Compare Amusement Parks

Hersheypark vs Kennywood

Hersheypark

94% Fit to your preferences

Hersheypark is...

Hersheypark Description

Hersheypark is an expensive amusement park that features kiddie rides, live shows, thrill coasters and water park attractions, but doesn't have carnival-style games. It charges a very low fee for parking and offers a moderately priced season pass. It has an one-time admission fee policy. If you go to Hersheypark, check out their signature ride: The Coal Cracker.

Hersheypark Additional Media

Kennywood

89% Fit to your preferences

Kennywood is...

Kennywood Description

Kennywood is a moderately priced amusement park that has kiddie rides, live shows and thrill coasters, but does not feature carnival-style games or water park attractions. It charges a moderate rate for parking and it has an one-time admission fee policy. If you go to Kennywood, check out their signature ride: The THUNDERBOLT.

Kennywood Additional Media

Kennywood Reviews

11/15/11 1 person found this helpful

Exciting and Nostalgic Park by alaina

I have been going to Kennywood since 1989 and every time, there is a new part of the park I have not seen before. My favorite rides are the old classics like the Kanga... (read full review)

4/12/12 0 people found this helpful

Thrilling Rides, Traditional Amusement Park Theme by Austin

What separates Kennywood from other amusement parks is its ability to provide the newest advances in amusement park ride technology, while at the same time maintaining... (read full review)

See all reviews (3)

Hersheypark is ranked highest among the best amusement parks out of those selected. Based on input from our users, the most important dimensions of evaluation to consider if you're looking for the best amusement parks are, in order of importance: (1) cost, (2) rides and roller coasters, (3) games and entertainment and (4) park type. (It should be mentioned that park quality and park information are also important in choosing the best amusement parks, but they aren't the kind of factors on which amusement parks can be directly compared.) In addition to being the overall winner, Hersheypark is also the best in this group for rides and roller coasters, games and entertainment and park type. However, Kennywood scores best in cost. (more)

Best Amusement Parks

Kings_island
Kings Island
  • Adult Admission: $52.99
  • Enjoyment Rating: 4 stars
2 Michigan_s_adventure
Michigan's Adventure
  • Adult Admission: $28
  • Enjoyment Rating: 4 stars
3 Hersheypark
Hersheypark
  • Adult Admission: $53.95
  • Enjoyment Rating: 4 stars
4 Kennywood
Kennywood
  • Adult Admission: $35.99
  • Enjoyment Rating: 5 stars
5 Cedar_point
Cedar Point
  • Adult Admission: $51.99
  • Enjoyment Rating: 4 stars
2021 2036

Most Important Facts for Best Amusement Parks:

Top Fact Comparison

Mark Better Values
Hersheypark
Kennywood
Adult Admission

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks prefer lower values for adult admission, Hersheypark achieves 35% performance in this category.

$53.95 (wrong info?)

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks prefer lower values for adult admission, Kennywood achieves 57% performance in this category.

$35.99 (wrong info?)

Enjoyment Rating
Enjoyment Rating How much fun was this amusement park? Would you recommend it to someone else?

4/5 stars from 3 user ratings

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5/5 stars from 4 user ratings

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Parking Cost

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks prefer lower values for parking cost, Hersheypark achieves 87% performance in this category.

$12 (wrong info?)

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks prefer lower values for parking cost, Kennywood achieves 93% performance in this category.

$6 (wrong info?)

Junior Admission

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks prefer lower values for junior admission, Hersheypark achieves 55% performance in this category.

$32.95 (wrong info?)

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks prefer lower values for junior admission, Kennywood achieves 68% performance in this category.

$22.99 (wrong info?)

Season Pass Rate

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks prefer lower values for season pass rate, Hersheypark achieves 81% performance in this category.

$120 (wrong info?)

We currently have no data on Kennywood for season pass rate.

(wrong info?)

Performs Best In
Performs Best In: Who are these Amusement Parks best for? These facts tell you where they score the highest and who they are likely to perform best for.

Best Amusement Parks

Amusement Parks With Fast Roller Coaster

Comparing Hersheypark to Kennywood: Which is the best amusement park?

