went a long time ago where they have the tours but never the park.
Ha! When my son was young (around 5), we took him to the Chocolate World and he thought THAT ws Hersheypark and was perfectly happy with it!
I went a long time ago where they have the tours but never the park.
we love fahrenheit!!
I rode that one! I don’t know what possessed me to do it but it was fun!
my family and i have such great memories of hershey park. My daughter loves the lightening racer. It’s a bit too fast for me but I love being able to have such a great time with all of the kids!
my family and i have such great memories of hershey park. My daughter loves the lightening racer. It’s a bit too fast for me but I love being able to have such a great time with all of the kids!
I went on that thinking it would be a simple coaster and I just about flew out of my seat! I did have a good laugh though!
Go when the sun is setting. The crowds are leaving and its much cooler
That’s GREAT idea. They do have Sunset admission for visiting later in the day. You can beat the heat AND save money!
I have never been to Hershey Park, I plan on going the summer. I did a little research and learned they have 13 roller coaters. I want to ride each and everyone of those!
Well, I could have helped you with your research! I went on several of them last year and LOVED them! Here’s my overview of all of them (I still have some to conquer): https://allthingsfadra.com/2015/04/the-13-things-better-than-chocolate-in-hershey-pa/
I have not been in years and just told the kids that we needed to go!
You’ll be surprised at how much it’s changed. So family friendly too!
I have not been in years and just told the kids that we needed to go!
I haven’t been in quite a while and would love to win this! The wildcat was definitely my favorite 🙂
I am NOT a Wildcat girl but that just goes to show that Hersheypark has something for everyone!
I haven’t been in quite a while and would love to win this! The wildcat was definitely my favorite 🙂
We have not visited HersheyPark in many years, I think it is time we go back!
We were the same way but now that we live close enough (about 90 minutes) it it going to be at least an annual tradition. And they’re open for Halloween and Christmas too!
My kids are more of the roller coaster riders. I like the ferris wheel and the more low key rides. The only one I could let them convince me to go on was the skyride. Terrifying but fun.
My kids are more of the roller coaster riders. I like the ferris wheel and the more low key rides. The only one I could let them convince me to go on was the skyride. Terrifying but fun.
The super dooper looper is my fav
Love the Great Bear!