If you’re planning a fun-filled family vacation — or an adrenaline-packed getaway with friends — Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania should be at the top of your list. Known as “The Sweetest Place on Earth,” Hersheypark offers over 70 rides and attractions, thrilling roller coasters, water rides, family-friendly fun, live entertainment, dining, shopping, and even ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park — all included with your admission!
From classic favorites that have entertained generations to exciting new rides that push the thrills to new heights, there really is something for everyone here.
Let’s dive into the best rides you won’t want to miss!
🎢 Thrill-Seeking? The Best Roller Coasters at Hersheypark
Hersheypark is home to one of the most celebrated coaster lineups in the Northeast — with rides for beginners, thrill-seekers, and coaster enthusiasts alike.
🌟 Must-Ride Coasters
- Candymonium – The park’s tallest and fastest coaster, with a 210-foot lift hill and speeds up to 76 mph. It’s a smooth, exciting hypercoaster that delivers some serious airtime.
- Wildcat’s Revenge – A hybrid coaster that combines wood structure with steel track for wild twists, four inversions, and a massive drop. Voted one of the top coasters in the U.S.!
- Storm Runner – A launch coaster that shoots riders from 0 to high speed in seconds with exhilarating airtime and twists.
- Great Bear – Hersheypark’s classic inverted coaster with loops and graceful maneuvers that keep you dangling and flying throughout the course.
- Lightning Racer – A family favorite wooden racing coaster that lets you go head-to-head with another train for bragging rights.
- Jolly Rancher Remix – Formerly Sidewinder, this boomerang coaster sends you forward and backward through twists, loops, and vibrant themed effects.
**🔥 New for 2025: Twizzlers Twisted Gravity
One of the most exciting newcomers for summer 2025 is Twizzlers Twisted Gravity, the world’s tallest Screamin’ Swing ride at 137 feet, reaching speeds up to 68 mph! This massive pendulum swing creates multiple weightless moments while soaring over Spring Creek — and it features bright, candy-flavored themes for a unique Hersheypark experience.
💦 Cool Off at The Boardwalk Water Park
What’s a summer vacation without water fun? Luckily, Hersheypark’s Boardwalk at Hersheypark® water park is included with your admission and packed with splash-filled attractions for all ages!
🌊 Top Water Attractions
- Breakers Edge® Water Coaster – A hydromagnetic water coaster that uses water and technology to propel rafts uphill, through twists, tunnels, and splashy hills.
- Whitecap Racer® – Race your friends down the world’s longest mat racing water slide with six colorful lanes and a leaderboard to track your times!
- Coastline Plunge Slides – A collection of six thrilling tube slides with corkscrews, dark tunnels, and splashy drops.
- The Shore Wave Pool – Catch rolling waves in this huge 378,000-gallon pool — perfect for cooling off or relaxing between rides.
- Intercoastal Waterway – Drift along a gentle lazy river and take in the sights of The Boardwalk.
Whether you want to race, relax, or plunge, The Boardwalk offers hours of wet and wild fun!
👶 Fun for the Littlest Guests: Kiddie Rides & Family Favorites
Hersheypark doesn’t forget the little ones — there are dozens of rides just for kids, plus plenty that families can enjoy together.
Some popular family-friendly rides include:
- Balloon Flite – Take a gentle spin in hot-air balloon-inspired cars.
- Frog Hopper – A fun, bouncy ride for younger thrill seekers.
- Minty Bees & Granny Bugs – Colorful, cheerful rides perfect for preschoolers.
- Pony Parade – Little riders can lead their own pony adventure.
With more than 20 kiddie rides, there’s plenty here to keep smaller guests smiling all day long.
🎡 Beyond the Rides — What Else to Do
While the thrills are the main attraction, Hersheypark also offers:
- Live entertainment and seasonal shows,
- Delicious dining and sweet treats,
- Shops selling Hershey’s chocolate and souvenirs,
- ZooAmerica Wildlife Park, included with your ticket,
- Seasonal events like Springtime in the Park and Christmas Candylane.
There’s always something magical going on, no matter when you visit!
📌 Tips for Visiting
- Consider a 2-day pass so you have time to enjoy the rides and the water attractions without rushing.
- Download the Hersheypark app for ride wait times and an interactive park map.
- Arrive early — the most popular rides like Candymonium and Wildcat’s Revenge get long lines later in the day.
Have you visited Hersheypark before? What’s your favorite ride? Drop a comment below and let us know! 😊
