A Chocolate Lover’s Family Dream: Visiting Hershey’s Chocolate World with Young Kids

If you’re looking for a fun, low-stress trip the whole family can enjoy and one that comes with plenty of sugar and smiles, look no further than Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Open year-round and celebrating more than 50 years, it’s the perfect day trip or weekend destination, especially for families with young kids.

With chocolate-making experiences, candy-themed rides, and interactive shows, there’s plenty to do and plenty of ways to keep your littles engaged. The best part? General admission is free so you can explore at your own pace and pay only for the experiences you want.

Here's everything parents need to know before stepping into this real-life chocolate factory:

🎟️ Admission, Passes & Planning

While the building is free to enter, many activities inside require tickets. If your kids are excited to try it all (and trust us—they will be), the All Experience Pass might be your best bet. It includes access to all major attractions for $82 per person and can save you time and money if you plan to stay for a few hours.

You can also purchase attractions individually, with prices ranging from $18.95 to $29.95, and bundle options available online that offer discounts.

Children under 3 years old can participate in most experiences for free with a paying adult, making this an especially budget-friendly option for families with toddlers.

💡 Parent tip: Buy tickets online before your visit to get the best price and avoid long lines at the door.

🍫 Highlights for Families with Young Kids

Hershey’s Chocolate Tour (Free!)

Start here. It’s fun, educational, and completely free. Hop into a slow, but continuous moving cart and take a gentle ride through a chocolate making journey, complete with singing cows and sweet-smelling air. The animatronics and visuals are bright and cheerful, perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. At the end, every rider gets a free mini Hershey bar, which usually steals the show. I did not see anyone with any strollers, so I would leave those in the front, but there is no height requirement.

Hershey’s Great Candy Expedition ($19.95)

This multisensory, interactive "train ride" is a favorite for little ones. The seats don’t move, but the surround screens, music, lights, and candy-scented air make it feel like a real ride through magical candy worlds.

Your child can vote with buttons on their seat to help choose which candy land to explore and everyone gets a goodie bag at the end. Indoor and climate-controlled, making it a good pick for hot or rainy days.

Create Your Own Candy Bar ($29.95)

Ready to be a chocolatier for the day? Kids (and parents!) suit up in hair nets and aprons before designing their very own chocolate bar from scratch. Choose a base, add fillings, top it off with sprinkles, and customize your wrapper. The whole process is safe, clean, and easy to follow. You get to take home your candy bar in a collectible tin which makes a great souvenir!

Hershey’s Unwrapped: A Chocolate Tasting Journey ($18.95)

This is an engaging chocolate “show” that combines a little education with a lot of laughs. Hosted by a goofy “tasteologist,” the show is designed to teach kids how to taste chocolate using all five senses (and they’ll be thrilled to eat candy in a classroom setting!). Perfect for early elementary schoolers, and includes a tasting kit and full-size Hershey bar at the end.

Hershey Trolley Works ($22.95)

All aboard the vintage trolley! This outdoor tour takes you around the town of Hershey, with costumed conductors, sing-alongs, and yes... chocolate samples.

During warmer months, the Original Trolley Show is a hit with kids thanks to its characters and songs. Around Halloween and Christmas, there are holiday-themed trolleys with extra treats and festive fun.

Stuff Your Cup ($19.95)

This might be the messiest (and most fun) treat of the day. Kids get to create a giant custom Reese’s Cup filled with peanut butter and wacky toppings like marshmallows, pretzels, chocolate chips, and even bacon bits.

🥗 Family-Friendly Food Options

After all the chocolate, your crew might be ready for something savory. The Food Hall inside Hershey’s Chocolate World has plenty of family-friendly options like mac and cheese, pizza, and even cocoa-dusted chicken salad. Kid meals come with a souvenir lunchbox, applesauce, bottled water, and (of course) chocolate. There are also themed milkshakes, sundaes, and a full bakery with cupcakes, cookies, and fresh hot chocolate.

🛍️ The World’s Largest Hershey Store

Before you leave, swing by the massive candy store to pick up sweet souvenirs and exclusive treats you won’t find anywhere else. There are over 500 types of candies, fun apparel, and even build-your-own Kisses tins.

🛒 Pro tip: Shop at the end of your visit so you’re not lugging bags around all day.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Final Parent Tips

• Arrive early to beat the crowds: especially on weekends and school breaks.

• Snack packs and water are allowed, and there are spots to sit and rest throughout.

• Bathrooms and baby-changing areas are easily accessible and clean.
  

The Sweetest Day Trip Around

Hershey’s Chocolate World is a dream destination for families with little ones. Between the interactive shows, build-your-own candy bars, and never-ending chocolate samples, it’s a treat for all ages and a low-pressure, high-reward trip for parents looking to create sweet memories with their kids.

Plan ahead, pack light, and prepare for sticky fingers and smiling faces.