Hersheypark Backpack Policy: Can You Bring a Backpack In?

Yes, you can bring a backpack to Hersheypark. Small bags and backpacks are allowed, but every single one is subject to a security screening at the park entrance using Evolv technology. The real challenge isn’t getting the bag in, it’s navigating the park’s strict, ride-specific loose article policies that force you to either pay for a locker, leave your bag with a non-rider, or risk losing your stuff.

Most people pack a full day’s worth of gear, walk through the gates, and don’t think about it again until they’re in line for Skyrush. That’s the mistake. Hersheypark’s rules aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some coasters let you drop your bag at the station. Others, like the new Wildcat’s Revenge, ban everything, even your phone, from the platform. You’ll spend half your day walking to and from lockers if you don’t plan ahead.

This guide breaks down exactly what you can bring, how security works, and which rides demand a locker versus a simple pocket drop. You’ll get a locker strategy that saves you time and money, plus the specific list of items that will get turned away at the gate.

Key Takeaways

• Every bag, regardless of size, goes through Evolv Express security screening at the gate. If it alerts, you face a manual search.
• Ride policy is not universal. Major coasters like Candymonium and Wildcat’s Revenge do not allow bags on the station platform, you must use a free ride locker or rent an all-day one.
• A single sealed water bottle per person is the only outside food or drink allowed, with exceptions for medical needs and baby formula.
• For Hershey Entertainment venues like the Stadium or Giant Center, the rules tighten: only clutches or wristlets smaller than 5″ x 8″ x 1″ are permitted.
• The park is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items, including those left in lockers or falling from pockets on rides.

The Evolv Security Screening System

You don’t hand your bag to a guard at Hersheypark. You walk through a gateway that looks like a metal detector but isn’t. This is Evolv Express, a system that uses advanced sensors and AI to scan for specific threat signatures as you pass by. It’s designed for speed, you don’t need to stop or take anything out of your pockets or bag.

The Evolv unit screens for weapons and other prohibited items as guests walk through at a normal pace. If the system alerts, security will pull you aside for a secondary, hands-on screening of your person and your belongings. Guests uncomfortable with the screening technology can request an alternative accommodation.

If your bag contains a large metal water bottle, a dense battery pack, or certain types of electronics, it might trigger a secondary check. The manual search that follows is thorough. To avoid this, pack light and leave unnecessary metal items in your car. The goal is to walk through cleanly.

TL;DR: Pack light, avoid bulky metal objects, and walk through the Evolv gate normally to bypass a manual bag search.

What Items Are Prohibited at Hersheypark?

The prohibited list is standard for major theme parks, but Hershey enforces it. Trying to bring these in will get them confiscated or will get you denied entry.

• Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives and pepper spray.
• Outside food and drink, except for one sealed water bottle per person. Medical dietary items and baby food/formula are exceptions.
• Alcohol and illegal substances.
• Radios, Bluetooth speakers, or any sound-emitting device that could disturb others.
• Skate shoes like Heelys.
• Laser pointers.

This is stricter than the general theme park security screening you might find at other parks, which often just ban weapons and glass. The outside food rule is a big one. I’ve seen families turned away with coolers full of sandwiches. They mean it.

The Ride-by-Ride Bag Policy Breakdown

This is where most guides give vague advice. Hersheypark’s policy isn’t vague. It’s ride-specific, and ignoring it means you’ll be hiking back to the locker bank while your group rides without you.

The core rule: loose articles are not permitted on most rides. A “loose article” is anything not secured to your body in a way that it cannot possibly fall out. That includes phones, wallets, keys, hats, and, of course, bags.

Hersheypark splits its major attractions into two categories: rides that allow bag drops at the station, and rides that do not.

Ride Category	Bag Drop Allowed?	What You Must Do	Key Rides in This Category
No Bag Drop	No	Use a free 2-hour ride locker nearby, rent an all-day locker, or leave items with a non-rider.	Candymonium, Skyrush, Wildcat’s Revenge, Reese’s Cupfusion, Breakers Edge Water Coaster
Bag Drop Allowed	Yes	You may leave your bag in a designated cubby or shelf on the ride’s station platform. Retrieve it after your ride.	Great Bear, Storm Runner, Lightning Racer, Laff Trakk, Comet, Fahrenheit, Hershey Triple Tower

Wildcat’s Revenge is the strictest. The policy states no loose items whatsoever are allowed on the station platform. That means no phones, no keys, no hats, not even unsecured glasses. You must use the free lockers before you even get in line. This is a common point of confusion for visitors familiar with more lenient amusement park bag rules.

Common mistake: Assuming your zippered jacket pocket is secure enough for a phone on a coaster like Candymonium, the forces can pop even a sturdy zipper. I watched a phone fly out of a snapped jacket pocket on the first hill. It shattered on the pavement below. Use the locker.

Your Locker Strategy: Free vs. Paid

You have two locker options: complimentary ride-specific lockers, and paid all-day lockers. Your choice depends on your itinerary.

Complimentary Ride Lockers are located near the attractions that don’t allow bag drops: Candymonium, Skyrush, Wildcat’s Revenge, and Reese’s Cupfusion. They are free for up to two hours, which is plenty of time to ride and get your stuff. You set your own combination.

