Where: Hersheypark, PA
Why It Matters: America’s 250th celebration
Bonus: 3 parks in one (rides + water park + zoo)
Macaroni KID Take: This is not a casual summer
Hersheypark is not gently acknowledging America’s 250th. It is throwing a full-scale, star-spangled, sugar-fueled celebration that somehow manages to hit both “core childhood memory” and “logistically impressive parenting win” at the same time.
This is the kind of summer where you say yes to one trip and accidentally create a tradition.
The Boardwalk just leveled up
Two new play areas are coming to Bayside Pier, complete with splash features, shade, and enough water action to reset even the hottest, crankiest summer day.
Let’s talk about the family suites
The new Hershey Inn & Suites is opening with something parents actually need: space. The family suites sleep six and include bunk beds, a sleeper sofa, and a separate living area.
Classic rides, now with patriotic flair
Expect red, white, and blue overlays across the park, themed lighting, and character experiences that make everything feel just a little more magical.
Fireworks, because obviously
Multiple nights of fireworks are planned throughout the summer, including July 3 and 4, giving families that perfect “end the day with a wow” moment.
If your kids already treat Hersheypark like a personality trait, this summer is about to make that worse. In the best way. There is a lot here for families, but the sleeper hit for parents might honestly be the new hotel suites. We love a roller coaster, but we also love a separate living space and a bunk bed situation that does not involve somebody sleeping sideways across a chair.
The big family highlights, minus the corporate confetti
- Fireworks nights: May 23, July 3, July 4, and August 8
- New live show: Sweet Land of Liberty in the air-conditioned theatre
- Patriotic overlays: decor, costumes, lights, and red-white-and-blue ride packages
- Water park upgrades: two new Bayside Pier play zones with 45 aquatic elements
- Food worth discussing: themed donuts, shakes, fudge, and festive drinks
- Hotel news: Hershey Inn & Suites opens May 1 with seven family suites
The hotel section deserves its own applause
The new Hershey Inn & Suites will feature 130 rooms, including seven family suites. Those suites sleep six and include bunk beds, one queen bed, a full sleeper sofa, and a separate living space.
That is the kind of detail parents notice immediately because it says someone, somewhere, has met actual children.
A few standout details from the official release
Official press release
(Hershey, Pa. - April 8, 2026) One of the country’s most iconic destinations, Hersheypark amusement park in Hershey, Pa., has announced its plans to celebrate America’s 250th with events and activations all summer long. The largest amusement park in Pennsylvania will offer multiple dates of fireworks presented by HERSHEY’S, an all-new star-spangled show, limited-time food and drink, select Americana-themed rides and Hershey Characters dressed in their festive best with more summer surprises to come during its 120th operating year.
Known affectionately as The Sweetest Place On Earth, Hershey is a small town rooted in the world’s love of chocolate and the philanthropy of its founder, Milton S. Hershey. The world-class destination is home to one of America’s greatest and sweetest success stories and a core purpose of giving back to children in need.
Centrally located within driving distance of five of the largest metropolitan areas in the Northeast, Hershey is only 90 minutes from Philadelphia and two hours from the nation’s capital. Guests can start planning their summer road trip now at www.Hersheypark.com/plan-your-visit/summer#america-anniversary.
Fireworks Displays
Daily summer operations at Hersheypark begin May 21, with the first of several fireworks displays presented by HERSHEY’S on May 23. Guests are encouraged to visit on these days to end their evening with fireworks:
- Saturday, May 23
- Friday, July 3
- Saturday, July 4
- Saturday, August 8
New Show and Summer Food
Hersheypark will debut Sweet Land of Liberty: A Celebration of the American Songbook from May 29 through Labor Day in the Chevrolet Music Box Theatre. Limited-time food and drink offerings include patriotic donuts at Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor, specialty fudge at The Sweeterie, and celebratory drink options at The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio.
Water Park Enhancements
New for summer 2026, Bayside Pier will feature two new water play areas boasting 45 aquatic elements. The Inlet at Bayside Pier will include whimsical spray features, while The Island at Bayside Pier will add towering palm trees that tip buckets of water. Open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, The Boardwalk at Hersheypark includes 17 attractions and one million gallons of water and is included with Hersheypark admission.
New Hotel
Hershey Inn & Suites opens May 1 as the first select-service property among The Official Resorts of Hersheypark. The new four-story hotel will feature 130 rooms, including seven family suites, plus complimentary hot breakfast, a lobby bar, lobby marketplace, arcade, fitness center, and indoor pool.
For more information, visit www.Hersheypark.com and www.HersheyInnAndSuites.com.
Source: Hershey Entertainment & Resorts press release, April 8, 2026.
Planning your visit?
If summer had a headquarters, it might be here. Start planning now, pack extra snacks, and emotionally prepare for your kids to ask when you can go back before you’ve even left the parking lot.
