Hersheypark, a family-friendly theme park in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is known for its thrilling rides, delicious chocolate treats, and fun-filled atmosphere. However, when the sun sets and the park transforms into Hersheypark After Dark, some visitors may wonder if the experience becomes too scary for younger kids or those who are easily frightened. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Hersheypark After Dark and explore whether it’s suitable for all ages.
What is Hersheypark After Dark?
Hersheypark After Dark is a nighttime experience that takes place during the summer months and select weekends throughout the year. The event features extended park hours, allowing visitors to enjoy their favorite rides and attractions under the stars. The park is illuminated with colorful lights, and the atmosphere is electric, with live music and entertainment adding to the excitement.
The Rides and Attractions
One of the main concerns for parents and those who are easily scared is whether the rides and attractions at Hersheypark After Dark are too intense or frightening. While some rides may be closed during the nighttime event, many of the park’s most popular attractions remain open, including roller coasters, water rides, and family-friendly shows.
Some of the rides that are open during Hersheypark After Dark include:
- Skyrush, a high-speed roller coaster with steep drops and sharp turns
- Storm Runner, a launched roller coaster with a 150-foot drop
- Wildcat, a classic roller coaster with sharp turns and sudden drops
- Reese’s Xtreme Cup Challenge, an interactive ride where guests can compete against each other
While these rides may be thrilling, they are not necessarily scary. However, some rides may feature special effects, such as strobe lights or fog machines, which could be overwhelming for some visitors.
Special Effects and Theming
During Hersheypark After Dark, some areas of the park are transformed with special effects and theming to create a more immersive experience. For example, the park’s Midway America area is transformed into a vibrant party zone with live music, dancing, and colorful lights.
However, some areas of the park may feature more intense theming, such as the park’s Boardwalk area, which is transformed into a spooky seaside town with creepy decorations and special effects. While this area may be too intense for younger kids, it’s not excessively scary and is more geared towards teenagers and adults.
Is Hersheypark After Dark Suitable for All Ages?
While Hersheypark After Dark may not be suitable for all ages, it’s generally a family-friendly event that’s geared towards kids of all ages. However, some areas of the park and certain rides may be too intense for younger kids or those who are easily scared.
If you’re planning to visit Hersheypark After Dark with younger kids, it’s a good idea to stick to the park’s more family-friendly areas, such as the Kissing Tower Hill area, which features a variety of gentle rides and attractions. You can also take advantage of the park’s Child Swap policy, which allows one adult to ride an attraction while the other waits with the child, and then swap places without having to wait in line again.
Tips for Visiting Hersheypark After Dark with Kids
If you’re planning to visit Hersheypark After Dark with kids, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Arrive early to beat the crowds and take advantage of shorter lines
- Stick to the park’s more family-friendly areas, such as Kissing Tower Hill
- Take advantage of the park’s Child Swap policy to minimize wait times
- Consider visiting during the week instead of on weekends, when the park is less crowded
- Don’t be afraid to ask park employees for recommendations on which rides and attractions are suitable for your child’s age and sensitivity level
Conclusion
Hersheypark After Dark is a fun and exciting event that’s suitable for kids of all ages. While some areas of the park and certain rides may be too intense for younger kids or those who are easily scared, the event is generally geared towards families and is a great way to experience the park in a new and exciting way.
By following the tips outlined in this article and being mindful of your child’s sensitivity level, you can have a fun and memorable experience at Hersheypark After Dark. So why not give it a try? Grab some chocolate, enjoy the rides, and experience the magic of Hersheypark under the stars.
| Event | Dates | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Hersheypark After Dark | Select summer nights and weekends | Extended park hours, typically until 10pm or 11pm |
Note: Dates and hours are subject to change, so be sure to check the official Hersheypark website for the most up-to-date information.
Is Hersheypark After Dark suitable for all ages?
Hersheypark After Dark is designed to be a fun and thrilling experience for visitors of all ages. However, it’s essential to note that some attractions and shows may not be suitable for younger children due to loud noises, darkness, or intense themes. Parents and guardians are advised to use their discretion when deciding which attractions to visit with their children.
While Hersheypark After Dark offers a range of family-friendly activities, some areas of the park may be more geared towards teenagers and adults. The park’s scare zones and haunted houses, for example, are designed to be spooky and may not be suitable for younger children. However, there are plenty of other attractions and shows that are perfect for families with kids of all ages.
What kind of scares can I expect at Hersheypark After Dark?
Hersheypark After Dark features a range of scare zones and haunted houses that are designed to provide a thrilling and spooky experience. The scare zones are areas of the park that are decorated with spooky themes and feature roaming actors who will try to scare visitors. The haunted houses, on the other hand, are indoor attractions that feature elaborate sets, special effects, and live actors.
The scares at Hersheypark After Dark are designed to be intense but not excessively gory or violent. The park’s scare zones and haunted houses are more focused on providing a fun and thrilling experience rather than a truly terrifying one. However, visitors who are easily scared or prefer not to be frightened may want to avoid these areas of the park.
Are the haunted houses at Hersheypark After Dark really haunted?
No, the haunted houses at Hersheypark After Dark are not really haunted. They are elaborate sets that are designed to create a spooky and immersive experience for visitors. The haunted houses feature live actors, special effects, and elaborate decorations to create a thrilling and frightening experience.
While the haunted houses at Hersheypark After Dark are not really haunted, they are designed to be very realistic and immersive. Visitors will be surrounded by darkness, loud noises, and special effects that are designed to create a truly frightening experience. However, it’s all just for fun and not meant to be taken seriously.
Can I visit Hersheypark After Dark if I’m easily scared?
While Hersheypark After Dark is designed to be a fun and thrilling experience, it may not be suitable for visitors who are easily scared. The park’s scare zones and haunted houses are designed to be intense and frightening, and may not be enjoyable for visitors who prefer not to be scared.
However, there are plenty of other attractions and shows at Hersheypark After Dark that are not scary at all. Visitors who are easily scared can still enjoy the park’s roller coasters, water rides, and live shows, which are all available during the nighttime experience. Additionally, the park offers a “No Boo” necklace that visitors can wear to indicate that they do not want to be scared by the roaming actors.
How long does Hersheypark After Dark last?
Hersheypark After Dark typically lasts for several hours, depending on the night and the time of year. The event usually starts at sunset and lasts until the park closes, which is usually around 10 or 11 pm.
During this time, visitors can enjoy the park’s scare zones, haunted houses, roller coasters, and live shows. The park also offers a range of food and drink options, including snacks and meals, to keep visitors fueled throughout the night. Visitors can come and go as they please, but it’s recommended to plan to spend at least a few hours at the park to get the full experience.
Is Hersheypark After Dark worth the extra cost?
Hersheypark After Dark is a special event that requires a separate admission ticket or a season pass. While it may seem like an extra expense, many visitors find that the event is well worth the cost.
The event offers a unique and thrilling experience that is not available during the day. The park’s scare zones and haunted houses are designed to be intense and frightening, and the live shows and attractions are all part of the nighttime experience. Additionally, the park’s roller coasters and water rides take on a whole new level of excitement at night, making it a great value for visitors who enjoy thrill rides.
Can I visit Hersheypark After Dark if I have a disability?
Yes, Hersheypark After Dark is accessible to visitors with disabilities. The park offers a range of accommodations and services to ensure that all visitors can enjoy the event, including wheelchair accessibility, sign language interpretation, and accommodations for visitors with sensory sensitivities.
Visitors with disabilities can contact the park in advance to request accommodations and to get more information about the accessibility of the event. The park also offers a Guest Services office where visitors can get more information and assistance during the event.