9 Things To Do During Hersheypark Halloween Theme Park Event

Are you looking for a fun place to celebrate Halloween with kids while still getting plenty of theme park thrills? Hersheypark Halloween combines family-friendly trick-or-treating, rides, Hershey Characters, seasonal food, ZooAmerica and the much scarier Dark Nights experience all in one fall getaway.

Our family has experienced Hersheypark during Halloween season, and one of the things we love about it is that families can customize the day depending on everyone’s comfort level. Younger kids can focus on candy, rides and characters, while older kids and adults can venture into the haunted houses and scare zones after dark.

For 2026, Hersheypark Halloween runs weekends from September 12 through November 1. Hours vary by date, so check the official Hersheypark operating calendar before your visit.

Hersheypark Halloween 2026 at a Glance

• 2026 Dates: Weekends September 12 through November 1
• Location: Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania
• Trick-or-Treating: 14 stops along the Hershey’s Trick or Treat Trail for children ages 12 and younger
• Rides: 13 coasters plus more than 40 family rides are included with Hersheypark Halloween admission, subject to availability and weather
• Dark Nights: 5 haunted houses and 5 scare zones are included with Hersheypark Halloween admission
• ZooAmerica: Admission is included when entering ZooAmerica from inside Hersheypark during posted operating hours
• Best For: Families, theme park fans and groups with a mix of younger kids, teens and adults

Planning your Hershey getaway? Check current Hersheypark ticket prices directly with Hersheypark, then save time by booking popular Hershey’s Chocolate World experiences in advance, including Create Your Own Candy Bar and Hershey’s Unwrapped.

1. Trick or Treat at Hersheypark

One thing that is great about Hersheypark Halloween is that both kids and adults can dress up! Hersheypark does have different costume guidelines based on age. Guests ages 12 and younger may wear costumes and qualifying costume masks, although masks cannot be worn on rides. Guests ages 13 and older may wear family-friendly costumes, but costume masks are not permitted and costumes cannot be obstructive, offensive, revealing, violent or include items that resemble weapons.

Because costume policies can change, check the current Hersheypark Halloween costume policy before you go.

In 2026, Hershey’s Trick or Treat Trail includes 14 candy stops and winds from Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction all the way to The Shore at The Boardwalk at Hersheypark. Children ages 12 and younger are invited to visit each stop once. The Hersheypark portion of the trail opens Friday through Sunday beginning at 4:30 p.m.

2. Visit Hershey’s Chocolate World

Right outside the Hersheypark gates, make sure you save some time for Hershey’s Chocolate World. Admission to the building is free, and it is also one end of the Hershey’s Trick or Treat Trail during Halloween season.

For 2026, Halloween trick-or-treating at Hershey’s Chocolate World runs September 12 through November 1, with trick-or-treat hours scheduled for Friday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons and evenings. Check the Hershey’s Chocolate World event schedule before your visit because hours are subject to change.

You can also ride the FREE Hershey’s Chocolate Tour, which takes you through the chocolate-making process and includes a sweet product sample at the end. Other ticketed Chocolate World experiences include Create Your Own Candy Bar, Hershey’s Unwrapped, Hershey Trolley Works and Hershey’s Great Candy Expedition.

3. Ride Hersheypark Roller Coasters and Family Rides

Now that we have our candy fix, it is time to RIDE! Hersheypark Halloween admission includes 13 roller coasters and more than 40 family rides, subject to weather, maintenance and seasonal availability. Hersheypark does a particularly good job mixing children’s rides with bigger thrill rides, which makes it easier for families with different ages and thrill levels to stay together.

• Thrill seekers can experience many of Hersheypark’s signature roller coasters throughout Halloween season.
• During the final hour of Hersheypark Halloween operation, the lights go out on select coasters including Candymonium®, Comet, Lightning Racer® and Wildcat’s Revenge®.
• Laff Trakk, Hersheypark’s indoor spinning glow coaster, operates lights-out throughout the day during Hersheypark Halloween.
• Families with younger children will find plenty of kiddie and family rides throughout the park, so Hersheypark Halloween is not just for thrill seekers.
• Reese’s Cupfusion is one of our favorite rides for the whole family. Riders shoot at targets and compete for the highest score, and it was a favorite with our tween and pre-tween kids during our visit.

Ride availability can change throughout the fall, especially as temperatures drop. Download the Hersheypark app before your visit for current wait times and operating status.

4. Explore ZooAmerica and Creatures of the Night

Although Hersheypark is best known for chocolate-themed attractions and roller coasters, don’t overlook ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park. The 11-acre AZA-accredited zoo is home to more than 200 animals representing approximately 70 North American species.

ZooAmerica admission is included with your Hersheypark ticket when you enter through the bridge inside Hersheypark during posted park and zoo operating hours.

Halloween season is an especially fun time to visit because of Creatures of the Night®. In 2026, this after-dark ZooAmerica experience is scheduled Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from October 16 through November 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. Bring a flashlight and learn about the nighttime behaviors of nocturnal animals throughout the zoo. The experience is included with Hersheypark Halloween admission when entering from within Hersheypark.

