ML Interest Tag: factory-tour

Allergy-Friendly Factory Tours

By Susie Hultquist

Few people love to see how food is made more than the allergy community. Our guide features 29 allergy-friendly factories and provides the details we are hungry for, including if the entire facility is dedicated to being free of allergens and what kind of food samples you can expect. Move over Willy Wonka—we’ve got your golden ticket!

1. Joy Cone

Location: Flagstaff, Arizona & Hermitage, Pennsylvania

Ever wonder how ice cream cones are made? Book ahead to visit Joy Cone’s Pennsylvania factory from August to November or their Arizona factory in September to February to find out! Cones made at the Flagstaff location all contain wheat. Their gluten-free ice cream cones and cups are produced using a mixer that is dedicated to gluten-free batter and the batter lines to their ovens are thoroughly cleaned prior to each gluten-free production run. Their gluten-free cones are certified by the Gluten-Free Manufacturing Program.

Free Sample: Plain cones in the plant, a cone with DQ soft serve in the breakroom. The DQ ice cream is gluten-free and contains dairy. Gluten-free Joy Cones are available to eat with the ice cream or to take home.

Facility Dedicated Free From Peanut, Tree Nut

 2. Dandelion Chocolate

Location: San Francisco, California

Dandelion Chocolate has a one-hour factory tour, as well as numerous informational and chocolate-making classes including classes based on children’s ages. The tour is free of the Top 8 allergens and on their site, all classes list what allergens are involved and note if the allergen can be substituted if you give them prior notice.

Free Sample: Taste cacao fruit and roasted cacao beans from different origins, taste warm melted chocolate as it is refining, and finished single origin dark chocolate bars. You’ll receive a hot chocolate gift card for the café.

Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut

3. Sriracha

Location: Irwindale, California

The free Ultimate Sriracha Tour lasts about an hour and gives you a behind-the-scenes look into how the “rooster sauce” is made. Visit the Rooster Room, the on-site shop for all things Sriracha! Sriracha

Free Sample: Small bottle of Sriracha

Facility Dedicated Free From: Top 8, Sesame and Mustard

4. Celestial Seasoning Tea

Location: Boulder, Colorado

The Celestial Seasonings factory tour takes you into the heart of their state-of-the-art facility to see how tea is made. This free 30-minute tour shows you how the entire process, from raw materials to the finished product. Children 5 and up are welcome. A few teas contain gluten or soy but no other Top 8 allergens are present in the teas.

Free Sample: 6 teas at the tea bar

Facility Dedicated Free From: None

5. PEZ

Location: Orange, Connecticut

The Pez Visitor Center boasts the largest, most comprehensive collection of PEZ memorabilia on public display in the world, a PEZ motorcycle, the world’s largest PEZ dispenser, and a self-guided tour through a viewing area into the production area, which operates on weekdays.

Free Sample: One pack of Pez

Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Soy, Gluten

6. World of Coca-Cola

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

The World of Coca-Cola isn’t exactly a factory tour, but it’s too iconic to miss. You can spend the day interacting with multiple exhibits, learning the history of the iconic beverage brand, and sampling more than 100 different beverages from around the world. There are also VIP guided tours available by reservation.

Free Sample: Try over 100+ Coca Cola beverages at the sampling bar. The majority of sodas are gluten-free.

Facility Dedicated Free From: None

7. Dole Plantation

Location: Wahiawa, Hawaii

Take a two-mile, 20-minute, fully narrated train ride through a real-life working plantation at the Dole Plantation on the Pineapple Express Train Ride. Along the route, you’ll learn about Hawaii’s most famous fruit crop and the history of the Dole company. Be sure to visit the Pineapple Garden Maze and the cafe for a Dole Whip! Pineapple is naturally Top-8 free, as is Pineapple Dole Whip.

Free Sample: A free pineapple sample. Li hing powder (a plum extract from plum seeds) is sprinkled on some, but not all samples.

Facility Dedicated Free From: None

8. Albanese Confectionery

Location: Merrillville, Indiana

Choose between a self-guided or guided tour of the Albanese candy factory to see how their gluten-free gummies and chocolate are made through viewing windows and videos. Note: tours are unavailable during the months of November-December and March-April.

Free Sample: A gummi and a chocolate

Facility Dedicated Free From: None

9. Bixby & Co

Location: Rockland, Maine

See how the delicious chocolate is made at Bixby & Co., a small working family chocolaterie. They offer a presentation and the ability to view the bean-to-bar production area kitchen through a window. Most offerings are gluten-free. Though made on shared machinery, their site clearly calls out which allergens the chocolate is free of and staff is allergy-aware.

Free Sample: Assorted chocolate, can change samples to meet allergen concerns

Facility Dedicated Free From: None

10. Taza Chocolate

Location: Somerville, Massachusetts

Join the factory for the Intro to Stone Ground Chocolate, a brief talk, and chocolate tasting tour. Families with children under 10 years old are encouraged to attend the Taza Cacao Scout Bingo or Chocolate Story Time on weekends. In a rush? You can even view the chocolate grinding and depositing rooms from their factory store.

