Hersheypark Bag Policy | Amusement Park, Stadium, and GIANT Center Rules
What bags can you bring to Hersheypark? Park, stadium, and ride rules explained: Hersheypark’s bag rules depend entirely on where you’re headed. In the amusement park itself, there’s no strict size limit, and backpacks, totes, and purses are all welcome. But if your visit includes a concert at Hersheypark Stadium or an event at GIANT Center, the rule changes dramatically: bags are capped at a tiny 5″ × 8″ × 1″. This guide breaks down the official hersheypark bag policy, the venue differences, and what to do with your bag once you’re in line for a ride.
Quick Answer: Hersheypark Bag Policy Snapshot
Under the official hersheypark bag policy, the amusement park allows backpacks and bags of essentially any size, subject to search. In contrast, Hersheypark Stadium and GIANT Center, used for concerts and sporting events, enforce a strict 5″ × 8″ × 1″ limit instead.
| Detail | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Clear bag required? | No, in either the park or at stadium/arena events |
| Max size (amusement park) | No specific size or style restrictions stated |
| Max size (Stadium/GIANT Center events) | 5″ × 8″ × 1″ |
| Clutch or small purse allowed? | Yes in the park; yes at events only if within 5″ × 8″ × 1″ |
| Backpacks allowed? | Yes in the park, subject to search; not at Stadium/GIANT Center events |
| Medical/ADA bags | Allowed in the park after screening; allowed at events if smaller than 14″ × 14″ × 6″, with specific screening |
| Diaper/family bags | Allowed in the park after screening; allowed at events if smaller than 14″ × 14″ × 6″ |
| Best safe choice | Any bag for the park itself; a small clutch or clear bag under 5″ × 8″ × 1″ for Stadium/GIANT Center events |
| Last verified | September 2026 |
Official Policy Verification & Source Check
Official policy source: Hersheypark FAQs (“What items are restricted at Hersheypark?”); Hersheypark Stadium FAQs and Hershey Entertainment Policies & Procedures (hersheypark.com)
Source type: Official park and venue websites
Last checked: September 2026
Confidence level: High for the amusement park’s general screening rules. Medium for Stadium/GIANT Center event-specific limits and diaper/medical exceptions.
Important notes: Hersheypark, Hersheypark Stadium, and GIANT Center are separate venues on the same property with different rules. Always check which one your ticket is for.
How We Check This Policy: BagPolicyInfo builds each guide from official park and venue sources first, and keeps the amusement park’s rules clearly separate from the stricter rules that apply to ticketed events at the Stadium and GIANT Center.
Official Hersheypark Bag Policy Overview
For guest safety, all hand-carried items, including backpacks and belt bags, are subject to search when entering Hersheypark, and metal detection equipment may be used under the hersheypark bag policy. Weapons of any type, laser pointers, radios and sound-emitting electronic devices, and skate shoes (Heelys) are not permitted. Illegal substances and outside alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited.
Other than one sealed water bottle per person, Hersheypark does not permit outside food or drink into the park. Locker storage is available at the outside picnic areas, and guests are encouraged to keep non-essential items in their vehicles.
At Hersheypark Stadium and GIANT Center, the rules tighten considerably for concerts and events: bags larger than 5″ × 8″ × 1″ are prohibited, with exceptions made for medical and diaper bags smaller than 14″ × 14″ × 6″ after specific screening.
What Makes This Hersheypark Policy Different
Most theme parks allow standard bags and backpacks at the gate, and Hersheypark is no exception for its main amusement park. What sets it apart is the split policy across venues on the same property:
- The amusement park is relaxed: No stated size limit, and standard backpacks, totes, and purses are fine after security inspection.
- The Stadium and GIANT Center are strict: A 5″ × 8″ × 1″ limit is one of the tightest bag rules of any event venue, closer to arena concert rules than typical theme-park rules.
If your day includes both the theme park and a concert, plan your bag around the stricter venue.