Cost

Kennywood scores best for cost between these two amusement parks. Here's how it does on some key aspects of cost:

  • Both of these amusement parks, including Kennywood, have a one-time admission fee.
  • It costs $22.99 for kids. Compare Hersheypark at $32.95.
  • It costs $6 to park. Compare Hersheypark at $12.
  • It costs $35.99 for adults. Compare Hersheypark at $53.95.
Mark Better Values
Hersheypark
Kennywood
Admission Type

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks have selected one-time admission fee as the top choice for admission type, Hersheypark achieves 100% performance in this category.

One-time admission fee (wrong info?)

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks have selected one-time admission fee as the top choice for admission type, Kennywood achieves 100% performance in this category.

One-time admission fee (wrong info?)

Adult Admission

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks prefer lower values for adult admission, Hersheypark achieves 35% performance in this category.

$53.95 (wrong info?)

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks prefer lower values for adult admission, Kennywood achieves 57% performance in this category.

$35.99 (wrong info?)

Season Pass Rate

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks prefer lower values for season pass rate, Hersheypark achieves 81% performance in this category.

$120 (wrong info?)

We currently have no data on Kennywood for season pass rate.

(wrong info?)

Junior Admission

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks prefer lower values for junior admission, Hersheypark achieves 55% performance in this category.

$32.95 (wrong info?)

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks prefer lower values for junior admission, Kennywood achieves 68% performance in this category.

$22.99 (wrong info?)

Parking Cost

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks prefer lower values for parking cost, Hersheypark achieves 87% performance in this category.

$12 (wrong info?)

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks prefer lower values for parking cost, Kennywood achieves 93% performance in this category.

$6 (wrong info?)

Rides And Roller Coasters

Hersheypark scores best for rides and roller coasters between these two amusement parks. Here's how it does on some key aspects of rides and roller coasters:

  • Both of these amusement parks, including Hersheypark, have kiddie coasters.
  • Both of these amusement parks have standard coasters.
  • Both of these amusement parks have thrill coasters.
  • It has a huge drop of 180 feet. Compare Kennywood at 233 feet.
  • It has a roller coaster that goes up to 75 mph. Compare Kennywood at 89 mph.
Mark Better Values
Hersheypark
Kennywood
Signature Ride
Signature Ride A signature ride is typically what the park is most noted for. It may come in the form of a coaster, a water ride, or another form of thrill ride.

Storm Runner, Lightning Racer, Kissing Tower, Comet roller coaster (wrong info?)

THUNDERBOLT (wrong info?)

Signature Ride Description

A hydroflume boat ride that gives guests a wet ride full of splashes through water canals, ending with one big plunge! **Hersheypark suggests that that if you plan on riding rides to please bring into the park only items that can be safely secured in cargo (wrong info?)

Dubbed the Ultimate Roller Coaster and King of Coasters by the New York Times in 1974, the Thunderbolt remains near the top of everyone's "top coasters" list. It's unique in many ways… including an amazing plunge immediately upon leaving the station and its biggest drop at the end of the ride. The Thunderbolt reaches speeds in excess of 50 mph. Riders must be at least 52" tall to ride. (wrong info?)

Roller Coaster Types

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks have a preference for thrill coasters, standard coasters and kiddie coasters and prefer a larger number of roller coaster types options, Hersheypark achieves 100% performance in this category.

Kiddie coasters, standard coasters, thrill coasters (wrong info?)

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks have a preference for thrill coasters, standard coasters and kiddie coasters and prefer a larger number of roller coaster types options, Kennywood achieves 48% performance in this category.

Kiddie coasters, standard coasters, thrill coasters (wrong info?)

Ride Types

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks have a preference for thrill rides, kiddie rides and transportation rides and prefer a larger number of ride types options, Hersheypark achieves 100% performance in this category.

Kiddie rides, thrill rides, transportation rides (wrong info?)

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks have a preference for thrill rides, kiddie rides and transportation rides and prefer a larger number of ride types options, Kennywood achieves 10% performance in this category.

Kiddie rides, thrill rides (wrong info?)

Roller Coaster Quality
Number of Roller Coasters

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks prefer higher values for number of roller coasters, Hersheypark achieves 68% performance in this category.

11 roller coasters (wrong info?)

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks prefer higher values for number of roller coasters, Kennywood achieves 37% performance in this category.

