Photo: Platter's Chocolate Factory
Photo: Platter's Chocolate Factory
Photo: Jon Henderson
Platter's Chocolate Factory
★4.8(2,519 reviews)$Ice Cream
🕑 45 minutes to 1 hour👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers are mesmerized by the chocolate-making process and love the samples, while elementary-aged kids appreciate understanding how their favorite treats are made and can choose their own sweets to take home.🧡 Saved by 28 families
About
Platter's Chocolate Factory is a delightful destination where kids can watch chocolate being made through the factory viewing area while sampling fresh treats along the way. This local North Tonawanda gem combines the magic of seeing candy production with the joy of tasting freshly made chocolates, ice cream, and confections,making it an educational and delicious outing that kids talk about for weeks.
Highlights
- ✓Factory viewing windows where kids can watch real chocolate-making in action
- ✓Generous free samples of fresh chocolates and candies throughout the shop
- ✓Hand-dipped ice cream and chocolate-covered treats made on-site
- ✓Wide variety of chocolates including fun kid-friendly shapes and seasonal offerings
- ✓Educational experience learning how chocolate goes from ingredients to finished product
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on weekday mornings when the factory is in full production mode,you'll see more action through the viewing windows than during evenings or weekends
- 2.Bring cash for easier transactions, especially if you're planning to let kids pick out their own treats
- 3.The samples are generous, so don't feed kids a huge meal beforehand or they may be too full to enjoy them
- 4.Ask staff about the day's production schedule to time your visit when chocolate is actively being made
- 5.Grab a coffee for yourself while the kids sample,parents rave about the quality coffee served here
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings between 9:00-11:00 AM are ideal when factory production is most active and crowds are lighter. Avoid Saturday afternoons when the shop gets busy with weekend shoppers.
What to Know
The factory viewing area is free to access, though you'll likely want budget for purchasing chocolates and treats. Ample parking is available on-site, and the shop offers comfortable seating if you want to enjoy ice cream or coffee while visiting.
Seasonal Notes
Holiday seasons (Easter, Halloween, Christmas) feature special themed chocolates and decorations that kids especially enjoy. Summer is perfect for combining the factory tour with their ice cream offerings. Hours are slightly reduced on Sundays year-round.
Nearby Eats
Gateway Harbor Park is nearby with picnic areas perfect for an outdoor lunch, or head to Ru's Pierogi on Niagara Falls Boulevard (5 minutes away) for kid-friendly Polish comfort food that offers a fun cultural experience after your sweet stop.
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