Factory Tours


© Holly Gumpher
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It can be hard to find vacation destinations that appeal to both adults and children. Kids, especially preschoolers, aren't always patient enough for trips through museums or fine art galleries. Adults have had their fill of Barney and Elmo. So, how to compromise? Try a factory tour. Factory tours are a company's chance to not only show you how your favorite products are made, but to share their history and corporate philosophy with you. Oh, yes, and to do some heavy advertising as well! These tours are often appealing to all ages, designed with the family in mind. Here are three personal recommendations for factory tours the whole family can enjoy:

1. Kellogg's Cereal City USA

Located in Battle Creek, Michigan. This factory tour explains both the history of the Kellogg's company as well as the production process of some of your favorite breakfast foods. It is a highly interactive place, which is great for the kids. Just step on the man hole covers to hear Tony's famous voice! A real bonus is the indoor play area for younger kids. They can climb and bounce out their energy and boredom while the rest of the family enjoys the self guided tour. The play area is not supervised, however, so someone has to stay with the children at all times. Tony makes an appearance at regular intervals and is happy to take pictures with you. They have a gift shop and restaurant right on the premises. You'll also get a small, free box of Cornflakes to take with you!


2. The Crayola Factory

Located in Easton, Pennsylvania. I would suggest wearing bright colors on your children and having a high adult to child ratio when visiting this place! It is fantastic, but also huge and usually packed! Sure, you get to watch as crayons and markers are being made. Sure you get to take home some free samples of crayons and markers. Sure, you also learn a little history. But, you also get to try out numerous Crayola products and make neat projects to take home as well. You can make a party hat, you can sculpt with their modeling compound, you can sponge paint. You can do it all! This is just a fun, fun place to spend the day! There is a gift shop, of course!


3. Hershey's Chocolate World

Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania. If your family loves chocolate, you will love Chocolate World! This particular factory tour is not as interactive as the previous two, however it also does not charge an admission fee! There is a self guided part of the tour which leads you to the entry of the mechanized tour. Here you will ride through a display explaining how chocolate is made. My kids would ride this all day. After the tour there are several gift shops and a large eating area.


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