Families will find a Halloween Paradise in Hershey, Pa.! Our family recently went to Hersheypark Halloween for a spooky-filled weekend at “Dark Nights” and it was a spook-tacular experience that exceeded all expectations!
#DarkNights features five haunted houses, three frightening scare zones, rollercoasters in the dark, loads of festive treats, and priceless family fun!
Hersheypark kept all the amazing things you loved about their Dark Nights experiences from last year. And added much more!
Admission tickets to Hersheypark Halloween now include all the Dark Nights haunted houses. This is fantastic that you only pay one price and get all the Dark Nights attractions included!
The scare zones have increased in scale, jaw-dropping immersive features, and have added loads more scare actors. Plus, the pyrotechnic features are a marvel.
The awesome Chocolatier Restaurant Bar + Patio transformed its patio into “Spirits Rooftop” Bar with its own unique, spooktacular menu. We stopped in for a meal and deemed their food to be the best on the property. Can you say Chocolate Martini?
Stay at one of the official resorts of Hersheypark to make the most of your haunted holiday. We stayed at Hershey Lodge and it was as amazing as ever. It allowed our family to make a weekend trip out of our visit from New York City. It also added lots of VIP benefits. These include front gate shuttle service to the park, character meet and greets, and Hershey Chocolate bars for the family at check in. Staying so close to Hersheypark means a short commute to our comfortable beds after staying out late in the thrill park.
A new haunted house, Estate of Evil, is insanity! It features so many rooms (unlucky 13 of them), jump scares, and frightening creativity infused at every turn. We had to go four times during our weekend visit!
Treatville’s Trick-or-Treat Trail is still a star attraction distributing your favorite treats and open until 8:30pm each night. Adults don’t get candy, but you can still “steal” a few favorites from your kids like I did!
NEW THIS YEAR: “Avenue of the Afterlife” scare-free path in the water park featuring a DJ dance party, Dark Nights Character Meet & Greets and street performers. This is the perfect opportunity to meet up-close-and-personal with your favorite Decayed Brigade sliders and snap some selfies.
Experiencing “dark ride” rollercoasters at Hersheypark Halloween when it’s after dark and the lights are turned off was out of this world. It’s a game changer for all coaster fans. Additionally, the light packages on display at some of the rides like Lightening Racer and the Ferris Wheel were truly mesmerizing. If you think Wildcat’s Revenge Rollercoaster was spectacular and thrilling before … try it as a dark ride after the sun goes down! Plus, Laff Trakk is in the pitch-black all day long!
NEW THIS YEAR: ENTERTAINMENT! Performances featuring all of your favorite Hershey characters dressed in Halloween costumes happen at the Music Box Theater several times each day. The infamous Decayed Brigade sliders have their own highlight show with nightly performances. Additionally, there’s an all new “Battle for Spring Creek” Pyrotechnics Show happening by the bridge in Darkstone’s Hollow each night.
Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights happen on weekends from now through Nov. 3, starting at 6 p.m. The closing hour varies by day.
We loved our adventure to Hersheypark for their autumn-themed Halloween festivities as much as we love visiting during the summer. The majority of our favorite rides were open with the added thrill of the Dark Nights attractions, making it a holiday wonderland for our family. What are you waiting for? Plan your family visit to the Sweetest Place on Earth for their Halloween festivities now! There’s only a few more weekends left.
Disclosure: Lance Somerfeld is a member of Hersheypark’s Sweet Insiders Program. The program includes complimentary park passes and one-night hotel accommodations provided by the kind folks at Hershey’s Entertainment & Resorts. His thoughts and opinions are genuine and have not been influenced by the brand. All photos were provided by his family. Photos: Somerfeld family.
Fathers in Central Florida, listen up! The Orlando Dads Podcast is just for you.
The co-organizers of the Orlando Dads Group, one of the most active of the more than 40 City Dads Groups in North America, recently debuted a podcast. The show will feature talks from parenting experts on various subjects. The hosts will also discuss fatherhood, give tips, swap fatherhood stories and talk about some of the many family-friendly activities in the greater Orlando area.
The show will be hosted by the Orlando Dads Group’s three co-organizers: Nick Izzi, Flor Mercado and Nate Watson. It will be available on popular podcasting services:
A video version is also available on the Orlando Dads YouTube channel.
The first episode of the Orlando Dads Podcast went live on Sept. 15. It kicks off with highlights from one of the group’s recent parenting webinars. This one features Jason Johnson, a parenting coach, who breaks down the different “types” of fathers. He also talks about different types and uses of therapy for children and parents, and the importance of recharging one’s own batteries to be a better parent. The three hosts then chat for a while, sharing their experiences of the recent Kids and Family Expo 2024 and funny stories about our kids.
Future episodes are to be posted monthly. They will feature talks with experts and discussions among regular dads about moving past trauma, building community among fathers, and sharing the trials, tribulations, joys and heartbreaks of parenting,
Below is a 12-minute preview of the podcast series in which you meet and learn about the hosts, their City Dads chapter and what’s in store:
This blog post is part of the #NoDadAlone campaign. Fathering Together/City Dads Group, the National At-Home Dad Network, and Fathers Eve are joining forces to amplify messages that help dads recognize we are not alone! Follow #NoDadAlone on Instagram, and learn more at NoDadAlone.com.
]]>Looking for the perfect family destination this summer? Our family’s happy place is Hershey, Pa. — the sweetest place on earth! Home to Hersheypark — the absolute, best amusement park in the entire Northeast — it boasts 15 rollercoasters, a massive waterpark, and endless treats to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth.