Free Sample: Stone-ground chocolate

Facility Dedicated Free From: Dairy, Egg, Soy, Gluten

11. Cape Cod Chips

Location: Hyannis, Massachusetts

Find out how the famous Cape Cod Chips are made on this short self-guided tour and hit the shop on the way out for snacks to go! Cape Cod uses a blend of non-GMO oils, including canola oil and/or safflower and/or sunflower, and while not stated on their site, is known to be peanut- and tree-nut free.

Free Sample: Regular potato chips

Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut and Egg

12. Jiffy Mixes

Location: Chelsea, Michigan

Make reservations for the free, one-hour tour at the JIFFY Mix plant for an educational video presentation and a guided walk through their packaging plant.

Free Sample: Box of raspberry muffin mix

Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut
 

13. Kimmie Candy

Location: Reno, Nevada

Join a guided full tour or take a self-guided mini-tour of the Kimmie Candy factory to see how their delicious candy is made.

Free Sample: Assorted candy

Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Gluten
 

14. Chocolatrium

Location: West Berlin, New Jersey

Tour the Chocolatrium to discover the history of chocolate on a private guided chocolate tour. Choose the perfect tour for you: lunch, dinner, birthday-themed or chocolate-making. The tours are full of chocolates and pastries and menus are available on their site.

Free Sample: Chocolate and pastries

Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Soy
 

15. Raaka Chocolate

Location: Brooklyn, New York

Watch chocolate being made from bean to bar at the Raaka chocolate factory. Kids 8 and up are welcome with an adult. They also have several chocolate-making classes if you want to get more hands-on.

Free Sample: Assorted chocolate

Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut (except Coconut), Dairy, Soy, Gluten
 

16. Videri Chocolate Factory

Location: Raleigh, North Carolina

Take a free museum-style self-guided tour of the Videri Chocolate Factory to see how chocolate is made from bean to bar or take a more in-depth paid guided tour.

Free Sample: A bonbon and flight of chocolate bars

Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Soy, Gluten

17. Spangler Candy

Location: Bryan, Ohio

Watch a video presentation of how your favorite lollipops are made at the Spangler factory and ride the 30-minute Dum Dum Trolley Tour to see how they are wrapped and packed. The tour ends at the museum and shop which has all of the company’s brands for purchase.

Free Sample: Dum Dums

Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Dairy, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Gluten
 

18. Bob’s Red Mill

Location: Milwaukie, Oregon

Join the Bob’s Red Mill tour to see how whole grains are stone-ground to become your favorite flour! The free tour is 75 minutes long and there is a cafe and shop one mile down the road for picking up the goods to bake your next creation.

Free Sample: Varies

Facility Dedicated Free From: Gluten

19. Franz Bakery

Location: Portland, Oregon

Book the half-hour Franz Family Bakery tour in advance to tour this family-owned facility and see how their delicious bread is made.

Free Sample: Bread, butter, and apple juice. A loaf of bread or a pack of cookies is given to each chaperone.

Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut

20. Tillamook Cheese Tour

Location: Tillamook, Oregon

Take a free self-guided tour to get a bird’s-eye view of the cheese-making and packaging rooms at Tillamook Creamery. Enjoy cheese samples in the Food Hall. The cafe offers gluten-free bread and will prepare your meal separately on an allergen-free grill with fresh utensils at your request. The ice cream counter will use a fresh scoop and open a new carton for allergic customers. All Tillamook Cheese products (including shredded cheeses and Sauce Starters) are gluten-free.

Free Sample: Variety of cheeses

Facility Dedicated Free From: None
 

21. Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc.

Location: Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

The Golden Roll: Martin’s Visitor Center offers guests the chance to see the original garage bakery where the founders began baking their famous potato bread and rolls in the 1950s. Tour guides tailor each tour to the specific group and guests view a series of interactive touch screens with historical photos, videos of the bread baking process, and Martin’s current process flow and distribution footprint.

Free Sample: Loaf of swirl bread

Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut

22. Snyder’s Pretzels

Location: Hanover, Pennsylvania

Enjoy the smell of baking pretzels on the 30-minute Snyder’s of Hanover tour, which takes you from the raw ingredients to robotic packaging. Recommended for children 5 and up.

Free Sample: Bag of pretzels

Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut and Tree Nut

23. Hershey’s

Location: Hershey, Pennsylvania

The free 30-minute immersive tour of the Hershey’s chocolate factory is part education, part ride! The factory is the headquarters for the sweet company and there are several other activities to indulge in, including a trolley tour of the town of Hershey. Hershey’s labels well for allergens. In instances where they have a concern about the possible crossover of an allergen, they take the added precaution of including an allergy information statement on the label.

Free Sample: Varies; ask an attendant for an alternative sample if the sample of the day doesn’t work for you

Facility Dedicated Free From: None
 

24. Herr’s

Location: Nottingham, Pennsylvania

Herr’s Snack Factory one-hour tour promises to be as educational as it is entertaining. The guided tour teaches everything from how they make a great potato chip to how their tortilla chips get seasoned. You’ll see several of their products made and the Customer Service department is happy to answer any allergen concerns with a quick call.

Free Sample: Crisp ‘N Tasty Chips or Ripples, hot out of the fryer with no seasoning. Herr’s does not use peanut oil.

