WildRiver Waterpark vs Hershey Park and the Boardwalk
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 | WildRiver Waterpark | Hershey Park and the Boardwalk |
|---|---|---|
| Wave Pool | ||
| Lazy River | ||
| Water Slides | ||
| Kiddie Area | ||
| Tube Rentals | ||
| Cabanas | ||
| Food & Dining | ||
| Gift Shop | ||
| Parking | ||
| Picnic Area | ||
| Birthday Parties | ||
| Splash Pad | ||
| Season Passes | ||
| Swimming Pool |
Only at Hershey Park and the Boardwalk
- Swimming Pool
- Splash Pad
- Birthday Parties
Both parks share 11 amenities including Wave Pool, Lazy River, Water Slides, and 8 more.
About Each Park
WildRiver Waterpark
Pennsylvania
WildRiver Waterpark sits in the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania near Raystown Lake, making it a solid choice for families looking to cool off during those hot summer days. The park captures that classic American water park vibe with a good mix of slides and attractions spread across a manageable footprint. You'll find the usual suspects here: a decent-sized wave pool that gets packed by midday, a lazy river that's perfect for floating away an afternoon, and several water slides ranging from gentle family tubes to steeper single-rider runs that'll get your heart pumping. The kids' area is well-designed with smaller slides, tipping buckets, and plenty of splash features that keep the little ones entertained for hours. What really sets WildRiver apart is its location and atmosphere. Being in a smaller Pennsylvania town, it doesn't feel like a corporate theme park experience. The staff actually seems to care, the lines move at a reasonable pace, and you're not fighting massive crowds like you would at bigger parks. The setting among Pennsylvania's hills gives it a more relaxed, vacation-like feel even if you're just there for the day. Families with kids from toddlers to teens will find plenty to do here. The attraction mix hits that sweet spot where parents aren't bored but kids aren't overwhelmed. Get there early on weekends if you can, especially during peak summer season. The parking lot fills up and the popular slides start building lines by noon. Bring reef-safe sunscreen because you'll be in the…
Read the full WildRiver Waterpark guide →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 →Ready to visit WildRiver Waterpark?