Hershey Park Indoor Water Park 2026: Day Pass, Tickets & Hours
Searching for “Hershey Park indoor water park” can be confusing because there are two different water experiences in Hershey. The Boardwalk at Hersheypark is the outdoor summer water park included with Hersheypark admission. Hershey’s Water Works at Hershey Lodge is the indoor pool and splash complex, but it is for overnight Hershey Lodge guests, not a public day-pass water park.
This guide clears up the exact user intent: Hersheypark water park tickets, Boardwalk hours, indoor water park day pass rules, Hershey Lodge Water Works hours, prices, parking, map, best family plan, what to bring, and how to avoid buying the wrong ticket.
Fast answer: Hersheypark does not have a public indoor water park day pass. The outdoor Hersheypark water park is The Boardwalk at Hersheypark, an 11-acre outdoor water park included with every Hersheypark ticket and open May 23 through September 7, 2026. The indoor water-play option is Hershey’s Water Works at Hershey Lodge, a 30,000 sq ft indoor pool complex with Twizzlers Twists slides, Reese’s Water Walk, zero-entry pool, sand castle spray zone and tipping bucket, but it is an exclusive amenity for overnight Hershey Lodge guests. If you want indoor water fun, book Hershey Lodge. If you want public waterpark access with Hersheypark rides, buy Hersheypark admission.
What “Hershey Park Indoor Water Park” Searchers Actually Need
This keyword has mixed intent. Some families want Hersheypark’s water park. Some want an indoor winter swim day. Some want a Hershey Lodge day pass. Some want a hotel with waterpark access. The page must answer each intent separately so users do not buy the wrong product.
Hersheypark water park intent
This means The Boardwalk at Hersheypark, the outdoor summer water park included with Hersheypark admission. It is not a separate public indoor water park.
Indoor water park intent
This means Hershey’s Water Works at Hershey Lodge. It is indoor and family-friendly, but it is only for overnight Hershey Lodge guests.
Day pass intent
This is the most important answer: public day passes are for Hersheypark admission, not for the Hershey Lodge indoor Water Works complex.
Hersheypark Water Park: Indoor or Outdoor?
The official answer is simple, but many search results mix the terms. Use this table before booking.
| Search phrase | Correct place | Indoor or outdoor? | Can public day visitors buy access? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hershey Park water park | The Boardwalk at Hersheypark | Outdoor summer water park | Yes, included with Hersheypark admission during the Boardwalk season. |
| Hershey Park indoor water park | Hershey’s Water Works at Hershey Lodge | Indoor pool and splash complex | No public day pass; overnight Hershey Lodge guests only. |
| Hershey Lodge water park day pass | Hershey’s Water Works at Hershey Lodge | Indoor | No, official FAQ says it is an exclusive amenity for overnight guests. |
| Hersheypark indoor pool | Official Hershey resorts | Hotel amenities | Usually tied to hotel stays, not Hersheypark admission alone. |
Important booking rule: a Hersheypark admission ticket gets you into Hersheypark, The Boardwalk and ZooAmerica when included with park operations. It does not automatically give you a public day pass to Hershey Lodge Water Works.
Can You Buy a Hershey Lodge Indoor Water Park Day Pass?
No public day pass is listed for Hershey’s Water Works at Hershey Lodge. The official Hershey Lodge FAQ says Water Works is an exclusive amenity for overnight guests of Hershey Lodge. That means the practical way to use the indoor water-play complex is to book a Hershey Lodge stay or a resort package that fits your family.
No public day pass
Do not drive to Hershey Lodge expecting to buy a public indoor waterpark ticket at the door. Official FAQ says it is for overnight guests.
Book Hershey Lodge
If indoor water fun is your main goal, compare Hershey Lodge room rates, packages, check-in access rules, and included resort benefits.
Buy Hersheypark for Boardwalk
If you want the public water park experience, buy Hersheypark admission and visit The Boardwalk during its summer operating season.
Hersheypark Water Park Tickets and Prices 2026
The Boardwalk does not require a separate waterpark-only ticket. It is included with Hersheypark admission during the Boardwalk season. Ticket prices change by offer, date, group size, pass type and add-ons, so check official checkout before buying.
