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Kid-Friendly Factory Tours near Philly from Hershey Factory Tour to US Mint Tour

Hershey's Chocolate World takes visitors through the whole chocolate-making process. Photo by Jody Mercier
Hershey's Chocolate World takes visitors through the whole chocolate-making process. Photo by Jody Mercier
10/13/23 - By Lindsay Li

Get behind the scenes on everything from chocolate to motorcycles! What better way to enjoy a family-friendly educational experience than with a food or factory tour? From Philadelphia to the suburbs, as well as places that may constitute a day trip, Pennsylvania is a state that makes all sorts of things, and many companies are thrilled to have kids and grown-ups check out the process. That's where factory tours come in. Have you ever wondered how Herr's makes such cheesy cheese puffs? Does your little artist want to visit the Crayola Factory? Does you entire family want to tour the Hershey's Chocolate Factory to learn how they make the chocolate? 

Whether you are just looking for something to do this weekend or take a longer road trip, we have a list for you. Be sure to call or check the websites for the most up-to-date hours and ticket prices. Looking for something in your immediate vicinity? Our Events Calendar always has the latest scoop, and find more ideas for weekend fun with our Weekend Travel Guide. 

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Ashers Chocolate - Souderton

The only downside of this tour is that you can’t live in this chocolatey world of wonder! Asher's has been in the chocolate game since 1892, and it is the oldest continuously family-owned and operated candy manufacturer in the U.S. Under an hour drive from Philly, this yummy stop offers free, self-guided tours that are open to the public.

What we love: The best part of the tour is the free samples!

Byers Choice Ltd - Chalfont

Home of handcrafted caroler figurines, this factory tour lets families stroll down a London street and watch skilled crafters from the observation deck. It's like a Christmas wonderland all year long. Byers Choice is only a 45 minute drive from Philly.
 
What we love: This tour transports you back in time to the days of Dickensian London.
 

Kids can play with crayons in more ways than one at Crayola Experience. Photo from Crayola Experience

Crayola Experience - Easton

Located about an hour drive from Philly, the Crayola factory tour is a truly unique family experience. Explore how color, chemistry, and technology create the classic children’s supplies for all things creative. This is a self-guided attraction with lots to do. 
 
What we love: The Adventure Lab attraction offers an immersive and interactive quest game.
 

Herrs Snack Factory Tour - Nottingham

Expect fun-filled demonstrations, tasting opportunities, and a chance to see the delicious world of chip, popcorn, and cheese curl making. This science-packed tour is about an hour and fifteen minutes from Philly, and more educational than you would think. It's a tasty time for all ages.
 
What we love: Sample warm chips fresh out of the oven and take home some snacks when the tour is over.

Hershey's Chocolate World - Hershey

Just under 2 hours from Philly, Hershey's Chocolate World takes visitors through the whole chocolate-making process. In the same building, families can purchase tickets to join the Great Chocolate Factory Mystery in 4D, Reese's Stuff Your Cup, and a Create Your Own Candy Bar station. Kids and grown-ups alike will enjoy checking out all Hershey has to offer. Plus, you can buy tickets in advance online and save.
 
What we love: The tour features a train-themed journey though the chocolate world.
 
 

Kids get a hands-on lesson in the art of pretzel twisting. Photo from Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery

Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery - Lititz

Drive about 90 minutes outside Philly to take a tour of the original pretzel bakery founded by the Sturgis family in 1861. Children can learn the art of pretzel twisting with playdough and learn the history of pretzel making in America. No reservations are needed for groups of less than ten people.

What we love: During your visit, watch the pretzel bakers make soft pretzels right in front you.

Harley Davidson Motor Company - York

Temporarily closed until 2024
Although it is a bit of a hike from the Philadelphia suburbs, the Harley-Davidson tour is a must see if anyone in the family is a bike enthusiast! The tour includes details about the history of the plant, a chance to see the assembly process, and a special “Kids Rally” area for kids under the age of 12. Note that children under 12 years of age are not allowed to take the factory tour - this one's best for teens. Tours are free and approximately one hour.

What we love: Get a glimpse of the manufacturing process.

The Mill at Anselma - Chester Springs

The 1747 Mill at Anselma, a National Historic Landmark and working grist mill, loves to educate families about Pennsylvania's agricultural and industrial past through tours and milling demonstrations. Located about an hour northwest of the city, the Mill is open from the first Thursday in April through the first part of December each year. It's a neat way to help tweens and teens really get into PA history and industry.
 
What we love: The Mills Trails are open from dusk until dawn and they are a great way to tour the site.

Moravian Pottery & Tile Works - Doylestown

Located less than an hour from Philly, this working history museum produces handmade, decorative tiles. Family tours include an orientation video and self-guided walk through, and ceramists demonstrate tile-making processes. Art enthusiasts and budding creators will see original installations, various displays, and selected aspects of current tile production. Admission fees and operating hours are subject to change, so be sure to plan accordingly.
 
What we love: If you book you tour on a Tuesday, you can make your own Moravian tile.

Turkey Hill Experience - Columbia

Head to this Lancaster County factory, about an hour and a half drive from center city, and experience life as an ice cream maker. Besides the factory tour, kids will have a blast milking a mechanical cow, starring in a Turkey Hill commercial, and of course, indulging in the free ice cream and iced tea samples. For the entire experience, visitors should plan on spending one to three hours there.

What we love: The best part of the tour is the Taste Lab, where you create your own flavor. 

RELATED: 13 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Lancaster

U.S. Mint - Philadelphia

Stay super local - right in the city - and see how coins are made! Watch large coils of copper and nickel feed into a press that smooths and forms them into discs. Free self-guided tours are open to the public at the U.S. Mint in historic Old City Philadelphia. Expect a line to get in, as there are no reservations during peak tourist seasons.
 
What we love: The highlight of this tour is seeing the first coining press, from 1792!

Utz Chip Trip Tour - Hanover

Experience learning about how your favorite snacks are made at the Utz Factory with a family-friendly factory tour about an hour and a half drive from Philly. Enjoy a self-guided tour with the help of push-to-talk features and video monitors explaining the factory's history and process along the way.

What we love: Watch the chip-making process from the special glass observation gallery on the second floor.

Originally published in 2016. Updated in 2023 by Nicole O'Donnell.

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