25 Best Factory Tours in the U.S. for Families and Travelers

Factory tours offer a unique opportunity to step behind the scenes and witness the magic of creation, from iconic baseball bats and gourmet candy to cars and cosmetics. Whether you’re a family with small children, an avid traveler, or just someone fascinated by how things are made, these 25 factory tours across the United States combine hands-on activities, history, and exclusive insider access. Discover interactive experiences, see live production lines, and return home with a memorable souvenir or two.

1. Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory (Louisville, Kentucky)

Highlights: See the famous bat-making process, touch bats used by baseball legends, and pose inside a giant mitt. Every guest receives a free mini bat to take home.

• Open daily
• $18 for adults, $11 for ages 6–12, free for ages 5 and under

2. Jelly Belly Visitor Center & Factory (Fairfield, California)

Get a bird’s-eye view as jelly beans travel through slurry, steam bath, and glossy finishes, with interactive video screens explaining each step. The tour includes a stop at the café, famous for its jelly bean-shaped pizza.

• Open daily (factory workers present weekdays)
• $5 for adults, $2 for ages 2+, free for younger children

3. Hammond’s Candy Factory Tour (Denver, Colorado)

Experience the art of traditional candy crafting, watching live as lollipops, candy canes, and other treats are shaped and wrapped through large viewing windows. Don’t miss the old-world charm and free samples.

• Open Monday–Saturday
• Free admission

4. Kohler Design Center Factory Tour (Kohler, Wisconsin)

Teens, design geeks, and anyone curious about manufacturing will appreciate this in-depth look at how Kohler’s iconic plumbing fixtures are made. The two-hour walking tour covers more than three miles of factory floor.

• Open Monday–Friday
• No children under 14 allowed
• Free

5. Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop (Jacksonville, Florida)

This quirky mansion channels pure Willy Wonka energy, as guests travel room-to-room for candy-making demonstrations. Choose from 16 toppings to create your own chocolate bar.

• Check availability online
• $6.45 per person

6. Henry Ford Rouge Factory Tour (Dearborn, Michigan)

Marvel as a new truck is completed every minute at this legendary Ford plant. The tour features an observation deck above the production line and galleries of classic vehicles, including a 1965 Ford Mustang.

• Check tour dates online
• $22 for adults, $16.50 for ages 5–11, free for younger kids

7. Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour (Waterbury, Vermont)

See how America’s favorite ice cream is made, with tastings at the end of the tour. Enjoy quirky highlights like the flavor graveyard for retired pints and an interactive scoop shop.

• Open year-round (check for seasonal closures)
• Admission varies

8. Boeing Future of Flight Tour (Mukilteo, Washington)

Visit the world’s largest building by volume, where aircraft are assembled. Observe engineers at work, get close to aviation history, and view up-close some of the biggest commercial airplanes ever built.

• Open daily
• Advance tickets recommended; admission fees apply

9. Crayola Experience (Easton, Pennsylvania)

Experience color like never before at Crayola’s sprawling facility. Watch crayons being produced, create custom coloring pages, and take home a personalized crayon as your keepsake.

• Open daily
• Admission varies; discounts for children and online purchases

10. Harley-Davidson Vehicle Operations (York, Pennsylvania)

Watch motorcycles come to life, from welding and polishing the frames to final assembly. Tours range from basic walks on the plant floor to in-depth precision experiences.

• Open Monday–Friday
• Reservations required; admission varies by tour type

11. Herr’s Snack Factory Tour (Nottingham, Pennsylvania)

See how your favorite potato chips and snacks are cooked, seasoned, and packaged. The guided tour takes you into the heart of the action—followed by delicious samples fresh out of the fryer.

• Open Monday–Thursday
• Reservations required; small admission fee

12. The Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction (Hershey, Pennsylvania)

This immersive experience includes a simulated factory tour ride, chocolate tastings, and the opportunity to design your own candy bar. It’s a dream come true for chocolate lovers of all ages.

• Open daily
• Most experiences are ticketed; some free attractions

13. Celestial Seasonings Tea Tour (Boulder, Colorado)

Tour one of the country’s most recognizable tea brands and walk through the aromatic Mint Room. Learn about ingredient sourcing, blending, and packaging—all with complimentary samples.

• Open Monday–Saturday
• Free admission; reservations recommended

14. Tabasco Factory Tour & Museum (Avery Island, Louisiana)

Discover the birthplace of the famous hot sauce with a self-guided tour of the factory and barrel warehouse. The journey includes the lush Jungle Gardens and the on-site restaurant’s spicy menu.

• Open daily
• Admission includes factory and gardens

15. Samuel Adams Brewery (Boston, Massachusetts)

Walk through the small-batch brewery where Samuel Adams began, learn about the brewing process, and enjoy generous tastings (21+). Younger visitors can join the Root Beer Experience.