| Ticket search | Current practical answer | Best for | Official check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hersheypark 1-Day Ticket | Current official ticket page shows offers starting at $29.99 plus taxes and fees. The Boardwalk is included when open. | Most first-time Hersheypark summer visitors. | Official tickets |
| Summer Fun Card | Official page lists a $100 Summer Fun Card valid through September 7, 2026, for eligible 2026 public operating days. | Families planning multiple summer visits. | Summer Fun Card |
| Group tickets | Groups of 15+ can see discounted group tickets, with official examples starting at $36.50 plus taxes/fees. | Schools, youth groups, reunions and teams. | Group tickets |
| Season pass | Season passes may include different levels of parking, Sweet Start access, drink/dining perks and pass-holder benefits. | Repeat visitors and Pennsylvania families. | Season passes |
| Hershey Lodge Water Works day pass | No public day pass; indoor Water Works is for overnight Hershey Lodge guests. | Hotel guests only. | Lodge FAQ |
| Parking | General Hersheypark parking can be purchased online for $25 plus taxes and fees. | All day-trip vehicles. | Parking info |
Money-saving logic: if you only want an indoor waterpark, compare Hershey Lodge room/package cost instead of Hersheypark tickets. If you want coasters, ZooAmerica and The Boardwalk water park, buy Hersheypark admission for a summer date when The Boardwalk is open.
Hershey Water Park Hours 2026: Boardwalk and Water Works
Hours intent has two answers. The Boardwalk is seasonal and tied to Hersheypark summer operations. Hershey’s Water Works is indoor and tied to Hershey Lodge guest access.
The Boardwalk season
The Boardwalk at Hersheypark is listed as open May 23 through September 7, 2026. Hersheypark summer season runs daily May 21 through September 7.
Boardwalk daily hours
Current Hersheypark hours pages show The Boardwalk examples around 11AM–6PM. Always check the exact day because hours vary.
Water Works hours
Hershey Lodge lists Water Works hours as Monday–Thursday 12–8PM, Friday 12–9PM, Saturday 10AM–9PM and Sunday 10AM–8PM.
Best timing tip: for The Boardwalk, arrive early and do water attractions before mid-afternoon. For Hershey Lodge Water Works, build swim time around check-in, checkout and hotel-room breaks, not a public day-pass schedule.
The Boardwalk vs Hershey’s Water Works: Which Should You Choose?
This comparison solves the biggest search confusion.
| Question | The Boardwalk at Hersheypark | Hershey’s Water Works at Hershey Lodge |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor or outdoor? | Outdoor summer water park | Indoor pool and splash complex |
| Who can access? | Hersheypark ticket holders when open | Overnight Hershey Lodge guests |
| Separate day pass? | No separate waterpark ticket; included with Hersheypark admission | No public day pass listed |
| Best season | Summer, May–September | Hotel swim stays, year-round style indoor planning |
| Best for | Coasters + waterpark + ZooAmerica full day | Hotel families, toddlers, winter swim, room breaks |
| Towels | Bring your own towels | Pool towels are provided for Hershey Lodge guests |
The Boardwalk at Hersheypark: Water Attractions and Tips
The Boardwalk is the public Hersheypark water park experience. It includes 16–17 water attractions, depending on how Hersheypark presents the 2026 lineup, and is included with Hersheypark admission during the summer season.
Whitecap Racer
A mat-racing slide experience for competitive families and teens. Do it early if it is a must-ride.
Breakers Edge
A water coaster with hills, tunnels and high-energy raft movement. Better for confident riders.
Intercoastal Waterway
A lazy river for calmer floating and family reset time between bigger slides.
The Shore
A large wave pool that gradually deepens and works well as a central meet-up point.
East Coast Waterworks
Interactive play with slides, tunnels, spray features and a large tipping bucket.
Bayside Pier
Young-child water play with 2026 additions, new aquatic elements and shade-focused splash features.
Shoreline Sprayground
Good for younger kids, misters, bubblers, jets, fountains and shaded seating nearby.
Tidal Force final season
Tidal Force makes its last splash at the end of the 2026 summer season, so ride it before September 7 if it matters to your family.
Hershey’s Water Works at Hershey Lodge: Indoor Water Fun
Hershey’s Water Works is the indoor water-play answer for this keyword, but it is a hotel guest amenity. The complex is 30,000 square feet and includes Twizzlers Twists water slides, Reese’s Water Walk, zero-entry pool, sand castle spray zone, lighthouse tipping bucket, basketball hoops and interactive water features.
Chocolate-themed play
Water Works uses Hershey candy theming, including Twizzlers Twists and Reese’s Water Walk, which makes it especially fun for kids.
Good for younger kids
Zero-entry pool, spray zone and interactive play make it easier for younger children than a large outdoor thrill waterpark.
Cocoa Cabana
Food and drinks are available inside the Water Works area through Cocoa Cabana, so hotel families can plan meals around swim breaks.
Hotel guest timing: official FAQ says guests can pre-register before check-in if the room is not ready and receive access to amenities, including Water Works. Guests can use Water Works until 3PM on checkout day.
