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Go On Tour with Kids in L.A. Factories

Published October 8, 2018

Story and Photos By Matt Krantz

Learn about marmalade and see it made at E. Waldo Ward in Sierra Madre.

Got a golden ticket? You’d need one to enter Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. But if you want to peek inside some of Southern California’s most interesting factories, usually all you have to do is ask.

Local factories – which make everything from fresh marmalade to olive oil and, yes, chocolate – gladly open their doors to families looking to see the inner workings of their production process. Factory tours give families a glimpse into the business, manufacturing and even history of these companies. And in many cases, kids can taste the results. Sometimes the founders or owners of the companies will make an appearance or give the tours themselves.

“Touring factories is an inspiring experience for children and can also be very educational,” says Karen Axelrod, author of Factory Tour.com and the book, “Watch It Made In the USA.” “Everyone is like a 5-year-old when they go on a factory tour. Their eyes light up.”

Factories on the Farm

Graber Olive House in Ontario – less than 40 miles from L.A. – feels like a step back in time. The second you pull up in the driveway, you’re transported to 1894, when Clifford C. Graber and his brother Charles started the business.

The roughly one-hour tour starts in the grading room, where olives picked from the company’s orchard in the San Joaquin Valley are unloaded and sorted by size. The olives are then soaked in a salt solution in one of 550 concrete olive vats for 21 days. You’ll see every step of the process down to the canned olives being heated in a steam cooker at a curiously precise 242 degrees for 62 minutes.

“Families that visit always find the process to be interesting,” says Rosalie Godfrey, a tour guide at Graber who has worked at the company for 31 seasons. “And the olives are a treat.”

At Graber Olive House in Ontario, Rosalie Godfrey shows visitors how local olives are canned and made into olive oil.

If you’re looking to try out a factory tour, this is a good one to start with because no advance planning is required unless you’re coming with a large group. Tours are offered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Just ask for a tour in the gift shop office. The tours are open to all ages and restrooms are available. There’s no cost for the tour and there’s no restaurant on the premises, but you can buy as many olives as you can eat. Try to go at harvest time, October through December, if you want to see the factory in action.

How do you discover which factories to tour? Follow the breadcrumbs. As you visit more factories, you’ll find some interesting business connections, as it can be a small-business world, after all, in Southern California. Take a close look at the shelves at Graber Olive House’s gift shop, for instance, and you might notice marmalade sold by E. Waldo Ward of Sierra Madre – the perfect place for your next factory adventure.

Like Graber, E. Waldo Ward has been in business a long while, going back to 1891 when Edwin Waldo Ward Sr. first started to grow citrus in this residential town. The two companies have worked together for years.

When you arrive for the E. Waldo Ward tour, you might think you went to the wrong place. The factory looks more like a quaint farmhouse located in a sleepy neighborhood than in an industrial park. Just look for the steps leading up to a yellow building with a sign that reads, “Office.” Let the person at the desk know you’re ready for the tour. Ward’s great-grandson Jeff, who owns the company, still gives many of the tours himself. “Are you ready?” Jeff asked us when we arrived.

Waldo Ward makes everything from barbecue sauce to jelly, but it’s the marmalade it’s best known for. E. Waldo Ward grows a unique type of orange, the Seville orange, known for a unique zesty taste perfect for marmalade. Ward explains the difference between jam and marmalade, a fine distinction you might miss when rushing to fill your cart at the grocery store. Unlike jam, marmalade retains some of the fruit’s skin, giving it a more distinct taste.

Waldo Ward is as much a farm as it is a factory. The orange trees are grown on a small orchard on the property, which is part of the tour. You’ll also see how the fruit is cooked at 200 degrees before being packed into jars, where the tops are screwed on by hand. At the end of the tour, you’re invited to sample a variety of the company’s products.

The historical aspect of E. Waldo Ward makes it a popular factory tour, says Kim Cooper, a tour guide with Esotouric Bus Adventures, which occasionally brings groups to the factory. “Our passengers love the chance to step back in time and see how Southern California’s world-famous orange crop was sugared up and packaged as marmalade served in all the Harvey House restaurants along the transcontinental rail lines,” she says. “The traditional factory equipment, still in use by this fourth-generation family business, tells a fascinating story made all the sweeter because the tour ends in the gift shop. Who could resist taking a little piece of California history home to share with friends?”

David Tran, founder of Huy Fong Foods in Irwindale, gives visitors the chance to see the company’s iconic bottles of sriracha sauce made and filled.

The hour-long tour is free, but you’ll have a tough time not buying some of the company’s products when it’s over. The tour is perfect for kids of all ages since it moves pretty constantly and there’s even an outdoor portion. Restrooms are available. Tours are usually conducted on weekends, but it’s best to call ahead and make sure.

This Tour is Red Hot

While E. Waldo Ward is a farm with a factory, it’s all high tech at Huy Fong Foods. That’s the maker of the iconic bottles of red sriracha hot sauce emblazoned with a rooster logo common in so many SoCal restaurants. It turns out you can tour the company’s massive factory in Irwindale, watch hundreds of bottles whiz by and get flash-filled with chili sauce.

The factory is so large – more than 650,000 square feet – that visitors are transported to the various stages of production in golf carts. Not only does the company sort and process the red chilies it grows here, it mixes in the ingredients and makes the iconic bottle as well. The tours are given several times a day.

“Kids get amazed with our blow molding machine, which makes our bottles from a small plastic preform to a bottle,” says Daisy Acuna, one of the company’s tour guides. “The parents enjoy watching the packaging area. It surprises them how automated we have become.”

The company opened its factory to the public in 2014, around the time the City of Irwindale sued it. The lawsuit alleged some residents complained the factory was a public nuisance due to its spicy scent. Touring the factory for themselves, though, visitors found a high-tech production facility – not some kind of eye-watering experience. The city dropped the lawsuit in mid-2014, and the tours remain a way for families to see what’s inside. The tour allows “people to see for themselves how our sauce is truly made and there is ‘no tear gas made here,’” Acuna says.

It’s also an American success story. Founder David Tran, who had tinkered with chili recipes in his native Vietnam, headed to the U.S. in 1979 on a Taiwanese freighter named Huey Fong. It was such an important moment in his life that he named his company after it. “Many [visitors] are impressed learning that David Tran is very involved in his company, and the fact that he has never changed the price on his product is very amazing to them,” says tour guide Andrea Castillo. You’ll likely see Tran in the factory – and he’ll gladly stop to talk to visitors on the tour and take photos.

You need to schedule a tour ahead of time, but they are free and there are no age restrictions. Food isn’t available, but you will likely get to choose a bottle of one of the company’s sauces at the end. Restrooms are available. “The families that come by are usually big fans of sriracha and very eager to learn how the sauce is made,” Castillo says.

Famous Assembly Line

Finding out which companies offer tours can be tricky. Some, like Huy Fong Foods, promote them on their websites, but with others, you have to ask. That’s the case with Beverly Hills chocolatier Edelweiss Chocolates. It’s really a retail store on Canon Drive, and the entrance looks like any other candy shop with rows of truffles and bars.

Edelweiss Chocolates is a chocolate shop in Beverly Hills, but it gives behind-the-scenes tours so visitors can see how its wares are made.

