Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania is one of the most family-friendly theme parks on the East Coast, with more than 70 attractions including 15 roller coasters. Like every major theme park, many of its rides carry minimum height requirements designed to keep guests safe — and knowing them before you arrive can make the difference between a magical day and a frustrating one.
This guide breaks down Hersheypark’s unique candy-themed height tier system, explains which types of rides are accessible at each level, and gives families the practical tips they need to plan a visit that works for everyone — from toddlers to teens. Always verify individual ride requirements on the official Hersheypark website before your trip, as ride lineups and policies change seasonally.
Stats at a Glance
- Total Rides: 70+
- Rides With Height Requirements: ~40
- Shortest Requirement: 36 in (91 cm)
- Tallest Requirement: 54 in (137 cm)
Height Requirements by Ride Type
Hersheypark organizes all of its attractions into six candy-branded height tiers. Heights are verified at life-size candy-character measurement statues at park entrances and again at individual ride queues. Hershey’s Miniatures — Under 36 in (91 cm): The park’s youngest guests have access to roughly 28 kiddie and gentle family attractions, including carousels, mini trains, and slow-spinning rides. These attractions have no posted minimum height and are ideal for toddlers and preschoolers. Hershey’s Kisses — 36–42 in (91–107 cm): At 36 in (91 cm) guests unlock approximately 41 total rides, adding mild family coasters, log-flume-style water rides, and interactive dark rides to the Miniatures lineup. Coasters in this tier offer gentle drops and no inversions. Reese’s — 42–48 in (107–122 cm): Reaching 42 in (107 cm) opens access to classic wooden and steel coasters, river-ride water attractions, and more intense spinning rides — roughly 56 total attractions. Several of the park’s beloved mid-tier coasters fall into this band, making it a major milestone for growing riders. Hershey’s Chocolate — 48–54 in (122–137 cm): At 48 in (122 cm) guests can access approximately 65 total attractions, including high-speed steel coasters with inversions, drop towers, and intense water coasters. Most of the park’s signature thrill coasters sit in this tier or the one above it. Twizzlers — 54–60 in (137–152 cm) and Jolly Rancher — 60 in+ (152 cm+): Guests 54 in (137 cm) and taller can ride all of Hersheypark’s most intense attractions, including hypercoasters, launch coasters, and inverted steel coasters. Guests at least 60 in (152 cm) tall reach the top Jolly Rancher tier and face no height-based restrictions anywhere in the park. For a complete, current ride-by-ride breakdown, visit hersheypark.com or use the official Hersheypark app, which lets you filter every attraction by your height category.
Tips for Families Visiting Hersheypark
Measure before you arrive. Height is assessed in bare feet or flat shoes — thick sneaker soles can add more than you’d expect. Measure your child at home under realistic conditions so there are no surprises at the entrance. Use the park’s entrance height markers. Life-size candy-character statues positioned at park entrances mark each height category. Confirm your tier with guest services upon entry to receive a wristband notation, which helps avoid repeated re-measuring throughout the day. Plan your day with the app. The Hersheypark mobile app lets you filter all attractions by height tier and check live wait times, so you can build an itinerary around exactly what your family can ride — no wasted cross-park treks to a ride that turns you away. Check accompaniment requirements. Select attractions require children in lower height tiers to ride with a supervising companion. Policies vary by ride and are posted on ride signage; review the official guide at hersheypark.com for current requirements before your visit. Kids below every coaster threshold still have a full day. Even guests in the Hershey’s Miniatures tier (under 36 in / 91 cm) can access around 28 attractions. ZooAmerica wildlife park, located adjacent to Hersheypark, and the park’s live entertainment shows are height-unrestricted and add hours of additional activity. Set expectations before arrival. If your child is close to a tier boundary, talk through the possibilities at home. Understanding in advance which coasters aren’t accessible yet — and framing the next visit as the year they’ll finally qualify — turns potential disappointment into anticipation.
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Hersheypark Height Requirements FAQs
What is the minimum height to ride at Hersheypark?
Many attractions at Hersheypark have no posted minimum height, including the Carrousel, monorail, and water play areas. The smallest minimum for rides that do require one is 36 in (91 cm), which is the Hershey’s Kisses tier threshold. Guests under 36 in (91 cm) still have access to approximately 28 kiddie and family attractions in the Hershey’s Miniatures category.
Can kids under 42 inches (107 cm) ride roller coasters at Hersheypark?
Yes. Guests measuring 36–42 in (91–107 cm) — the Hershey’s Kisses tier — can ride select family coasters designed for shorter riders with gentle drops and no inversions. At 42 in (107 cm) the Reese’s tier opens up several classic wooden and steel coasters. The park’s most intense thrill coasters generally require 48–54 in (122–137 cm).
Does Hersheypark measure height at the gate or at each ride?
Both. Life-size candy-character statues at park entrances let guests check their height tier before entering, and guest services notes your category on your wristband. Individual rides also have their own height markers at the queue entrance, and ride operators may re-measure if there is any question about a guest’s height.
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Photo: Hmich176 / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.