Would you want to visit the sweetest place on the Earth? It’s Chocolate World Hershey PA!
Who doesn’t love chocolates? Milk chocolates, dark chocolates, white chocolates, chocolates with almonds and the list is endless.
Mouth-watering. isn’t it?
Then Hershey Chocolate World is the place to be in.
Hershey, the pioneer in chocolate in the US is a favorite among all. That is why Hershey’s has the largest market share of chocolates in the US.
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Where is Hershey’s Chocolate Made?
Hershey Chocolates are made in the sweetest city of Hershey in Pennsylvania, USA. The city itself gets its name from Milton Hershey, the founder of Hershey chocolates who established the city.
Hershey Chocolates Company was founded way back in 1894 by Milton Hershey. Visiting Hershey Chocolate World is one of the best things to do in Pennsylvania.
Related Read: 20 Best things to do in Philadelphia with kids
Things to do at Hershey Chocolate World PA
Chocolate Tour
The fun and the musical chocolaty tour take you on a journey of chocolate-making. Riding on open cars that keep moving on a track, the 30-minute journey begins with a farm from where the milk is procured.
Getting the best quality cocoa beans from the world, processing them, and using them makes the chocolates taste so delicious.
It feels as if you are walking in a chocolate factory with machines around mixing milk and chocolate with sugar. Big conveyor belts loaded with a variety of chocolates getting ready to be packed.
It is a very informative and interesting tour explaining the entire process of chocolate making in a fun way.
Don’t forget to give a pose at the end of a picture that can be taken as a souvenir.
The tour ends on a sweet note with a free sample of chocolate to enjoy the rest of the day.
Ticket: The entry to the chocolate tour is free.
Did you know? Hershey is the only brand of chocolates that uses fresh milk from farms nearby to make its chocolates.
Create Your Own Candy Bar
This has been our favorite activity in the Chocolate world. Gear up as chef to make your own candy bar according to your tastes.
Wear your apron and hair net and head over to the kiosks.
You get to choose from your choice of chocolate – milk, white or dark. There are a variety of ingredients to add to the chocolate like rice crispies, choco chips, pretzel bits, butter toffee crunch, and butterscotch chips.
Kids, do you like sprinkles over your chocolate? Then add them over your bar.
After you have decided on ingredients, now is the important task of wrapping it with your personalized wrapper. You get to design the wrapping as well.
Make an appealing design with even your name on it. This can be a souvenir to cherish your sweet times.
We still have our chocolate packing with us.
Even kids love making and personalizing their own candy bars. My kids were so excited about displaying their creations to everyone.
Activity duration: 45 minutes
Tickets: $26.95
Note: This is a 45-minute activity and has specific show timings, so check for them and book tickets.
Read what other travelers are raving about Hershey Chocolate World.
4D Chocolate Movie
This is great if you have kids with you. The kids enjoy the chocolatey characters weaved into the story.
It is a 30-minute 4-D animated movie with special effects that keeps you giggling. It is fun to see the Hershey characters as your favorite candy in the movie trying to solve a mystery.
Activity duration: 30 minutes
Tickets: Adults – $7.95, Child (3-12 years) – $6.95
Hershey’s Unwrapped
If you like tasting a variety of chocolates, then this is the place to be. With some fun theatrical elements added to the attraction, it is revamped.
Everyone gets a tin box filled with a variety of chocolates that will be tasted during the show. It is interesting that before we even eat something we use our other senses as well as the smell, feel the texture, and see the colors.
It is aptly said, “You eat with your eyes first”.
During the show, you get to taste the chocolates and understand different types of flavors like fruity, nutty, sweet, etc.
The tasting is intertwined with the comic performance and the whole show flows seamlessly.
Activity duration: 30 minutes
Tickets: Adults -$15.95, Child (3-12 years) -$12.95
Souvenirs
Souvenirs are a great way to relive the sweet memories of your visit. The store has a wide selection of things like t-shirts, bags, coffee mugs, soft toys, etc that can be bought.
Photos also make great memories. It makes you smile later remembering those priceless moments.
There is an option to buy the photo captured during or before the Chocolate tour ride. You can even buy other souvenirs with photos on them.
Cafe & Bakery
Indulge yourself in lip-smacking desserts and snacks. From shakes, cookies, and cakes to ice creams there are so many options to choose from. Sit down in the cafe and savor the hot pizzas, and sandwiches with a hot cup of cocoa.
Kids don’t forget your ice cream and milkshakes.
Are you craving chocolate cake or brownies?
Then head over to the Bakery and indulge in the sweet delights. There are cookies, cakes, brownies, and many more to satisfy your cravings.