But just ask, and the clerk will take you to the back of the store and show you how the chocolate is made. There are vats for melting and shaping chocolates in the company’s signature shapes. You’ll see the assembly line that, legend has it, inspired the “I Love Lucy” television episode where Lucy and her pal Ethel, posing as factory workers, can’t keep up with the increasingly speedy line and try to hide the evidence by stuffing their mouths full of chocolates. Pay close attention and you’ll see a portrait of Lucille Ball on the wall near the machine.

You don’t need to book this tour, but it’s a good idea to call ahead to make sure there’s someone available to take you to the back. The tour is free, but restrooms are not available in the store.

Even if a tour doesn’t require reservations, it’s a good idea to call ahead. Sometimes tours are put on hold for business reasons. Chocolatier ChocXO’s factory tours in Irvine were so popular they filled up months in advance. But during this past summer, the company closed the factory and moved its entire operation to a larger facility in Canada. Robinson Helicopter offered tours of its factory in Torrance for years – allowing visitors to see the manufacture of its choppers. But since the company is doing construction in its facility, at least as of the summer, tours have been suspended. Similarly, Amazon.com has temporarily halted tours of its San Bernardi.no distribution facility, which allowed visitors to see how the giant online retailer packs and ships the items ordered.

Finding tours takes some “good old-fashioned research,” Axelrod says. FactoryTour.com and FactoryTourist.com keep a list to get you started, and you’ll be surprised at how many Southern California companies would be happy to show you their factories. They’re just waiting for you to ask. No golden ticket required.

Matt Krantz is an L.A.-based writer whose work has appeared in USA Today and L.A. Weekly.

  Local Tours You Can Take

Graber Olive House: 315 E. 4th St. Ontario; graberolives.com , 909-963-1761.

• Waldo Ward & Son: 273 E. Highland Ave., Sierra Madre; waldoward.com , 626-355-1218.

Huy Fong Foods: 4800 Azusa Canyon Rd., Irwindale; huyfong.com/toursnow , 626-286-8328.

Edelweiss Chocolates: 444 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills; edelweisschocolates.com , 310-275-0341.

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7 Fantastic Factory Tours You Can Only Take In Southern California

Discover seven fascinating factory tours in Southern California that showcase the production of bread, mattresses, caramel, RVs, chocolate, musical instruments, and beer.

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From bread to candy and vehicles to musical instruments, there are so many things produced in Southern California. It is one thing to enjoy a high-quality finished product, but even better to see firsthand the work and skill that goes into making it. Get a sort of backstage pass with these seven factory tours in Southern California and see how some wonderful products come together.

1. Bread and Cie - San Diego, CA

Who doesn’t love fresh bread, from that amazing smell to the soft and crusty texture? Tour San Diego’s Bread and Cie to see the process that turns dough into an irresistible finished loaf. On your tour, you will explore the factory and walk-in freezer, sample breads, and learn all the little things that bakers do to produce their goods. You definitely won’t want to leave without purchasing some breads or other baked goods to take home.

2. Custom Comfort Mattress - Orange, CA

If you have ever wondered how a quality mattress is made, we suggest a tour of the family-owned Custom Comfort Mattress factory. This is a great tour for adults, kids, and school groups. These mattresses are hand-crafted and you will get a chance to see each aspect of the process that goes into making each made-to-order luxury mattress. On your tour, you will be able to examine materials and fabrics, view sewing machines and equipment in use, and see mattresses being hand-sewn. You will definitely appreciate your own mattress differently when you get home.

3. Le Caramel - El Cajon, CA

Le Caramel is a family bakery that made its start as a small business with a traditional French sea salt caramel cream product and has become a large award-winning caramel factory. You can take a free tour of this sweet factory to learn the story behind this caramel, how it is cooked and cooled, and the equipment used in production. You will have a chance to sample a fresh piece of caramel before heading to the shop to stock up on sweet, caramel goodies.

4. Lance Camper Manufacturing Corporation - Lancaster, CA

Lancy Camper has been making the world’s finest RVs since 1965, and you can go behind the scenes at their state-of-the-art factory in Antelope Valley. See firsthand the craftsmanship that goes into what has been called America’s favorite truck campers. The expansive 141,000-square-foot facility is open for tours by appointment only and can be requested on their website .

5. Chuao Chocolatier - Carlsbad, CA

Have you ever wished you could enter the world of Willy Wonka? For chocolate fans 10 years of age or older, the Chuao Chocolatier factory tour is like a dream come true. Chuao is a Venezuelan chocolate factory and on your tour you will learn about its history, see how mouthwatering chocolates and truffles are made, and of course, enjoy plenty of free samples. Don’t forget to drop in to the store and buy some chocolate to bring home with you.

6. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation - Corona, CA

Touring the Fender Factory and Custom Shop will give you a close-up view of the beginning-to-end processes that turn raw materials into some of the world’s most popular guitars and other instruments. You will observe each stage of production in the wood mill, the metal shop, and the final assembly area. End your tour at the “Dream Factory,” the famous Fender custom shop.

7. Stone Brewery - Escondido, CA

Get the inside scoop on how beer is produced and bottled on your tour of Stone Brewery . Children must be over 12 years old to join the tour, Adults over 21 are able to enjoy four samples of the delicious beers and take home a souvenir glass. After your tour, explore the beautiful one-acre beer garden and enjoy a meal at the huge bistro. There are 36 beers on tap and a long list of wines to accompany your meal.

Have you had the chance to take any of these awesome tours in Southern California? Share your tour experiences with us in the comments. If you love tours, check out these other amazing tours you can take in SoCal .

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The Scenic Train Ride In Northern California That Runs Year-Round

Napa Valley Wine Train offers a luxurious journey through Northern California's scenic vineyards with world-class cuisine.

Napa Valley in Northern California boasts a type of beauty that you won't find anywhere else in the country, featuring rolling hills, mountains, and endless vineyards. It's truly no wonder this beautiful destination draws visitors from all over the world. When it comes to experiencing the best of the area, a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train is a perfect adventure. Not only does the train route show off the region's beauty, but the Napa Valley wine train route also takes you through several charming small towns and world-class vineyards. What do you say - are you ready to hop aboard this beauty-packed Wine Train on one of the best scenic train rides in California?

As one of the top wine-growing regions in the world, Napa Valley is a sight to be seen. The Napa Valley Wine Train runs right through the heart of the valley, allowing you to experience its beauty in a most memorable way.

Most people don't know that the rail line was originally built in 1864 to take visitors north to the resort town of Calistoga. Today, the Wine Train is a delightful, 36-mile journey from Downtown Napa to St. Helena and back.

Guests start their Napa Valley adventure by boarding the train at McKinstry Street Station. After leaving the station, the train travels through the old industrial section of Napa before crossing the Rural Urban Limit Line (RUL) and thrusting you into spectacular scenery!

The train chugs along, past famous farm real estate, agricultural lands, and charming towns like Oak Knoll, Yountville, and Rutherford. The entire experience takes about three hours, and you'll love every minute of it.