Our goal is to help your family enjoy all the fun, thrills and food of Hersheypark. Plus, we can help you possibly get through the gates for FREE. Scroll to the bottom for a chance to win an epic family four-pack of tickets to visit this summer or later in the year.
How do we do Hersheypark? Glad you asked!
1. Become season pass holders
After visiting Hersheypark for the past eight summers, we made the leap to becoming first-time season pass holders this year. If you plan to visit a few days during summer, Dark Nights in Fall around Halloween, and Christmas Candylane during winter, a season pass it’s where it’s at. It includes many great benefits and perks — early entry, exclusive pass-holder events, free or reduced parking — in addition to saving lots of money. Financially, if you plan to visit more than three days per year, we recommend purchasing a season pass.
2. Play spot the Big 5
We love hugging, smiling, and posing with the lovable Hershey Characters: Hershey Bar, Reese’s, Jolly Rancher, Twizzler and Kisses. Which is your favorite?
New this year: In addition to being out and about, the characters this year were strategically stationed at some specific photo op points more than we’ve ever experienced. In the past, we had to seek out the famous Hershey characters. Now, it seemed like they were always popping up around the grounds for a high five or quick hug. Also new, sometimes surprise characters like Hershey’s Syrup and Cupfusion’s Gum Drop and Commander Cup show up for the fun. So keep a close eye out.
3. Always stay overnight for 2 or 3 days
We usually make a 3-day weekend out of our adventures because you need at least two days to do Hershey, Pa., and the park right. We just stayed at The Hotel Hershey – a stunning, majestic hotel located directly across the street from Hersheypark. Staying at one of the “official resorts” of Hersheypark comes with a range of awesome perks, including SWEET START! Being a season pass member OR if staying on property at one of the Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, unlocks this priceless experience: one hour of early park access!
Other exclusive benefits of staying at an official Hersheypark resort include:
- free bus shuttle service to and from the front gate
- “Preview Plan”- up to 3 hours at the park the night before your park admission tickets
- best pricing on Hersheypark tickets
- free chocolate at check-in
- an abundance of on-property activities to keep the whole family entertained
Talk about being entertained: The outdoor pool complex at The Hotel Hershey is something out of a fairytale. It features waterslides, mushroom waterfalls, an adult-only infinity pool, a hot tub, a zero-entry pool, and drink service with delicious frozen cocktails. Then, we play glow-golf (mini-golf after dark), roast s’mores, tie-dye shirts, play ping-pong, corn hole, chocolate bingo, and so much more.
4. Conquer the coasters
With 15 rollercoasters, each with their unique quirks, surprises, twists, and thrills, rollercoasters are always our top priority. Buckle up because Hersheypark has some of the most high-octane coasters on the planet!
New this year: The fan favorite and classic Comet wooden coaster is sporting all new, updated trains celebrating over 75 years in operation! Additionally, the thrilling Skyrush coaster got “first class” upgrades with new trains and an awesome lighting package in the station. Come prepared to conquer the coasters and make sure to ride the award-winning and our family favorite, Wildcat’s Revenge!
5. YES DAY! Saying YES to our children!
Just say:
- YES to your kids helping to plan your daily itinerary
- YES to that ice cream sundae, s’more treat, or sweet confection
- YES to going on that ride again and again. Looking at you Wildcat’s Revenge!
- YES to staying until the park closes
- YES to coming back to the SWEETEST PLACE on EARTH
Free tickets to Hersheypark giveaway
Want to win a family four-pack of tickets to Hersheypark? Enter below for a chance to win four general admission tickets this summer or later in the year for the park’s Halloween event, Dark Nights, or Christmas Candylane? Winning tickets will be sent via email.
Important details:
- We’re giving away one family four-pack of one-day ticket general admission to Hersheypark. (Each winner will receive four one-day passes.)
- The contest runs from June 28 through July 10, 2024.
- Entrants must be 18 years or older and residents of the United States.
- One winner will be chosen randomly using Rafflecopter after the entry period ends July 10, 2024.
- The winner must follow Rafflecopter instructions for getting entries
- The winner must supply an email address to receive four electronic tickets to Hersheypark 2024. Tickets are for one daily admission to Hersheypark. The tickets expire on Jan. 1, 2025.
- Hersheypark charges a separate fee for parking, which is NOT included with these tickets. The winner will need to pay for parking if needed.
- City Dads Group is not responsible for lost or stolen tickets.
- The winner must respond to the prize notification within 48 hours otherwise a new winner will be chosen.
Disclosure: Lance Somerfeld is a member of Hersheypark’s Sweet Insiders Program. The program includes complimentary park passes and one-night hotel accommodations to his family provided by the kind folks at Hershey’s Entertainment & Resorts. His thoughts and opinions are genuine and have not been influenced by the brand. All photos were provided by his family.
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Growing up, watching the Harlem Globetrotters with my family was a cherished annual tradition. Every year, our family would venture into The Big City from Long Island to watch basketball wizardry, insane dunks and trick shots, and laugh at all the team’s comical antics. It was one of those memorable childhood traditions I couldn’t wait to share with my own children.
I was finally able to fulfill that promise last week. My kids and I went to Madison Square Garden along with a dozen other NYC Dads Group members and their kids to see the World Famous Harlem Globetrotters during their 2024 World Tour. They put on an insane performance that had all of us laughing in our seats watching these masters ham it up while sinking shots from half-court.