Facility Dedicated Free From: None
 

25. Ben & Jerry’s

Location: Waterbury, Vermont

Take the 30-minute guided tour of the Ben & Jerry’s factory to see how your favorite flavors are made. Be sure to visit the on-site scoop shop and ask for a fresh scooper and carton from the back, visit the “flavor graveyard” behind the building afterward and check out the kid-approved playground to burn off all that sugar. Ben & Jerry’s has a very proactive approach to addressing allergies by working closely with ingredient suppliers to verify all ingredient components to ensure that this information is included on the product ingredient label. They have systems and policies in place to help protect against cross-contamination through strict sanitation procedures and processes.

Free Sample: Ice cream sample; flavor varies

Facility Dedicated Free From: None

26. Taylor Made Chocolate

Location: Chester, Virginia

This factory tour teaches how Taylor Made makes delicious chocolate from cocoa beans. Learn the differences between chocolate grown in different parts of the world and the history of chocolate as well as how farmers harvest, ferment, and dry cacao beans.

Free Sample: Tasting of chocolates produced from cocoa beans grown in different parts of the world and a bar of your choice to take home

Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat
 

27. Jelly Belly

Location: Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin and Fairfield, California

Learn how jelly beans are made on the free Jelly Belly factory tour, which includes interactive games, exhibits and a train ride to see the factory in action at the WI location. The CA location makes all of the company’s famous beans and has a walkway to give you a bird’s eye view of the plant. Personal guided tours are also available for a cost with reservations.

Free Sample: 1 oz. bag of the 20-flavor variety jelly beans and a box of Bean Boozled jelly beans

Facility Dedicated Free From: WI: Peanut, Tree Nut (except for Coconut and Almond), Dairy, Gluten. CA: Peanut, Tree Nut (except for Coconut), Dairy, Gluten.
 

28. Sprecher Brewing Company

Location: Glendale, Wisconsin

See a real working brewhouse, from the aging cellar to the bottling line and warehouse, guided by a friendly and knowledgeable tour guide. The tour ends in an indoor beer tent for sampling of beers and their caffeine- and gluten-free house-made sodas.

Free Sample: 4 samples of beer (adults 21 and older). Tour participants of all ages can sample all available sodas.

Facility Dedicated Free From: None
 

29. ChocXO

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia

Contact ChocXO to make reservations for a unique tour of the chocolate-making process, including tastes of each step from bean to bar.

Free Sample: The longer tour includes samples of cacao pulp, cacao nibs, cacao liquor, and shots of warm liquid chocolate, all of which are naturally nut-free. At the end of the tour, you can select three tastes from the chocolate case. Many of these products contain nuts and gluten. They can swap these items for chocolate squares, which are nut-free and gluten-free. The dark chocolate does not contain dairy (except the caramel flavor) but is made on shared machinery.

Facility Dedicated Free From: None

This post originally appeared on Spokin.

Spokin is a modern platform and app connecting people managing food allergies to resources including food, restaurants, hotels and more. Users have personalized experiences based on allergies & location. With 55,000+ reviews across 79 countries, Spokin helps the allergy community share and connect. The Spokin iOS app is free on iTunes.

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The Best Halloween Treats for Kids with Allergies

by Mireille Schwartz

When you’ve got a kid with allergies, Halloween is a unique challenge of its own. Navigating through piles of candy that your kiddo may or may not be allergic to is not the easiest task, which is why we’ve put together a list of candies and treats that skip some of the most common allergens, like tree nuts, gluten, soy and dairy. We hope it comes in handy both when buying candy and going through your little one’s haul, but remember: always check the ingredients list and manufacturing practices before letting your littles dive in!

Enjoy Life Chocolate Minis

Enjoy Life, a leading allergen-free food manufacturer, has released their latest treat—Halloween Chocolate Minis. Choose from dark chocolate, ricemilk chocolate, ricemilk crunch and a variety pack. All of the chocolate is free of the top eight allergens and is gluten-free.

Online: enjoylifefoods.com/Halloween-Chocolate-Minis  

free2b Foods Sun Cups & Mint Cups

Free2b

Halloween can be tough for kids with food allergies. That's where free2b comes in. Their line of sun cups and mint cups are top 12 allergen-free, and free from artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, preservatives, hydrogenated oils, palm oil and carrageenan, as well. The entire line is Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Gluten-Free, Certified Vegan, Kosher Pareve and Fair Trade Certified. 

Our kid tasters particularly loved the consistency of the filling in both the sunflower and mint options. Buy them in two packs or in Halloween-themed single packs for trick-or-treaters. You can purchase them online or at a store near you. 

Black Forest Organic Trick or Treat Mix

Made with real fruit juice and simple ingredients, trick-or-treaters will go wild for this tasty mix from Black Forest Organic. It’s got a nice variety of lollipops, gummies and fruit chews, and they’re all gluten-free and nut-free.