ZooAmerica traces its beginnings to Milton Hershey’s early plans for the town of Hershey and remains focused on animal care, education and conservation. Check out our video below for a closer look at what families can experience there.

5. See Our Friends from the Sea

Our Friends from the Sea is an entertaining and educational family show in Hersheypark’s Aquatheatre featuring California sea lions and Atlantic harbor seals. Animal care specialists share information about marine life, conservation and the animals while showing off some of their impressive behaviors.

This was one of our favorite experiences at the park because our family loves marine mammals. Hersheypark also offers optional Our Friends from the Sea add-on experiences. Showtimes vary by operating day, so check the Hersheypark app when you arrive.

6. Brave Hersheypark Dark Nights

Dark Nights™ is Hersheypark’s immersive Halloween haunt experience, and 2026 marks its fifth year. One of the biggest changes from previous years is that all Dark Nights haunted houses and scare zones are now included with Hersheypark Halloween admission. You no longer need to purchase a separate haunted-house admission ticket, although optional Fast Track passes are available.

Dark Nights features five haunted houses and five scare zones for 2026.

2026 Dark Nights Haunted Houses

• Kill ‘N Fill: Enter a terrifying garage where the mechanics are interested in much more than fixing cars.
• Estate of Evil: Explore a sinister mansion filled with newly discovered horrors.
• Auntie Mortem’s Abattoir: Uncover the gruesome secrets behind the Mortem family’s business.
• Twisted Carnevil: Step inside a disturbing carnival filled with illusions and sinister performers.
• Haunted Coal Mine: Venture underground where something dark is lurking beneath the mine.

2026 Dark Nights Scare Zones

• Reese’s Depot of Doom: New for 2026, this fog-filled freight yard is crawling with shadowy trespassers.
• Path of Shadows: Coven’s Curse: Enter a dark world of rituals, spells and an increasingly powerful coven.
• Fallout Zone: Navigate a post-disaster landscape filled with toxic fog and unsettling survivors.
• Midway of Misery: Pass through fiery arches into a midway controlled by the Decayed Brigade.
• Darkstone’s Hollow: Mystical creatures and dark forces battle for control of The Hollow.

Dark Nights is considerably scarier than the daytime Halloween activities, so families with younger or scare-sensitive children should plan their evening accordingly.

7. Grab a Hershey Character Selfie

Another fun thing to do during Hersheypark Halloween is grab some family photos. Look for Hershey Characters dressed for the season throughout the park and stop for a selfie with your favorite candy character.

Character appearances and locations can change daily, so check the Hersheypark app and entertainment schedule during your visit.

8. Try Hersheypark Halloween Food and Treats

All those rides and scares work up an appetite! Hersheypark offers plenty of dining options throughout the park along with limited-time Halloween food, desserts and drinks that change from year to year.

Hersheypark also offers a seasonal Hersheypark Halloween Tasting Pass for guests who want to sample several special Halloween menu items. Check the current food guide before your trip since selections can change throughout the season.

If you want a sit-down break from the park, we highly recommend The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio near the Hersheypark entrance. It serves family-friendly meals with fun Hershey-inspired touches and offers rotating seasonal food and drink specials. Reservations are highly recommended on busy fall weekends.

9. Dance at the Avenue of the Afterlife

For a less-scary way to enjoy Hersheypark after dark, visit The Avenue of the Afterlife. This all-ages Dark Nights area combines food, seasonal atmosphere and dancing with favorite Hershey Characters. It is a fun option for families who want to enjoy the nighttime energy of Hersheypark Halloween without heading directly into a haunted house.

Tips for Visiting Hersheypark Halloween

During our visit, we headed to ZooAmerica early and then caught Our Friends from the Sea in the afternoon. That timing worked well for our family and allowed us to experience several different parts of Hersheypark before the nighttime Halloween activities picked up.

Here are a few additional things to consider when planning your Hersheypark Halloween visit:

• Download the Hersheypark app. Use it to check ride and haunted-house wait times, attraction availability, showtimes, dining and the interactive park map.
• Purchase parking online ahead of time. Hersheypark offers savings when parking is purchased online in advance.
• Prioritize your must-do rides. If roller coasters are important to your family, ride your highest-priority attractions earlier in the day. Reese’s Cupfusion can also develop a long line.
• Consider Fast Track on especially busy weekends. We encountered some long lines on a beautiful fall day, so Fast Track may be worthwhile if maximizing ride time is important to you.
• Make restaurant reservations. The Chocolatier can fill up even outside traditional meal times during busy Hersheypark weekends.
• Dress in layers. Fall temperatures in Hershey can change significantly from afternoon to evening, and some rides may be affected by colder temperatures.
• Check the operating calendar before leaving home. Fall hours and attraction availability vary by day.

Where to Stay for Hersheypark Halloween

If you are turning Hersheypark Halloween into a weekend getaway, staying at one of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark comes with several useful perks. Benefits include free front-gate shuttle service, preferred Hersheypark ticket pricing and up to three extra evening hours through the Preview Plan.

Guests staying at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and the new Hershey Inn & Suites also receive complimentary admission to Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story Museum Experience. Hersheypark Camping Resort guests receive preferred pricing for those attractions.