The farcical basketball game had something for everyone — alley oops, jaw-dropping skills, and a dancing mascot (Globie) that captivated the crowd. My 9-year-old daughter was loving every minute of the experience and it converted her into a lifelong fan. My older son was dazzled by the extraordinary ball-handling skills of the players. We were all confused by the wacky scoring system, but that didn’t seem to be very important. Of course, the Harlem Globetrotters pulled out the victory to continue their undefeated win streak.
All of the NYC Dads and kids loved the experience and had many positive things to say about the game. Many of them were making memories at their first-ever Harlem Globetrotter game. For our family, we highly recommend this new version of The Original Harlem Globetrotters that features former Louisana State University women’s basketball captain, NCAA Champion and WNBA draft pick Alexis Morris, a.k.a The Show.
Definitely plan to catch the Harlem Globetrotters when they visit your city as they conduct the spring leg of their 2024 World Tour – traveling across North America, including Nova Scotia and New Brunswick! See their tour schedule here.
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Know what’s music to our ears? Dad jokes. Specifically, the groans and guffaws (but mostly groans) we hear when we tell them.
So we ask you, what better reason do we have to compile a melodious (or is it odorous?) batch of kid-friendly silly jokes and funny puns about music for dads to tell?
We hope these musical dad jokes strike a chord near your funny bone. In fact, we consider this compilation of dad-worthy humor a high note for us. If they don’t fall flat with you, please sing the praises of our music dad jokes to others.
Best/worst music puns and dad jokes
Q. Why is a piano so hard to open?
A. Because the keys are on the inside.
Q. Why do fluorescent lights hum?
A. Because they forgot the words.
Q. What did the boy band that plays classical music name itself?
A. The Bach Street Boys.
Q. Why did the cow start taking singing lessons?
A. Because she wanted to be a moo-sician.
+ + +
Many people told Beethoven that he would never be a musician because he was deaf, but did he listen?
+ + +
Q. Why do fish make good musicians?
A. They know their scales.
Q. What’s big and grey with horns?
A. A rhinoceros marching band.
Q. What did the Spanish musician say after they left the sound booth?
A. Audios.
Q. What is a rabbit‘s favorite kind of music?
A. Hip-hop.
+ + +
Can you believe that my neighbor rang my doorbell at 3 a.m.? Luckily, I was still up playing the drums.
+ + +
Q. What do you call a musician with problems?
A. A trebled man.
Q. Why were the musicians arrested by the highway patrol?
A. Because they started a massive jam on the interstate.
Q. Which of Santa’s elves is the best singer?
A. Elfis Presley.
Q. What did the robbers take from the music store?
A. The lute.
+ + +
I just learned that the drummer from my old band had triplets. They’re all girls. He calls them Anna One, Anna Two, Anna Three.
+ + +
Q. How do you make a bandstand?
A. Take away their chairs.
Q. Why do bagpipers walk while they play?
A. To get away from that awful noise.
Q. What do you get if you cross a sweet potato and a jazz musician?
A. A yam session.
Q. What is Mozart doing these days?
A. Decomposing.
+ + +
When I was young I wanted to play the guitar really badly. After years of lessons and practice, I can honestly say I play the guitar really badly.
+ + +
Q. Why was the dad repeatedly banging the side of his head on the piano?
A. He was playing by ear.
Q. What has 60 feet and sings in harmony?
A. A school choir.
Q. Why did the opera singer become a pirate?
A. Because she wanted to hit the high Cs.
Q. What kind of band doesn’t play music?
A. A rubber band.
+ + +
Today my daughter asked for a 14-piece drumkit and I said no. She called me the cheapest dad in the world, but I’m not buying it.
+ + +
Q. Who is a grain farmer’s favorite musical artist?
A. Hall & Oates.
Q. What is Beethoven’s favorite fruit?
A. Ba-na-na-naaaaa.
Q. What is the difference between a drummer and a savings bond?
A. One will mature and make money.
Q. How do you fix a broken brass instrument?
A. With a tuba glue.
+ + +
I tried to make my online password “drumset” but the website rejected it. The error message said the password cannot contain cymbals.
+ + +
Q. What’s a golfer’s favorite type of music?
A. Swing!
Q. How can you tell if a bad singer is at your door?
A. They can’t find the key and don’t know when to come in.
Q. What’s an avocado’s favorite music?
A. Guac ‘n’ roll.
Q. Why was music coming from the printer?
A. The paper was jamming.
+ + +
Accordion to one study, people don’t notice when you replace any given word with the name of a musical instrument. However, I don’t believe that tuba true.
+ + +
Q. What is the most musical part of your body?
A. Your nose because you can blow and pick it.
Q. Which composer really liked to drink tea?
A. Chai-kovsky.
Q. Where do pianists go to take a tropical vacation?
A. The Florida Keys.
Child: I’m learning this new Baroque piece and it’s really hard.
Dad: Well, maybe you should fix it!
+ + +
I strained a finger today playing the piano. But on the other hand, I’m fine.
+ + +
Q. What do most people say after hearing too many music dad jokes?
A. “These jokes are so bad, I can’t Handel them.”
Music dad jokes photo by Alena Darmel via Pexels.
]]>When it comes to music, I am a fairly avid metalhead. I am a drummer and skilled air guitarist. I even rocked a mullet with pride through my teen years and well into college. As hard rock is in my blood I assumed, like other genetic traits, my headbanging passion would be passed on to my children.