Online: blackforestusa.com/gummy-candy.html

SAFE + FAIR Cookies and Grahams

Allergy-friendly food company SAFE + FAIR has an awesome line of kid-approved treats, including Abby’s Cookies and Remy’s Grahams. The treats are nut-free (and made in a nut-free facility), non-GMO and made with whole grains, so you’ll feel good about handing them out to the little ghouls at your doorstep. SAFE + FAIR even donates 3% of proceeds to the Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University.

Online: safeandfair.com

Hu Chocolate

This cult-favorite brand carries a range of delish vegan and paleo chocolate bars in flavors so good, you won’t even want to give them away. Try the cashew butter and raspberry jelly, the crunchy mint or the almond butter and puffed quinoa. All of the bars are free from dairy, palm oils, emulsifiers, soy lecithin, gluten, refined sugar, cane sugar and sugar alcohols, but note that some flavors contain nuts.

Online: hukitchen.com/collections/chocolate

Surf Sweets Jelly Beans

Made from organic fruit juice and cane sugar, these sweet beans are free of over 10 allergens, including tree nuts, soy, casein, sesame and more. And, they recently released a new multi-pack—just in time for the big night!

Online: amazon.com/Surf-Sweets-Organic-Jelly

Fear Not Spook Free Chocolatey Treats

Your kid can finally dig into a "peanut" butter cup, a "snickers" bar and "milk" chocolate on Halloween! These individually wrapped treats are milk free, nut free, gluten free and wheat free. They are also vegan, processed in an allergen-free environment and taste great.

Online: nowheychocolate.com

Partake Cookies

Partake makes cookies in three flavors: a yummy (and slightly spiced) carrot oat, sweet potato millet and a wholesome sprouted grain chocolate chip. Thought up by a mom who struggled to find a tasty, allergen-free snack for her own kiddo, each box of cookies is filled with veggies, fruits, and grains, and is free of top allergens, including tree nuts, peanuts, eggs, wheat and more. Gluten-free and non-GMO Project verified, there’s nothing but goodness left in these sweet snacks.

Online: partakefoods.com

Dum Dums

Kids love Dum Dums for the more than 15 different flavors, while parents love the price! Free of the top eight allergens, and made in an allergen-free facility, these suckers are always a good bet. Be sure to look for the newest flavor—pineapple!

Online: amazon.com/dum-dum-lollipops

Welch’s Fruit Snacks

This year Welch's Fruit Snacks has a Halloweeny box and pouch with custom holiday-themed fun shapes that include a bat, a spooky witch, haunted castle, and pumpkin. These guys are completely peanut & tree nut free (and also made in an allergen-free/isolated environment) and perfect for trick or treating, lunchbox treats or parties. The fruity, beloved treats will balance out the overflowing chocolate and candy options for you and your gang.

Online: target.com/welchsfruitsnacks

Sour Patch Kids & Swedish Fish

Even though these classic treats are free of the top eight allergens and are produced and labeled in compliance with FDA Good Manufacturing Practices, kiddos with severe allergies still might want to skip 'em. But, if they get the green light from parents, we found a great combo bag that offers both Sour Patch Kids and Swedish Fish.

Online: target.com/p/sour-patch-kids-halloween-variety-pack

Vermont Nut Free Chocolates

Annually a top pick: the name says it all. Lovingly made in small batches in Vermont, mail-order customers keep coming back for these incredibly delicious chocolates, creamy fudge, and every other candy you can think of! How about jelly beans? Check! Gummy Bears, crunchy-chewy Pretzel Caramel Bark? You know it. Everything is made in a tree-nut free facility (gluten/wheat, soy, eggs and dairy products are processed here, however), and worry-free seasonal candies can be shipped anywhere in the U.S.

Online: vermontnutfree.com

Gimbal’s Cinnamon Lovers

Turn up the heat with these delectable, shiny, soft, allergy-free hearts. Zinged up with spicy real cinnamon oil and bursting with flavor, they're a throwback to the old-school cinnamon hearts from our own childhood. These little red guys are; "Hot! Hot! Hot!", and for calmer palates Gimbals' also has a complete line of other candies. Gimbal's candies are peanut-free, tree nut-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free and egg-free and also include gourmet & sour jelly beans, Sour Lovers, Cherry Lovers, and black-as-Halloween-night Licorice Scotties.

Online: gimbalscandy.com

Smarties

Another one of the candy bunch you've already heard of, but did you know Smarties are free of all Top 8 allergens? These have been dubbed "America's Favorite Candy Roll" since 1949 and Smarties Candy Company has even been featured on the Food Network's "Unwrapped" television show with a fancy-schmancy factory tour so they're about as legit as candy gets. Allergy-free, gluten-free and completely vegan. Timeless.

Online: smarties.com

Wrigley’s

So now you've met some of the new kids on the allergy-free block. Well: look no farther because here's a very familiar face! More than just Juicy Fruit or Spearmint gum, Lifesavers are delightfully allergy-free, the Gummy Life Savers and Creme Savers, too. Skittles & Starburst, oh my! Add Altoids to the allergy safe list, as well, and they're also gluten-free. So find the rainbow, taste the rainbow, and even ride the rainbow of favorite fruit flavors all while remaining allergy safe - and you can find these tasty treats absolutely everywhere.