The Napa Valley Wine Train is a luxurious journey that combines majestic scenery with amazing, world-class cuisine. With four onboard kitchens, the train's team of chefs is always whipping up culinary works of art like yellowfin tuna tartare, pan-seared Pacific halibut, and roasted beef tenderloin.

Don't feel like you have to leave the kids at home, either! The Wine Train always welcomes children aboard, and some ride packages have special rates. There are several railcars ranging from casual to more upscale, so you can really customize the Wine Train experience to your liking.

It's always a good day to one of these scenic California train rides! From the delicious onboard food and drink to the breathtaking scenery passing you by, this is most definitely a train excursion to remember. Visit the Napa Valley Wine Train website to learn more.

See what it’s like to ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train:

What do you think? Will you be adding this year-round Napa Valley Wine Train route to your bucket list anytime soon? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!  While you're in the area, take a road trip to Sonoma to fully enjoy Northern California wine country. Just be sure to check out our road trip essentials packing list before embarking on your journey!

Love all things Napa? Check out this Napa Castle Winery!

This Wine Train In Northern California Puts A New Spin On Afternoon Tea In The Garden

The Napa Valley Wine Train offers a unique afternoon tea experience with scenic views of Northern California's wine country.

Having lived in Northern California, I can confidently say that it's one of the most beautiful places in the country. Aside from the Bay Area, there's so much to do and explore in the northern part of the state. Therefore, if you're planning to be in the area, I highly recommend booking a ticket to experience the infamous wine region. Better yet, how about planning a memorable outing aboard The Napa Valley Wine Train ?

Along with their tasting and lunch offerings, this wine train in California has a lovely afternoon tea service. During this excursion, you'll take a midday ride through wine country on this historic train while sipping tea, drinking sparkling wine, and eating finger foods. Even if you’ve experienced the Northern California wine train, I think you might want to take another trip to enjoy high tea while speeding through the scenic vineyards that make this part of Northern California so special.

The Napa Valley Wine Train in Northern California has long been celebrated as an iconic way to take in the region's beauty and flavors.

Whether you’re a seasoned tea enthusiast or seeking a unique way to see Napa, this afternoon excursion presents a fun way to soak in this picturesque area of the state.

This special Napa Valley train ride outing was created by a partnership between the wine train and winery Chandon.

In addition to being a special way to see the region, the tea and sparkling wine pairing makes The Secret Garden Afternoon Tea one of the most unique Northern California train rides.

The tour on one of the prettiest Northern California train rides takes place on a vintage Pullman rail car, decked out in a beautiful floral display.

We think the floral display will make you feel as though you’re having tea in a garden– all while seeing Napa Valley.

The three-hour adventure on this wine train in California winds through the area while guests are served cocktails and food in this scenic setting.

Riders will be given a signature drink to enjoy: the Chandon Garden Spritz. This sparkling wine is bright with notes of citrus– perfect for a day in the garden.

Guests will also be served a selection of steeped teas, small portions of soup and salad, plus finger sandwiches, scones, and mini desserts.

This is a great opportunity for people who don’t drink alcohol to enjoy the infamous wine train. Perhaps you and your friends will want to try this tea-centered wine country activity the next time you're contemplating one of the Napa Valley train rides.

Keep in mind that while the tour departs at 11:30 a.m. and returns at 2:30 p.m., guests are expected to arrive at 10:30 to get checked in for their Napa Valley train ride experience. All Aboard!

The Napa Valley Wine Train's afternoon tea offers the public a new way to enjoy California’s most celebrated wine region. Therefore, we think it's an ideal way to celebrate a birthday or special occasion too.

To get started on planning your memorable outing on this wine train in California, visit the Napa Valley Wine Train . If you've already been on this epic outing, let us know if this was one of your favorite Northern California train rides in the following comments section.

And, if you'd like to explore some more, we think you'll also enjoy our coverage of Sonoma. Feel free to also reference Viator for more ideas on what to do when you're in Northern California.

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Here's What The Inside Of See's Candies' Chocolate Factory Looks Like

They make a BILLION pieces of candy here each year.

Walking around See's Candies is without a doubt what I imagine heaven to look like. Everywhere you turn, there's candy! And every person you pass, without fail, smiles and says hello to you.

Granted, I was walking around with Dave Chapman, the factory's production coordinator who's been with the company for 30 years and is the nicest human ever, so that surely gave me a leg up. But, I suspect being around the scent of chocolate all day just makes you happier, you know?

And while the factory isn't open to the public, we got an inside look at how some of the most iconic See's Candies goodies are made, like crunchy Peanut Brittle and creamy Bon-Bons (they're hand-decorated with insane precision). Operations for the west coast brand are split between Northern and Southern California; in the massive Los Angeles factory we visited, chocolatiers crank out Molasses Chips, Toffee-Ettes, Scotchmallows, and other white, dark, and milk chocolate treats.

See's produces over a billion—yep, with a "b"—pieces of candy every year, and they've been making chocolate since 1921. Needless to say, they know what they're doing. You can order See's online (check out their seasonal Valentine's candies below!) or head to a store to taste-test a free sample, first.

While the flagship stores are located in San Francisco and Los Angeles, See's operates stores in 20 states and select airports around the country. Bold statement, but it's truly some of the best chocolate you'll ever try.

See's Valentine's Day Candy

Valentine's Day Truffle Heart

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Heart

Dalmatian Kids' Lollipop Box

Tuxedo Truffles and Chews Heart

Madison Flager is the Lifestyle Editor at Delish.com; she covers food news and trends, travel-worthy food experiences, and the products you need in your kitchen right now. She has a deep love of coffee and manchego cheese.

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California factories to visit and tour

California has factories to visit and tour. Below, first are the active, working factories. The next section has historical operations which often have demonstrations or renactments. These incluse both large and small operations, from several person chocolate factories and cheesemakers to large manufacturers making paper towels, wood products, beverage cans and bottles, are open to the public with real tours, exhibitions and fun education.

In some cases, such as a manufacturing process that is no longer in use, the only way to see it and learn about it is a museum or living history center. So, we also provide information about engineering facilities and museums, dinosaur digs, even government facilities, like NASA, astronomy oberservatories and more that are open to the public on certain days and times. And if there is some place that is just plain fun to visit, we add that, too!

These are perfect for homeschooling, for STEM and for fun! Kids love visiting these places! They're learning and getting an education without even realizing it. And most of these are either free or under $10! What's better then fun, entertaining, good for children and families, educational and free?

Here are some of the top factory tours in California and contact information and tips about visiting them.

Factories to visit in California

Factories, engineering, museums and other fun demonstrations and exhibits to visit in california.

