Amusement Park News

On the evening of April 3, during Hersheypark's opening day for its 120th season, a large brawl broke out that ultimately led to charges against 55 people. Those charged ranged in age from 12 to 19. The charges included misdemeanor and felony offenses such as disorderly conduct, simple assault, conspiracy, aggravated assault, theft, failure to disperse, and riot, according to Pennsylvania's Derry Township Police Department. Only three of those arrested were adults.

Hersheypark Safety & Security initially requested assistance from local police after multiple fights broke out among groups of teenagers inside the park. Although only three individuals were arrested that evening, investigators identified and charged 52 additional suspects during the following month. The disturbances disrupted park operations and sent families rushing for safety. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.

The incident highlighted a growing challenge facing amusement parks, fairs, carnivals, shopping malls, and other public gathering places across the country. So-called "teen takeover" events, often organized through social media, can overwhelm security personnel and create dangerous situations for guests.

Following the incident, Hersheypark updated several security procedures. Its traditional hand-stamp re-entry system has been replaced with digital photo verification. Guests who leave the park now have their photo matched upon re-entry. As of publication, Hersheypark has not adopted a full chaperone policy, although many other parks have.

Kennywood, also in Pennsylvania, has experienced similar incidents. The park now requires guests ages 15 and younger to be accompanied by a chaperone during all operating hours through September 7.



The Hersheypark arrests represent one of the largest enforcement actions related to a park disturbance in recent years. Park operators nationwide hope the case will serve as a deterrent.

Earlier this year, Orlando's ICON Park experienced a major teen takeover when more than 1,000 teenagers reportedly gathered for a planned social media meetup. Multiple fights broke out, two law enforcement officers were injured, and nine teens were arrested. ICON Park has since implemented a youth chaperone policy requiring guests ages 17 and younger to be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years old. Each adult may supervise no more than six minors and must remain on the property throughout the visit.

Six Flags has also strengthened security measures across many of its parks. At Six Flags St. Louis, several fights involving large groups disrupted opening day operations this spring, prompting an early closure. Authorities reported multiple altercations near the entrance and parking lot. Six people were detained, and no injuries or property damage were reported.

According to park representatives, "The park has zero tolerance for this type of behavior and, to help ensure our guests have a fun, safe experience, we are reinstating a chaperone policy."

Several Six Flags parks now require guests ages 16 and younger to enter with an adult at least 21 years old. Adults must present identification and remain inside the park. Some locations also require older teens to present identification verifying their age before admission.

These incidents are not limited to amusement parks. Shopping malls, fairs, festivals, and other public events have experienced similar disruptions.

In May, hundreds of teenagers reportedly caused the closure of New Jersey's Maple Shade Carnival, a fundraiser benefiting youth football. During the same month, a large disturbance at the Immaculate Conception Fair in Tuckahoe, New York, resulted in injuries to three police officers. Multiple law enforcement agencies responded, and the fair closed early.

In June, another attempted takeover occurred during the Spirit Festival in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. Police responded quickly, made multiple arrests, and closed the event early to protect attendees.

Over the Fourth of July weekend, celebrations on California's Newport Beach Peninsula resulted in approximately 400 arrests after large crowds created disturbances that included setting off fireworks in the streets and damaging local businesses.

The trend continues to concern event organizers. What may have begun as flash mobs or loosely organized gatherings has evolved into a more coordinated nationwide problem. Social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram allow large groups to organize rapidly, making it increasingly difficult for parks, fairs, festivals, and local officials to anticipate potential trouble.


Whether the recent arrests ultimately discourage similar behavior remains to be seen, but many operators hope the increased enforcement sends a clear message that this conduct will not be tolerated.