The Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company has announced a broad slate of new destination experiences planned for 2026, spanning accommodation, dining, water park enhancements and live entertainment upgrades as Hersheypark prepares to celebrate its 120th operating year.
The multi-pronged investment underscores the company’s continued focus on expanding year-round capacity, diversifying guest demographics and strengthening Hershey’s position as a multi-day leisure destination within the northeastern United States.
New Select-Service Hotel Expands On-Site Capacity
Set to open in spring 2026, Hershey Inn & Suites will become the first select-service property within The Official Resorts of Hersheypark portfolio, complementing the existing Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hersheypark Camping Resort.
The four-storey hotel will feature 130 rooms, including seven suites, and is designed to appeal to families, couples and business travelers seeking a lower-price on-site option. Amenities will include complimentary breakfast, a lobby bar, indoor pool, fitness centre, arcade and a grab-and-go marketplace.
Notably, the hotel introduces a new family-suite configuration for the destination, accommodating up to six guests with bunk beds, a queen bed, sleeper sofa and a separate living area – a layout aimed at increasing occupancy efficiency for multi-generational groups.
As with other official resorts, guests will receive bundled benefits such as early park access, discounted tickets and dedicated transportation to Hersheypark.
Downtown Restaurant Strengthens Year-Round Offer
Also debuting in spring 2026, Hershey Social Restaurant + Bar will open in downtown Hershey near the intersection of Cocoa and Chocolate Avenue. The venue will offer a casual dining format with shareable dishes, entrees, cocktails and dessert offerings inspired by Hershey’s chocolate heritage.
The restaurant expands Hershey Entertainment & Resorts’ food and beverage portfolio to 15 owned-and-operated dining locations, reinforcing downtown Hershey’s role as a complementary entertainment district rather than solely a park-adjacent zone.
Water Park Enhancements Target Family and Younger Guests
For summer 2026, Hersheypark will introduce new water play zones within The Boardwalk At Hersheypark, the park’s seasonal water park offering.
The existing Bayside Pier area will be reimagined with two new interactive spaces featuring 45 aquatic elements:
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The Inlet at Bayside Pier, a shaded play zone with animal-themed spray features
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The Island at Bayside Pier, incorporating 10-foot palm trees with tipping water buckets
Both areas will include rubberized decking, shaded seating and open sightlines to improve guest comfort, circulation and family supervision. The additions are designed to enhance capacity and dwell time for younger guests while maintaining accessibility within Hersheypark’s one-price admission model.
Live Entertainment Infrastructure Receives Upgrades
Hershey’s live entertainment venues will also see enhancements in 2026. At Hersheypark Stadium, a second Premium Viewing Deck will be added, offering upgraded seating, dedicated amenities and exclusive food and beverage service.
Behind the scenes, the stadium is undergoing back-of-house improvements, including upgraded dressing rooms and loading areas, aimed at supporting larger touring productions and improving operational efficiency for future concert bookings.
The venue will continue to host major touring acts as part of its Summer Concert Series, while GIANT Center will also welcome a slate of high-profile performers throughout the season.
Patriotic Programming Planned for America 250
As part of nationwide celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, Hersheypark will introduce themed entertainment, ride overlays and fireworks during June and July 2026. Further details are expected to be announced later this year.
Building on Recent Momentum
The 2026 developments follow a strong period of capital investment for the destination in 2025, including the debut of Twizzlers Twisted Gravity, the world’s tallest Screamin’ Swing, new dining concepts at The Hotel Hershey, and a major expansion of luxury villa accommodations.
Collectively, the upcoming projects reinforce Hershey Entertainment & Resorts’ long-term strategy of balancing thrill attractions with hospitality, events and family-oriented experiences to drive repeat visitation and extended stays.