When my wife and I found out we were having our first baby, I was thrilled with the notion of educating my child, girl or boy, in the artistry of classic “dad rock” legends like Eric Clapton, Neil Peart, and Pete Townsend. One of the greatest gifts I received as a father-to-be, was a set of CDs that set classic rock songs to lullaby music. While I find something somewhat insidious about playing “Stairway to Heaven” set to the chimes of a lullaby for your sleepy infant, I was secure knowing it was the right thing to do. To complete this induction, after my first daughter was born, I went out and got the perfect complementary clothing: a Rush onesie. I think at one point we had a Black Sabbath outfit, too. All to pass on my love for this music to my daughter.
Well, have you ever seen the movie This is 40? In one scene, the father (played by Paul Rudd) tries to “enhance” his daughters’ musical education. Dismissing the pop-style tween music that seems to dominate the music scene these days, he tries to introduce them to Alice in Chains. The early Alice in Chains. Steeped in brooding lyrics and heavy guitars. Specifically a song about a man trying to get home from the Vietnam War. That’s some hard-core dad rock. A tough sell for most people much less young girls. In his frustration, he comments crudely on how he wishes just one of them was a boy.
I have two daughters now. I couldn’t have ever anticipated it, but there is something unbelievably sweet about having girls that I don’t find myself yearning for a boy as many dads do. A boy who would want to rock out would be fantastic, though. … (sigh)
A Rush to dad rock heaven
A good friend and fellow dad and I used to make an annual pilgrimage to see at least one Rush concert a year when they were touring. He has a son a few years older than my daughter and this kid loves Rush. He has his favorite songs, sings along, the whole deal. When we used to go to see Rush, we’d see many dads with their sons and daughters. It was a wholesome show of great music, lasers and video. Completely family-friendly. It has been a dream of mine to someday take my daughters, when they are old enough to enjoy it, to a concert of one of my favorite bands from my youth. Of course, I fear the advancing ages of those bands may prevent it, but my bigger fear is that they simply won’t want to go.
When my eldest daughter was around 18 months, I would play many of my favorite songs for her and dance around the living room to try and get her excited by it. She would placate me for a few minutes before exclaiming, “Daddy, I don’t like this sound. Turn it off.” Every time, deflated, I would capitulate. I would tell myself, ”Well, Rush (or whatever band it was) is an acquired taste. Progressive and grunge is a tough sell. I should start with Journey or The Eagles. You know, old-school dad rock.”
Two years later, I have not had much luck. Not for a lack of trying, though.
It’s got a backbeat you can’t lose it
I came home from work last week to find my eldest daughter, now almost 4, and my wife bouncing around the apartment, elated to be singing “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepson. My daughter had an enormous grin on her face, laughing so hard she could barely sing and dance. “Again mommy,” she screamed over and over again.
She now sings the song herself on command for anyone who will listen. A tiny little piece of me cringes on the inside every time I hear it. Yes, it’s adorable and she is so full of life when she sings it and I love to hear her do it, but a part of me cringes. Every time.
The other day, my youngest daughter (9 months old) was in a teething crying fit that I could not resolve. My wife and other daughter were out. I fired up some random tunes to try and soothe her.
The raw heavy guitars of Blue Oyster Cult came on.
And, to my complete surprise, she just stopped dead in her tracks. She looked at me and smiled.
I sang the song to her and she laughed. This went on for a good 20 minutes. Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll indeed.
It never ceases to amaze me the personalities that our kids have from birth. My girls are still quite young and I won’t ever give up on their musical education. In the end they both have a deep love for music. Whether its Pink Floyd or Taylor Swift, I suppose it’s that deep love of music that I need for them. If they love their music as much as I love mine, I guess I did OK.
This article originally ran in 2013, and has been since updated. Dad rock photo by Alena Darmel via Pexels.
]]>Hersheypark, the Sweetest Place on Earth, has become a Halloween fan’s heaven! We went to the opening weekend for the 2023 Hersheypark Halloween celebration and its Dark Nights experience and it was an absolute dream (or is that “scream”) that exceeded all expectations.
This year, you’ll find five haunted houses (one more than last year) and three epic “scare zones” in addition to loads of rides, trick-or-treating at “Treatville,” awesome lights-out rollercoasters, and priceless family fun. Hersheypark kept all of the amazing things you loved about their Dark Nights extravaganza from last year and elevated it.
After spending an entire three-day weekend at Hersheypark Halloween, we’ve got the scoop on what’s new as well as insider tips for getting the most from this action-packed, electrifying family experience.
But hurry up! There are only two weekends left before Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights disappear!
Dark Nights Tickets
New this year, your admission ticket to Hersheypark Halloween ALSO includes admission to all the Dark Nights haunted houses and scare zone attractions. This is a significant cost savings! Previously, you needed to pay for an “add-on” or wait at an automated kiosk to get a wristband. Beware, though: Since every visiting guest has access to the haunted houses, the lines are longer this year.
Scare zones
Fallout Zone, Midway of Misery, and Darkstone’s Hollow have increased in scale. Jaw-dropping immersive features and loads of scare actors have been added. We loved the floating “fobbles” (fog inside bubbles), mesmerizing pyrotechnics, and watching the Decayed Brigade team of actors “sliding” across the pavement scaring the wits out of unsuspecting guests. Wandering the scare zones at dusk and after dark is a worthy attraction on its own accord.
Pro Tip: Last year, our 7-year-old daughter was worried about being frightened. We invested in a cute, but pricey “no boo” bat necklace. It lights up, is fun to wear, and alerts the scare actors NOT to scare you. It is available again this year for the faint of heart.