• Paramount Pictures Studio Tour - Movie Studio Tour 5515 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038. Phone: (323) 956-1777. Open: see their website, as conditions are constantly changing. Paramount Pictures Studio Tour provides a glimpse into Hollywood's history and present. Explore the studio's iconic backlot, soundstages, and the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, where many legendary stars are buried.
• See a TV show being recorded live - Jeopardy - Sony Pictures Studios, Stage 10, Culver City, CA. Directions: Google Maps . You should request tickets as far in advance as possible. The show is recorded twice a day for a week or two. You can even register for the chance to be on Jeopardy Let's Make a Deal - Haven Studio, Glendale, California. Directions: Google Map You can apply for general admission or a priority ticket . The show is recorded several times a day, at 9 AM, 11 AM, and 1 PM. They even have a costume shop where you can rent ($10-$35 to rent) or purchase costumes to wear on the show. The Price Is Right - CBS Television City, corner of N Fairfax Avenue and Beverly Boulevard, Hollywood, CA. Tickets are free and you can obtain them online. Click here to find a ticket . The show is usually taped 5-10 days out of every month. Directions: Google maps . Wheel Of Fortune - Sony Pictures Studios, Stage 11, Culver City, CA. Directions: Stage 11 is located off Culver Boulevard, across the street from Calley Park. Google Maps . Tickets are free, you can also apply to be a contestant . There are other shows, including the late night talk shows, like Jimmy Kimmel , Follow the link for more about those.
• Sony Pictures Studio Tour - Movie Studio Tour 10202 W Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232. Phone: (310) 244-8687. Open: see their website, as conditions are constantly changing. The Sony Pictures Studio Tour offers a guided walking tour through a historic studio lot. You can see soundstages, sets, and props used in popular films and TV shows.
• Sunset Las Palmas Studios - Movie Studio Tour 1040 N Las Palmas Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038. Phone: (323) 860-0000. Open: see their website, as conditions are constantly changing. Hollywood Center Studios offers group tours for those interested in behind-the-scenes looks at a working studio lot. Note that availability may vary. Sunset Las Palmas Studios, formerly General Service Studios and Hollywood Center Studios, is an American independent entertainment production lot Phone: (323) 860-0000
• Universal Studios Hollywood - Movie Studio Tour 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608. Phone: (800) 864-8377. Open: see their website, as conditions are constantly changing. Universal Studios Hollywood offers the Studio Tour, which takes you behind the scenes of a real working movie studio. You can explore iconic sets, visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and enjoy thrilling rides and attractions. It's both movie studio and amusement park. The tour is a ride at the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park in Universal City, California near Los Angeles. Studio Tour is the theme park's signature attraction. It travels through a working film studio, with various film sets on the Universal Studios Lot. Duration: 45–60 minutes. Admission is included with a Theme Park Ticket or Annual Pass purchase. (blackout dates apply)
• Walt Disney Studios - Movie Studio Tour 500 S. Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CA 91521. Phone: (855) 458-4212. Open: see their website, as conditions are constantly changing. Walt Disney Studios does not offer public tours, but you can visit the Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank. While not a traditional tour, you can explore the lobby and view a gallery of Disney animation history.
• Studio Tour
• Classics Tour
• Studio Tour Plus
• Deluxe Tour

California Historical Forts and Sites, Famous buildings, Active Federal facilities to tour, Geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

• Alerts and Current Conditions
• Info about the park
• Park event calendar

• La Brea Tar Pits - Famous for the prehistoric animals like Mastodons that are preserved in the natural tar, La Brea Tar Pits are in Hancock Park in Los Angeles, US. Natural asphalt has seeped up from the ground in this area for tens of thousands of years.

California State historic sites and parks

These are state-run parks, museums and historic sites that present the history of some manufacturing process, industry, or living settlement

• Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park
• California Citrus State Historic Park
• California State Mining and Mineral Museum Park Property
• California State Railroad Museum Point of Interest
• Cambria State Marine Park
• Governor's Mansion State Historic Park
• Hearst San Simeon State Park
• Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument
• Heber Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
• Lighthouse Field State Beach
• Limekiln State Park
• Palomar Mountain State Park
• Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park
• Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park
• Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
• Ames Monument State Historic Site

California Seasons, bugs, topography and climate

Located in the Rockies and at the edge of the plains, Wyoming has both landscapes. In the summer, it tends to be semi-arid, hot during day and cool at night. Winters can be brutally cold. Many roads are closed or impassible in the winter.

Bugs are thankfully few!

Camping in California

If you're looking to save money on your trip, camping may be a fun alternative to hotels and motels, especially, if you already have the gear, or are looking to get some. BTW, this websites ( https://RoadTrippingAndCamping.com ) explains everything you need to know about camping gear and where to the best gear at the lowest prices.

If you're not from California, you may not realize that

There are both state parks and private campgrounds in California .

OlimpiaFit Quick Dry Towel - Fast Drying Lightweight Microfiber Travel Towels w/Bag for Camping, Beach, Gym, Backpacking, Sports, Yoga, Swim Portable Camping LED Light and Fan , 40hrs Rechargeable Battery w Hanging Hook for Tent, Car, RV, outages, etc.

• Activities for Kids
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How’d They Make That?: 6 (Free) Food Factory Tours

Kids are super curious by nature and ask a lot of questions. A lot of questions. Especially when it comes to discovering how various things are made. “How do you make pasghetti?” “How do you make sugar, sugar, SUGARRRR?!” “How do you make babies?” (You’re on your own on that last one.) Factory tours of local businesses are a fun, educational & tasty way to pull back the Wizard’s curtain, so to speak. We’ve rounded up six of the grooviest food and beverage tours around the LA area, and the best part is they’re all totally free!

Golden Road Brewing Parched parents looking for some of the best craft brews in town are in luck. Golden Road Brewing welcomes the entire brood (small pints included) to stop by and learn all about the beer making process. This uber-friendly, full-service brewery gives tour guests a behind-the-scenes look at the pub, cold box where they store packaged beer, tank farm where delish suds are fermented and stored, and brew deck where brewers actually brew the beer. Visitors also learn about the filtration process and how the can line works. Littles even have a chance to taste the malted barley grains that make beer, while the grown-ups get to sample a cold one. Cheers to that!

Tour 411 : Free tours are given Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.. To book one, just sign up with the pub bartender.

5410 W. San Fernando Rd., Los Angeles Phone: 213-373-4677 Online:  goldenroad.la

Graber Olive House For generations, the Graber Olive House has been growing some of the finest olives in the country. Full of rich texture and a unique nutlike flavor, they’re truly one of the most succulent delicacies on the market. The Graber Family warmly invites famlies to tour the historic grounds and learn more about the olive growing, curing and canning process. In fact, the tour serves as California history lesson of sorts as they’ve been curing olives in Ontario since 1894, and their plant was last modernized in 1934. Most of the plant’s equipment is about chest high to an adult, so littles may need an occasional boost from mom and dad to take in all the sights. Also, be sure to save room for an olive or two as samples are given to visitors in the gift shop.

Tour 411 : Free walk-in tours are available upon request Monday – Sunday, 9:45 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. For groups of 10 or more, advanced reservations are required.

315 E. Fourth St., Ontario Phone: 800-996-5483 Online: graberolives.com

Homeboy Industries If you’re looking for a tour where your kiddos not only learn about the food industry, but more importantly, get a life lesson in heart, then Homeboy Industries is just the ticket. Homeboy works with high-risk, formerly gang-involved men and women by operating several social enterprises that serve as job-training sites. Among these are the Homeboy Bakery, Homegirl Cafe and Catering and Homeboy/Homegirl Merchandise which are featured on the tour. During a visit, families follow a trainee and learn more about how they came to Homeboy, what life was like before they got there and how Homeboy has helped them turn things around. Samples are usually available at the bakery counter and if not, tikes are definitely encouraged to ask if they spot something yummy they’d like to try.

