Can You Bring A Vape Into Hershey Park? Everything Families Need to Know Before You Go
Hey Fam! Dane here from the Double Decker Fam. If you’re new around here, we’re a family of eight, living life to the fullest as we roll our converted double decker bus across America. My wife and I—along with our six adventurous kids, ages 10 down to twin 5-year-olds—love exploring the ins and outs of family-friendly travel. Whether we’re hiking National Parks or rolling up to amusement parks like Hershey Park, we want to make your trip easier, less stressful, and totally unforgettable.
And if you’re here, you’re probably wondering: Can you bring a vape into Hershey Park?
That’s a question we see pop up a lot in RV groups, park planning forums, and even from fellow road-schooling parents we meet along the way. It can be tricky to keep up with park policies, especially when traveling with teens, grandparents, or friends who vape. So we did the deep dive—reviewed Hershey’s official policies, read recent visitor experiences, contacted the park staff, and sorted it all out for you.
Let’s break down everything you need to know before packing for your next trip to Hershey Park—plus, some tips for navigating tobacco/vaping rules at other family-focused destinations.
Hershey Park’s Official Policy on Vapes and E-Cigs
First things first: Hershey Park has a strict no smoking and no vaping policy inside the park. This includes:
- Traditional cigarettes
- Vapes(electronic cigarettes/e-liquids)
- E-hookahs
- Other electronic smoking devices
- Tobacco of any kind
You can read this in black-and-white on the Hershey Park Rules & Policies page.
According to Hershey Entertainment & Resorts (the company that operates the park), their goal is a healthy, clean, and comfortable environment for all guests—especially mouthed by the park’s focus on families with children. So if you’re like us and have a crew with lots of young kids, this policy definitely makes visiting easier (no explaining strange smoke clouds, right?).
Where CAN You Vape at Hershey Park?
While vapes and other tobacco products are strictly banned inside the main park, Hershey Park does provide a designated smoking area, just outside the main entrance. During our last visit, we noticed this area was clearly marked and a short walk from the security checkpoint.
So, if someone in your party needs to vape, you’ll have to:
- Exit the park through the main entrance (make sure to get your hand stamped for reentry!)
- Use the designated corner for smoking/vaping
- Re-enter through security
There are NO designated vape/smoking patios inside the park—even in outdoor spaces like picnic areas. Attempts to vape in line, on the midways, or anywhere else inside the gates can and will result in being asked to leave, or in some cases, permanent park bans.
Practical Advice: Bringing a Vape Through Security
Hershey Park uses airport-style security checks at the entrance. Bags, strollers, and personal belongings (like coolers and diaper bags—trust, we pack A LOT with six kids) are screened, and you’ll walk through a metal detector.
If you bring a vape with you but declare it or keep it stored away, security staff will remind you it cannot be used inside the park. In rare cases, they may ask you to leave it in your car or return it to your RV (which, in the Hershey area, often means heading back to the massive parking lot or a nearby RV resort).
Here’s an insider tip: It is not illegal to possess a vape at Hershey Park—just to use it inside the gates. So if you want to bring your vape to use later outside the park or back at your RV, pack it in your bag, but do not plan to use it inside.
What Happens If You Try to Vape Inside Hershey Park?
If you’re spotted vaping—security and staff are always vigilant—staff will approach you and:
- Ask you to put it away immediately
- Escort you to the smoking area if you continue
- In some cases, issue you a warning or ask you to leave if you don’t comply
Hershey Park takes this pretty seriously. As family travel experts (and parents), we really appreciate how proactive they are about keeping the park safe and healthy for all guests.
Don’t jeopardize your day—or the chance to make chocolatey memories—by breaking this rule!
Tips for Parents: Talking Vaping and Park Rules with Older Kids
Traveling with tweens or teens who are curious about vaping (or may be vaping already) isn’t easy—but it’s real. As parents, we strive for open, honest conversations and clear boundaries. Here’s a few strategies we use ourselves:
- Set expectations BEFORE you arrive. Share the no-vape/no-smoking rule up front and explain why parks do this (kids, family focus, allergies, fire safety).
- Review the park map and designated areas together. Show them where vaping is allowed so there’s no confusion.
- Remind kids and friends: Rules apply to ALL guests, no exceptions.
- Be a role model. If you vape, explain why you need to head out, and always use the right areas.
Teachable moments, right in the chocolate capital of the U.S.!
What Do Other Theme Parks and Family Destinations Do?
Hershey Park isn’t alone in banning vapes and e-cigs. Most major theme parks—including Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, and Six Flags—have similarly strict rules. Walt Disney World Resort Policies and Six Flags Park Policies both state smoking and vaping are restricted to specific areas or altogether banned.
Why such a strong stance? According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vaping can pose health risks—especially in public places with children, immune-compromised guests, and expecting moms. Plus, secondhand vapor contains ultrafine particles and toxins, and the sweet-smelling flavor can attract little ones if you’re not careful.
FAQs for Families Visiting Hershey Park with a Vape
Q: Can I leave and re-enter Hershey Park if I need to vape?
A: Yes! Just make sure to get your hand stamped at the exit, use the designated area outside the gate, and return via the security checkpoint.
Q: Are there lockers where I can store a vape or tobacco products?
A: Yes, but only outside items—no lockers are available inside the main park for this use. We recommend keeping these items in your vehicle or RV if possible.
Q: Are lighters or vape batteries confiscated at Hershey Park’s entrance?
A: Hershey’s security staff may ask you to put these away if you declare them, but they are not specifically confiscated unless it’s a safety issue. Always double check your bags!
Q: Can I vape in the parking lot or picnic area?
A: Officially, vaping is only allowed in the marked smoking area outside the entrance. Unofficially, we’ve seen some vaping in the further parking spots, but be courteous and discreet—especially around kids.
Double Decker Fam Tips for a Smooth Hershey Park Visit
- Arrive Early! The parking lots and security lines get busy—make this your first stop before crowds build.
- Pack Smart: Store any vaping devices, lighters, or e-liquids deep inside bags for quick screening.
- Pre-Plan Vape Breaks: If you know someone in your group will need to exit, schedule breaks during times less likely to impact your adventures.
- Review the Map: Locate the designated vaping area before you go. Download a PDF or screenshot the park map to your phone.
- Keep It Positive: Use the policy as a teaching moment with kids about respect for others’ space and health.
- Respect the Rules: Hershey Park staff are just doing thier job and want everyone to enjoy the day.
Bonus Tip: Spend less time worrying about policies and more time enjoying Hershey’s epic rides, shows, and chocolate-infused eats!
Final Word: Respect the Rules, Enjoy the Chocolate
That’s the deep-dive: Vaping is not allowed inside Hershey Park, but there’s a clearly marked area just outside if you or a family member needs a quick break. The park’s no-tolerance policy helps keep everyone safe and healthy, especially the youngest in your group. Planning ahead = happy, hassle-free memories.
Ready to plan your next adventure? Follow our family on Instagram or YouTube for more honest, firsthand tips on traveling America with a big family in a double decker RV. And if you found this post helpful, share it with a friend—it really helps us out!
Happy travels, and may your next trip to Hershey Park be as sweet as a peanut butter cup!
Sources & Further Reading
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