Hersheypark Boardwalk vs Great Wolf Lodge Maryland
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 | Hersheypark Boardwalk | Great Wolf Lodge Maryland |
|---|---|---|
| Wave Pool | ||
| Lazy River | ||
| Water Slides | ||
| Kiddie Area | ||
| Tube Rentals | ||
| Cabanas | ||
| Food & Dining | ||
| Gift Shop | ||
| Parking | ||
| Picnic Area | ||
| Birthday Parties | ||
| Hot Tubs / Spa | ||
| Season Passes | ||
| Swimming Pool | ||
| Arcade |
Only at Hersheypark Boardwalk
- Swimming Pool
- Picnic Area
- Season Passes
Only at Great Wolf Lodge Maryland
- Hot Tubs / Spa
- Arcade
- wifi
Both parks share 10 amenities including Wave Pool, Lazy River, Water Slides, and 7 more.
About Each Park
Hersheypark Boardwalk
Pennsylvania
Hersheypark Boardwalk sits right next to the famous chocolate theme park in Hershey, giving you that classic Pennsylvania vacation vibe with the sweet smell of chocolate in the air. This outdoor water park feels like an old-school boardwalk experience, complete with wooden decking and that nostalgic summer atmosphere that Hershey does so well. The water slides here range from family-friendly tube rides to some decent thrill slides that'll get your heart pumping. The lazy river is solid - not the longest I've floated, but perfect for cooling off between rides. Kids absolutely love the interactive play structure with dumping buckets and smaller slides, plus there's a dedicated shallow area where little ones can splash safely while parents keep watch from nearby lounge chairs. The wave pool generates decent waves every few minutes, though it can get packed during peak summer days. What really sets this place apart is how it connects to the larger Hersheypark experience. You can do combo tickets and bounce between the theme park and water park, which is perfect for families who want variety. The theming feels authentic rather than corporate, with plenty of chocolate-themed touches that kids get a kick out of. I'd recommend arriving when they open, especially on weekends, because the slide lines can get brutal by noon. The food options are typical water park fare but decent quality, and you'll pay theme park prices. Rent a cabana if you're visiting during peak season - the shade is worth every penny when it…
Read the full Hersheypark Boardwalk guide →Great Wolf Lodge Maryland
Maryland
Great Wolf Lodge Maryland brings the classic indoor water park resort experience to the Mid-Atlantic, just off I-95 in Perryville. This isn't your typical seasonal water park - it's a massive indoor facility that stays a consistent 84 degrees year-round, making it perfect for February birthday parties or August escapes from the humidity. The centerpiece is Fort Mackenzie, a four-story interactive water fort with the signature tipping bucket that dumps 1,000 gallons of water every few minutes. Kids go absolutely nuts for this thing, and parents get surprisingly into timing the bucket drops. The lazy river here is solid - long enough that you actually feel like you're going somewhere, and the current moves at a nice pace. River Canyon Run is their family raft ride that's thrilling enough for older kids but not scary for the littles. The wave pool creates decent waves every 10 minutes, though it gets packed during peak times. What really sets Great Wolf Lodge apart is how they've thought about different age groups. Cub Paw Pool is perfect for toddlers with mini slides and shallow water, while older kids gravitate toward the body slides. The MagiQuest game throughout the hotel adds another layer of entertainment when you need a break from the water. The resort includes standard amenities like the inevitable arcade and overpriced but decent food court. Pro tip: book a suite if your budget allows - the extra space makes a huge difference when you're dealing with wet swimsuits and multiple kids.…
Read the full Great Wolf Lodge Maryland guide →Ready to visit Hersheypark Boardwalk?