Hershey’s Chocolate Tour – Free Factory Ride in Hershey, PA

Discover the Hershey’s Chocolate Factory Tour in Hershey, Pennsylvania

The Hershey’s Chocolate Tour is one of the sweetest free attractions in Pennsylvania. Located at Hershey’s Chocolate World, right next to Hersheypark, the tour is a simulated factory ride that shows how Hershey’s iconic candies are made. Guests board moving cars and travel through a fun, multimedia journey that follows cocoa beans from the tropics all the way to delicious Hershey’s chocolate bars.

Along the way, you’ll see larger-than-life animatronic cows, watch chocolate being mixed and molded, and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the factory. The finale? Free Hershey’s samples for every guest.

The Hershey’s Chocolate Tour is a family favorite, offering a delightful blend of entertainment and education about one of America’s most beloved chocolate brands.

Why it’s special:
Unlike many factory tours, this one is completely free and runs year-round. It’s also family-friendly for all ages — infants, toddlers, teens, and grandparents alike can enjoy the ride. The experience combines Hershey’s whimsical branding with real chocolate-making insights, making it both fun and educational. Plus, it’s located in the heart of Hershey, PA, also known as “The Sweetest Place on Earth.”

History/Story of Hershey’s Chocolate Tour

Milton S. Hershey founded The Hershey Company in 1894 with the dream of making chocolate affordable to everyone. His legacy turned Hershey, Pennsylvania into a company town and eventually into a full-fledged destination for chocolate lovers.

The Hershey’s Chocolate Tour was first introduced in 1973 at Hershey’s Chocolate World. It was designed as a fun, family-friendly way to showcase Hershey’s chocolate-making process without disrupting production at the real factory. Over the years, the tour has been updated with new technology, special effects, and expanded storytelling, making it one of the most visited attractions in Pennsylvania.

What You’ll See & Do on the Hershey’s Chocolate Tour

• Board a moving ride car and travel through a simulated chocolate factory.

• See how cocoa beans are roasted, ground, and transformed into chocolate.

• Watch candy being mixed, molded, and wrapped in a colorful multimedia show.

• Meet the famous Hershey’s cows, who add a playful touch to the tour.

• Smell the aroma of fresh chocolate as you move through the ride.

• End with a free Hershey’s sample for every visitor.

Hands-On Elements: Sensory experiences include sights, sounds, smells, and tastes.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography permitted during the ride.

Souvenirs & Extras:

• Hershey’s Chocolate World store with candy, apparel, and gifts

• Add-on experiences: Hershey’s Create Your Own Candy Bar, Hershey’s Trolley Works, 4D Chocolate Mystery show

Pricing of Hershey’s Chocolate Tour

• Free admission for all ages

• Add-ons (optional): Create Your Own Candy Bar, 4D Chocolate Mystery, Trolley Tours (prices vary)

Practical Info for Visiting Hershey’s Chocolate Tour

Duration: ~30 minutes (ride plus sample time)
Format: Family-friendly factory ride simulation
Schedule & Seasonality: Open daily, year-round; hours vary by season (aligned with Hershey’s Chocolate World schedule)
Audience: Families, school groups, chocolate lovers of all ages
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible; assistance available for strollers and mobility devices
Safety & Restrictions: No height restrictions; all ages welcome
Languages: English; multilingual materials available on request
Group & School Visits: Group-friendly; perfect for field trips and tour buses

What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable clothing; bring spending money for gift shop or add-ons
Facilities: Restrooms, gift shop, food court, free Wi-Fi, stroller rental
Closures & Downtime: Open year-round, closed only on major holiday

Location & Booking

Getting There: Paid parking onsite; free for Chocolate World short visits; accessible via Hersheypark Drive; shuttle services available during Hersheypark season
Booking: No reservations required; walk-ins welcome daily
Cancellation & Refunds: Not applicable (free attraction)
On-Site Extras: Hershey’s Chocolate World attractions, gift shop, restaurants

Nearby

• Hersheypark (theme park)

• The Hershey Story Museum

• Hershey Gardens

FAQs About Visiting Hershey’s Chocolate Tour

Is the Hershey’s Chocolate Tour free?
Yes, admission is completely free for all ages, making it one of the best-value attractions in Pennsylvania.

Do you actually visit the working Hershey factory?
No — this is a simulated ride experience inside Hershey’s Chocolate World. The real Hershey factory is not open to the public.

Do I get free samples of chocolate?
Yes! Every rider receives a complimentary Hershey’s treat at the end of the tour.

Is the Chocolate Tour good for young kids?
Absolutely — it’s designed for all ages, with no height or age restrictions. Babies, toddlers, and grandparents are all welcome.

How long is the tour?
The ride lasts about 15–20 minutes, plus extra time for loading/unloading and collecting your sample.

Do I need to reserve tickets?
No reservations are needed; it’s a walk-in, first-come attraction. Expect longer wait times during peak summer and holidays.

Are strollers and wheelchairs allowed?
Yes, the ride is fully accessible, with accommodations for both strollers and wheelchairs.