What Hersheypark does

Hersheypark is a 121-acre family amusement park in Hershey, Pennsylvania, founded in 1909 by Milton S. Hershey as leisure grounds for Hershey's chocolate factory employees and operated today by the privately held Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company. The park features 70+ attractions including 15 roller coasters (the most in the Northeast), an 11-acre water park (The Boardwalk At Hersheypark), and an 11-acre North American Wildlife Park (ZooAmerica), all bundled into a single admission ticket. The park operates four distinct seasonal events — Spring Weekends, Summer Season, Hersheypark Halloween with Dark Nights haunted experiences, and Christmas Candylane with 5 million twinkling lights — creating an extended operating calendar beyond a single summer peak.

Revenue is generated through a diversified mix of streams: theme park admission tickets ($29.99-$66.99 online), multi-tier Season Passes (Bite Size through Giant Size) and Summer Fun Cards ($59.99-$100), Fast Track skip-the-line add-ons, food and beverage across 60+ on-site locations (including The Chocolatier Bar & Patio and Milton's Ice Cream Parlor), merchandise, group tickets for 15+ visitors, and bundled Official Resort packages at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge, Hershey Inn & Suites, and Hersheypark Camping Resort. Go-to-market is direct-to-consumer via hersheypark.com, the Hersheypark mobile app (iOS/Android with Apple/Google Wallet integration), and on-site ticketing, supplemented by 38 corporate sponsorship partnerships (Sunoco, GIANT, T-Mobile, Chevrolet, Heinz, Turkey Hill, Molson Coors) and earned media through the Story Hub. The customer base spans Mid-Atlantic families and thrill-seekers (primary), groups, media, and resort guests, with a Hershey-brand-driven chocolate-themed experience as the core differentiator.

Name

Hersheypark

Legal name

Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company

Website

https://hersheypark.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1909

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Hersheypark is a 121-acre family amusement park in Hershey, Pennsylvania, operated by Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company, featuring 15 roller coasters, an 11-acre water park, and an 11-acre zoo across four seasonal events, serving Mid-Atlantic families and thrill-seekers via direct ticket sales and resort packages.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Amusement Park Entertainment

NAICS

Amusement and Theme Parks (713110), Amusement and Theme Parks (71311), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), Zoos and Botanical Gardens (712130)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Destination Theme Parks (Large-Scale, Multi-Attraction Parks) (THAJAEAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Water Parks (Outdoor/Indoor, Wave Pools & Slides) (THAJAEAB), Resort/Hotel-Integrated Parks (On-Property Theme/Water Parks) (THAJAEAF), Zoo & Aquarium Parks (Ticketed Wildlife Attractions) (THAJAEAE)

Keywords

• Amusement park attractions
• Roller coaster experiences
• Water park entertainment
• Seasonal theme park events
• Family resort destination

Headquarters

HQ city

Hershey

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Theme Park Admission: Primary revenue from admission tickets. Ticket types include 1-day tickets ($66.99 online), 2-day tickets ($130), Junior/Senior tickets ($54.99), Military tickets (starting $29.99), Healthcare Professional tickets (starting $34.99), and group tickets for 15+ (starting $36.50).
2. Season Passes: Annual passes in multiple tiers (Bite Size, Full Size, King Size, Giant Size) providing unlimited visits and various perk levels including early access (Sweet Start) and extra hours (Preview Plan).
3. Summer Fun Card: $100 unlimited summer visits pass valid through September 7, 2026. Also available Local Summer Fun Card for $59.99 for select PA ZIP codes.
4. Food & Beverage: Over 60 food locations across the park offering chocolate-themed treats, dining options, and specialty items. Featured restaurants include The Chocolatier Bar & Patio, Milton's Ice Cream Parlor, and The Sweeterie Confectionery Kitchen.
5. Ticket Add-Ons: Additional revenue from parking, Fast Track skip-the-line options, drink and dining plans, and all-year admission add-ons for local attractions.
6. Retail/Merchandise: On-site shopping at Hersheypark and ZooAmerica with Hershey-branded merchandise, souvenirs, and commemorative items.
7. Resort Packages & Accommodations: Bundled packages at Official Resorts (The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge, Hershey Inn & Suites, Hersheypark Camping Resort) including tickets, breakfast, and resort benefits. Popular Kids Stay, Play & Eat FREE package available.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Hersheypark is a 121-acre family amusement park in Hershey, Pennsylvania featuring 70+ attractions including 15 roller coasters. Every admission ticket includes access to The Boardwalk At Hersheypark, an 11-acre water park, and ZooAmerica, an 11-acre North American Wildlife Park. The park operates four seasonal events (Spring Weekends, Summer Season, Halloween with Dark Nights, and Christmas Candylane) and is part of a destination resort experience bundled with Official Resorts accommodations.