Tour 411 : Free tours are available Monday – Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. by reservation through the Homeboy Industries  site .

130 W. Bruno St., Los Angeles Phone: 323-526-1254 Online:  homeboyindustries.org

E. Waldo Ward & Son Welcome to sugar rush central. Since the early 1900’s, E. Waldo Ward & Son has been crafting some of the tastiest jams, jellies and marmalades on the West Coast. Located on a picturesque plot of land in Sierra Madre, E. Waldo Ward offers families a tour that’s chock full of sweet sights to behold. Guests learn the history of the company, how their products are made, manufactured and packaged (with a little food science thrown in for good measure) and can also browse the on-site farming museum afterwards. Samples are available as well – kids dig the sweet stuff, but you’ve got to try the Raspberry Jalapeno Jam.  It’s divine.

Tour 411 : Free tours are available on Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. by calling ahead.

273 E. Highland Ave., Sierra Madre Phone: 626-355-1218 Online:  waldoward.com

San Antonio Winery A tour where tots can learn something while mom and dad enjoy a little vino? Yahtzee! Founded in 1917, the breathtaking San Antonio Winery still stands strong as the last producing winery in LA and remains an important historical part of California’s wine community. During a tour of the winery, guests have a chance to see the fermentation warehouses, private event rooms, barrel towers and bottling machines. A complimentary wine tasting of three samples off a selected list is available as well (for the parental units only, of course).

Tour 411 : Free tours are available Monday – Friday, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. on the hour and Saturday – Sunday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on the hour. Reservations are required for groups of 8 or more. You may want to call ahead during the holidays in case there are any private events taking place during tour times.

737 Lamar St., Los Angeles Phone: 323-223-1401 Online: sanantoniowinery.com

Boudin Bakery at Disney California Adventure Park Tons of So Cal families head to Disneyland during the holidays (you brave souls you), so why not squeeze in a free tour of the Boudin Bakery while you’re there? Located inside Disney California Adventure Park, this quick and easy tour guided by Rosie O’Donnell and Colin Mochrie (on video of course) gives guests an insider’s look at the history of San Francisco’s oldest running bakery, shows how bread is made and even provides expert tips for baking the perfect loaf. If all this fresh baked goodness suddenly leaves you feeling like you’re at the hungriest place on earth rather than the happiest, don’t fret – samples are handed out at the conclusion of the tour.

Tour 411 : Free tours are given daily on a walk-in basis during Disney California Adventure’s operating hours.

1313 Disneyland Dr., Anaheim Phone: 714-781-4565 Online:  disneyland.disney.go.com/attractions/disney-california-adventure/bakery-tour/

Have you taken any cool LA factory tours we may have missed? We’d love the heads up!

Dont have time for a factory tour, but wanna show the kiddos how sweets are made?  See some scientific ice cream making taking place, or watch in wonder as chocolate gets ground and mixed before your very eyes.

–Jennifer O’Brien

Photo Credit: Golden Road Brewing via Facebook , Graber Olive House via Facebook , Homeboy Industries via Facebook , Les S. via Yelp , San Antonio Winery via Facebook  and Keila N. via Yelp

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Tours & Events

personalized classes, tours, and experiences, guided by our chocolate education team

1-1.5 HOURS

GUIDED WALK

Walk through our historic brick 16th Street factory with an expert Chocolate Educator: View our entire production line, and enjoy plenty of samples, from fresh cacao pulp to finished chocolate. Weekdays until 2 p.m., you're likely to see our Chocolate Makers in action, and catch the aroma of freshly roasting cocoa beans. On weekends, we have the factory to ourselves; we'll dive deeper into chocolate history, as well as our own sourcing and production processes. Both tour versions include lots of chocolate tasting.

Please anticipate high levels of noise at certain parts of the tour when visiting during operating hours. Ear plugs are provided upon request.

16TH STREET FACTORY

$20 / PERSON

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curated ingredients, tools, and recipes: the best kind of structured creativity

Irish Whiskey & Chocolate

Educational

$125 / PERSON

7 PM, FRIDAY, SEPT 20

Hosted at our 16th Street location, this 90 minute experience is the perfect introduction to tasting and pairing craft chocolate with Irish Whiskey. Joining our team is whiskey expert Andrew Healy, also known as 'Irish Whiskey Lad'. Together, we'll explore the rich histories of whiskey and chocolate while tasting three types of chocolate and four whiskeys. Must be 21 years or older to attend this experience. We will verify age upon arrival.

Chocolate Making

INTERMEDIATE

$160 / PERSON

Follow simple steps to craft your very own batch of single-origin, two-ingredient chocolate, using our cocoa nibs and organic sugar. Our Educators offer hands-on instruction, while explaining the science and mechanics behind exceptional chocolate making. You'll leave with an appreciation of the chocolate maker's art, along with your just-made chocolate to share with friends and family.

Chocolate Tasting

$55 / PERSON

SATURDAY 4 PM

Taste your way through a flight of five distinctive chocolate bars, featuring a range of the flavor notes — from fudgy to fruity — that may be found in chocolate made of well-fermented cocoa beans. Expand and refine your palate as you learn specialized techniques and specific vocabulary to identify tasting notes in chocolate. You'll depart with knowledge that will enliven any future chocolate adventure.

Truffle Making

$100 / PERSON

friday 6 pm

Our truffle-making class is a fun, interactive activity to enjoy with family, friends, or teammates. Learn the process of blending creamy ganache using our two-ingredient chocolate, then hand-roll your ganache into truffles. We supply all necessary materials (including truffle toppings) to make a generous truffle batch — simply arrive ready to plunge your hands in chocolate.

Chocolate 101

$40 / person

WEDNESDAY 6 PM

This class is one of our favorites — interactive and engaging, with light, fun content. It is a perfect introduction to single-origin, two-ingredient craft chocolate. We explore many of the common ingredients used in craft chocolate bars, tasting each component individually, and learning about its' purpose. For a delicious finale, you will participate in a blind taste test of a variety of chocolate bars from other makers, and try to guess which ingredients are present.

Chocolate Tempering

Intermediate

$125 / person

On specific saturdays

In our Chocolate Making class, we learn about bean-to-bar chocolate production from dried cocoa beans to melted, refined chocolate. Our Tempering class teaches you what comes next — the process of tempering chocolate to create a smooth, shiny, delicious chocolate bar with a perfect, snappy crystal structure. Our Educators will guide you through the mechanics of tempering two-ingredient chocolate, and the process of foiling and wrapping a Dandelion chocolate bar. In addition, you will prepare chocolate mendiants from tempered chocolate. You will leave class with 28 finished mediants, as well as three full-sized finished chocolate bars — hand-wrapped in gold foil and custom-patterned paper, with your own blank label.

Tequila & Chocolate

7 PM, SATURDAY, OCT 26

We sat down with Fernando Merino and learned more than expected about the process and history of tequila. Then came the fun part– finding the best expressions of tequila to pair with our single-origin dark chocolate. In this experience, Fernando and Chef Durfee will share their expertise, serving several pours of tequila with our single-origin dark chocolates. 

