Hersheypark Fun with a Preschooler + Ticket Giveaway!

I’ve partnered with Hershey Entertainment & Resorts as a #SweetestMoms for 2017 to bring you the latest news from the Sweetest Place on Earth. All opinions and experiences are my own.

A couple of weeks ago, we visited Hersheypark for the first time this season. We live only a town away, so season passes for our family is a must. Hersheypark offers a variety of thrill rides for my older kids, and kiddie rides for my preschooler. My kids range between the ages of 3 to 18, so going to an amusement park that caters to all ages is a plus. Today I want to share tips to make the most out of your visit if you’re the parent of a preschool-aged child.

Hersheypark Fun with a Preschooler

Be prepared

We rarely use a stroller for my 3-year-old, but her little legs can only handle so much walking in one day. Pack a stroller for your preschooler or rent one at the park to make life easier on everyone. My preschooler is not a big fan of strollers, but when she’s tired she appreciates the break. I also suggest bringing a refillable water bottle (you can ask for free ice water at any of the food stands), sanitizing wipes, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Start a tradition

Every time we visit Hersheypark, my daughter looks forward to riding the carousel with either myself or my husband. It’s always the first ride we get on when we arrive at the park, and the last one we ride before leaving. We also like to wrap up our visit with a bag of kettle corn. Each one of my kids has their favorite rides or food that they look forward to. Start a fun tradition that the kids can make their own and enjoy during each visit. Whether it’s taking a photo at the same spot or sharing a ride experience with your kids, the memories you’ll make will be priceless.

Maximize your time with the Hersheypark App

Did you know that Hersheypark has a mobile app to make your visit more enjoyable? Yup, and it’s pretty darn amazing. As a mom, I need all the help I can get and the Hersheypark mobile app offers just that.

Here are some of my favorite features:

• Interactive GPS-enabled map of Hersheypark and ZooAmerica
• View ride wait times and create ride time alerts for your favorite rides
• View Hershey’s Characters meet up schedule and locations
• Filter rides by height, location, and accessibility
• View all the ways to save during your time at Hersheypark
• And much more!

It’s OK to say yes!

I’m picky about how I spend my money, and my frugal habits don’t change when we travel or visit an attraction. I like to plan ahead, use coupons and keep our costs as low as possible. This is one of the reasons why I set a budget everytime we visit Hersheypark. I allocate each kid an allowance that they can use to play games, buy treats or do as they please. My 3-year-old doesn’t quite understand the concept, but she knows that she can have her face painted with her Hersheypark “fun money”.

Don’t try to do it all

I know it’s tempting to try to fit everything in one visit, but I suggest that you give yourself grace in this area. It’s impossible to do everything in one day or even a weekend. We’ve been visiting Hersheypark for several years now and there are still things we haven’t tried. Instead, select three rides and/or attractions your children wish to experience. Everything after that will be a bonus for them. I find that the less we try to cram in one day, the less pressure I feel and the kids wind up enjoying themselves more. Remember, you can always visit again!

Giveaway Time!

One of you will win 4 tickets to Hersheypark! Passes are good for one day and valid for the 2017 season. Simply enter below and visit the linky at the end of this post for more chances to win from other Hershey Sweetest Moms Ambassadors. Good luck!