Allowed Bags and Size Limits Under Hersheypark Bag Policy
To help you choose the right bag before leaving home, review this side-by-side comparison table under the official hersheypark bag policy:
| Bag Type | Amusement Park Status | Stadium / GIANT Center Status | Conditions & Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backpacks & Daypacks | Allowed | Prohibited | Allowed in theme park subject to search; prohibited at Stadium and GIANT Center |
| Small Clutches & Wristlets | Allowed | Allowed | Must be 5″ × 8″ × 1″ or smaller at Stadium / GIANT Center events |
| Clear Stadium Bags | Allowed | Allowed | Clear bags must also fit within 5″ × 8″ × 1″ at Stadium / GIANT Center |
| Fanny Packs & Belt Bags | Allowed | Conditional | Allowed on rides if within restraints; max 5″ × 8″ × 1″ at events |
| Diaper & Family Bags | Allowed | Conditional | Allowed in park; permitted at events if under 14″ × 14″ × 6″ after screening |
| Medical & ADA Bags | Allowed | Conditional | Allowed in park; permitted at events if under 14″ × 14″ × 6″ with screening |
| Oversized Totes & Duffles | Allowed | Prohibited | Permitted in theme park; strictly banned from Stadium and GIANT Center |
In the Amusement Park
There are no specific size or style restrictions for personal bags under the hersheypark bag policy. Backpacks, totes, and purses are all allowed, subject to search and possible metal detection.
At Hersheypark Stadium and GIANT Center Events
Only small hand clutches, wristlets, clear bags, and fanny packs no larger than 5″ × 8″ × 1″ are permitted. Standard backpacks, large purses, totes, and camera bags are prohibited.
Medical and ADA Bags
In the park, hand-carried medical items go through the same search process as any other bag. At Stadium and GIANT Center events, medical equipment bags are allowed if smaller than 14″ × 14″ × 6″, through specific security screening.
Diaper and Family Bags
In the park, diaper bags are treated like any other carried item and are subject to search. At Stadium and GIANT Center events, diaper and parenting bags are allowed if smaller than 14″ × 14″ × 6″, with specific screening.
Fanny Packs and Waist Packs
Small secured waist packs are allowed on certain rides if they fit within the ride restraints. At Stadium and GIANT Center events, fanny packs are allowed only if they meet the 5″ × 8″ × 1″ limit.
Prohibited Bags and Items
Security protocols restrict several items across the property:
In the Amusement Park
- Weapons: Weapons of any type, including firearms, knives, and stun devices
- Laser Pointers: Laser pointers and similar light projection items
- Sound Devices: Radios and other sound-emitting electronic devices
- Wheeled Footwear: Skate shoes (Heelys)
- Substances: Illegal substances and outside alcoholic beverages
- Outside Food & Drinks: Outside food or drink (other than one sealed water bottle per person, or an empty refillable bottle)
At Hersheypark Stadium and GIANT Center Events
- Oversized Bags: Any bag larger than 5″ × 8″ × 1″, including standard backpacks, large purses, totes, and camera bags
- No On-Site Bag Check: There is no on-site bag check or storage for prohibited bags at stadium gates
How Security Screening Works
All hand-carried items, backpacks, and belt bags are subject to search when entering Hersheypark, and metal detection equipment may be used. The same layered approach applies at Stadium and GIANT Center events, with additional screening for medical and diaper bag exceptions.
Packing Strategy for Faster Entry
- Know which venue you’re entering: The amusement park, Hersheypark Stadium, and GIANT Center have very different bag rules.
- Pack normally for the park: Expect a bag search at the gate, and bring only one sealed water bottle or an empty refillable one.
- Measure event bags beforehand: If attending a Stadium or GIANT Center event, measure your bag against 5″ × 8″ × 1″ before leaving home.
- Use ride cubbies or lockers: Use platform cubbies or lockers for loose items instead of trying to carry a bag onto roller coasters.
- Rent an all-day front locker: Rent an all-day locker at the front of the park if you’re carrying more gear than fits in your pockets.
- Keep non-essentials in your vehicle: Leave prohibited items in your vehicle, since there is no on-site bag check at Stadium or GIANT Center events.