Online: wrigley.com

PASCHA Chocolate

If dark chocolate is your thing, look no further than PASCHA Chocolate's original assertive, tasty bars. This allergen-free organic chocolate is just right for baking and is such a great addition to recipes it will take your culinary skills to a whole new level (even if the Martha Stewart gene skipped you!). How about kitchen fun on an afternoon that won’t cause any bad reactions? Mail-order chocolate chips can get whipped up into sweet batters for cookies and bars, and whole or mini-bars can be nibbled any old time without allergy-worry—so get cookin' and take a walk on the Dark Side!

Online: paschachocolate.com

—Mireille Schwartz

 

RELATED STORIES:

This New Peanut Sensor Could Be a Literal Life-Saver for Kids with Allergies

Treats & Tips for Babies with Food Allergies

Food Allergy-Friendly Recipes That Everyone Will Love

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Orlando’s 6 Best Museums for Kids & Families

by Kate Loweth

When the heat is up and the kids need to get out of the house, head to one of these Orlando museums that are perfect for families. You can spend your day learning about fire engines, trying science projects and exploring the history of chocolate. Whatever adventure you choose, the kids will have the best day!

Orlando Science Center

Steven W. via yelp

The Orlando Science Center’s mission is to inspire science learning for life with four floors of interactive exhibit halls, labs and workshops, theaters, an observatory, and experiences that change with the seasons. Learn how to be a spy, check out innovations in AI and meet live animals that are Florida residents.

777 E. Princeton St.
Orlando, FL
Online: osc.org

Chocolate Museum

What’s not to love about free chocolate samples and a factory tour to see how chocolate is made? Tour guides make sure the tour is interactive and entertaining for all ages as they educate guests about the origin of chocolate, how it’s made, and how healthy it is for you (true story!). Your little artists will also love the chocolate sculptures, which feature landmarks like the Great Wall of China and Mount Rushmore and range in size from about 3 feet to over 6 feet.

11701 International Dr suite 400
Orlando, FL
Online: wocorlando.com

 

Orange County Regional History Center

Ariel W. via yelp

The Orange County Regional History Center, housed in a historic courthouse in the heart of downtown Orlando, offers four floors of exhibits exploring 12,000 years of Central Florida’s rich heritage. A Smithsonian affiliate, the museum also offers visiting exhibitions and a wide range of programs for families and kids. 

65 E. Central Blvd.
Orlando, FL
Online: thehistorycenter.org

Central Florida Railroad Museum

Memorabilia on display in the Central Florida Railroad Museum includes historic photographs (including an extensive collection of Tavares & Gulf Railroad photographs from its early steam era until its last run), lanterns, locks and keys, telephones, telegraphs, signs, stoves, tools, furniture, timetables, dining car china and silver, tinware, marker lights, ticket punches, lamps, uniforms, locomotive bells and whistles, a 1938 Fairmont motorcar, and a velocipede hand car. Outside, the former Clinchfield caboose #1073, a three-head interlocking signal from the former ACL-SAL junction in Plant City, a set of narrow-gauge wheels and several switch stands and crossing signals are displayed.

101 South Boyd Street
Winter Garden, FL
Online: cfrhs.org/museum

Mennello Museum of American Art

The Mennello features American art of all genres and is home to a permanent collection of paintings by "primitive" artist Earl Cunningham. Outside, a lakeside sculpture garden is where the Mennello hosts the annual Indie Folk Fest, held the second week in February. Every second Sunday is Family Day, which brings child-friendly activities and free admission with mini-tours for kids in the afternoon. 

900 East Princeton St.
Orlando, FL
Online: mennellomuseum.org

Orlando Fire Museum

Tyler G. via yelp

Learn about the history of the Orlando Fire Department at this museum that includes a restored 1926 American LaFrance fire engine in its collection. The museum operates on a donation basis and is staffed by retired fire fighters. 

814 E. Rollins St.
Orlando, FL
Online: orlandofiremuseum.org

—Kate Loweth

RELATED STORIES

Orlando’s Best Events for Kids & Families in February (and Most are Free!)

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Things to Do with Kids in Orlando

 

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Uncommon Ground: 8 Unforgettable Hidden Gems in Ireland

by Amber Guetebier

From the Cliffs of Moher to the halls of Trinity College, Ireland is full of places famous for their beauty…and often their crowds. If you’re planning a vacation to Ireland with your kids, we’ve got the inside scoop on some off-the-beaten-path locales that help you see the real Ireland. Read on for six hidden and unexpected things to do in Ireland with kids.

1. Do the Uncommon in Roscommon

Amber Guetebier

If magical mystical, historical sites are your jam, you're probably thinking you'll need to endure the crowds at Newgrange. Instead, try visiting this area just north of Roscommon. Rathcroghan (Cruachan Aí), is a Royal Site, and the largest and oldest unexcavated one in Europe. Start off at the Rathcroghan Visitor's Center where you can learn all about the sacred sites around, including the history of Samhain (Halloween) and its origins here along with the stories of epic battles, legendary events and more. Kids can try on helmets and lift up weaponry, and catch a film about life in this Sacred Capital. Older kids will probably be up for the two-hour, archeologist led tour of the sites around, or pick up a map and do the self-driving version. There's also a cafe on site with top-notch scones.