Candy Store
This is one place that everyone loves because now you get to pick your favorite chocolates and candies. To be honest, I always felt like taking all the variety, it is so tempting. You will see people filling up their baskets.
You can even shop for the world’s largest chocolate bars.
This is the biggest exclusive Hershey’s store, with all candies under one roof.
So get ready to lighten your wallets.
Hershey Trolley
Do you know who was Milton Hershey? He was the master chocolatier who started the Hershey Chocolate Company back in 1900 in this area.
The Hershey Trolley takes you on a tour of this sweetest city stopping at major sites like Hershey Park, Hershey Kiss streetlights, and many more. The conductor shares the life and interesting facts about Milton Hershey and his journey.
How can this tour be complete without chocolates? Yes, of course, there are chocolates to enjoy while you sightsee the city and listen to the great man’s journey.
Did You know? Milton Hershey was supposed to board the Titanic which he even paid for, but had to cancel it due to last-minute business work.
The trolley departs right outside the Hershey Chocolate World at specific times. There are different types of tours to choose from, some being seasonal.
Tickets: Adults – $17.95, Child (3-12 years) – $14.95. Free for kids aged 2 and below.
Parking at Hershey’s
There is ample parking in the Chocolate World complex and the best part is it is free for the first 3 hours. There are charges beyond 3 hours though.
Other Attractions in Hershey PA
You must be wondering apart from Hershey Chocolate World, what to do in Hershey PA? Don’t fret, you have ample activities to keep you entertained.
1. Hershey Park
The amusement park is thronged by all, big and small, young and old. With over 70 rides including a full-fledged water park, what more can you ask for?
Started by Milton Hershey for the entertainment of his employees, this has now turned into a favorite summer destination for all.
Tickets: There are multiple options from a 1-day ticket, or 2-day ticket to seasonal passes that begin from $44. Refer to the website for more details.
Read the reviews on Tripadvisor.
2. Hershey Gardens
A botanical garden conceived tastefully in the city is spread over 23 acres. With a magnificent variety of flowers and plants, it is a treat to your eyes and soul.
There is a Butterfly atrium where these colorful creatures are seen fluttering all over and even on you.
Tickets: Adults – $13.50, Child (3 – 12 years) – $9.50
Read the reviews of Hershey Gardens on Tripadvisor.
3. ZooAmerica
A small zoo started by Milton Hershey has spread over 11 acres with around 200 animals. Located inside the Hersheypark, it is a great place to take the kids.
Tickets: Regular (9- 61 years) – $13, Kids (3-8 years) – $11.
Note: If entered from Hersheypark, then the zoo is free to visit on the same day.
Read the reviews of ZooAmerica on Tripadvisor.
Check out other things that you can do in Hershey, PA.
Things to Note
- If you plan to do more than 1 activity, then buying the bundle ticket will save you money.
- Strollers are not allowed inside the chocolate world. There is a place to park right outside the place. So better to take a baby carrier instead.
- During the summer and holiday season, this place is very crowded and the waiting time increases. So try and plan during a weekday to avoid the crowd.
- It is good to check the show timings of the activities you plan to do, book the tickets, and plan your visit accordingly.
Hotels near Hershey, PA?
Check out the great options to stay in Hershey, PA, and choose that best suits your needs.
Have you experienced the Hershey Chocolate World? Wasn’t it sweet and fun? What did you like best? Do share your thoughts.
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Chocolates! I’d love to visit a chocolate factory and possibly would like to try learning how to make chocolates.
Sure you should do. It is a great experience to make your own chocolate.
Oh this place looks so fun & heavenly! I mean who doesn’t love chocolate, right?! 🙂
Ha ha so true. That’s why it used to be our fav destination. We would visit it 4-5 times a year. 😉
I heard about Hershey’s Chocolate World a few years ago and I have wanted to visit ever since. I’m really happily surprised to hear that the chocolate tour is free. It sounds fun and I love that you get a free piece of chocolate at the end. I would definitely to do the other tasting experience too.
Yeah it’s an amazing place, just the aroma of chocolate around u. The tour is really fun, my kids would love all the characters and of course the free chocolate. Holiday times do get busy though. You should also try to create your own bar, add whatever flavors and ingredients you lik. Great experience.
This looks like so much fun for a day out! I’ve only been to the Hershey factory in Niagara on the Canadian side, but this is one another scale!
Yes indeed it is. And there is so much fun to do, it’s a treat for chocolate lovers. I didn’t know about the Hershey factory in Niagara Canada, although we love Niagara