6 roller coasters (wrong info?)

Fastest Speed

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks prefer higher values for fastest speed, Hersheypark achieves 50% performance in this category.

75 mph (wrong info?)

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks prefer higher values for fastest speed, Kennywood achieves 65% performance in this category.

89 mph (wrong info?)

Highest Drop

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks prefer higher values for highest drop, Hersheypark achieves 37% performance in this category.

180 feet (wrong info?)

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks prefer higher values for highest drop, Kennywood achieves 51% performance in this category.

233 feet (wrong info?)

Roller Coaster Rating
Roller Coaster Rating How popular are the roller coasters in the park? Does the park offer a variety of roller coasters?

5/5 stars from 3 user ratings

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4/5 stars from 4 user ratings

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Park Quality

Mark Better Values
Hersheypark
Kennywood
Enjoyment Rating
Enjoyment Rating How much fun was this amusement park? Would you recommend it to someone else?

4/5 stars from 3 user ratings

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5/5 stars from 4 user ratings

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Family-friendliness Rating
Family-friendliness Rating Does the park offer rides for the whole family? Is there entertainment for both children and adults? Is the park a smoking, non-smoking, or partially smoke free environment?

5/5 stars from 3 user ratings

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5/5 stars from 3 user ratings

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Park Cleanliness Rating
Park Cleanliness Rating Is the park litter free? Are trash receptacles conveniently placed throughout the park? How clean are the restrooms?

5/5 stars from 3 user ratings

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4/5 stars from 4 user ratings

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Fun Factor Rating
Fun Factor Rating How fun is the park? Is there a lot to do at the park?

4/5 stars from 4 user ratings

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5/5 stars from 3 user ratings

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Low Crowd Rating
Low Crowd Rating Is it easy to move around the park freely? Are the lines for refreshments typically low?

4/5 stars from 2 user ratings

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3/5 stars from 3 user ratings

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Short Lines Rating
Short Lines Rating Are the lines for rides short? Is the wait time for rides reasonable?

4/5 stars from 2 user ratings

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4/5 stars from 4 user ratings

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Add Review
Games And Entertainment: Most amusement parks are equipped with more than just rides. Many offer live entertainment, games, and even tours.

Games And Entertainment

Hersheypark scores best for games and entertainment between these two amusement parks. Most amusement parks are equipped with more than just rides. Many offer live entertainment, games, and even tours. Here's how Hersheypark does on some key aspects of games and entertainment:

  • It has themed areas. Compare Kennywood, which doesn't have themed areas.
  • Both of these amusement parks have live shows.
Mark Better Values
Hersheypark
Kennywood
Games and Entertainment
Games and Entertainment Most amusement parks are equipped with more than just rides. Many offer live entertainment, games, and even tours.

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks have a preference for carnival-style games, themed areas and live shows and prefer a larger number of games and entertainment options, Hersheypark achieves 52% performance in this category.

Themed areas, live shows (wrong info?)

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks have a preference for carnival-style games, themed areas and live shows and prefer a larger number of games and entertainment options, Kennywood achieves 4% performance in this category.

Live shows (wrong info?)

Park Type

Hersheypark scores best for park type between these two amusement parks. Here's how it does on some key aspects of park type:

  • It is a carnival-style park. Compare Kennywood, which isn't a carnival-style park.
  • It has water attractions. Compare Kennywood, which doesn't have water attractions.
  • Both of these amusement parks are recommended for thrill seekers.
  • Both of these amusement parks are family oriented.
Mark Better Values
Hersheypark
Kennywood
Park Type

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks have a preference for family, water and carnival-style and prefer a larger number of park type options, Hersheypark achieves 94% performance in this category.

Family, thrill seeker, carnival-style, water (wrong info?)

Given that users looking for the best overall amusement parks have a preference for family, water and carnival-style and prefer a larger number of park type options, Kennywood achieves 47% performance in this category.

Family, thrill seeker (wrong info?)

Park Information

Mark Better Values
Hersheypark
Kennywood
Address

Hershey, Pennsylvania (wrong info?)

Kennywood, Pennsylvania (wrong info?)

Zip Code

17033 (wrong info?)

15122 (wrong info?)