Tip: Stay at the Abbey Hotel in Roscommon. It's classy but kid-friendly and has a pool! It's located just 20 minutes from the visitor's center at Rathcroghan. 

2. See a Sheep Dog Demo in Donegal

Amber Guetebier

On the rugged Donegal coastline, herding sheep is not to be taken lightly, and that includes having highly-trained sheepdogs to herd those sheep away from dangerous cliffs. Lifelong resident of the village of Malinbeg, in Glencolmcille, Francis (who started training dogs when he was a kid) and his wife Meghan are the proprietors of Away to Me (a command that means "go right" to sheepdogs). They'll welcome you onto their property and into their fields for a meet and greet with some of the loveliest pups in all the land (give Moss an extra pet for us). You'll enjoy enticing demos with sheepdogs at different stages in their training. Walk-ins are welcome but you can also arrange a visit ahead of time. 

Check them out online at awaytome.ie and follow their adventures on Instagram @away_to_me

3. Go Downton Abbey, Irish Style

Carton House

Downton Abbey was famously filmed in at Highclere Castle in north Hampshire, England, but Ireland knows a thing or two about lavish estates. The modern-meets-historic Carton House is a must-stay when you're looking for that perfect blend of fancy and family-friendly. Located about 30 minutes from the Dublin airport, it's easy to make this beautiful estate and golf resort part of your itinerary. We recommend staying for at least two nights (go out on a high note and stay at the end of your trip) just to take in all the Carton House has to offer. (If you can stay longer, do it!)

Amber Guetebier

Choose from modern wing bedrooms (where families might be coziest) and Carton House rooms in the historic wing. You'll find three on-site dining options along with an afternoon tea service. And while the rooms are luxe, the lighting mellow and the atmosphere divine, don't stay in your room the whole time! Wander the halls like proper ladies and gentlemen, relax in the drawing room or read a book in the lobby. 

And of course, the big highlight is the 1,110 acres you can roam. The grounds themselves invite cycling, walking and exploring. Click here for a downloadable map of the many sites to see. 

If you've got a golfer in your group, arrange a round at one of the two Championship Golf Courses that are surprisingly affordable to play. There's also a spa on site and a beautiful pool the kids will adore. 

Other fun, unexpected perks include an on-site Kildare Gallery of unique artwork, once-a-month paint nights and plenty of weddings. Given the Irish hospitality, you just might find yourself joining in a round at the bar with the bride-and-groom! 

Tip: From Carton House you can explore the nearby village of Maynooth as well as take the 30-minute road trip to Tayto Park (see #7). 

Learn more at cartonhouse.com 

5. Meet the Legendary Weaver of Donegal Tweed

Amber Guetebier

Take the drive up to the village of Ardara to meet a legendary handweaver of Donegal Tweed: Eddie Doherty has been doing his thing for more than 50 years and you can see it in every exquisite stitch. Get yourself a Donegal Tweed cap or scarf, or splurge for a cape—it will last you years. If Eddie isn't there when you stop by just linger. He's likely to pop back in at any minute and will graciously give you a demonstration of his hand loom. 

Learn more at handwoventweed.com 

Tip: The unassuming Charlie's West End Cafe on Main St, Drumbaran, Ardara had one of the best meals we had in Ireland, along with friendly locals and a good selection of vegetarian options. 

6. Visit a Bookshop in Ballyshannon

Amber Guetebier

The quaint little town of Ballyshannon doesn't get nearly the tourists as nearby Donegal Town, but it's big on charm. Our favorite spot is A Novel Idea, a perfect small town bookshop with a great kid's selection including lots of Irish-authored kids books. Also a great place to pick up a few souvenirs at a good price.

Address: Castle St, Townparks, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, Ireland

7. Play Local at Tayto Park

Amber Guetebier

Tayto Park is a theme park and zoo, created by Ireland's #1 crisp maker, Tayto (crisps as in what we call potato chips in the US). Located about 45 minutes from Dublin. Tayto Park has animals and rides for bigs and littles alike. From the super-mellow Steam Train express to the thrilling Cú Chulainn Coaster—Europe's largest wooden roller coaster with an inversion—you'll find something for every member of your crew.

Amber Guetebier

As a tourist to Ireland, the biggest perk just might be that you'll be with other Irish families, so you'll get a chance to chat with parents while kids are on the little rides. 

We recommend staying at Carton House. It's only about 30 minutes from Tayto Park but a world away. Get your amusement park fix and then go relax at a 4-Star property with a pool. After all, you're on vaycay! 

Don't miss: The Tayto Factory tour is a highlight for curious kids who love to see how things are made. 

More info: taytopark.ie

8. Live Out a Fairy Tale at an Irish Castle

Amber Guetebier

Built in 1180 by the first-ever Knights Templar, Kilkea Castle is steeped is a fortress of delights. The current owners—a Boston born couple who are deeply connected with their Irish roots—have lovingly restored the castle into a luxury hotel that feels both lavish and homey all at once. If you've always wanted to stay in a fairy-tale castle, you will not be disappointed. The only truly "modernized" elements are the kind you want, like luxury bathrooms and cozy (not cold) rooms. We recommend requesting a stay in the castle itself, which has 11 guest rooms, or stay in one of the 30 historic carriage rooms.