Haunted Houses
Hersheypark Dark Nights has five haunted houses filled with loads of “scare” actors at every turn, shadowy figures, animatronics, and mesmerizing special effects. The newest addition, Auntie Mortem’s Abattoir, is bone-chilling, ghastly and gory. However, our favorite remains The Descent, which had some creative newly added features over last year’s version.
The variety of haunted houses, recommended for ages 13 and over, are:
- Creatures Uncaged — This mainly outdoor experience introduces you to fearful and deadly creatures that lurk. Don’t worry, they’re in their cages. For now.
- Haunted Coal Mine — Enjoy this immersive preshow where you’re thrust onto an elevator down into the coal mines. Then, take a daring trek through the abandoned mines for what becomes an explosive encounter.
- *NEW* Auntie Mortem’s Abattoir — Enter this meat processing plant at your own risk. Prepare to cringe in this gruesome labyrinth as you desperately try to escape.
- The Descent — Who prowls the dark underground tunnels beneath Hersheypark? Follow into the depths of decay where the only way out … is down!
- Twisted Carnevil — Have your tarot cards read by a twisted fortune teller! Then, be forced into a never-ending carnival of nightmares. Was it real or was it all in your mind? This haunted house featured some amazing mirror maze haunts!
The Hersheypark Halloween Dark Nights experience starts at 6 p.m. With sunset around that time, you want to save the outdoor experiences like Creatures Uncaged until it’s pitch black so you enjoy them in all of their eerie splendor.
Note: In addition to the scare actors, inside the haunted houses you’ll find a significant amount of security guards. They made us feel safe and kept the crowd flowing smoothly through the dark mazes. If someone in your party becomes too scared, security will quickly escort them out of one of the numerous exits.
Trick-or-Treating
The Boardwalk water park area is transformed into “Treatville,” a good old-fashioned trick-or-treating trail. You’ll find 10 pit stops to load up on your favorite Hershey candy, take lots of photos in festive settings, and enjoy quality time with your family. The lines at “Treatville” got significantly longer around sundown so plan to enjoy this activity earlier in the day. Note: Treatville closes at 8 p.m.
Foodie Experiences
New this year, is the RIP Dinner Buffet & MEAT the Monsters — a dreadfully delicious all-you-care-to-eat buffet featuring eerie entrées like Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Test Tubes, yummy desserts, and a large dose of dinner theater as several unsavory characters (from the Scare Zones and haunted houses) visit and engage at your table. Our family tried this one evening and absolutely loved the experience.
Plus, as a special RIP dinner guest, you’ll receive a single-use fast-track pass that lets you skip the line for a haunted house or participating ride. This was an excellent perk to jump to the front of the line on the newest haunted house.
Next time, we’d like to try the “Dark Nights Tasting Pass” which enables you to sample up to five specialty menu items throughout the park.
Rides: Are they still open?
The majority of Hersheypark’s most popular rides and rollercoasters are still open during their Halloween and Dark Nights. You can count on riding Skyrush, Reese’s Cupfusion, Laff Trakk, Comet, and Carrousel.
Hersheypark’s “Dark Ride” is out of this world and something every rollercoaster enthusiast should experience. During the last hour of every evening, prepare for an intense, lights-off thrill ride on Wildcat’s Revenge, Comet, Lightning Racer, and Candymonium. Plus, Laff Trakk has its lights off for the entire day.
If you think the award-winning Wildcat’s Revenge was spectacular and thrilling before …wait until you try it as a dark ride!
What’s the best day to visit Dark Nights?
Smaller crowds on Fridays (and even Sundays) meant enjoying more time on our favorite rides and attractions and less congestion in the scare zones and haunted houses. Based on our many past visits, Saturdays are always jam-packed with park guests and that was 100% true for this year’s Halloween visit as well. This means extremely long food lines and lengthy wait times on rides. Make sure to download the Hersheypark app for real-time “wait times” to help plan your itinerary.
Pro Tip: Plan to stay for the last hour or two before the park closes when lines get significantly shorter because most families with younger children have already left to start their bedtime routines.
Hersheypark’s Halloween has become a new family tradition and can’t wait to return in 2024 to see what new attractions, updates, and surprises they have in store for us. Even if you can’t make it to Dark Nights this year, definitely put it on your family’s list of autumn destinations for next year!
Hersheypark Halloween Dark Nights schedule
Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights runs weekends through Oct. 29. Unfortunately, it’s closed on Halloween – Tuesday, Oct. 31. Dark Nights begins weekend nights at 6 PM. Closing time varies by the day.
What happens when it rains?
Wait times are usually shortest when it’s raining. The crowds bolt indoors to shop and eat or leave to head home. That means more rides for families that stick it out! We always come prepared with rain ponchos and relish having the park nearly to ourselves during rain showers.
Don’t like getting wet? You can still ride while escaping the rain on several indoor/covered rides: Reese’s Cupfusion, Laff Trakk, Kissing Tower, the carousel and bumper cars, for example. Or head over to Hershey’s Chocolate World for their free and entertaining chocolate factory tour ride.
Pro Tip: If the weather gets severe and causes the majority of major rides and attractions to close for a continuous 60 minutes, a voucher may be issued for a return visit for the current operating season
Disclosure: Lance Somerfeld is a member of Hersheypark’s Sweetest Families Program. The program includes complimentary park passes and hotel accommodations for our family provided by the kind folks at Hershey’s Entertainment & Resorts. His thoughts and opinions are genuine and have not been influenced by the brand. All photos by the Somerfeld family.