DINING AT BLOOM

We’re excited to let you know that we are officially open with limited hours, Thursdays through Saturday (for now). Come visit us and enjoy exclusive menu items, such as chocolate-almond Babka French Toast; a freshly baked chocolate Soufflé topped with house-made cocoa-nib ice cream; and much more. Available for walk-ins or contact Guest Care to reserve space for private event.

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Our classes, tastings, and events may be tailored into private, off-site experiences at your request. Please contact us to design your special experience.  

All of our classes, tastings, and tours can be made into private off-site experiences at your request. Contact us to curate your experience.

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Virtual chocolate tasting.

TEAM BUILDING

$75 / PERSON

friday 5 pm

You’ll receive a flight of five distinctive chocolate bars, featuring a range of the flavor notes — from fudgy to fruity — that may be found in chocolate made of well-fermented cocoa beans. With guidance from an expert Chocolate Educator, you’ll expand and refine your palate as you learn specialized techniques and specific vocabulary to identify tasting notes in chocolate. You'll gain knowledge that will enliven any future chocolate adventure.

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Chocolate Factory Tour & Tasting

Learn. Tour. Taste. Experience The Journey!

A custom Private Chocolate Tour of Los Angeles' First Bean-to-Bar Factory! Our cacao expert will lead you through an intimate discussion and experience of ChocoVivo's home base factory and cafe, and teach you about the origins and history of chocolate. We will share how we stone-grind our single-origin organic cacao and the benefits of eating and drinking chocolate.

Enjoy a tasting of 7 different chocolates from any of these bars, paired with one full size choice chocolate drink (less the Frozen Hot Chocolate).  All drinks are customizable with your type of chocolate and dairy and non-dairy milk options. 

The tasting will take place in our meditation space at our shop in Culver City, a short distance from the beach and beautiful Westside Los Angeles. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and step into the oasis of ChocoVivo to celebrate yourself, cacao and inner peace. What makes our tour unique and special?

• Taste chocolate with an understanding of the real historical context of usage
• Taste chocolate with naturally fruity, floral, spice, and chocolatey flavors
• Taste chocolate directly sourced from a 100-year real working chocolate farm 
• Understand Maya heritage and authenticity of cacao uses
• Interactive cacao tasting experience
• Guided Chocolate Tasting of up to 14 different flavors
• Understand Oaxacan methods vs European methods of grinding cacao
• Extensive chocolate tasting, education, and comparisons
• Taste ripe chocolate fruit
• We make 100% of our chocolate with Maya single-origin cocoa beans
• Cacao products found nowhere else in the world!
• Friendly knowledgable staff
• Featured in publications like the NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and Eater LA
• Sole chocolate exhibitor at the prestigious 2023 Maya Museum Exhibit at the California Science Center!
• Private Custom Tour 

Monday thru Thursday 12 – 4 PM; Friday thru Sunday 1 – 6 PM.  Experience lasts about 1 hour to 1.5 hours.  

ChocoVivo 12469 W Washington Blvd Culver City, CA 90066

This is a custom tour and there will not be any others booked at your time slot.  

Pricing includes a 15% gratuity.  If you enjoy the event, additional gratuity at time of event is greatly appreciated.

IMPORTANT:  OUR POLICY ON REFUNDS AND RESCHEDULING.  **Tours must be booked up to 24 hours in advance. For same-day tours or if you would like to book a tour within 24 hours of the tour, please call us at 310-845-6259 for availability. For large parties of 6+ more, we appreciate a 3-day window to make sure our staffing is sufficient.  Email [email protected]** 

** Tickets are non-refundable once booked.   We cannot reschedule 2 days before the booked tour date.  

OUR CACAO BEANS ARE DIFFERENT

We use an old technique called the Mayan method where the beans are less acidic and less bitter while maintaining a higher level of antioxidants. Taste the difference.

MINIMALLY FERMENTED >LOWER ACID >MORE ANTIOXIDANTS

Our beans are specially fermented for less than 3 days. This creates less acidity. Research has shown that less days of fermentation means more flavanols are maintained in the chocolate.

BENEFITS OF CACAO

Packed with fiber, flavanols, protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, iron and vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B9 and E. High in antioxidants – typical serving size of cacao has more antioxidants than blueberries, red wine, and green tea. High levels of essential minerals like magnesium. Magnesium helps to promote brain chemistry, build strong bones, and help regulate heartbeat and blood pressure, sulfur, calcium. Cacao inherently has no sugar inside.

ORGANICALLY GROWN USING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES

Our beans are organically grown and more than fair-trade. We are continually working with our grower to protect the region and educate people in the area.

LITTLE KNOWN CACAO FACTS

An ancient superfood packed with antioxidants, fiber, calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, and vitamins B1, B2, B5, B9 and E. Contains zero sugar. High fat, high protein. Has zero caffeine. Contains its cousin called Theobromine. A prebiotic that is rich in polyphenols. Helps boost collagen production. Cacao Beginner’s Guide

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Take a Made in America California Factory Tour

California is a great place to see guitars being made, visit a winery , or tour a candy factory . You can see a working mill as well as woodworking tools being manufactured, visit a working nut farm, or see where popular tableware is produced.

California Factories That Offer Tours

Alembic | Rohnert Park, CA

Alembic invites you to visit the factory and see how they make their fine hand-crafted, ready-to-play, and custom basses and guitars. Alembic also produces pre-amps and accessories. Tours are available with advance notice on the first Wednesday of the month

When Alembic started back in 1969, our goal was to create the finest quality American made instruments ever known.  Alembic

Bates Nut Farm | Valley Center, CA

Educational tours, weekdays from January through September. Spend time on the farm and learn how nuts are grown and harvested, the history of nut agriculture in California, tour the roasting, packaging, and storage area, enjoy a hayride, and more.

#Bates Nut Farm

Blue Ox Millworks | Eureka, CA

Tour a working mill that has made pieces for made pieces for state parks, historic cathedrals, Russian East Orthodox churches, two governor’s mansions, and even the White House twice. You’ll see all the woodworking trades that have made Blue Ox Millwork famous.

#Blue Ox Millworks

Heath Ceramics | Sausalito, CA

Visit the sweeping semi-circle factory where Heath Ceramics has been making dinnerware , drinkware , and serveware in the USA since 1959. Factory tour sizes are limited so reservations are required.

#Heath Ceramics

Intel | Santa Clara, CA

Intel offers self-guided visits, group tours, student tours, and field trips at the Intel Museum where you’ll learn about Intel’s history, the science behind the semiconductor industry, and much more.

Jet Propulsion Laboratory | Pasadena, CA

Visitor day tours for groups of 10 or less, public group tours, educational tours, and virtual tours. Guests may also visit the von Karman Visitor Center, the Space Flight Operations Facility, and the Spacecraft Assembly Facility.

#Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Lance Camper Mfg. Corp. | Lancaster, CA.

A behind-the-scenes look at Lance Campers for shoppers, owners, RV enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to learn how Lance campers are made. By appointment, tours are scheduled on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

Sherline | Vista, CA

Sherline manufactures lathes and woodworking tools at a 66,000-square-foot facility that hosts production, assembly, and administrative offices. They invite visitors to take a factory tour, Monday-Friday, excluding holidays.