Step-by-Step Hershey Water Park Visit Plan
Use the right plan depending on whether you are buying Hersheypark tickets or booking Hershey Lodge.
Decide indoor or outdoor first
If you want public waterpark access, choose The Boardwalk with Hersheypark admission. If you want indoor water play, book Hershey Lodge.
Check your exact date
The Boardwalk is seasonal and Hersheypark hours vary. Water Works hours vary by day of week. Use official calendars before booking.
Compare ticket versus hotel cost
A Hersheypark ticket is better for a full park day. A Hershey Lodge stay is better for indoor water play, room breaks and overnight family comfort.
Buy the right product
Do not buy Hersheypark admission expecting Water Works access. Do not book a hotel if all you need is The Boardwalk during summer.
Plan towels and clothes
Bring your own towels for The Boardwalk. Hershey Lodge provides pool towels for Water Works guests.
Arrive early for Boardwalk
Do big water attractions first, then use lazy river, wave pool, food and shade as reset breaks.
Use room breaks at Hershey Lodge
If staying at the Lodge, schedule swim blocks around room access, meals, naps and checkout-day pool access.
Screenshot confirmations
Save tickets, room reservation, parking voucher, package details, hours and map before leaving.
Hershey Water Park Cost Planner
Use this before booking. It does not replace official checkout, but it helps you compare a Hersheypark day with a Hershey Lodge indoor-water stay.
Hersheypark Map, Address and Parking
Use the correct address for the experience you are visiting. Hersheypark and Hershey Lodge are close, but they are not the same parking and access setup.
Hersheypark address
100 W. Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA 17033. Use this for The Boardwalk, coasters, ZooAmerica and park admission.
Hershey Lodge address
325 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033. Use this for Hershey Lodge stays and Water Works guest access.
Parking price
Hersheypark general parking can be purchased online for $25 plus taxes and fees and is charged per vehicle per visit day.
Food, Towels, Lockers and Comfort Planning
Waterpark comfort depends on small details. Families often remember tickets but forget towels, dry clothes, sunscreen, food timing and where valuables will go.
The Boardwalk at Hersheypark
- Bring your own towels for The Boardwalk.
- Multiple changing rooms and showers are available throughout the water park.
- More than 10 food and beverage locations are listed in or near the water park.
- Cabanas and add-ons may be available for families wanting a reserved base.
- Download the Hersheypark app for map, wait times and navigation.
Hershey Lodge Water Works
- Pool towels are provided for Hershey Lodge guests.
- Cocoa Cabana offers food and drinks inside the Water Works area.
- Life vests are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Swim diapers are required for children who are not toilet trained.
- Pool parties are not allowed at Hershey Lodge pool facilities.
Best Hershey Water Plan for Toddlers, Kids and Teens
Toddlers
Hershey Lodge Water Works is often easier for toddlers because of indoor comfort, zero-entry pool and hotel breaks. At The Boardwalk, use Bayside Pier, Shoreline Sprayground and shaded seating.
School-age kids
The Boardwalk gives school-age kids slides, wave pool, lazy river and Hersheypark rides in one day. Plan waterpark time before kids are tired from coasters.
Teens
Teens usually prefer The Boardwalk plus coasters. Prioritize Breakers Edge, Whitecap Racer, Coastline Plunge and thrill rides early.
Senior-Friendly Hershey Water Park Tips
Grandparents and seniors can enjoy Hershey water fun, but the best choice depends on walking distance, heat, shade, seating and hotel access.
- Choose Hershey Lodge if indoor comfort, room breaks and shorter swim blocks matter.
- Choose The Boardwalk if the whole family wants Hersheypark, ZooAmerica and outdoor summer water attractions.
- Reserve a cabana or shaded base if outdoor heat is a concern.
- Use the app and map to avoid unnecessary walking across the park.
- Bring water shoes or comfortable sandals for hot surfaces and long walkways.
Hershey Lodge Packages, Resort Benefits and Sweet Start
If your search intent is “Hershey indoor water park resort,” the hotel package matters more than a day ticket. Hershey Lodge guests receive access to Water Works and may be able to purchase Hersheypark tickets while booking or choose packages that include park admission.
Book the room first
Water Works access is tied to staying at Hershey Lodge, so compare room rates and packages before planning an indoor waterpark trip.
Tickets may be add-ons
Hershey Lodge FAQ says Hersheypark tickets are not automatically included with every room, but can be bought while booking or included in select packages.
Free resort shuttle
Hershey Lodge offers a free front gate shuttle to Hersheypark, useful for families who do not want to drive and park at the park.
Indoor Water Park Alternatives Near Hershey
If you need a public indoor waterpark day pass and do not want to stay at Hershey Lodge, you may need to compare other Pennsylvania or nearby indoor waterpark resorts. Hershey itself does not solve that public-day-pass indoor intent.
