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These 12 Factory Tours Are Weirdly Fascinating Family Adventures

These 12 Factory Tours Are Weirdly Fascinating Family Adventures

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Embark on a journey through some of the most intriguing factory tours that offer families a chance to explore, discover, and enjoy unique experiences.

From candy-making wonders to legendary motorcycle assembly lines, these tours promise excitement and education for everyone.

Each location brings something special to the table, blending history, technology, and a touch of magic.

Perfect for curious minds and adventure seekers, these tours offer a peek behind the curtains of your favorite products, making them delightful experiences for both young and old alike.

Jelly Belly Factory – Fairfield, California

Jelly Belly Factory – Fairfield, California
©Ken Lund/ Flickr

Ever wondered where Jelly Belly beans get their quirky flavors? At the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield, California, families can witness the entire candy-making process.

Watch robotic arms craft these delightful beans, and discover the magic behind each bite. Interactive exhibits and candy art make the experience both educational and entertaining. As the factory buzzes with creativity, free samples await eager taste-testers.

The vibrant atmosphere and sweet aromas create a sensory experience that resonates with both young and old. It’s a sweet adventure that lingers long after the final jelly bean.

Crayola Experience – Easton, Pennsylvania

Crayola Experience – Easton, Pennsylvania
©Kenneth C. Zirkel/ Wikimedia Commons – Wikimedia.org

Where can creativity meet crayons in a colorful embrace? The Crayola Experience in Easton, Pennsylvania, invites families to explore the magic of crayon-making.

Here, children and parents can watch as crayons come to life, name their own, and witness wax melting into art. It’s more than just a tour; it’s a hands-on adventure that ignites imaginations. From vibrant colors to playful activities, the experience is a celebration of creativity.

This imaginative journey provides an exciting escape into the world of colors, leaving visitors with cherished memories and their own unique creations.

Harley-Davidson Vehicle Operations – York, Pennsylvania

Harley-Davidson Vehicle Operations – York, Pennsylvania
©Klaus Nahr/ Flickr

Rev up your engines at the Harley-Davidson Vehicle Operations in York, Pennsylvania, where the roar of motorcycles echoes through the factory.

This tour reveals the art of crafting these iconic machines, from the assembly line to custom paint jobs. Though it might seem like an adult destination, children are mesmerized by the sheer scale of production. The thundering engines and precision engineering make for an exhilarating experience.

As families walk through the factory, they gain insights into American innovation and the legendary Harley-Davidson legacy. It’s a ride through history that revs up excitement for all ages.

Ben & Jerry’s Factory – Waterbury, Vermont

Ben & Jerry’s Factory – Waterbury, Vermont
©Jeremy Thompson/ Wikimedia Commons

What’s better than a scoop of fun? At Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury, Vermont, ice cream lovers can indulge in a tour filled with funky flavors.

Watch as your favorite treats are churned, mixed, and frozen, creating mouth-watering delights. The tour concludes with a sample of joy and a visit to the whimsical “Flavor Graveyard,” where retired flavors rest. Children and adults alike find this journey a delightful escape into the world of ice cream.

The quirky atmosphere and playful spirit of Ben & Jerry’s add a sprinkle of fun, making it a must-visit destination.

Hammond’s Candy Factory – Denver, Colorado

Hammond’s Candy Factory – Denver, Colorado
©Aranami/ Wikimedia Commons

Old-fashioned sweets made the old-school way. Step into a real working candy kitchen where Hammond’s has been handcrafting lollipops, candy canes, and chocolates since 1920.

Families can watch skilled candy makers pull, twist, and shape treats by hand—no automation, just pure sugary craftsmanship. Tours are free, short, and end with a sweet sample.

Hershey’s Chocolate World – Hershey, Pennsylvania

Hershey’s Chocolate World – Hershey, Pennsylvania
©Sarion/ Wikimedia Commons

Step into a chocolate-scented wonderland at Hershey’s Chocolate World in Pennsylvania. This isn’t just a tour; it’s an immersive experience that delights the senses.

