Hershey Park and the Boardwalk vs Wild Water Kingdom, Allentown
A side-by-side look at two water parks — rides, prices, amenities, and which one fits your trip.
Which Park Is Right for You?
Quick verdicts based on what each park offers.
Amenities Compared
What each park offers, side by side.
| Feature | Hershey Park and the Boardwalk | Wild Water Kingdom, Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Parking |
Only at Hershey Park and the Boardwalk
- splash pad
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Hershey Park and the Boardwalk
Pennsylvania
The Boardwalk at Hersheypark brings that classic seaside vibe right to Pennsylvania, complete with wooden walkways and nostalgic charm. This water area sits within the larger Hersheypark complex, so you're getting both dry rides and water attractions in one admission. The centerpiece is a solid wave pool that actually produces decent waves - not those wimpy ripples you find at some parks. You've got a lazy river that winds around at a nice leisurely pace, perfect for floating on tubes while the kids burn off energy elsewhere. The water slides range from mild to wild, with a few multi-story towers offering some genuine thrills. Families with younger kids will appreciate the dedicated splash area with smaller slides and interactive water features sized just right for little ones. What sets the Boardwalk apart is the theming - Hershey really commits to that vintage seaside boardwalk atmosphere with period-appropriate music and design details. Since it's part of Hersheypark, you can easily bounce between the water attractions and the main amusement park, which is a huge advantage on multi-day visits. The food options lean into the boardwalk theme with funnel cakes, ice cream, and other classic treats. Get there early during peak season because the wave pool and slides can get crowded by mid-afternoon. The concrete gets scorching hot, so water shoes are practically mandatory. If you're planning to make a full day of it, consider renting a cabana - the shade becomes precious real estate on busy summer days. This works best…
Read the full Hershey Park and the Boardwalk guide →Wild Water Kingdom, Allentown
Pennsylvania
Wild Water Kingdom sits right next to Dorney Park in Allentown, and the combo ticket deal makes it one of the best values in Pennsylvania. You can literally walk between the amusement park and water park all day, which is perfect when you need a break from roller coasters or want to cool off in the afternoon heat. The water park has a solid mix of attractions that work well for families. The wave pool gets pretty crowded on summer weekends, so hit it early if you can. There are several multi-story water slides that provide decent thrills without being too intense for younger kids. The lazy river is long enough to actually be relaxing, not just a quick float like some parks. What really sets this place apart is the convenience factor with Dorney Park next door. Kids can ride Steel Vengeance in the morning, then splash around in the afternoon, then head back for night rides. The food situation is typical theme park fare, so consider eating a big breakfast or bringing snacks if allowed. Cabana rentals are available but book ahead during peak season. The changing facilities are adequate but can get busy, so plan accordingly. Parking is shared with Dorney Park and fills up fast on busy days, so arrive early or expect a long walk. The park works best for families with kids roughly 6-16 years old. Little ones have safe areas to play, while teens get enough excitement to stay interested. Adults appreciate not…
Read the full Wild Water Kingdom, Allentown guide →Ready to visit Hershey Park and the Boardwalk?