Summertime is the perfect time to take the kids to an amusement park. Hersheypark in Pennsylvania makes for an ideal destination and, as seasoned veterans of The Sweetest Place on Earth, we have the ultimate cheat sheet on having a successful, entertaining and sweet vacation! If your family is going to read one article to get you prepared for a Hersheypark Happy visit, this should be your primary source.
In addition to helping your family enjoy all the fun, thrills and food with minimal hassles, we can help you possibly get through the gates for FREE. Scroll to the bottom for a chance to win an epic family four-pack of tickets to visit this summer or later in the year.
Secret #1: “Sweet Start” — VIP status means more rides
A fantastic bonus offered exclusively to guests at the official resorts of Hersheypark and some levels of season-pass holders is the “Sweet Start” option.
Sweet Start allows you to feel like a VIP. At no extra charge, you may enter Hersheypark one hour before the general public and access numerous popular rides in the front half of the park. These include Candymonium, Comet, Skyrush, Sooperdooperlooper and Reese’s Cupfusion. This amazing perk enabled our family to go several times on rollercoasters that usually have long lines and wait times. In fact, we can usually knock off seven or eight rides during Sweet Start.
Additionally, if you come the day before your ticketed visit to the amusement park, the “Preview Plan” allows you to enter Hersheypark three hours BEFORE closing that night. That’s three hours of bonus fun time to enjoy the rides and attractions.
Secret #2: Stay overnight at an official park resort
Hersheypark is our family’s happy place. Rather than cram in over 70 attractions — including 15 top-notch rollercoasters — in one day, we recommend staying two days to experience it all. We stayed overnight at The Hotel Hershey — located directly across from the amusement and water parks.
The Hotel Hershey, one of three official lodging sites, was as magical of an experience as the park. The accommodations were amazing and provided panoramic views of the rides and attractions.
Why is The Hotel Hershey so special?
For us, it was:
- The breathtaking, outdoor pool complex. (There’s an indoor pool on the property, too.) Here, you can sip frozen cocktails under a shady umbrella while watching your kids race through water slides in the pool.
- Roasting s’mores at a family-friendly fire pit EVERY evening was amazing as well.
- My children love the loads of engaging activities throughout the day like making ice-cream sundaes, playing “glow golf” after dark and bingo where the prizes are full-size Hershey candy bars!
When you stay at an official Hersheypark Resort, you receive VIP perks like Sweet Start (secret #1), Preview Plan and free shuttle service to an exclusive drop-off location – just steps away from the front gate of Hersheypark.
Secret #3: Candymonium — timing is everything
One of Hersheypark’s most popular rides is Candymonium. Located in Hershey’s Chocolatetown, right near the front gates, Candymonium the park’s tallest, fastest, longest and sweetest rollercoaster. It’s our second favorite thrill ride at Hersheypark. However, Candymonium often has average wait times of an hour or more.
Candymonium is included in Sweet Start, so make it your FIRST stop when the gates open. We’ve also found wait times for Candymonium usually dip to under 20 minutes in the late afternoon/evening before dark. Why? This is when most guests are deep inside the park. That could be another window of opportunity to ride this not-to-be-missed coaster.
Secret #4: “Rope Drop” — Hustle to your top attraction
Sweet Start is only for the rides in the front half of the park. It doesn’t include ZooAmerica or The Boardwalk waterpark. However, you’ve already been through security, had tickets scanned, and can be perfectly positioned inside the park near the Chevrolet Music Box theater where security guards have another set of gates and ropes set up as a barrier until Hersheypark officially opens. If you position yourselves at the “rope drop” area, it sets your family up to be among the first ones on any of the rides or waterpark attractions in the back half once Hersheypark fully opens. That’s invaluable on busy summer days.
We recommend you have a plan in advance. The entire family should select one popular attraction that can you hustle to (be safe because some guests literally race) when it’s rope drop time. We’ve tried this strategy on all of our visits and usually walk right onto popular attractions like LaffTrakk, Breaker’sEdge Water Coaster or Jolly Rancher’s Remix.
Secret #5: New entertainment – “The Sweet Escapes”
Want another way to brighten your day at Hersheypark? One new, extremely entertaining attraction this summer is the delightful “Sweet Escapes” a cappella group. This colorful and talented bunch is stationed by The Boardwalk waterpark and sings its hearts out four times a day. We timed our lunch each day so we could dine outdoors in the shade and sing along to their catchy tunes.
Secret #6: New rollercoaster — Wildcat’s Revenge
Buckle up! Hershpark’s newest attraction is Wildcat’s Revenge which opened in early June. You definitely need to ride this Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) hybrid coaster. It’s an amazing addition to the iconic rollercoasters at the park. Wildcat’s Revenge is sleek, smooth and so epic that we rode it six times on opening day! Get ready for 2 1/2 minutes of ride time during which you’ll be thrust at 62 mph and rolled for four inversions including the world’s largest underflip!
More importantly, we love how Hersheypark designed this intense coaster with families in mind. Even our 8-year-old daughter was tall enough to enjoy the thrill.
Secret #7: Download the Hersheypark app
Most people enter Hersheypark and start with the rides nearest to the entrance. Then, they either work their way back or follow a rigid agenda that tries to squeeze everything into one day. Forget those approaches.
Thriving in Hersheypark starts with the free and fairly reliable Hersheypark mobile app. It enabled our family to strategize and maximize our fun time.
First, keep a loose agenda. Start by creating it based on park geography using the app’s online park map. Then drill into its useful tools, such as ride descriptions and minimum heights, then apply the app’s “ride wait time” feature — it’s a game changer.
