Factories are among the most fascinating places for kids to visit. Why would kids want to visit a factory? The answer becomes a lot clearer when you think about what those factories are making: crayons, Legos, teddy bears, baseball bats, kites, and harmonicas!
Maybe you’ve got a child who’s strangely addicted to “How It’s Made” on the Science Channel. Or maybe your kids will simply be fascinated by watching their favorite toys being created before their very eyes. Factories offer kids the opportunity to have a greater appreciation for the creative process and what it takes to transform ideas into reality. The following factory tours are sure to entertain kids while also stimulating their creativity.
Crayola — Easton, PA
Crayola Experience by Brianegge is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
The Crayola Factory offers a colorful experience for the whole family. Located in Easton, Pennsylvania, a quick car ride from major metropolises like Philadelphia and New York, the Crayola Factory is four floors of fun. As guests of the Crayola Factory, visitors can partake in a number of activities, including seeing how the company’s crayons are made, creating a personalized crayon wrapper, and even experimenting with a variety of different Crayola products to make your own custom paint palette.
Visitors looking for a more memorable way to look back on their visit to the factory can also get their hands molded in wax, an activity that requires a special reservation with the company. Rounding out the experience are several small restaurants at the location that serve kid-friendly meals like pizza and hot dogs.
Lego — Enfield, CT and Billund, Denmark
Lego Factory by Josh Hallet is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
Lego offers tours of several of their facilities, most notably their factories in Enfield, Connecticut and Billund, Denmark. Like most factory tours for children, Lego Factory tours are centered around showing visitors how the company makes Lego blocks while also providing several entertaining experiences for guests, such as photos opportunities, play areas, and even rides.
The company’s factory in Billund, Denmark has even more amenities for Lego diehards. Known as the Inside Tour, the excursion features a visit to company founder Ole Kirk Kristiansen’s house from 1934, a special presentation from Lego designers, and even the chance to build sets with the company’s employees. Guests lucky enough to go on the Inside Tour are also given a special Lego set to commemorate their visit.
Vermont Teddy Bear — Shelburne, VT
Vermont Teddy Bear Factory by Natasha Lloyd is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
The Vermont Teddy Bear Factory in Shelburne, Vermont gives guests an opportunity to see how some of the cuddliest toys in the world are created by the company’s dedicated staff. Nestled on several acres of charming New England land, the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory features several exciting exhibits for guests, including seeing how the company’s team of craftspeople make teddy bears and even the chance to make your own custom bear.
Guests will also get to know the staff at the company’s Bear Hospital, who specialize in repairing your damaged stuffed friends. Visitors hoping to get the full experience of the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory should consider buying a VIP pass for $60. Among the amenities of a VIP pass are a special tote bag and t-shirt and an 18-inch stuffed bear.
Louisville Slugger — Louisville, KY
Louisville Slugger by Scott Beale is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
Many children experience some of the most exciting times of their lives on the baseball diamond, a place well known to the workers at the Louisville Slugger Factory in Louisville, Kentucky. Tours of the factory begin with a video introduction that takes visitors to woodlands whose trees will one day become the company’s famous bats.
Guests are then treated to a step-by-step tour of the process the company uses in crafting baseball bats and are given a free mini bat. Afterwards, visitors can explore the company’s museum. Among the most noteworthy exhibits at the factory’s museum is the Bat Vault, which holds over 3,000 historic baseball bats, and a gallery of photographs of famous baseball players holding Louisville Slugger bats.
Big Wind Kite Factory — Maunaloa, HI
If you happen to be fortunate enough to be heading to Hawaii, the gentle winds of Molokai Island make for the perfect kite flying conditions. That’s a fact that can be attested to by workers at Big Wind Kite Factory in Maunaloa. Known for their colorful and imaginative kite designs, the folks at Big Wind Kites create their product from nylon and fiberglass rods.
During free tours of the business’s factory, guests will learn what goes into crafting the company’s handmade kites and even see some little-known tricks of the trade. After the tour, company employees give free kite flying lessons to visitors at a nearby public park.
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Hohner Factory Tour — Trossingen, Germany
For those families willing to go a little further afield — even international — the Hohner Factory in Trossingen, Germany gives great insight into the making of musical instruments such as harmonicas, accordions, and recorders. Tours of the company’s Trossingen factory outline the incredible level of detail that goes into making musical instruments, including everything from fine-tuning outer casings to perfecting the instrument’s reed and valves.
Guests of the factory tour can also explore the Hohner Museum to marvel at the company’s 100-year history. Along with examples of instruments from the company’s past, the Hohner Museum also includes a special section for children that includes games and puzzles.
FAQs:
Q: What age group is best suited for factory tours?
A: Factory tours are generally suitable for children aged 5 and older, but each factory may have its own age recommendations. It’s a good idea to check with the specific location beforehand to ensure the tour is appropriate for your child’s age.
Q: Are factory tours accessible for families with disabilities?
A: Most factories strive to be accessible, and many provide accommodations for visitors with disabilities. Contact the factory ahead of your visit to inquire about specific accessibility features and any assistance available.
Q: How long do most factory tours last?
A: Factory tours typically last between 1 to 2 hours, depending on the location and activities included. It’s best to check with the factory for specific details regarding the duration of their tours.
Q: Is there a cost associated with factory tours?
A: Some factory tours are free, while others may charge a fee. Prices can vary significantly, so it’s important to check the factory’s website or contact them directly for pricing information.
Q: Are reservations required for factory tours?
A: While some factories allow walk-in visitors, many recommend or require advance reservations, especially for tours that have limited capacity or involve special activities. Check the factory’s booking policy before your visit.
Q: What should we bring on a factory tour?
A: It’s recommended to bring a camera for photos, comfortable shoes for walking, and any personal items your child might need, like water bottles or snacks. Be sure to check any specific guidelines the factory might have regarding food and drink.
Q: Can we purchase factory products during our visit?
A: Most factories have gift shops where visitors can purchase their products, often featuring items that are exclusive to the factory. It’s a great opportunity to take home a souvenir!
Do you have a favorite factory tour that your family enjoyed? Let us know in the comments below!
