Make the Most Out of Your Visit to The Boardwalk at Hersheypark

Hersheypark's East Coast Waterworks at The Boardwalk - www.lightscameramom.com


The Boardwalk at Hersheypark is a water playground nestled within a thrilling day in Hershey, PA.  With several areas to explore, it can seem overwhelming to plan your visit to Hersheypark to maximize your fun in both the main theme park and The Boardwalk.  Over the years, we've visited The Boardwalk several times and I have gathered some of my favorite tips to help you make the most out of your visit to The Boardwalk at Hersheypark!


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Visit Early in the Day - The Boardwalk at Hersheypark is open daily Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day for guests to enjoy.  You don't need a special ticket to enter this area as it's included with your Hersheypark admission.  The Boardwalk is located towards the back of the park and becomes more popular during the heat of the day.  That's why my first tip is to visit early.  Lines can become long for popular attractions like the slides and water coaster and nobody enjoys long lines on a hot summer day (or any day for that matter!)  We've found the crowds to be more manageable be heading here when the park opens - and we also wear our bathing suits into the park (under a cover up) which means we can get busy having fun in the water right away.  After we are done for the day we can dry off, change clothes, and be set to have some Hersheypark Happy thrills elsewhere in the park.


Wave Pool at The Shore - www.lightscameramom.com


Grab a Bite to Eat at The Boardwalk - There are a number of dining options around the The Boardwalk featuring several classic choices like hot dogs, burgers, fries, and pizza.  If you're visiting early in the day, consider eating your lunch here.  You'll be nice and cool from playing in the water and adults may be able to snag a more relaxed lunch as you can watch the kids play in one of the water areas while enjoying your food.  There's even some adult beverages to be found!


Oola's Acai Bowl Treat at The Boardwalk - www.lightscameramom.com


Rent a Locker Near The Boardwalk - I'm team "rent-a-locker" on days that I'm visiting The Boardwalk at Hersheypark.  Crowds can be large and seating can be limited.  Having a locker means that you know your items are secure and you don't have to worry about remembering which chair in the massive complex you've laid them down on while playing.  I like renting a locker just outside The Boardwalk - near Tidal Force.  This locker is easily accessible while visiting The Boardwalk and just as easily accessible the rest of the day.  Don't forget though that you'll need your essentials with you when you leave your big items in the locker.  I used a waterproof pouch on my last visit to The Boardwalk and it worked perfectly to hold my phone, ID, and a credit card while inside.  Each water play area within The Boardwalk has cubbies where you can stash flip flops and towels while you play.


Fun in the Sun at The Boardwalk! - www.lightscameramom.com


Pack Your Patience - Pretty much every water attraction has a line attached to it; even the large and kiddie play areas like the wave pool and kiddie areas like Sandcastle Cove and Bayside Pier.  Each area does have a maximum capacity so lifeguards will monitor and may have you wait to enter until some people leave.  These lines tend to move a bit quicker than the slides and water coaster, but can grow long especially in the middle of the day.  Just a good "know-before-you-go!"


Toddler Splashing in 2017 at Sandcastle Cove - www.lightscameramom.com


Large Family?  There's Something for Everyone! - The Boardwalk really does have something for everyone to enjoy.  Older kids and thrill seeking adults will enjoy the water coaster and slides while younger kids will enjoy splashing in the shallow waters of Sandcastle Cove and Bayside Pier.  East Coast Waterworks has a combination of slides and sprays the whole family will enjoy and two of our family favorites are the wave pool and the lazy river.  Hersheypark does have life jackets available for kids so no need to pack your own!  Don't forget your swim diapers for babies and toddlers!  Seeing a pool close to clean up a mess isn't fun for anyone!!

The Boardwalk is a great way to enjoy some time cooling off on your visit to Hersheypark.  Of course, the best way to see it all may be to plan multiple days to visit Hershey.  We've done this in recent years - focusing on The Boardwalk some days and the traditional rides and entertainment of the theme park on other days.  Leave your thoughts about The Boardwalk at Hersheypark in the comments below!

Thanks to Hersheypark for hosting our family on several visits over the years which have helped contribute to this post!

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