Poconos indoor water parks
Compare Kalahari, Aquatopia, Great Wolf Lodge and other Pocono options if a large indoor waterpark is more important than Hersheypark.
Kalahari Pennsylvania
Useful if your family wants a true large indoor waterpark resort and is willing to drive beyond Hershey.
Pennsylvania water parks
Use a statewide comparison if you are flexible between Hersheypark, indoor resorts, outdoor parks and city aquatic centers.
What to Pack for Hersheypark Water Park or Hershey Lodge Water Works
Bring for The Boardwalk
- Hersheypark tickets, parking voucher and app.
- Towels, swimsuits and dry clothes.
- Water shoes or comfortable sandals.
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses.
- Waterproof phone pouch and portable charger.
- Locker or bag plan for valuables.
Bring for Hershey Lodge Water Works
- Room confirmation and ID.
- Swimsuits and dry clothes.
- Swim diapers for children not toilet-trained.
- Goggles if your child uses them.
- Room key or guest access items.
- Payment method for Cocoa Cabana and arcade.
Hershey Water Park Video Preview
Use video to preview ride intensity, kids’ areas, walking distance and whether your family wants Hersheypark’s outdoor Boardwalk or Hershey Lodge’s indoor Water Works. Use official pages for final tickets and hours.
Hershey Park Indoor Water Park FAQ
Does Hersheypark have an indoor water park?
Hersheypark’s water park, The Boardwalk, is outdoor and seasonal. The indoor water-play complex is Hershey’s Water Works at Hershey Lodge, which is for overnight Hershey Lodge guests.
Can I buy a day pass for Hershey’s Water Works at Hershey Lodge?
No public day pass is listed. The official Hershey Lodge FAQ says Hershey’s Water Works is an exclusive amenity for overnight Hershey Lodge guests.
Is The Boardwalk included with Hersheypark tickets?
Yes. Hersheypark says The Boardwalk water park is included with every Hersheypark admission ticket during its operating season.
When is The Boardwalk at Hersheypark open in 2026?
The Boardwalk is listed as open May 23 through September 7, 2026. Check the official Hersheypark hours calendar for your exact date.
What are Hershey’s Water Works hours?
Hershey Lodge lists Water Works hours as Monday–Thursday 12–8PM, Friday 12–9PM, Saturday 10AM–9PM and Sunday 10AM–8PM.
How much are Hersheypark water park tickets?
The water park is included with Hersheypark admission. Current official ticket pages show 2026 offers starting at $29.99 plus taxes and fees, but prices change by offer and date.
Is there a separate Boardwalk-only ticket?
No separate Boardwalk-only ticket is promoted. The Boardwalk is part of Hersheypark admission when open.
Do I need to bring towels to The Boardwalk?
Yes. Hersheypark says guests should bring their own towels to enjoy The Boardwalk.
Are towels provided at Hershey Lodge Water Works?
Yes. Hershey Lodge FAQ says pool towels are provided for Hershey Lodge guests enjoying Water Works.
Is Hershey Lodge Water Works good for toddlers?
Yes. It has indoor play features, zero-entry pool, sand castle spray zone and water-play areas that are easier for young kids than a large outdoor park.
Is The Boardwalk good for teens?
Yes. Teens usually prefer The Boardwalk because they can combine water slides, Breakers Edge, Whitecap Racer, wave pool and Hersheypark coasters.
What is the address for Hersheypark?
Hersheypark is at 100 W. Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA 17033.
What is the address for Hershey Lodge?
Hershey Lodge is at 325 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033.
How much is Hersheypark parking?
Hersheypark general parking can be purchased online for $25 plus taxes and fees and is valid for one-time use on an operating day.
What should I choose: Hersheypark ticket or Hershey Lodge stay?
Choose Hersheypark tickets if you want coasters, ZooAmerica and outdoor Boardwalk water attractions. Choose Hershey Lodge if indoor Water Works access and hotel-room breaks are the main goal.
Final Take: What Should You Book?
If your goal is a public summer waterpark day in Hershey, book Hersheypark admission and visit The Boardwalk while it is open from May 23 through September 7, 2026. If your goal is an indoor waterpark-style experience, book Hershey Lodge because Hershey’s Water Works is exclusive to overnight guests and does not operate like a public day-pass indoor waterpark.
The safest plan is simple: decide indoor versus outdoor, check the official hours, compare ticket versus hotel cost, confirm parking, pack towels for The Boardwalk, use Hershey Lodge for indoor water play, and avoid any third-party page that claims public Water Works day passes without official confirmation.