Product overview

Hersheypark is a 121-acre family amusement park in Central Pennsylvania featuring 15 roller coasters and 70+ attractions across themed areas including Hershey's Chocolatetown, The Hollow, Founder's Way, Pioneer Frontier, Midway America, and Kissing Tower Hill. The park operates four distinct seasonal events: Spring Weekends, Summer Season, Hersheypark Halloween with Dark Nights haunted experiences, and Christmas Candylane. Every admission ticket includes access to three experiences: the main amusement park, The Boardwalk At Hersheypark (an 11-acre water park), and ZooAmerica (an 11-acre North American Wildlife Park). The Official Resorts of Hersheypark include The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge, Hershey Inn & Suites, and Hersheypark Camping Resort. Add-on services include Fast Track skip-the-line passes and the Hersheypark Mobile App for ride wait times and navigation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Boardwalk At Hersheypark: An 11-acre water park included with park admission, open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
• ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park
• Dark Nights
• Christmas Candylane

Products and services

• Hersheypark (Amusement Park Admission) The main 121-acre amusement park featuring 70+ attractions including 15 roller coasters, thrill rides, family rides, and Hershey-themed attractions. Includes access to The Boardwalk water park and ZooAmerica with every ticket.
• The Boardwalk At Hersheypark Water Park An 11-acre water park included with park admission, open Memorial Day through Labor Day, featuring water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and splash areas.
• ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park An 11-acre North American Wildlife Park included with Hersheypark admission, featuring native North American wildlife and conservation efforts.
• Season Passes Annual admission passes in multiple tiers (Bite Size, Full Size, King Size, Giant Size) offering unlimited visits with perks including FREE parking, Sweet Start early access, and Preview Plan extra hours.
• Summer Fun Card Unlimited summer visits pass priced at $100 (with a Local Summer Fun Card at $59.99 for select PA ZIP codes), valid through September 7, 2026.
• Dark Nights (Hersheypark Halloween) Hersheypark's haunted house and walk-through attractions experience during the Halloween season, featuring rides day and night.
• Christmas Candylane Holiday celebration featuring 5 million twinkling lights, select family rides and coasters, and Santa with his 9 live reindeer.
• Resort Packages & Getaways Bundled vacation packages at Official Resorts including tickets, breakfast, and resort benefits. Includes the Kids Stay, Play & Eat FREE package for children 17 and younger.
• The Hotel Hershey Historic luxury resort hotel featuring indoor and outdoor pools and four unique dining experiences.
• Hershey Lodge Family-friendly resort with an indoor water complex, cozy lobby, and four one-of-a-kind dining experiences.
• Hershey Inn & Suites Newest resort property with 130 rooms, 7 family suites with bunk beds, an indoor pool, arcade, and fitness center.
• Hersheypark Camping Resort Campground featuring RV, cabin, and tent camping with activities for couples or families.
• Bayside Pier - Inlet & Island New water play areas at Bayside Pier featuring 45 aquatic elements including The Inlet with water-spouting dolphins and fish, and The Island with 10-foot-tall palm trees.
• Fast Track Skip-the-Line Pass Skip-the-line add-on allowing priority access to select family attractions and coasters.
• Group Tickets (15+) Special group pricing for organizations of 15 or more visitors, starting at $36.50 per person.