• Open most days
• Advance booking recommended; must be 21+ for standard tours

16. Vermont Teddy Bear Factory (Shelburne, Vermont)

See the magic behind hand-crafted teddy bears being stitched, stuffed, and personalized. Kids can help assemble their own bear to take home, making this a favorite for younger families.

• Open daily
• Admission varies; children under 12 free with paying adult

17. Blue Bell Creameries (Brenham, Texas)

Get a peek into the world of homemade ice cream, watch the production from observation decks, and enjoy scoops of the freshest flavors at the parlor.

• Open weekdays
• Small admission fee

18. Alaska Wild Berry Products (Anchorage, Alaska)

The factory tour features a look at their chocolate waterfall, candy production, and gift shop filled with wildberry jams and jellies.

• Open year-round
• Free admission

19. Airstream Factory Tour (Jackson Center, Ohio)

Follow each step of the construction journey for these classic silver travel trailers. The tours focus on both history and modern innovation, and conclude with a close look at finished Airstream models.

• Open Monday–Friday
• Free, reservations suggested

20. Boudin Bakery Tour (San Francisco, California)

Visit the birthplace of San Francisco sourdough bread. Watch bakers shaping signature loaves through giant windows and sample free treats along the way.

• Open daily
• Bakery tour included with tasting experiences

21. BMW Zentrum & Plant Tour (Greer, South Carolina)

Watch luxury vehicles being assembled from the body shop to the paint line, with a museum showcasing BMW’s American journey.

• Monday–Friday
• Admission fee applies; minimum age for tour

22. Cape Cod Potato Chips Factory Tour (Hyannis, Massachusetts)

Walk a viewing corridor to see potatoes washed, sliced, cooked, and seasoned right before your eyes – with plenty of snack samples to try.

• Monday–Friday
• Free admission

23. Martin Guitar Factory Tour (Nazareth, Pennsylvania)

Witness master craftsmen building world-famous acoustic guitars, from rough lumber to musical masterpiece. The guided tour covers every step of the process.

• Monday–Friday
• Tours by reservation; small admission fee

24. Cabot Creamery (Cabot, Vermont)

Cheese lovers will enjoy seeing how award-winning cheddar is made, with tastings and the chance to visit the farm store for exclusive flavors.

• Check tour dates online
• Admission varies

25. Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions Training (Myakka City, Florida)

While not a traditional factory, this unique behind-the-scenes show demonstrates the artistry and tradition of training the famous Lipizzan horses, glimpsed up close by visitors.

• View schedule for public tours and demonstrations
• Small admission fee

Tips for Planning Your Factory Tour Adventure

• Always check tour details in advance: Schedules may vary by season or day of the week; some tours require advance reservations or have age restrictions.
• Admission policies: While many tours are free or low-cost, specialty or in-depth tours may have higher fees or minimum age requirements.
• Photo policies: Certain areas may prohibit photography due to proprietary processes—check before snapping pics.
• Souvenirs and samples: Many tours conclude with a chance to shop for exclusive products or taste factory-fresh samples; bring a small bag for goodies.
• Accessibility: Not all factories are fully accessible; review any mobility accommodations or restrictions on the tour webpage before visiting.

Why Factory Tours Are Great for Families and Travelers

Factory tours are much more than sightseeing—they are immersive educational experiences. You’ll:

• See history in action and appreciate the craftsmanship and modern technology behind everyday products
• Encourage curiosity in kids with hands-on experiences
• Score unique souvenirs and taste authentic products at their source
• Support American manufacturing and local communities
• Create one-of-a-kind travel memories that inspire and inform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a factory tour?

A factory tour is a guided visit through a working manufacturing facility, where visitors can observe the production process, learn about company history, and discover how popular products are made. Many tours include interactive activities, tasting or sampling opportunities, and a chance to shop for souvenirs.

Are factory tours suitable for young children?

Many factory tours are family-friendly and even designed with kids in mind, though some may have minimum age restrictions for safety reasons. Always check the tour requirements before visiting.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Advance reservations are recommended, especially for popular or seasonal tours, or those with limited capacity. Some tours require tickets or time slots to be reserved online before arrival.

Can I take photos or videos during a factory tour?

Photo policies vary. Photography is welcome in many facilities but may be limited in sensitive areas for proprietary or safety reasons. Always ask your tour guide before taking photos.

What should I wear on a factory tour?

Comfortable closed-toe shoes are recommended. Some factories require flat, sturdy footwear and may provide safety equipment like hair nets or goggles. Check the tour details for any specific dress code requirements.

Are samples included on tours?

Many food-focused tours offer free samples or tastings, especially candy, ice cream, or snack factories. Others may conclude at a gift shop offering products for purchase.

Which tour offers the best souvenir?

It depends on your interests! Baseball fans will love their mini bat at the Louisville Slugger Factory, while candy lovers will enjoy custom sweets at Hammond’s or Sweet Pete’s.

Ready for your next behind-the-scenes adventure? These fascinating factory tours are waiting to welcome you.