When Does Hersheypark Waterpark Open for the 2024 Season
Hersheypark's waterpark, known as The Boardwalk at Hersheypark, opens with the main Hersheypark theme park for the 2024 season. The 2024 operating season typically begins in mid-May and runs through early November, with the waterpark attractions included in the general admission ticket. The Boardwalk features a 3.5-acre water play area, a 500,000-gallon wave pool, and multiple water slides, making it one of the largest themed waterpark expansions in the United States. The park's parent company, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, manages the seasonal schedule and publishes the exact opening day on its official website and investor relations page Hershey Entertainment & Resorts. For the most current schedule, guests should check the official Hersheypark calendar before planning a visit.
The 2024 season launch aligns with Hershey Entertainment & Resorts' broader strategy to maximize attendance during the peak summer months. The Boardwalk at Hersheypark opened in 2018 as a $30 million expansion, adding 11 water attractions to the existing amusement park. The waterpark's opening date is tied directly to the main park's seasonal calendar, which is determined by local weather patterns, staffing readiness, and regional demand forecasts. Hersheypark is located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and the waterpark operates only during the main park's operating season, with no separate winter or holiday hours for water attractions. The park's operational data is reported in Hershey Entertainment & Resorts' quarterly earnings releases, which are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission SEC and available on the company's investor relations site.
What Attractions and Rides Are Available at The Boardwalk
The Boardwalk at Hersheypark includes a variety of water attractions designed for different age groups and thrill levels. Key rides include the Canyon River Rapids, a 1,000-foot-long river raft ride, and the Shoreline Shorehouse, a multi-story water play structure. The waterpark also features a 500,000-gallon wave pool called the Shoreline Bay, which generates waves up to four feet high. Additional attractions include the Intercoastal Waterway lazy river, multiple splash pads, and several high-speed body slides. The Boardwalk's design integrates with the existing Hersheypark layout, using a beach-themed architectural style that reflects the coastal boardwalk concept.
Key Water Rides and Features
Among the most popular water rides is the Tidal Force, a shoot-the-chute attraction that drops riders from a height of approximately 80 feet into a large splash pool. The Roller Soaker, a unique water coaster, combines the mechanics of a traditional roller coaster with water jets and soaking effects. The Boardwalk also includes the Sandcastle Cove, a children's play area with smaller slides and interactive water features. All waterpark attractions are included with the general admission ticket to Hersheypark, and no separate waterpark admission fee is required during the operating season. The park's ride capacity and wait times are managed through a mix of traditional queue systems and Hersheypark's all-inclusive digital ticketing platform, which is part of the park's broader investment in operational technology Forbes.