The Hotel Hershey is the upscale option and is a great choice for families who want resort amenities along with easy access to Hersheypark. Amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, recreation, hiking trails, dining and the Spa At The Hotel Hershey.

Hershey Lodge is especially family-friendly and features the indoor Hershey’s Water Works water play area, an arcade, multiple dining options and seasonal recreation.

Hershey Inn & Suites joined The Official Resorts of Hersheypark in 2026. The 130-room hotel offers complimentary hot breakfast, an indoor pool, arcade and fitness center. Its family suites sleep up to six and include bunk beds, making this an especially interesting option for families.

Hersheypark Camping Resort is the perfect choice for nature lovers. Stay in your own tent or RV or choose a cabin for a more comfortable camping experience. The campground includes playgrounds, recreation facilities and seasonal family activities.

For families who prefer earning hotel loyalty points or comparing off-property rates, there are also numerous chain hotels throughout the Hershey and Hummelstown area. Hotels.com is another option for comparing properties near Hersheypark.

Other Things to Do Near Hersheypark

Hershey offers enough family attractions to easily turn Hersheypark Halloween into a full weekend getaway. If you have extra time, consider adding one or more of these Hershey-area attractions.

• Hershey’s Chocolate World: In addition to the free Chocolate Tour, families can book Hershey Trolley Works, Create Your Own Candy Bar, Hershey’s Unwrapped, Hershey’s Great Candy Expedition and other chocolate-themed experiences.
• Hershey Gardens: This beautiful 23-acre botanical garden sits on a hill overlooking Hersheypark and includes the indoor Butterfly Atrium and Children’s Garden. Fall is a particularly fun time to visit, with Pumpkin Palooza returning on select October weekends. Read our complete family guide to Hershey Gardens before you go.
• The Hershey Story Museum: This hands-on museum tells the story of Milton Hershey and the town he built. Families can also try the Chocolate Tastings experience or make a chocolate creation in the Chocolate Lab.
• Hersheypark Stadium: Major touring performers visit Hershey throughout the warmer months, so check the entertainment calendar if your getaway overlaps with a concert.
• The Spa At The Hotel Hershey: Adults looking for some relaxation can book Hershey-inspired spa treatments and seasonal packages.

Here are a few more Hershey-area attractions worth considering:

• Pennsylvania State Police Museum: Learn about the history and events that shaped America’s first uniformed state police force.
• AACA Museum: A popular automotive museum showcasing cars, buses, motorcycles and transportation history.
• Tröegs Independent Brewing: This family-owned Hershey brewery offers beer, scratch-made food and self-guided brewery viewing.
• Crossroads Antique Mall: A good rainy-day stop for browsing antiques, nostalgic finds and collectibles.
• Cullari Vineyards and Winery: A local winery offering a variety of Pennsylvania wines.
• West Hanover Winery: Located near Harrisburg, this winery makes another possible adults-only addition to a Hershey-area getaway.

Hersheypark Halloween 2026 FAQ

When is Hersheypark Halloween in 2026?

Hersheypark Halloween runs on weekends from September 12 through November 1, 2026. Park hours vary by date, so check Hersheypark’s operating calendar before visiting.

Is Dark Nights included with Hersheypark Halloween admission?

Yes. In 2026, Hersheypark Halloween admission includes all five Dark Nights haunted houses and five scare zones. Optional Fast Track upgrades are available for guests who want to reduce wait times.

Is Hersheypark Halloween good for young children?

Yes. Families with younger children can enjoy rides, Hershey Characters, trick-or-treating and ZooAmerica without entering the Dark Nights haunted houses. Dark Nights is designed to be significantly scarier, so parents should use their judgment with scare-sensitive children.

What age can trick-or-treat at Hersheypark?

Children ages 12 and younger can participate in Hershey’s Trick or Treat Trail. In 2026, the trail includes 14 stops stretching from Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction to The Shore at The Boardwalk at Hersheypark.

Can adults wear costumes at Hersheypark Halloween?

Yes. Guests ages 13 and older may wear family-friendly costumes, but costume masks are not permitted and additional restrictions apply to props, weapons, obstructive costumes and face paint. Always review Hersheypark’s current costume policy before your trip.

Is ZooAmerica included with a Hersheypark ticket?

Yes, when you enter ZooAmerica through the bridge inside Hersheypark during posted operating hours. If you visit ZooAmerica separately through its main entrance, separate admission requirements may apply.

Should you stay overnight for Hersheypark Halloween?

An overnight stay makes it much easier to combine Hersheypark Halloween with Hershey’s Chocolate World, ZooAmerica, Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story Museum. Guests of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark also receive resort benefits including shuttle transportation and extra park time through the Preview Plan.

Other Seasonal Events at Hersheypark

If your family loves Hersheypark Halloween, consider coming back when the park transforms for Hersheypark Christmas Candylane®. The holiday event features millions of lights, seasonal rides and entertainment, Hershey Characters and visits with Santa and his live reindeer. Before booking, check our Hersheypark Christmas Candylane guide and holiday amusement park deals for planning tips and current offers.