Hersheypark is known for its thrilling coasters. But that should not deter you from taking your little one to the sweetest place on earth. Believe it or not there is a ton to do at Hersheypark with preschoolers.
On our last visit to Hersheypark, upon getting to the park, my kids raced up to the candy themed height checkers to see which candy they now were. Bella was excited to finally reach Jolly Rancher status while Jackson was thrilled he moved up a level since our last trip there in December. Then there was my three year old nephew who was with us for the first time. He happily found out that he was a Hershey Kiss. Having not been to Hersheypark with a preschooler, I worried that there wouldn’t be a lot for this little Hershey Kiss to do. Boy, was I wrong.
If you are getting ready to take your preschooler to Hersheypark for the first time, you don’t have to worry. Hersheypark is actually pretty great for preschoolers. With plenty of rides (and a lot just for them), entertainment and kid-friendly food, preschoolers can have a sweet time!
Hersheypark Rides for Preschoolers
When you get to Hersheypark, measure your child at the front gate to see which ride height category they will fall in. Most preschoolers will be Hershey Kisses or Reeses. Guide maps and signs outside each ride entrance will let you know which categories the ride is ok for. With the exception of many of the roller coasters, Kisses and Reeses can go on a majority of the rides. Some rides will require the child be accompanied by a supervising companion such as:
- Carrousel
- Tilt-A-Whirl
- Scrambler
- Ferris Wheel
- Dry Gulch Railroad
- Kissing Tower
- Speedway
- Classic Cars
Kiddie Swap
Just because you have a preschooler, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the thrilling roller coasters. The kiddie swap program allows parents to take turns riding while the other parent stands to the side with a child that is too short to ride.
Guide to Kiddie Rides at Hersheypark
There are also a number of rides in each section that are just for little ones. These rides are just the right size and let kids experience the ride on their own. During our visit, we used the kiddies rides as a way for some adults and the older kids to ride the bigger rides while keeping the little one occupied. I took my nephew on a few kiddie ride while James and Jackson rode Laff Trak and my sister and Bella rode some rides together.
On the guide map, they are noted with an upside down triangle.
Founders Way
- Traffic Jam
- Helicopters
- Space Age
- Balloon Flite
- Minty Bees
- Misfit Bugs
- Swing Thing
- Mini Pirate
- Dizzy Drums
The Hollow
- Sweet Swing
Kissing Tower Hill
- Frog Hopper
- Convoy
Pioneer Frontier
- Mini Scrambler
- Livery Stables
- Red Baron
Midway America
- Pony Parade
- Granny Bugs
Entertainment
While rides a super fun for preschoolers, sometimes they need a break. At Hersheypark there are so many other things to do besides ride the rides.
Throughout the day there are a number of character experiences. Kids can meet their favorite candy characters at a meet and greet or join in with them at one of the Hershey’s Character Parties.
Chevrolet Music Box Theater is home to one of a kind productions and concerts. Shows are a great way to get out of the heat (or cold in the winter) and away from the crowds to enjoy music, dancing and live theater.
Is your little one an animal lover? Stop by the Aquatheater to meet some of our friends from the sea. This entertaining and educational show features California sea lions and Atlantic harbor seals.
Food
Just about anything your preschooler may be craving, it can be found at Hersheypark. Over the years, we’ve been happy to see the park upping their food game. You can find way more than your average theme park fare. Yes you can still get burgers, hot dogs, pizza and chicken nuggets, but you can also feast on tacos, gyros and BBQ sandwiches.
Don’t forget about the treats! No trip to Hersheypark is complete without a King Shake or one of their specialty funnel cakes. And the best part is that they’re big enough to share.
The Boardwalk at Hersheypark
Summer is one of the best times to visit Hersheypark because you get admission to 2 parks with the price of one. The Boardwalk at Hersheypark is a fun water park area filled with slides, a wave pool and some cool splash areas.
Preschoolers will love:
- The Shore wave pool* (life jackets are available)
- Intercoastal Waterway lazy river*
- East Coast Waterworks splash area
- Shoreline Sprayground
*must be accompanied by supervising adult
Just like the regular rides, there’s an area just for them. Sandcastle Cove has just right water slides, cannons, water curtains, jets and a pool. The pool is zero entry and reaches a depth of 18 inches. Miniatures and Kisses need to be accompanied by a supervising adult.
Safety
Safety at any theme park is of utmost concern. Nobody wants to lose their child, but there is a precaution you can take. Before you begin your day of fun, take advantage of the Family Finder Program located adjacent to the Official Ride Height Measuring Station in Founder’s Way and receive a complimentary wristband for your child to wear while at Hersheypark.
For more information and to purchase tickets visit https://www.hersheypark.com/.
