Hershey Park Swatara Creek: A Comprehensive Guide

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Hershey Park, located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is a renowned amusement park offering a wide array of attractions for visitors of all ages. While Swatara Creek is not officially part of Hershey Park, it is a nearby natural feature that adds to the region’s charm. This guide explores the park’s attractions, water features, and nearby amenities, providing valuable information for visitors planning a trip to Hershey Park and the surrounding area.

What Are the Main Attractions at Hershey Park?

hershey park swatara creek
Image ‘File:Hershey Triple Tower 2.jpg’ by crudmucosa, licensed under CC BY 2.0

Hershey Park boasts an impressive collection of rides and attractions catering to various age groups and thrill levels. Here’s a breakdown of the park’s offerings:

  1. Roller Coasters:
  2. Candymonium: A hypercoaster reaching speeds of up to 76 mph
  3. Storm Runner: A launch coaster with a 0-72 mph acceleration in 2 seconds

  4. Fahrenheit: A vertical lift coaster with a 97-degree drop

  5. Family Rides:

  6. Ferris Wheel
  7. Carousel

  8. Dry Gulch Railroad

  9. Water Attractions:

  10. The Boardwalk: A water park area within Hershey Park
  11. Intercoastal Waterway: A lazy river experience
  12. East Coast Waterworks: A multi-level water play structure

What Are the Operating Hours for Hershey Park?

hershey park swatara creek
Image ‘File:HersheyParkTrain0355.JPG’ by GK tramrunner229, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Hershey Park’s operating hours vary depending on the season:

Season Opening Time Closing Time
Summer 11:00 AM 9:00 PM
Spring/Fall 11:00 AM 7:00 PM
Winter Varies (Check official website) Varies

It’s important to note that specific attractions may have different operating hours within the park’s overall schedule.

How Does the Height-Based Ride System Work at Hershey Park?

Hershey Park employs a unique height-based system for ride eligibility:

  • Hershey’s Miniatures (under 36″): 28 rides available
  • Hershey’s Kisses (36-42″): 42 rides available
  • Reese’s (42-48″): 58 rides available
  • Hershey’s (48-54″): 66 rides available
  • Twizzler and Jolly Rancher (above 54″): 52-58 rides available

This system helps visitors easily identify which rides they can enjoy based on their height.

What Water Activities Are Available at The Boardwalk?

The Boardwalk at Hershey Park offers various water-based attractions:

  1. Intercoastal Waterway: A relaxing lazy river with bridges and waterfalls
  2. East Coast Waterworks: A multi-level water play structure
  3. Wave pools
  4. Water slides of varying intensities

While there’s no specific mention of tube or kayak rentals, visitors can purchase a Fast Track option to skip lines on select attractions, including the Intercoastal Waterway.

What Lodging Options Are Available Near Hershey Park?

Visitors to Hershey Park have several lodging options:

  1. Hershey Lodge:
  2. Family-friendly resort
  3. Indoor and outdoor pools

  4. On-site restaurants

  5. The Hotel Hershey:

  6. Luxury accommodations
  7. Full-service spa

  8. Golf courses

  9. Hersheypark Camping Resort:

  10. RV sites
  11. Cabins
  12. Tent camping areas

These official Hershey resorts offer various amenities and often include perks for park visitors.

What Accessibility Features Does Hershey Park Offer?

Hershey Park is committed to providing an inclusive experience for all visitors:

  • Manual wheelchairs and ECVs (Electronic Conveyance Vehicles) are available on a first-come, first-served basis
  • Aquatic wheelchairs are provided at certain Boardwalk attractions
  • Accessibility Services are located outside the Front Gate and at Guest Services locations inside the park
  • Guests with disabilities can use various mobility devices throughout the park

How Can Visitors Make the Most of Their Hershey Park Experience?

To maximize your visit to Hershey Park:

  1. Plan your visit based on height categories to efficiently navigate rides
  2. Consider purchasing Fast Track passes for popular attractions
  3. Check the park’s schedule for special events and seasonal offerings
  4. Arrive early to make the most of your day
  5. Bring appropriate clothing for both dry and water attractions
  6. Stay hydrated and take breaks in shaded areas during hot days

While Swatara Creek is not officially part of Hershey Park, visitors interested in natural attractions can explore nearby outdoor areas during their stay in the Hershey region.

What Are Some Nearby Natural Attractions to Hershey Park?

Although Swatara Creek is not within Hershey Park, the surrounding area offers several natural attractions:

  1. Swatara State Park:
  2. Located approximately 30 minutes from Hershey Park
  3. Offers hiking trails, fishing, and boating opportunities

  4. Features a section of the Swatara Creek

  5. Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area:

  6. About 15 minutes from Hershey Park
  7. Hiking trails with scenic views

  8. Diverse wildlife and plant species

  9. Memorial Lake State Park:

  10. Roughly 30 minutes from Hershey Park
  11. Ideal for fishing and picnicking
  12. Offers boat rentals during summer months

These natural areas provide a great complement to the thrills of Hershey Park, allowing visitors to experience both amusement park excitement and outdoor recreation during their stay in the Hershey region.

References:
1. https://intheolivegroves.com/discover-hershey-park-and-all-you-need-to-know/
2. https://stories.hersheypa.com/plan-your-hersheypark-day-by-height-category/
3. https://www.hersheypark.com/explore-the-park/rides/intercoastal-waterway/
4. https://www.hersheypark.com/plan-your-visit/accessibility.php
5. https://www.hersheypa.com/lodging/

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