We always kept a close eye on the app for wait times under 25 minutes for our favorite attractions like Sooperdooperlooper, Breakers Edge Water Coaster and Candymonium.
Secret #8: Food and treats exceed expectations
Most people don’t get excited about eating at a theme park. Hersheypark, though, elevates the culinary experience. There are quality, name-brand options across the park. These include many of our favorites, such as Nathan’s Famous, Subway, Chick Fil-A and Moe’s Southwest Grill. East Coast Mini Donuts are also outstanding.
Additionally, we always carve out time for a family meal at The Chocolatier. It’s our favorite restaurant on the property. This not-to-be-missed destination features a diverse menu including crowd-pleasers like nachos, club sandwiches, chicken and waffles, and sweet potato fries. Our best memories, however, are of their drool-worthy dessert menu.
We also love the house-made, custom-created ice creams at Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor located just down the stairs from The Chocolatier. Try the toasted marshmallow! Another tasty option is to grab a batch of homemade cookies or fudge at neighboring The Sweeterie!
Secret #9: Water, water, everywhere
Staying hydrated at Hersheypark is important. You’re allowed to bring in your own sealed water bottles or empty bottles that can be refilled at numerous bottle-filling Coca-Cola Freestyle locations throughout the park. The water at the filling stations is ice cold!
Secret #10: Take the path less traveled
The best way to beat the crowds over to The Hollow Area, especially Skyrush and SooperDooperLooper, is to take “Skyrush Way” which is a little-known secret. This shady path navigates around the winding turns of the Skyrush Rollercoaster and literally drops you off at the entry gate to the ride. During “Sweet Start,” this should be your go-to path. It lets you avoid the massive crowds headed through Founder’s Way.
Secret #11: Hit The Boardwalk waterpark when it opens
Remember, your Hersheypark admission ticket INCLUDES The Boardwalk waterpark as well as ZooAmerica. The lines for waterpark attractions are much more manageable when The Boardwalk first opens for the day. This season, The Boardwalk opens at the same time as the rest of Hersheypark. Lines are also much lighter on weekday visits, so skip weekends if you can.
There’s something for everyone at The Boardwalk, but we recommend making a dash for Breakers Edge Water Coaster. It’s an incredible ride, arguably the best at The Boardwalk. Naturally, it normally has the longest wait time. We usually hit it twice in a row before the crowds descend on it. The nearby Whitecap Racer is a spectacular, timed mat-racing slide, and the entire family can get whisked through looping tunnels to determine who is the champion.
What are you waiting for? Make Hersheypark your next family getaway.
Ticket giveaway for visiting Hersheypark
Want to win a family four-pack of tickets to Hersheypark? Enter below for a chance to win four general admission tickets this summer or later in the year for the park’s Halloween event, Dark Nights, or Christmas Candylane? Winning tickets will be sent via email.
Important details:
- We’re giving away one family four-pack of one-day ticket general admission to Hersheypark. (Each winner will receive four one-day passes.)
- The contest runs from June 23 through July 7, 2023.
- Entrants must be 18 years or older and residents of the United States.
- One winner will be chosen randomly using Rafflecopter after the entry period ends July 7, 2023.
- The winner must follow Rafflecopter instructions for getting entries
- The winner must supply an email address to receive four electronic tickets to Hersheypark 2023. Tickets are for one daily admission to Hersheypark. The tickets expire on Jan. 1, 2024.
- Hersheypark charges a separate fee for parking, which is NOT included with these tickets. The winner will need to pay for parking if needed.
- City Dads Group is not responsible for lost or stolen tickets.
- The winner must respond to the prize notification within 48 hours otherwise a new winner will be chosen.
Disclosure: Lance Somerfeld is a member of Hersheypark’s Sweetest Families Program. The program includes complimentary park passes and hotel accommodations for our family provided by the kind folks at Hershey’s Entertainment & Resorts. His thoughts and opinions are genuine and have not been influenced by the brand. All photos were provided by his family.
Nine-year-old Anna likes dance parties, having her hair done by my teenage daughter, and wearing a necklace full of her enemy’s tongues. As Dungeons & Dragons warriors go, she is a sweet little pixie that you don’t want to mess with. She also helps her father grow vegetables for those less fortunate than herself.
I introduced my kids and their friends to D&D during the pandemic. Their fathers are all part of our Kansas City Dads Group so many have known each other since birth. We’ve had a lot of adventures together during the last 15 years, but lockdown might have been the most challenging. I rely on my dads a great deal, and it was hard to be away from them for so long. My own kids felt the same. I realized it was as though they didn’t get to see their brothers and sisters anymore.
Trying to find a way to make Zoom meetups fun and interesting, I dug out my old Dungeons & Dragons books from the ’80s, bought some dice and figurines, and gave it a shot. Three years later, my little murder hobos have kicked me out of their D&D campaigns and now rampage through the imaginary lands without me.
I’m one proud dad.
A memory three years in the making
In the beginning, our “littles” had the attention span of barbarian goldfish. The group called them the Pixies, and they had special powers. When your need was great, you could summon a pixie to add an extra roll of the dice. The teenagers of the group used them with ruthless efficiency in big boss fights. Victory was snatched from the will of mind flayers and gelatinous cubes. When in doubt, call in a pixie.
The rest of our Dungeons & Dragons troops, which ranged in age from 12 to 15, often battle planned around the availability of the pixies. They took to my initial campaign with vigor, although not with the tactics I had hoped. For example, they hated talking and bargaining. Why bargain when you have a barbarian with an 18 Armor Class and a short temper? After a few sessions, it was clear that I could no longer lead them into innocent villages. My little imaginary townspeople were running out of tongues.
