Hershey Park: One Sweet Vacation Spot

Born as an amusement park for Hershey chocolate factory employees 100 years ago, Hershey Park is a popular vacation destination for many families. The Park, located just outside Hershey, Pennsylvania, is chock full of family friendly entertainment and rides. The Park has 10 roller coasters, including the Superdooperlooper, which was the first looping roller coaster on the East Coast of the United States.

For children 36"and smaller, there are 26 kiddie rides from which to choose, most of which are in the Founder's Circle and Music Box Way areas of the park. The height requirements for each ride are indicated by the type of Hershey candy bar posted on the ride. For instance, if your child is 48"-54" tall, they can ride the rides designated by a Hershey Chocolate Bar. If they are smaller than 36" they may ride rides designated with the Hershey Miniatures logo. Once your child is measured, which you can do at the main gate on the way in, you will know immediately at a glance whether or not they are tall enough (or short enough) to ride a particular ride.

If you are looking for some water fun, 15 water rides and attractions are available at Hershey Park. Most are located at the new Boardwalk area of the park. The Boardwalk, with a price tag of $21 Million dollars, is the largest and most expensive expansion that the Park has ever undertaken. There is no additional cost to use the water rides; it is included in the price of admission. Life jackets are available to non-swimmers free of charge on a first come, first served basis. The Boardwalk was designed to be reminiscent of beaches such as Coney Island, Rehoboth Beach and Atlantic and Ocean City. In addition to its 2 changing areas, the Boardwalk also sports 9 food locations, 6 games to play, and 7 retail outlets for shopping. This innovative idea gives vacationers the best of both worlds: a beach vacation coupled with an amusement park vacation.