Eating chocolate is bound to bring a smile to any kid’s face. But imagine the smiles on their faces if they create their own sweet treats? Specialty shops throughout the state let Willy Wonka wannabees make chocolate all by themselves. We’ve scouted the top places in New Jersey where you can host your budding chocolatier’s next birthday party, attend a chocolate-making workshop or just indulge in deliciousness.
Aunt Selma’s Chocolate & Candy Company
Location: 37 East Main Street, Moorestown
Details: Kids can create projects with chocolates, candies and other goodies here. A 90-minute party includes goody bags, a candy birthday cake and projects to take home. While you’re at the store, check out their edible chocolate centerpieces, perfect for any party table.
More info: www.auntselmascandy.com or call 856-642-6363
The Chocolate Belles
Location: 249 Chambers Bridge Road, Brick
Details: If you’re going to make chocolate, you need the right supplies. You’ll find all that and more at this family-owned and operated business. Check the website to find out what programs are currently being offered for kids–both children’s classes and Mommy & Me options are available.
More info: www.thechocolatebelles.com or call 732-920-2266
Chocolate Etc.
Location: 382 Main Street, Wyckoff
Details: The owners invite you to browse their old-fashioned candy shop, check out their chocolates or book a party for kids, scouts or campers. They have two party rooms where chocoholics can enjoy 90 minutes of heaven as they decorate molded chocolate using different colors. They can make bite-sized pieces of chocolate, delicious lollipops or even chocolate pizza, topped with candies from the shop. And they’ll bring the “pie” home in a real pizza box, too!
More info: www.chocolateetc.com or call 201-891-3711
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Chocolate Works
Chocolate WorksLocation: Fair Lawn, Livingston, Millburn, Montclair, Red Bank and West Windsor
Details: Give your child the party of their sweet dreams as they play chocolatier for a day. Kids will mold and decorate their own one-of-a-kind chocolate creations at Chocolate Works’ awesome parties. Or register your child for an upcoming workshop or special event at the location nearest you (there are six in New Jersey).
More info: www.chocolateworks.com or call individual locations
Lollipop Shoppe
Location: 444 Hurffville-Crosskeys Road, Sewell
Details: Enter this Candyland-like store at your own risk! They offer gourmet chocolates, candy buffets, unique gifts and nostalgic candy for the young at heart. Kids can create their own candy bars at a Lollipop Shoppe party by filling a 1/2-pound bar mold with milk or dark chocolate and their choice of toppings. Yum!
More info: www.lollipopshoppes.com or call 856-256-2405
Luca’s Specialties
Location: 624 Bay Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach
Details: This shop knows that birthday parties are an excuse to eat sugar. And they make an ideal spot for indulging in the best! They’ll host the kids or bring the celebration to you, offering a party featuring goody bags, build-a-birthday candy cake (or cookies or cupcakes), a pull-string piñata and classic games like Freeze Dance and Simon Says.
More info: www.lucasspecialties.com or call 732-701-7541
Matisse Chocolatier
Location: 260 Grand Avenue, Englewood
Details: At a fun and unique party at Matisse Chocolatier, kids can make chocolate creations of their own while also learning about the art and history of chocolate making. All chocolate at this popular gourmet shop is made using fresh ingredients and fruit ranging from tree-ripe to tropical. Delicious!
More info: www.getfreshchocolate.com or call 201-568-2288
Red Bank Chocolate Shoppe
Location: 17 White Street, Red Bank
Details: Everyone loves chocolate and everyone loves a party. Throw an awesome and affordable celebration in your home and Red Bank Chocolate Shoppe will bring the sugary fun right to your door. Children can hand dip and decorate pretzels, marshmallow kabobs, oreos and rice krispie treats.
More info: www.redbankchocolateshoppe.com or call 732-219-0822
2 Chicks with Chocolate
Location: East Brunswick, Metuchen and Middletown
Details: Here, kids get various opportunities to play chocolate chef. Birthday parties feature dipping stations where children can dunk pretzels, gummy candies and more in smooth chocolate. The Mini-Chocolatier’s Academy is a self-paced experience where kids create, paint and get inspired through edible art. The Metuchen and East Brunswick spots also offer free monthly chocolate workshops where children make an edible-themed craft.
More info: www.2chickswithchocolate.com or call 888-896-2449
Hero (Top) Feature Image: Roman Pyshchyk / Adobe Stock
Additional Body Images (in order) Courtesy:
© Aunt Selma’s Chocolate & Candy Company
© The Chocolate Belles Candy & Cake Crafts
© Chocolate Etc.
© Facebook/Chocolate Works
© Lollipop Shoppe
© Facebook/Luca’s Specialties
© Matisse Chocolatier
© Red Bank Chocolate Shoppe
© 2 Chicks with Chocolate