Security Check Anxiety Tips
Bag searches at Hersheypark are routine, whether you’re heading into the amusement park or a concert at the Stadium. Staff are checking for prohibited items, not judging how you pack. Arrive a little early, keep your bag easy to open, and if you’re attending an event, decide before you arrive what you’ll do with anything over the 5″ × 8″ × 1″ limit.
Day-of Entry Tips From BagPolicyInfo
- Use ride lockers wisely: Free temporary lockers near major rides hold your items for up to two hours, and all-day lockers are available to rent at the front of the park.
- Plan for outside food restrictions: Plan for no food or drink from outside, aside from one sealed water bottle per person.
- Leave banned gear home: Leave Heelys, laser pointers, and sound-emitting devices at home.
- Pack micro for concerts: If your day includes a concert, bring the smallest bag you own, or skip the bag entirely.
Category-Specific Packing Tips
Families with kids: In the park, diaper bags are fine, subject to search. Rent an all-day locker if you’re carrying extra gear for the day.
Ride enthusiasts: Use platform cubbies for loose items on most rides. A small secured waist pack can work if it fits within the ride’s restraints.
Concertgoers at the Stadium or GIANT Center: Bring a small clutch, wristlet, or clear bag under 5″ × 8″ × 1″. Leave backpacks and totes in the car, since there’s no bag check.
Guests with medical needs: In the park, expect the same search as any other bag. For a Stadium or GIANT Center event, a medical bag under 14″ × 14″ × 6″ is allowed with specific screening.
Before You Go Checklist
- Venue Confirmed: Confirmed which venue I’m visiting (park, Stadium, or GIANT Center)
- Hydration Packed: Packed one sealed water bottle or empty refillable bottle for the park
- Banned Items Left Behind: Left weapons, laser pointers, and sound-emitting devices at home
- Event Bag Measured: Measured my bag against 5″ × 8″ × 1″ if attending a Stadium or GIANT Center event
- Ride Storage Planned: Planned to use ride cubbies or rent a locker for loose items
- Special Exceptions Verified: Packed medical or diaper bags within the size limit that applies to my venue
Hersheypark Bag Policy FAQs
Is there a bag size limit at Hersheypark?
Not in the amusement park itself under the hersheypark bag policy. All hand-carried items are subject to search, but there’s no specific size restriction.
Can I bring a backpack into Hersheypark?
Yes, into the amusement park, subject to search. Backpacks are not allowed at Hersheypark Stadium or GIANT Center events.
What’s the bag policy for concerts at Hersheypark Stadium?
Bags must be 5″ × 8″ × 1″ or smaller. Only small clutches, wristlets, clear bags, and fanny packs within that size are permitted.
Can I bring outside food into the park?
No, other than one sealed water bottle per person, or an empty refillable bottle.
Are there lockers for rides?
Yes. Free temporary lockers near major rides hold items for up to two hours, and all-day lockers can be rented at the front of the park.
Are diaper bags allowed at Stadium events?
Yes, if smaller than 14″ × 14″ × 6″, subject to specific security screening.
Is there a bag check at the Stadium or GIANT Center for oversized bags?
No. There is no on-site bag check for prohibited bags at events.
Can I wear a fanny pack on rides?
Small secured waist packs are allowed on certain rides if they fit within the ride restraints.
Related Bag Policies
Planning visits to other major theme parks, entertainment complexes, or Pennsylvania sports venues? Review our detailed bag policy guides:
- Dollywood Bag Policy Guide
- Carowinds Bag Policy Guide
- Six Flags Bag Policy Guide
- Disney World Bag Policy Guide
- Citizens Bank Park Bag Policy Guide
Conclusion
Hersheypark’s bag policy really comes down to which gate you’re walking through. The amusement park is relaxed about bag size, as long as it passes a search, while Hersheypark Stadium and GIANT Center enforce a strict 5″ × 8″ × 1″ limit for concerts and events under the hersheypark bag policy. Know your venue, use the park’s lockers for ride days, and pack small for any ticketed event.
Bag policies can change without notice. Always confirm the current rules on the official Hersheypark and Hersheypark Stadium websites before your visit.
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