How is Hershey Park at the end of August

[justintime]

We are thinking of going to Hershey Park at the end of August. My kids are 5 and 7. Is two days enough? We were thinking either a Sunday and Monday August 29 and 30th, or Monday and Tuesday August 30 and 31st. I wasn't sure when PA schools go back. Would it be better to go on Monday and Tuesday? Are the weekends still packed this last weekend?

 

[RMulieri]

I live here..We go back to school August 30th.I will say that it tends to stay pretty busy , even with most of us locals back in school.Weekends are PACKED

 

[Matt'sMom]

We were in Hershey at the zoo just yesterday, and can tell you that the Park, Choc World and the parking lots were all crazy packed! Traffic in the entire area (Harrisburg/Hershey) seemed to be exceptionally bad yesterday.

From our experience over the years (as former season pass holders for the park), I would say that yes you can expect it will likely remain busy right on through the end of August. A lot of people appear to be trying to fit in those end of Summer, long weekend (Fri. thru Monday) type of vacations. If you can visit mid-week, it might be a bit less hectic than on the weekends.

 

[RMulieri]

Also bear in mind that how crowded it is depends on who may be playing at the Hersheypark arena or the Giant center..That significantly adds to traffic and crowds.I can tell you that the Jonas bros are here next Saturday so i plan on not going out( same thing when Dave Matthews,or John Mayer comes-they did a few weeks back)

 

[PaulaSue]

We have season passes, weekends are crowded.

2 week days will be enough unless you are a more relaxed type of park go-er and like to see everything. YOur kids will not be big enough for many rides but will LOVE the water section! Take suits and small enough bags to fit into the lockers (2 sizes and prices and $$$, IMO) Hit Chocolate world in the pm, less crowds, trust me We do it every time before we leave.

PS, the schools around here go back 2 weeks before Labor day this year.

 

[RMulieri]

We have season passes, weekends are crowded.

2 week days will be enough unless you are a more relaxed type of park go-er and like to see everything. YOur kids will not be big enough for many rides but will LOVE the water section! Take suits and small enough bags to fit into the lockers (2 sizes and prices and $$$, IMO) Hit Chocolate world in the pm, less crowds, trust me We do it every time before we leave.

PS, the schools around here go back 2 weeks before Labor day this year.

What district are you in? we go back August 30th and Labor day is Sept 6th

 

[disny_luvr]

I'd go Monday and Tuesday, August 30-31. I'm in the neighboring town and we start school on Monday, August 30. You might find a lot of people on vacation from other states in the Park but I don't think you'll have near as many locals there. Keep in mind that Hersheypark is only open until 8:00 on both of those evenings so the waterpark will probably close at 6:00. If you decide to go Sunday, Hersheypark will be open until 10:00, if that makes a difference to you.

I think two days is a good amount of time to spend at the Park, especially if doing the waterpark. Be sure to check out Chocolate World too. The tour is free and it is a great way to cool down if it is hot outside. Enjoy!

 

[rbork]

MD schools go back 8/30.
At least the MD'rs will help thin the crowds a little by being back in school.

Season pass holder here too. I never rent a locker. Just take my beach bag, towels, a little cash and leave it on a chair while we are in the Boardwalk. My keys are in the car so what's left is so little I wouldn't care if it was taken. We are at rope drop at 10am then head directly to the Boardwalk. My kid's get their slide riding in within the first hour before the mega lines. Oh and it's hard to find a shaded chair. So each season I scope out a day prior which chairs get a little shade then beeline for that one in the morning.

 

[MindyLuvsMickey]

We were there last Friday and thought it was crowded but not crazy. Saturdays and Sundays are ridiculous. I refuse, refuse, REFUSE to go after May on a weekend.

My oldest said he wished they had FastPasses like Disney He actually starts back to school on 8/25 with the Cumberland Valley School District.

 

[aea71]

I was just there on Tuesday, August 10, and crowd levels were rather low although the Boardwalk was crazy since temperatures were in the 90's. Most schools in our area start the week of August 30 so crowd levels should be rather light on both Monday and Tuesday. Don't forget, that if you arrive on Sunday evening you can also preview the park for free if you purchase your tickets that night for Monday (if they're open until 10pm on Sunday, you can enter the park at 7:30pm).

 

[wishin' on a star]

We were just there this past Sunday, and the water park was CRAZY crowded. However, by noon, the rest of park had NO lines at all. We walked right on to every single roller coaster, maybe waiting one ride cycle for most rides. We had a great day, and did everything we wanted to do. But we are not water park people, so we enjoyed the light lines elsewhere, while everyone else was waiting in terrible lines for the water park. We also paid the extra $10 for preferred parking to have the car close to the gate. We thought it was definitely worth the money!

 

[justintime]

I was just there on Tuesday, August 10, and crowd levels were rather low although the Boardwalk was crazy since temperatures were in the 90's. Most schools in our area start the week of August 30 so crowd levels should be rather light on both Monday and Tuesday. Don't forget, that if you arrive on Sunday evening you can also preview the park for free if you purchase your tickets that night for Monday (if they're open until 10pm on Sunday, you can enter the park at 7:30pm).

Can you do the preview if you are getting the 2 day flex ticket, or can you only do the preview if you are buying a 1 day ticket?

 

[justintime]

Can you do the preview if you are getting the 2 day flex ticket, or can you only do the preview if you are buying a 1 day ticket?

Anyone know?