From singing cows to a thrilling simulated factory ride, every element is designed to entertain and educate. Children and parents alike find joy in this confectionery paradise, where the story of chocolate comes to life.

The journey culminates with a taste of sweet delights, leaving visitors with a smile. Hershey’s Chocolate World is more than a tour; it’s a celebration of chocolate’s rich heritage, wrapped in fun and flavor.

Airstream Factory – Jackson Center, Ohio

Airstream Factory – Jackson Center, Ohio
©Tdenton/ Wikimedia Commons – Wikimedia.org

How are those iconic silver trailers born? At the Airstream Factory in Jackson Center, Ohio, craftsmanship meets innovation in a mesmerizing display.

Families can explore behind the scenes as skilled artisans hand-build each Airstream trailer, merging retro design with modern technology. The intricate process reveals the artistry and dedication involved in creating these mobile homes.

Visitors gain a newfound appreciation for the harmony of tradition and innovation. The tour offers a unique glimpse into the world of Airstream, where dreams of travel and adventure take shape—a journey that inspires wanderlust in all who visit.

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory – Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory – Louisville, Kentucky
©Corey Seeman/ Flickr

Home runs start at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory in Kentucky, where the art of bat-making is a grand slam. Families can watch as real bats are crafted for MLB players, observing the precision and skill required.

The experience includes holding game-used bats from baseball legends, connecting fans with the sport’s rich history. Outside, the giant bat offers a perfect photo opportunity, symbolizing the importance of baseball.

The factory tour provides an engaging insight into the world of sports, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for America’s favorite pastime and the artisans behind the bats.

Blue Bell Creamery – Brenham, Texas

Blue Bell Creamery – Brenham, Texas
©Renelibrary/ Wikimedia Commons

A visit to Blue Bell’s hometown creamery is like stepping into an old-fashioned scoop shop—only better.

Families can peer into the production floor to see how this beloved Southern ice cream is made, from mixing vats to packaging lines.

The tour is short and sweet (literally), and the $1 scoops in the on-site parlor are a delicious reward. It’s a nostalgic, budget-friendly adventure perfect for kids and grandparents alike.

Pez Visitor Center – Orange, Connecticut

Pez Visitor Center – Orange, Connecticut
©Doug Kerr/ Flickr

This colorful, nostalgia-packed stop offers a peek into the world of PEZ—those iconic candy dispensers kids love and collectors treasure.

The self-guided tour showcases the production floor, a massive PEZ dispenser collection, and interactive exhibits. Bonus: Kids get to design their own dispenser and take home candy samples.

Vermont Teddy Bear Factory – Shelburne, Vermont

Vermont Teddy Bear Factory – Shelburne, Vermont
©Natasha Lloyd/ Flickr

Cuddly craftsmanship is on display at the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory in Shelburne, Vermont. Here, children can witness the magical process of bear-making, from stitching to stuffing.

It’s an adorable and interactive experience, allowing families to design their own bears. The factory tour offers a heartwarming glimpse into the art of creating these beloved companions.

As the bears come to life, visitors are captivated by the attention to detail and love poured into each one. It’s a charming journey that leaves everyone with a smile and a cuddly keepsake to cherish forever.

Tillamook Creamery – Tillamook, Oregon

Tillamook Creamery – Tillamook, Oregon
©Granger Meador/ Flickr

Cheese lovers unite at Tillamook Creamery in Oregon, where families can explore the delicious world of dairy. The self-guided tour offers a bird’s-eye view of the factory floor, where cheese blocks are formed, cut, and packaged with precision.

The aroma of cheese fills the air, enticing visitors to savor every moment. With ice cream and grilled cheese at the café, it’s a dairy lover’s dream come true.

The tour showcases the passion and pride behind every product, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for the art of cheesemaking—a culinary adventure that delights the senses.