You'll also find on the 180-acre estate more modern cottages, many of which are self-catering. World-class food and a state-of-the-art spa are on site along with a renowned golf course. True to Irish custom, no matter how posh you'll still feel like you belong. Your kids will love roaming the gardens or exploring nearby adventures like falconry or archery. 

Online: kilkeacastle.ie

 

 

—Amber Guetebier

Writers note: This article previously stated that Eddie Doherty was the last commercial handweaver of Donegal Tweed; the writer apologizes for the error. There are other handweavers in the area (who produce incredible work and are worth a visit including Studio Donegal which has been operating since 1979.)

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Peeps Will Open Its Doors for a Rare Factory Tour, Willy Wonka-Style

by Erica Loop

Your sweet, sugar-coated dreams are about to come true! Now a lucky few can finally go on a Peeps factory tour and whoa—this is pure awesomeness.

Even though you may have enjoyed the marshmallow-y delights for decades, you probably never gave much thought to how they’re made. Now you can find out how Just Born, the makers of Peeps, create these gooey goodies. So how can you get a sneak peek behind the scenes? Looks like Just Born is taking a page out of Willy Wonka.

Photo: katerha via Flickr

Historically, the Just Born factory has not opened its doors for tours. But now they are—for one lucky winner. And it’s all for a great cause. United Way of Greater Lehigh Valley is partnering with Just Born to give away one incredible Peeps Prize Package in their contest aptly named Peeps Helping Peeps.

For every $5 donation to the United Way of Greater Lehigh Valley, you get a chance to win a trip for four to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (where the Just Born factory is located), a Peeps Factory tour, a $250 shopping spree at the Peeps and Company Store, a hotel stay and airfare. The contest runs through Apr. 8, 2019.

Visit the United Way of Greater Lehigh Valley’s Peeps Helping Peeps page to make your donation and to scope out complete entry rules.

—Erica Loop

 

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Food Factory Tours You Need to Book Now

by Gabby Cullen

Whether your little foodie is into Jelly Belly or Ben and Jerry’s, chances are they’ll love going behind the scenes during a food factory tour. We’ve searched coast to coast to find the coolest places to learn how your favorite snacks and treats are made. Keep reading to get the scoop on these peeks behind the curtain.

Jelly Belly Factory—Fairfield, CA

Gabby Cullen

They had you at Buttered Popcorn. Or is it Very Cherry? During the 40-minute (free) tour you'll learn about the history of Jelly Belly, you’ll find out why it takes over a week to make a single bean, and you’ll see thousands of beans whizzing by on conveyor belts. Afterward, hit up the candy shop, sample any of the flavors currently being made (even booger—we dare you!), and load up on your family’s favorite beans. For an up close and personal experience, visitors ages six and up can enroll in Jelly Belly University—an exclusive tour in the heart of the factory.

Good to know: Strollers are permitted so even tiny tots can come!

Online: jellybelly.com/californiafactory

E. Waldo Ward & Son—Sierra Madre, CA

Trippy M. via Yelp

Welcome to sugar rush central. Since the early 1900s, E. Waldo Ward & Son has been crafting some of the tastiest jams, jellies and marmalades on the West Coast. During your tour, you’ll learn the history of the company, and 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 afterward. Samples are available as well—kids dig the sweet stuff, but you’ve got to try the raspberry jalapeño jam. Free tours are available on Saturdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. by calling ahead.

Online: waldoward.com

Turkey Hill Ice Cream—Columbia, PA

The Turkey Hill Experience via Yelp

Be a Turkey Hill ice cream maker for a day on this unforgettable tour. You’ll learn all about dairy culture, sit in a milk truck, milk a mechanical cow and even star in a Turkey Hill commercial. Most importantly, you’ll visit the Turkey Hill taste lab to create your own flavor.

Online: turkeyhillexperience.com

Theo Chocolate—Seattle, WA

Rick S. via Yelp

Theo Chocolate gets major bragging rights for being the first American chocolate company to go fully organic. At their Seattle headquarters, you can watch their whole bean-to-bar process—from the cacao bean sacks being opened to bars being molded and wrapped. (Psst ... the chocolate samples are plentiful!) Factory tours are small (and led by enthusiastic guides) and meant for kids six and up. For younger tots, there’s also a chocolate story time tour to take in.

Online: theochocolate.com

Snyder’s of Hanover—Hanover, PA

Jim K. via Yelp

Pretzels, baby! Your kids have probably eaten hundreds of them, but here’s a chance to watch (and smell) them as they bake in a large pretzel oven. You’ll tour all the rooms where Snyder’s products are made and watch as they’re sorted and packaged. And there are plenty of free samples too.

Online: snydersofhanover.com

Mrs. Hanes' Cookies—Clemmons, NC

Mrs. Hanes’ Cookies via Facebook

C is for cookie! The tours at Mrs. Hanes’ are filled with fun sights for little kids. There’s a trip to Grandma’s kitchen, which is equipped with a wood stove, antique cupboard, rolling pins and cookie cutters. You’ll see the secret recipe room, the packaging room, and the most popular part of the tour, the baking area, where everyone gets to watch the “Artists in Aprons" hand-roll and hand-cut cookies. Best part? Visitors get to sample one of the company’s six flavors at each station.