Taylor | El Cajon, CA

Enjoy a showcase of Taylor guitars when you visit the USA headquarters in El Cajon, CA.

#Taylor Guitars

Shop Taylor Guitars on Amazon

U.S. Borax Visitor Center | Boron, CA

One of the biggest and richest deposits of borax on the planet is buried deep in the Mohave Desert. Take a trip to the visitors center where you’ll get free admission to historical and geological exhibits on the rim of the active borax mine.

More Tours in California

California Chocolate & Candy Factory Tours

Made in the USA Matters has a complete directory of United States chocolate and candy factories that offer tours . Check out the chocolate and candy factory tours in California .

California Cheese Factory Tours

Made in the USA Matters has a complete directory of United States cheese factories that offer tours . Check out the cheese factory tours in California .

California Dairy Farm Tours

Made in the USA Matters has a complete directory of United States dairy farm tours . Check out the dairy farm tours in California .

California Distillery and Brewery Tours

Made in the USA Matters has a complete directory of United States distilleries and breweries that offer tours . Check out the distillery and brewery tours in California .

California Vineyard & Winery Tours

Made in the USA Matters has a complete directory of United States vineyards and wineries that offer tours . Check out the vineyard and winery tours in California .

USA Factory Tours

Did we miss a California factory tour? Please share it with our community in the comments below.

American Dairy Farm Tours | See Dairy Products Made in the USA

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American Chocolate & Candy Factory Tours | See Chocolate & Candy Made in the USA

American Potato Chip Factory Tours | See Snack Foods Made in the USA

American Distillery & Brewery Tours | See Spirits Made in the USA

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U.S. FACTORY TOUR

Our first U.S. factory is located in Fountain Valley, California, where we make both Yakult and Yakult Light. Our factory also makes, fills, seals and packages our iconic little bottles. The facility can produce 950,000 bottles a day, every one of them packed with billions of live and active probiotic strain, L. paracasei strain Shirota.

We are now offering FREE guided tours of our factory in Fountain Valley, California.

Want to get to know Yakult? Come take a factory tour in Fountain Valley, California. Take a trip through our state-of-the-art facility, see how Yakult is made and learn more about probiotics! You’ll also get to see how our factory makes, fills, seals and packages our iconic little bottles. Reservations are required. Walk-ins are not accepted.

We hope to see you soon at our Factory Tour!

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday – Friday (Except Holidays) 10am, 2pm & 4pm TOUR Duration : 60 minutes Minimum : 1 person 5 years & older (*All individuals below the age of 18 must have adult supervision on the tour)

Book a Free Tour! Virtual Factory Tour

Please let us know if you have any questions about age limits, group size, or anything else at [email protected] or, please call 714-434-6500 (Press 4).

Book a Free Tour!

* Required Field

Name of Group / School / Organization / Family *

Name of Person-in-charge / Group Leader *

Address of main contact for group *

Phone Number *

Desired date & time of visit *

Date * (Available from )

10am 2pm 4pm

Alternate date 1 *

Alternate date 2 *

After 4:00 p.m. PT, please select a date after 10 days from today

Total number of visitors in group *

Adult(18+yrs)

Youth(12~18yrs)

Children(5~12yrs)

Groups of less than 10 people may be combined with other small groups. Groups of more than 40 people may be divided into smaller groups.

Special Requests / Comments

Transportation *

Allow photo of group? *

How did you find out about the tour? (Please Specify) *

• Ages 5 and up. At least one adult will need to be present throughout the tour for any group with minors.
• Groups of less than 10 people may be combined with other small groups.
• Groups of more than 40 people may be divided into smaller groups.
• Please allow a minimum of 3 business days for us to respond to your request.
• Each group attendee is required to sign a waiver of liability, assumption of risk and indemnity agreement. If the attendee is under 18 years old, their parent or legal guardian must sign the waiver on their behalf. The waiver will be sent to you along with the factory tour safety guide after we’ve received your application form. Please send back the signed waiver to us through email or fax at least one week before your scheduled tour date.
• Our photo release form must be signed by the leader of each group. Please obtain permission from all members (18 yrs and up) and all parents/legal guardians of members under 18 yrs before signing the photo release form.
• There are three parking spaces for buses as well as plenty of regular parking spaces. All the parking spaces are free. Please let us know if you will be coming by bus.
• Please note that live production cannot be guaranteed as a result of our production schedule being subject to change.
• Please note we will not be able to accept all applications for a factory tour.
• Wearing a mask is optional during the tour.

Yakult U.S.A. Inc.

25 Best Factory Tours in America for Families Who Love to Go Behind the Scenes

Find out what it takes to construct a jellybean, giant plane and everything in between.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

After a prolonged period of being stuck at home, some families are looking to travel again. And while the COVID-19 pandemic means that precautions still have to be taken, and not every destination is up and running at 100% capacity, there's still plenty of unique experiences out there that are once again open to the public.

When you get to your family vacation destination , what do you do? If you're traveling with kids , in addition to the usual sightseeing attractions, depending on your destination, you might want to look and see if there is a factory tour near you. These behind-the-scene looks show kids how their favorite objects are made; they may even get a lesson in industrial design, engineering and manufacturing. Plus, if you tour a creamery, ice-cream factory or sweet shop, you might get a tasty sample at the end!

The following factory tours and appropriate for kids, are well-reviewed by families and are currently open to visitors (or will be opening soon). But you might want to book ahead — some require timed tickets or reservations before you visit. But when you're done, you'll all know a little bit more about how the world around you is made.

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory (Louisville, Kentucky)

Swing by to see how baseball bats are made — this company has been churning them out since 1884. Your family can walk through the factory production line and watch the wood chips fly! Everyone can try out bats from iconic players, like Babe Ruth and Derek Jeter. With plenty of photo ops (including your crew inside a giant baseball mitt) and a free mini bat souvenir for every guest, this tour will be a home run. Open daily; $ 18 for adults, $11 for ages 6 – 12, free for ages 5 and under

MORE INFORMATION

Jelly Belly Visitor Center & Factory (Fairfield, California)

From your perch above the production line, you’ll witness all the steps — slurry, steam bath, glossy application — it takes to create the gourmet jellybeans that have been a thing since the late 1800s. Video screens provide close-ups and fun facts (like it takes 1 – 2 weeks to make a jellybean). Feeling hungry? Stop at the café for a jellybean-shaped pizza. Open daily (but factory workers are typically there only on weekdays), $5 for adults, $2 for ages 2 and up, free for younger kids

The Kazoo Factory Tour Experience (Beaufort, South Carolina)

After learning the ins and outs of kazoo-making during a factory walk-through, everyone gets to create their own instrument to take home. A built-in souvenir is music to our ears! Open Monday to Friday, $9 for adults, $7 for ages 4 – 11, free for younger kids

PEZ Visitor Center (Orange, Connecticut)

The colorful facility dispenses equal parts nostalgia (it maintains well-organized vintage PEZ displays) and tech wizardry (you can see how the famous candy is packed). Be sure to snap your kid’s pic in front of the world’s largest PEZ dispenser, which looks like a person wearing a PEZ-themed baseball cap. Open daily; $5 for adults, $4 for ages 3 – 12, free for younger kids