Eventually, the quarantine ended, and we had the final epic battle together. It took three hours, multiple visits from unpredictable pixies, and a lucky roll by a rogue — but the final boss was beaten. I thought they were done, and that it was a memory that made the pandemic a little bit better.
The next day the kids were setting up meetings on their own.
They started collecting dice and putting D&D books on their Christmas lists. They invested in spell cards, studied lore and rules, and took turns being the Dungeon Master. And when they were done, I would get to hear the epic battles and the impossible dice rolls. Sitting from my chair in the living room, I could hear them debate a tricky section of the rules. And they did it all on their own, my little harbingers of doom.
I witnessed firsthand how they learned to cooperate, problem-solve, and use analytical thinking. They asked me to explain plot points and inciting incidents. I heard the stories that they crafted and they blew me away. To see all of this happen was amazing to me, and more than I could have hoped for in the beginning.
From tabletop to the big screen
The minute the D&D movie — Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves — was announced, I knew I had to take them.
I bought movie tickets and worked out all the details with their dads. How could I not? I introduced a hobby during a low point in all our lives in hopes that it would provide them with the connection they needed. The other dads and I joined in during those first early games as either a hapless wizard, a sly bard, or even role-playing an NPC to make this all happen. Honestly, I thought they would quit as soon as the pandemic was over. But to my joy, they kept playing.
I’m going to spoil them with popcorn, candy, and new sets of dice. We are going to cheer on the good guys, boo the bad guys, and probably secretly love the ones that are a little bit of both. For me, this is the culmination of that first campaign, when a little pixie asked if she could cut off the butt of a fallen monster.
“Um,” I said.
“I cut off his butt!” The pixies cheered, and the rest of the group laughed.
“OK,” I said.
“And I put it on my necklace!”
“Yeah, I think that is too much. Let’s not tell your mother about this.”
Often, I think about the long-term consequences of being a father. The actions that we take ripple out into the future, and sometimes mean more than we intend them to. An innocent act that can grow over years and transform into a core memory that they will keep for the rest of their lives. It occurs to me that a lot of my parenting wins are the result of me stumbling in the right direction.
Which is fine, as long as I can call upon a pixie to save the day.
Dungeons & Dragons photo: © EGinvent / Adobe Stock.
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Spring dad jokes are a warm, seasonal joy for the paternal. After months of slogging it out through cold, snow and winter dad jokes, it’s time to turn over a funny new leaf, right?
That’s why we searched high and mostly low to find the best, funniest, silliest dad jokes of the vernal season. That includes a few April Fools’ Day laughs and even a St. Patrick’s Day giggle that you can spring on unsuspecting children, adults and, of course, enemies of the pun. Enjoy without worry — these have all been spring-cleaned for your kids’ protection.
If you need some non-seasonal yucks, check out our musical dad jokes for some laughs that sing!
Best (and worst) spring dad jokes, riddles and puns
Q. What does your winter fat turn into?
A. Spring rolls.
Q. What’s the best place to plant flowers at a school?
A. In kinder-garden.
Q. How excited was the gardener about the arrival of spring?
A. So excited that he wet his plants.
Q. How did the tree feel about spring?
A. Re-leafed.
Q. What’s Irish and comes out in spring?
A. Paddy O’Furniture
Q. Which superhero likes spring the best?
A. Robin.
+ + +
A family of moles awakens from hibernation.
The father mole pokes his head out of the hole and says, “I smell tulips. It must be spring!”
Then, the mother mole pokes her head out of the hole and says, “I smell cherry blossoms. It MUST be spring!”
The baby mole tries to squeeze between his parents but gets stuck and says, “All I smell is molasses.”
A few April Fool’s Day dad jokes
Q. What’s the best day of the year to monkey around with your friends?
A. Ape-ril Fool’s Day.
Q. Which monster is the best at playing April Fools’ Day jokes?
A. Prankenstein.
Q. Why is everyone so tired on April 1st?
A. Because they just finished a long 31-day long March!
+ + +
Did you hear about the pregnant bedbug? She’s having her babies in the spring.
+ + +
Q. Why did the farmer throw his seeds into the pond?
A. He was trying to grow watermelons.
Q. What season is best to go on a trampoline?
A. Spring-time
Q. What did the seed groan after the flower told one too many spring dad jokes?
A. “OK, Bloomer.”
Q. What did the tree say to spring?
A. What a re-leaf!
Q. What is the best flower for a boy to give his mom this spring?
A. A son-flower.
+ + +
Did you see that the local mattress store is having a spring sale? Unfortunately, the rest of the bed is still full price.
+ + +
Q. What can you find in the middle of April and March but not at the beginning or end of either?
A. The letter R.
Q. Why did the farmer bury all his money before planting his spring crops?
A. To make his soil rich.
Q. Why did the bucket bounce?
A. Because it was filled with spring water.
Q. What’s the difference between spring rolls and summer rolls?
A. Seasoning.
Q. What do you call a bear caught in a spring shower?
A. A drizzly bear.
Q. Why couldn’t the flower bud ride a bike?
A. It didn’t have any petals.
Q. What do you say when it’s raining chickens and ducks in April?
A. Foul spring weather.
Q. What did summer say to spring?
A. “Help, I’m going to fall!”
Spring dad jokes photo: © Africa Studio / Adobe Stock.
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