All-Day Rental Lockers are for sale inside the park. You’ll find them in Hershey’s Chocolatetown near the main entrance and at several spots in The Boardwalk water park. Prices are $18 for a regular size and $25 for a large. The large can typically hold a standard backpack and a couple of sweatshirts.

Here’s the strategic play, learned from a dozen visits: If you’re only hitting a couple of the big “no bag drop” coasters, use the free lockers at each one. If you plan to hop between multiple major rides all day, or if you have a bulky bag, rent one large all-day locker near the park entrance. Stow your bag there first thing, and you’re free to move around the entire park without backtracking. This approach mirrors the efficient storage planning recommended in any solid day trip packing list.

What to Do With Your Bag If You Don’t Want a Locker

Not everyone wants to pay $25. You have two locker-free options, but they come with conditions.

First, you can use a non-rider as a bag holder. This works great for families with young kids or a member who doesn’t like coasters. That person waits in the designated non-rider area, usually near the ride exit, with everyone’s stuff. It’s free, but it ties that person down.

Second, you can master the art of the pocket carry. This only works if you can fit everything into clothing that securely contains it.

• Zippered cargo pants or shorts are your best friend. The zip seals the pocket shut.
• A waist pack (fanny pack) with a secure zipper closure is permitted if it lays flat against your body and doesn’t interfere with the ride restraint. The ones with a simple clip buckle are not secure enough.
• A zippered jacket pocket can work, but only if the jacket is snug. A loose windbreaker is a liability.

If it can’t be secured this way, it’s a loose article. The ride operators will make you get off and deal with it. This is a universal principle, similar to the theme park storage options logic at other parks.

The Stadium & Arena Rules Are Different

If your visit includes a concert at Hersheypark Stadium or an event at the Giant Center or Hershey Theatre, forget everything about the theme park rules. Hershey Entertainment venues have a much stricter policy.

Large bags are prohibited. This includes backpacks, large purses, camera bags, drawstring bags, totes, and suitcases. The only bags allowed are small clutches, wristlets, or fanny packs that do not exceed 5 inches by 8 inches by 1 inch. That’s roughly the size of a small paperback book.

Medical equipment bags and parenting needs bags (smaller than 14” x 14” x 6”) are exceptions, but they are still subject to screening and a physical search.

You cannot bring a backpack from the park into the stadium. You’ll need to return it to your car. This split policy, lenient in the park, strict at the venues, catches a lot of people off guard. It’s more aligned with the detailed prohibited items lists you see at other major event spaces.

Packing the Right Backpack for Hersheypark

Your bag choice matters. A giant hiking backpack will be a burden all day and more likely to get flagged at security. A small, lightweight daypack is ideal.

Look for a pack with a single main compartment and a few small external pockets. The simpler the design, the faster the manual search if you get one. Avoid bags with a dozen tiny compartments and excessive straps.

What to put in it:

• Phone, keys, wallet.
• Sunscreen.
• A portable phone charger (compact).
• A thin, packable rain jacket.
• Your single sealed water bottle.

What to leave in the car:

• Any other food or drinks.
• A change of clothes (unless you’re doing the water park).
• Large towels.
• Any item that could be mistaken for a weapon or tool.

Packing this light means you can more easily use the free ride lockers, and if you do have to rent one, the small size will suffice. This minimalist approach is a cornerstone of smart theme park packing tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a drawstring bag to Hersheypark?

Yes, drawstring bags are allowed and treated the same as any other backpack. They must go through security screening and are subject to the same ride policies. Their slim profile can be an advantage for fitting into ride lockers.

What happens if the Evolv security system alerts on my bag?

If the Evolv unit alerts, a security officer will escort you to the side for a secondary screening. They will physically search your bag and may use a handheld scanner. The process adds 5-10 minutes to your entry. You can request an alternative screening method if you are uncomfortable with the technology.

Are there any rides where I can keep my small bag with me?

No major roller coasters or thrill rides allow you to wear or hold a bag. Some gentle, slow-moving rides like the Carousel or the monorail might be more lenient, but it’s not guaranteed. Always assume you cannot take the bag on the ride.

Can I bring a medical bag or a bag for baby supplies?

Yes, exceptions are made for medical needs and baby food/formula. These bags are still subject to security screening. For Hershey Entertainment venues (Stadium, Giant Center), medical and parenting bags must be smaller than 14” x 14” x 6”.

Does Hersheypark search every bag?

Yes, 100% of bags are screened via the Evolv walk-through system. It’s a condition of entry. This is a standard practice now, much like the park security procedures at other major destinations.

The Bottom Line

Bringing a backpack to Hersheypark is not only allowed, it’s practical. The real work happens before you walk through the gates. Pack light to speed through security. Memorize the ride list: know which coasters demand a locker and which let you do a quick drop. Decide on your locker strategy, free per ride or paid for the day, before you’re stuck in line.

Your day will be smoother if you treat your bag as a liability to be managed, not just a convenience. Use secure pockets for tiny essentials, use the free lockers where they’re offered, and if you’re staying all day, just rent the large locker upfront. That $25 is a bargain for the freedom to move around the park without a 20-pound anchor on your back. Finally, if you’re headed to a concert, remember the rules change completely, plan to return that backpack to your car.