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SunococoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor for Twin Turnpike - Classic Cars and Twin Turnpike - Speedway attractions within Hersheypark. Sunoco-branded signage and naming rights for racing-themed rides. Cross-promotional marketing reaching Sunoco's fuel retail customers.
• GIANTcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial grocery partner with branding presence at Hersheypark. GIANT is also referenced in Hersheypark hiring events and provides retail partnership opportunities. Joint marketing reaching GIANT's grocery customer base in Pennsylvania.
• T-MobileminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting partner with telecommunications branding presence. T-Mobile leverages park partnership for marketing activations and promotional content.
• ChevroletminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting partner with automotive branding presence at Hersheypark. Chevrolet leverages partnership for customer engagement and promotional activities.
• HeinzminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting partner representing Kraft Heinz portfolio. Food and beverage branding presence within the park and cross-promotional marketing.
• Turkey HillminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting partner representing dairy and frozen treat products. Ice cream and frozen dessert branding complementary to Hersheypark's chocolate theme.
• Molson CoorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting partner for beverage alcohol offerings within the park. Beer and beverage branding presence.
• BerksminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial vendor partner for food stand within Hersheypark. Local Pennsylvania food brand with on-site presence.
• Hershey Entertainment & Resorts CompanycoreOthersParent company of Hersheypark and the Official Resorts portfolio including The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge, Hershey Inn & Suites, Hersheypark Camping Resort, GIANT Center, Hersheypark Stadium, and other Hershey-area attractions. Integrated resort and entertainment destination.
• Official Resort PropertiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnerships with Official Resorts including The Hotel Hershey (historic luxury), Hershey Lodge (family resort with indoor water complex), Hershey Inn & Suites (130 rooms, 7 family suites with bunk beds, indoor pool), and Hersheypark Camping Resort (RV, cabin, tent camping). These properties provide bundled resort packages with exclusive Hersheypark benefits.
• PA TurnpikeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting partner for transportation access. PA Turnpike branding reaches commuters and travelers using Pennsylvania toll roads.
• Visit PennsylvaniaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting partner for state tourism promotion. VisitPA.com partnership drives regional tourism to Hershey attractions.
• Local Educational InstitutionsminorOthersSupporting partners include Elizabethtown College, Juniata College, Lebanon Valley College, and Penn State Harrisburg. Educational institution partnerships for recruitment, community engagement, and potential academic programs.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Kings Island: Cedar Fair regional theme park in Ohio with 15+ coasters and an adjacent water park (Soak City). Closely comparable in coaster count, water park add-on, and Midwestern/Southeast regional draw.
• Cedar Point (Cedar Fair): Iconic regional destination theme park in Ohio with a leading roller coaster portfolio. Directly comparable to Hersheypark as a multi-day, family-and-thrill destination park with regional draw and seasonal operation.
• Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom: Cedar Fair park located in Allentown, Pennsylvania - directly competing with Hersheypark within the same Pennsylvania catchment. Comparable as a regional park with combined amusement + water park offering.
• Busch Gardens Williamsburg: Themed regional theme park in Virginia combining roller coasters, animal exhibits, and on-site resort hotels. Comparable to Hersheypark in combining theme park, zoo/wildlife, and resort lodging into a single destination.
• Six Flags Great Adventure: Major regional theme park in New Jersey with extensive coaster lineup and on-site safari/wildlife element. Closest geographic competitor to Hersheypark with a similar thrill + family positioning and comparable Mid-Atlantic catchment.

Emerging players

• LEGOLAND New York: Newer regional theme park in Goshen, NY targeting families with children - directly competing with Hersheypark for the same family-with-young-children segment in the Northeast.
• Adventure Aquarium: Mid-Atlantic regional zoo/aquarium attraction comparable to ZooAmerica component of Hersheypark. Adjacent in the family-outing category though narrower in scope (no rides).

Broad incumbents

• Walt Disney World Resort: Largest destination resort in the U.S. with multiple theme parks, water parks, resort hotels, and seasonal events. Comparable as a multi-attraction destination with resort lodging and seasonal programming, though at vastly larger scale.
• SeaWorld Orlando: Major destination theme park combining thrill rides, animal exhibits, and seasonal events. Comparable in combining amusement rides with a wildlife/zoo component (similar to Hersheypark's ZooAmerica) and year-round seasonal programming.

Regional players

• Knoebels Amusement Resort: Family-owned Pennsylvania amusement park with free admission/pay-per-ride model and on-site campground. Comparable as a Pennsylvania-based park with integrated lodging, though smaller scale and different pricing model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/Hersheypark
• Instagraminstagram.com/hersheypark
• TikToktiktok.com/@hersheypark
• Xx.com/Hersheypark
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hersheypark

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hersheypark