What to Bring to Hersheypark: Ultimate Guide for Families

Get a list of what items to bring to Hersheypark so you’re ready for a fun-filled day!

What to Bring to Hersheypark

Are you going to Hersheypark this year? How exciting! Hersheypark is one of our favorite amusement parks to visit here in PA. You can’t go wrong with roller coasters and chocolate!

Being that we’re less than 2 hours away, we visit the park often as a family. Want to know what we bring with us when we go?

Disclosure: As a member of the Sweetest Families 2021, I’m excited to share with you my personal checklist for when we visit the park. Get a free printable checklist down below!

First, let’s talk about when the park is open, because what you bring to Hersheypark may depend on when you visit. 

When Does Hersheypark Open?

Hersheypark is mostly open during the regular summer season, from May to early September, but it is also open during other times of the year. 

You can see the full season calendar here. 

In the Spring, the park is open for Springtime in the Park. It’s usually in April on select weekends. There are 50 rides open, character visits, and admission to ZooAmerica. The water park is not open (it can still be pretty chilly in PA in April!). 

In the Fall, the park is open for Hersheypark in the Dark. It’s usually in mid-October to the beginning of November on select weekends. There are over 50 rides open, fun-filled activities, and admission to ZooAmerica. The water park is not open. 

In the Winter, the park is open for Hersheypark Christmas Candylane. It’s usually in mid-November to early January. There are over 40 rides open, visits with Santa and his reindeer, ice skating, holiday shows, and admission to ZooAmerica. The water park is not open (brr!). 

When are you going to visit? Keep that in mind as you’re getting ready! Being that Hershey is in Pennsylvania with sometimes unpredictable weather, you’ll want to be prepared for anything. 

What Can You Bring Into Hersheypark?

Think about the things you’d typically bring to an amusement park. Chances are, you can also bring those things to Hersheypark. 

Note: When I’m packing for our trip to the park, I’m keeping the whole family, all six of us, in mind. We have several young children in tow. You might not need all of these items!

These are items I would bring to Hersheypark:

• tickets/season passes
• money for parking (except for some season pass holders)*
• money for food/souvenirs*
• sunglasses/hat
• sunscreen
• lip gloss
• small hair brush/extra hair ties
• smartphone
• smartphone portable charger
• hand sanitizer (homemade hand sanitizer recipe)
• travel pack of tissues
• travel pack of baby wipes
• mini first aid kit
• extra clothes for kids

*NOTE: As of the 2022 season, Hersheypark, like many other parks, has gone mostly cashless. You can bring cash to be converted into a gift card, get an e-gift card and save it to your mobile device, or you can use your debit or credit card. There are, however, some vendors who still accept cash, so having some on hand wouldn’t hurt.

Don’t want to bring a portable charger? There are charging stations throughout the park. 

When my kiddos were babies, I would also be sure to have enough diapers or training pants with me, along with my baby/toddler carrier. The toddler carrier was great to have for my youngest who gets tired of walking around so much. 

If the weather forecast is calling for rain (and yes, some rides still continue in the rain, although some others may close), I would also include:

• ponchos
• a small umbrella or two

Items that you cannot bring into Hersheypark include:

• weapons of any kind
• laser pointers
• radios
• skate shoes
• food or beverages

Get a Free Printable HP Checklist in My Resource Library

Can You Bring a Backpack into Hersheypark?

Yes, you can bring a backpack or bag into Hersheypark. Just keep in mind that all bags are subject to search at the park entrance. 

Everything I listed above can fit into a regular sized backpack. Sometimes we bring two because of the extra clothes we might need for the four kids.

For the smaller items that I want to have with me at all times, like my phone, charger, epi-pen, money, etc, I wear my Hip Pouch from Baby Tula.  There are a lot of great waist bag/running bag options here as well. 

If you don’t need to or want to carry your bag around all day (remember that some bags cannot be carried on rides), there are storage lockers near Skyrush and sooperdooperLooper. There are also lockers in The Boardwalk water park. 

Can You Bring a Refillable Water Bottle into Hersheypark? 

You cannot bring a refillable water bottle into Hersheypark. As stated above, only one sealed water bottle is allowed per person.

You CAN however bring your refillable (but empty and clean) Hersheypark Souvenir Cup to the park. They are available in the park and online. 

Can You Bring Snacks into Hersheypark?

You cannot bring snacks into Hersheypark. There are plenty of food vendors in the park with great selections, including The Outpost which has gluten-free, nut-free, and fish and shellfish-free options. 

Don’t forget to grab a King Size Shake if you’re looking for something yummy (and definitely filling)!

Want to have a snack that you brought from home before you go in? You can eat your snack in the parking lot or in one of the picnic areas located in the parking lots. 

Can You Bring an Epi Pen into Hersheypark?

Yes! If you or your kids need an Epi-pen or other types of prescription medication, you are able to bring it into the park. As with any other medication, make sure it is in the proper container and has updated prescription information. 

I bring my son’s Epi-pen with me and keep it in my hip pouch for easy access. 

There is also a registered nurse on duty at all times in case of any medical emergency. If you need First Aid, you can find First Aid Stations in the Pioneer Frontier Area. 

What to Wear to Hersheypark?

Like I said, weather in PA can sometimes be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to check the weather report before you visit. 

In general though, you’ll want to wear:

• comfortable shoes. 
• light layers of clothes. 

For the most part, a comfortable t-shirt, a pair of shorts or track/yoga pants, and a pair of sneakers is the outfit of choice for my kids when we visit Hersheypark. 

Depending on the weather, you may also want to bring:

• a light jacket or hoodie
• a poncho for rain
• gloves and a hat during the fall and winter seasons 

What Do You Need to Bring the Hersheypark Water Park?

If you’re going to head to The Boardwalk during the summer season, you’ll want to be prepared! 

For the Hersheypark water park, you’ll want to bring:

• bathing suits
• towels
• sunglasses/sun hat
• sunscreen
• swim diapers (for babies and toddlers)
• clothes to change into afterward

Keep in mind that there may be some restrictions on the type of swimwear allowed to keep riders safe. According to the FAQ page, when you’re in The Boardwalk, “shorts [or bathing suits] with rivets, snaps, zippers, and metal ornamentation, cutoffs, and jeans are not permitted.”

While you can wear aqua shoes or flip flops in The Boardwalk, they may not be allowed on some of the rides. 

Wearing your glasses or sunglasses? You must wear a safety strap to wear them on the rides. 

What Do You Bring to Hersheypark?

Did I forget anything? What do you bring with you to Hersheypark? Leave a comment below!