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We visited Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania for the first time 8 years ago when our kiddos were 8, 5 and 1. (You can check out the highlights of that experience HERE.)
We had such fond memories of this trip, we decided to make a return visit last summer. My boys, now ages 12 and 15, love roller coasters–the bigger, the faster, the loopier, the better! And Little Miss, now 8, isn’t far behind 🙂
So it was no big surprise to me that the kids went zooming around the park, eyes wide at the gigantic coasters, making a plan on how to fit them all into our two-day amusement park visit. (Check out all the rides and attractions or the park map for more details!)
(Be sure to check out our original post for more details on the offerings and activities for smaller kiddos, as that visit was in our pre-roller coaster days.)
On this visit we had planned a whole day to be at the water park (a part of the park we hadn’t spent much time in on our previous visit since we had only booked one day there). We figured Little Miss would have the time of her life racing down waterslides and being doused by giant buckets of water while the boys got to ride the craziest of the coasters and my husband and I took turns anchoring a (hopefully) shady spot near the water action. The big surprise for me this visit was just how much everyone enjoyed The Boardwalk water park!
Now, in the interest of full disclosure, my husband’s last minute decision to add a cabana rental to our park reservations was certainly a big part of the reason we enjoyed the water park so much. I’m not even sure how he knew to look for cabana rentals–I had no idea that was even an offering! But it was definitely one of the smartest vacation moves my husband has ever made (please don’t tell him, I’l never hear the end of it!). It really helped us make the most of that day in the park.
But before I get to the cabana details, let’s take a look at this massive Hersheypark Boardwalk, shall we?
To tell you the truth, when my husband first told me he’d rented a cabana I was kind of annoyed. I figured a cabana was excessive and wondered why we’d want to pay so much extra for something I assumed we wouldn’t be spending much time in. I mean, it wasn’t like going to the beach where we’d be lounging in cabana chairs while the kids played 20 yards away on the shore. We were going to be frolicking in the water park most of the time…right?
Turns out, I was wrong (please don’t tell him that either; I will really never hear the end of it!). As I said above, the cabana really helped us make the most of our day!
For starters, it was a guaranteed shady space for us to rest in between play sessions (and in the August sun and heat we needed that!).
It gave us easy access to the Intercoastal Waterway, a lazy river ride:
We were able to order food from an exclusive menu and eat it at a table in our quiet, shady tent.
We had a refrigerator stocked with complimentary bottled water.
And also easy access to a free soda fountain. There were convenient restrooms and private changing areas. We also had a private locker we could use if we wanted to secure valuable items, although the cabana area was so private we felt completely secure leaving things like our phones inside (tucked into beach bags–no need to tempt fate lol).
We were even provided with a handy tote bag that included towels for everyone and sun block (everything was ours to keep!), so that made it really easy to just walk into the park that day knowing everything we needed would be waiting for us in the cabana.
But perhaps most importantly, we had a home base. That meant that the boys could come and go as they liked, and we’d all have a place to meet at any time. That was tremendous, especially since we were leaving our phones behind as we were in and out of the water and so couldn’t be in touch with each other as quickly as we were normally used to.
Bottom line, was the cabana a splurge? Indeed. But it made a hot, crowded, peak season amusement park feel like a private resort and ensured that our main focus could remain on making happy family memories. That was priceless.
Can you enjoy the Hersheypark Boardwalk without a cabana? Absolutely! But if you want to feel relaxed, unhurried and (almost) like you’re on one of those beach vacations rather than chasing kids around an amusement park (especially if you’ve got a big family!), you may want to consider the splurge for your visit too 🙂
Planning a trip to Hersheypark? Be sure to stay tuned for posts on World of Chocolate, ZooAmerica, and the town of Hershey!
Hershey Park
100 W. Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
More information on directions and parking HERE.
Contact customer service on THIS PAGE.
Hours:
For the 2026 season the water park is open May 23rd through September 7th. (Memorial Day to Labor Day.)
Find the most current schedule HERE.
Pricing:
Find the most current pricing info HERE.
Cabana prices start at $295/day for 6 people. You can find more information about this amenity (and others) HERE. PLEASE NOTE: Cancellation is required 72 hours in advance in order to avoid a 1-Day rental fee. Cabanas rentals are a rain or shine event and are not refundable.
Details:
Stroller Friendly: YES
Coffee Mug Friendly: NO. Visitors may only bring one sealed water bottle per person, Hersheypark does not permit food or drink to be brought into the Park. Guests can bring in their own refillable water bottle as long as it is empty upon arrival.
Restroom: YES
Baby Changing Station: YES
Parking: YES. Find more information on this page.
Food for Sale: YES. Check out the many dining options on this page.
Outside Food Allowed: NO. Although exceptions are made for those with food allergies or special dietary restrictions. Visitors may bring one sealed water bottle per person, Hersheypark does not permit food or drink to be brought into the Park. Guests can bring in their own refillable water bottle as long as it is empty upon arrival.
Cash Required: NO. Hersheypark is cashless and accepts all major credit cards, debit cards and Hersheypark gift cards, as well as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay. For guests who may not have credit or debit cards, they can convert cash to prepaid debit cards at the Cash-to-Card kiosks stationed around the park. There is no fee to load cash onto a card at these kiosks. PLEASE NOTE: *Vanilla VISA gift cards are not accepted at Hersheypark at this time due to issues with the Vanilla Gift Card platform.
Buy Tickets Online: YES. You can purchase tickets on this page.
Age Recommendation: All ages!
Dress Code: Swimsuits/proper swim attire is required for The Boardwalk (Parents accompanying toddlers in the children’s play area must also wear bathing suits). Only waterproof diapers are allowed in The Boardwalk attractions. These are available at Beachology and other merchandise locations. Bring your own towels (unless you have rented a cabana).
Evening/Weekend Hours: YES
Birthday Party Venue: N/A
Find a great list of Hersheypark FAQs HERE.
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