Theme Park Report
Hersheypark concluded daily summer operations on Sept. 7, 2026, as the Pennsylvania amusement park marked its 120th operating season. The date also marked the final operating day for The Boardwalk water park and Tidal Force, which is permanently closing after a 32-year run.
According to Attractions Magazine, Hersheypark will reopen on Sept. 12 for its fall events, Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights. Weekend operations are scheduled to continue through Nov. 1, with varying hours for the amusement park and Dark Nights.
On most fall weekends, Hersheypark will operate from 5 to 10 p.m. Fridays, noon to 10 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays. Dark Nights is scheduled for 6 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 6 to 10 p.m. Sundays. The publication noted that hours and attraction availability may change.
Fall admission includes five Dark Nights haunted houses and five scare zones, along with family-friendly trick-or-treating in Treatville, nighttime coaster rides, seasonal food and entertainment, and Creatures of the Night experiences at ZooAmerica beginning Oct. 16. Fast Track access and tasting passes are available at an additional cost.
Tidal Force, located in The Boardwalk, carried riders up a 100-foot incline before sending them downhill at speeds exceeding 50 mph. Its final operation on Sept. 7 ended the ride’s 32-year tenure at Hersheypark.
The park began its 120th season on April 3 with spring weekend operations before moving to a daily summer schedule on May 21. The 2026 summer lineup included more than 70 attractions, including 15 roller coasters, The Boardwalk and ZooAmerica. Comet, the park’s oldest continuously operating coaster, also marked 80 years of operation during the milestone season.