Polaris Experience Center (Roseau, Minnesota)

School-age kids who love to build things will have their mind blown going behind-the-scenes at this maker of snowmobiles and ATVs. On the guided tour, they’ll see laser cutters, high-speed saws and other cool equipment making parts for the vehicles. They can also watch motors being installed and ATVs being tested. Whoa! Open Monday to Friday; children under age 6 prohibited; free

Hammond’s Candy Factory Tour (Denver, Colorado)

This centuries-old confectioner invites you to see how it makes its lollipops, candy canes and other treats. Looking through large viewing windows, your crew will be gobsmacked at how the colorful candies are shaped and packaged. Open Monday –Saturday; free

Kohler Design Center Factory Tour (Kohler, Wisconsin)

Got a teen whose interested in manufacturing? They’ll be fascinated by this detailed two-hour, 3 ½-mile foray behind the scenes of how the brand’s famous plumbing products are created. Open Monday – Friday, children under 14 not permitted, free

Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop (Jacksonville, Florida)

Willy Wonka vibes are strong at this mansion that takes guests from room to room of candy-making demos. You’ll get to design your own chocolate bar, choosing from more than 16 toppings. Check availability online; $6.45 per person

Henry Ford Rouge Factory Tour (Dearborn, Michigan)

One truck per minute rolls off the assembly line at this famous automotive factory — and your crew gets a birds-eye view of the goings-on from a 1/3-mile observation deck. There’s also a gallery of cool cars, like a 1965 Ford Mustang, to check out. Check dates online; $22 for adults, $16.50 for ages 5 – 11, free for younger kids

Turkey Hill Experience (Columbia, Pennsylvania)

While the dairy producer’s actual factory is closed to the public, this children’s museum-like attraction gives families the inside scoop on ice cream-making, plus unlimited free samples. Your kids can create their own virtual flavor, and then star in a commercial promoting it . Open daily; starts at $10.50 per person

World of Coca-Cola (Atlanta, Georgia)

Since you can’t tour an actual Coke bottling plant, this attraction is the next best thing. Its Bottle Works exhibit, showcasing real equipment, explains the packaging process. And you’ll get a chance to taste different kinds of sodas from around the world. Open daily; $19 for adults, $15 for ages 3 – 12, free for younger kids

Tillamook Creamery Tour (Tillamook, Oregon)

From a viewing gallery above the factory floor, you’ll see how milk becomes cheese. Then hit the dining hall for gooey faves, likes grilled cheese and mac ’n cheese. Your fam can even share a “flight” of ice cream. Open daily; tour is free, you can add tasting experiences for a charge

Warner Bros. Studio Tour (Los Angeles, California)

Your crew will be star-struck hanging out at a working movie studio. During the hour-long guided portion, you’ll see backlots, movie sets and maybe even spy someone famous. Then you’ll have two more hours to explore on your own — plenty of time to snap a pic of your family in front of the fountain from Friends . Open daily: $69 for adults, $59 for ages 5 – 10

The Great Utz Chip Trip Tour (Hanover, Pennsylvania)

Kids will discover how potatoes get turned into chips at this famous maker’s plant near the Pennsylvania-Maryland border. They can watch factory workers from an observation gallery; closed-circuit TV monitors provide close-ups. Everyone receives a free sample of chips at the end. Open Monday – Thursday, free

Ben & Jerry’s Factory Experience (Waterbury, Vermont)

With a tentative re-opening planned for the end of June 2022, this beloved attraction wets appetites with a short movie about how Ben & Jerry got their start. From there, it’s off to the mezzanine where you’ll watch how the ice cream is made. Samples of ice cream (sometimes a flavor that’s exclusive to the factory) is the proverbial cherry on top. On your way out, visit the “ice cream graveyard” of flavors that are no longer made. Check back for ticket info

The Crayola Experience (Easton, Pennsylvania)

There are many activities to take part in at The Crayola experience, including a live show where a "crayonologist" demonstrates how crayons are made. The 65,000-square-foot attraction also includes a toddler and a big-kid playground, interactive games and a studio for art projects, among manny other stations — they recommend blocking out three or four hours for a visit. Open daily. Admission is $25 if you buy tickets in advance; a timed ticket is required for all visitors ages 3 and up. There are also Crayola Experience locations in Chandler, Arizona; Mall of America, Minnesota; Orlando, Florida and Plano, Texas, but offerings may vary

Taza Chocolate Factory Tour (Somerville, Massachusetts)

Specializing in stone-ground chocolate, this candy maker explains the production process and hosts a sampling. On weekends, there’s a scavenger hunt-themed tour for kids under age 10 . Open Wednesday – Sunday; $8-$12 per person

The White House (Washington, DC)

Though not a factory in the traditional sense, White House tours are back, and you can meander around the famous Blue Room, Red Room, State dining room and — best of all — the Rose Garden. But you can’t wait until the last minute to book. Twenty-one to 90 days before you’d like to visit, you need to request one of the free tours by contacting your congress member’s office. Tours are only available on Fridays and Saturdays

Blue Bell Creamery Factory Tour (Brenham, Texas)

Look high above the factory floor to see ice cream being packaged in different types of containers. An employee is on-hand to answer all the kids’ questions about the process, so encourage them to ask away. Open Monday – Friday; free

American Whistle Company (Columbus, Ohio)

A kitschy stop on a Midwest road trip, this factory doles out loads of engaging info about a topic you probably never considered — how whistles are made. Everyone receives a whistle to take home. Open Monday Friday; $6 per person

The former senior editor at Parents who started the brand’s awards programs, Karen Cicero is a seasoned journalist who specializes in travel, book, lifestyle and food coverage.Cicero has visited almost every state with her family (look out Wyoming, she’s coming for you next!) She recently presented at several travel industry conferences, including PRSA and the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Alliance. A mom who goes overboard for all the holidays, Cicero lives in the Christmas city itself: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

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Great factory tours in the U.S.

The Anheuser-Busch Factory Tour in the company’s home base of St. Louis can be a popular tourist stop between a ride in the Gateway Arch and a day at a Cardinals baseball game. The tour, which visits the Budweiser Clydesdale horses as well as the Brew House, “puts a face on the world’s largest brewer,” said Karen Axelrod and Bruce Brumberg. The husband-and-wife team co-wrote the book “Watch It Made in the U.S.A.: A Visitor’s Guide to the Best Factory Tours and Company Museums” and are proprietors of FactoryTour.com . Here, Axelrod has offered 10 other great factory tours in the United States.  (James A. Finley/ Associated Press)

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Martin Guitar Nazareth , Pa. MartinGuitar.com “Craftsmen use clothespins to hold strips of cedar wood in place as they glue each piece together,” Axelrod said. “It’s neat that it’s not all high tech.”  (Matt Rourke/ Associated Press)

Vermont Teddy Bear Shelburne, Vt. VermontTeddyBear.com “You get to stuff your own bear,” Axelrod said of the factory, where the factory store recently discounted its Hillary Clinton bears. She also enjoys tasting the results at the Ben & Jerry’s factory in Waterbury .  (Toby Talbot/ Associated Press)

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