Park Telephone

(770) 948-9290 (wrong info?)

1-800-727-3267 (wrong info?)

Guest Services

First Aid, Lost and Found, Lost Child Service, Park Maps (wrong info?)

First Aid, Lost and Found, Park Maps (wrong info?)

Website

Website (wrong info?)

Website (wrong info?)

Hotels and Lodging Options

The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Highmeadow Campground, Hershey Lodge. (wrong info?)

Best Western Garden Inn, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott - Pittsburgh Waterfront, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites - West Mifflin . Holiday Inn Washington - Meadow Lands, Howard Johnson Inn, SpringHill Suites by Marriott - West Mifflin (wrong info?)

Food Vendors and Restaurants

(wrong info?)

(wrong info?)

Months of Operation

Spring to late Fall (wrong info?)

Spring to late Fall (wrong info?)

Hours of Operation

12p.m. to 10p.m. (wrong info?)

10:30a.m. to 10p.m. (wrong info?)

Park Email Address

info@hersheypa.com (wrong info?)

kennywoodinformation@kennywood.com (wrong info?)

Data Contributors:
Pikimal

Comparing Hersheypark to Kennywood

If you're trying to decide among amusement parks, you may be considering both Hersheypark and Kennywood. Based on input from thousands of users, we've learned that cost, rides and roller coasters and park quality are the most important considerations for choosing between amusement parks. When we compared these two amusement parks, we found that Hersheypark scores better in rides and roller coasters. On the other hand, Kennywood prevails for cost and park quality. These amusement parks are actually not all that different from one another, and which is best for you ultimately depends on who you are and what you value in amusement parks.

Cost: if you're searching for amusement parks for families, it's a crucial consideration.

Cost is often rated as the most important factor in choosing amusement parks for families, in addition to amusement parks for your budget and amusement parks for cheap season passes. Cost is made up of five sub-categories: adult admission, season pass rate, junior admission, parking cost and admission type.

For cost, an important difference between Hersheypark and Kennywood is adult admission. While the adult admission for Hersheypark is $53.95, that of Kennywood is $35.99, a sizable difference of $17.96. Adult admission is especially important to amusement parks for your budget.

Rides and Roller Coasters should be on your radar if you're looking for amusement parks for roller coaster lovers.

Rides and roller coasters is often rated as the most important factor in choosing amusement parks for roller coaster lovers. Rides and roller coasters is made up of five sub-categories: signature ride, signature ride description, roller coaster quality, roller coaster types and ride types.

One factor that goes into evaluating rides and roller coasters is thrill rides, which is important for ranking amusement parks for roller coaster lovers. Many people find that thrill rides is a significant consideration, and both Hersheypark and Kennywood feature thrill rides.

If ride types is very important to you, too, consider a significant difference between Hersheypark and Kennywood: transportation rides. Transportation rides are very useful in large parks, as they help you move quickly from one section of the park to another. These rides often come in the form of trains or monorails. Hersheypark features transportation rides, while Kennywood does not feature transportation rides. Having transportation rides is especially important to amusement parks for roller coaster lovers.

Park Quality: keep it in mind if you want amusement parks for water park lovers.

Park quality is often rated as the most important factor in choosing amusement parks for water park lovers. Park quality is made up of six sub-categories: enjoyment rating, family-friendliness rating, park cleanliness rating, fun factor rating and others.

One factor that goes into evaluating park quality is enjoyment rating, which is important for ranking amusement parks for water park lovers. Many people find that enjoyment rating is a significant consideration, and the difference between Hersheypark at 4 stars stars and Kennywood at 5 stars stars is 1 star.

For park quality, an important difference between Hersheypark and Kennywood is fun factor rating. How fun is the park? Is there a lot to do at the park? While fun factor rating of Hersheypark is 4 stars stars, that of Kennywood is 5 stars stars, a difference of 1 star. The fun factor rating is especially important to amusement parks for water park lovers.

Overall...

When we compared Hersheypark to Kennywood, we calculated both of their PikiRanks. PikiRank measures each item's performance for all users combined. Hersheypark is ranked 3rd out of 145 while Kennywood is ranked 4th, meaning that given our users' preferences, Hersheypark is superior overall. To give your input, share your preferences, and compare more items, visit our Piki for amusement parks!

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