Photo: The Hershey Story Museum
Photo: NTC RADIO
Photo: Rebecca Rodkey
The Hershey Story Museum
★4.5(3,857 reviews)$Museum
🕑 2-3 hours including a Chocolate Lab workshop, or 1-1.5 hours for museum exhibits only👶 Best for ages 5-14. Younger elementary kids love the interactive chocolate-making activities and sensory exhibits, while tweens and teens appreciate the historical storytelling and more complex chocolate workshops. Preschoolers can enjoy it but may have shorter attention spans for the museum portions.🧡 Saved by 20 families
About
The Hershey Story Museum brings chocolate history to life through interactive exhibits that let kids explore Milton Hershey's remarkable journey from farm boy to chocolate empire builder. Children can participate in hands-on chocolate-making workshops, discover the science behind their favorite treat, and learn about Hershey's philanthropic legacy,all while being surrounded by the sweet smell of chocolate.
Highlights
- ✓Hands-on Chocolate Lab workshops where kids create their own chocolate bars and treats to take home
- ✓Interactive exhibits about the chocolate-making process from bean to bar
- ✓Milton Hershey's inspiring rags-to-riches story told through engaging displays
- ✓Unique Hershey gift shop with exclusive products and chocolate creations
- ✓Sensory experiences including chocolate smelling stations
Pro Tips
- 1.Book the Chocolate Lab experience in advance,these hands-on workshops fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during school breaks.
- 2.Visit on weekday mornings right at opening (9 AM) for the smallest crowds and the freshest chocolate-making sessions.
- 3.The museum is much more than just looking at displays,budget extra time and money for the interactive chocolate-making activities, which are the real highlight for kids.
- 4.The museum store at the end has unique Hershey products you won't find elsewhere, so save room in your budget for souvenirs.
- 5.Combine your visit with a stroll down Chocolate Avenue where the streetlights are shaped like Hershey's Kisses,kids love spotting them.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (9-11 AM) offer the calmest experience with smaller groups. Avoid summer weekends and holiday periods when tour groups and crowds peak. Spring and fall provide pleasant weather for exploring downtown Hershey before or after your museum visit.
What to Know
General admission is separate from the hands-on Chocolate Lab workshops, which require advance reservations and additional fees (typically $14.95+ per person). Free parking is available on-site, and there's a small café for snacks, though you'll find more substantial meal options nearby on Chocolate Avenue.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours. Special holiday-themed chocolate workshops and exhibits are offered during Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine's Day,these book up fast so reserve early. Summer brings increased crowds due to tourists visiting Hersheypark.
Nearby Eats
The Hershey Pantry (family-style American comfort food with generous portions and a kids' menu) is a 5-minute drive away, or walk to Troegs Independent Brewing which has a surprisingly excellent kids' menu and relaxed atmosphere just down Chocolate Avenue.
More Activities Near Hershey
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