Good to know: You must call in advance to book a tour.

Online: hanescookies.com/the-bakery/on-site-tour/

Julius Sturgis Pretzel Factory—Lititz, PA

Julius S. via Yelp

History buffs and foodies alike will enjoy a visit to the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. Still owned and operated by the Sturgis family, it is the oldest commercial pretzel bakery in the United States. The bakery is located in a house that was built in 1785, and the pretzels are made using the original recipe from 1861. Visitors get to tour the original bakery, learn the history of the industry, and get to make their own soft pretzels. And, if you have a small group (10 or less), you can just walk right up, no reservation needed!

Good to know: There’s a small fee for the tour, which is best for kids ages four and up.

Online: juliussturgis.com

Cape Cod Potato Chips—Hyannis, MA

Yukari N. via Yelp

You love those classic kettle-cooked potato chips, so if you find yourself in the New England area, a pit stop at the factory is a great way to stretch little legs. The tour itself is short (about 10 minutes or so), but it’s fun to watch the potatoes being sliced, shot into the kettles and salter, and then tossed into bags. The tour ends with guests being given two sample bags of chips.

Good to know: Don’t miss the store adjacent to the factory. There are limited-edition flavors of Cape Cod chips available for purchase!

Online: capecodchips.com/about/factory-tour/

Tillamook Cheese Factory—Tillamook, OR

Rebecca W. via Yelp

From watching massive blocks of cheese be sliced, diced and vacuumed-sealed to the Kidz Zone full of fun facts and sound effects, there’s something for everyone at the Tillamook Cheese factory. The self-guided tour will give your crew a bird’s eye view of the factory floor, and plenty of cheese and squeaky curd samples to try. Then, it’s on to the food hall for yummy eats and massive ice cream cones.

Good to know: You can get more details from our Insider’s Guide.

Online: tilllamook.com

Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream—Waterbury, VT

Mark C. via Yelp

Ben and Jerry’s HQ is as fun as the flavors themselves. During the 30-minute tour, guests will learn about the company’s mission and view the production room from behind the mezzanine window, before sampling the flavor of the day. You can stop by the scoop shop before or after (ice cream is allowed on the tour!) for a full serving. Not part of the tour, but also a must-see, is the flavor graveyard. The small memorial to flavors like Wavy Gravy, Bovinity Divinity and Devil’s Food Chocolate is located up the hill behind the plant. The kids can burn off the sugar rush at the playground, and everyone can stop by the gift shop for fun trinkets and memorabilia. Don’t miss the chance for a photo op in front of the giant cut-out ice cream pint!

Good to know: Tickets are only offered daily, on a first come-first serve basis, so get there early.

Online: benjerry.com/factorytours

PEZ Candy USA—Orange, CT

PEZ Candy USA via Facebook

How many dispensers did you have as a kid? The PEZ factory has more. With over 4,000 square feet dedicated to all things PEZ, you’ll not only see where the magic happens, but you’ll also get to admire the biggest public collection of PEZ in the world. Follow up the self-guided tour by checking out the world’s largest PEZ dispenser, playing a PEZ trivia game, checking out the interactive historical timeline and much more.

Online: PEZ.com/visitus

Shatto Milk Company—Osborn, MO

Shatto Milk Company

This family-owned, working dairy farm north of Kansas City, MO, has been supplying customers with a local source of milk for over 50 years. Now, it also supplies visitors with an amazing, behind-the-scenes experience. During the 1.5-hour-long tour (it costs $6), guests will milk a cow, feed a baby cow, learn how the milk is processed and packaged and learn about why glass bottles are the preferred method of transport. At the end of the tour, sample the numerous Shatto Milk products and then wander over to the General Store for gifts and fresh snacks. There’s even an area for picnics—weather permitting.

Good to know: You’ll need to make a reservation to catch the tour. Click here for more info.

Online: shattomilk.com/farmtours

Hershey World—Hershey, PA

Shashi Bellamkonda via Flickr

Did you know there’s an entire town dedicated to the legendary chocolate company? The (free) tour “ride” offers a whole crew of barnyard friends that sing songs and share surprises with visitors. After the 30-minute tour, stay for the 4D Chocolate Mystery, the Chocolate Tasting Experience, and Hershey’s Largest Candy Store, among other fun family activities in and around Hershey Park.

Online: hersheys.com/chocolateworld

Albanese Confectionery—Merrillville, IN

Sara B. via Yelp

The Albanese Confectionery is the only place in the United States where visitors can actually watch gummy bears be made. Free tours are designed for all ages—guests can choose between a guided or self-guided version. You’ll view the factory floor through eight separate windows to see the candy being made, watch videos explaining the creation of gummies and Gold Label chocolates, and the best part, have plenty of opportunities to sample the goods at the end of the tour—yummy gummies!

Good to know: Check out our Insider’s Guide for more details.

Online: albanesecandy.com

— Gabby Cullen

 

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