Keep the kiddos out of trouble this summer (or heck, anytime of year) by scheduling in a sweet field trip. These are not just any old factories, they are dedicated to, what else? Candy and chocolate! I bet there is one in your area, if not , let us know what we’re missing and we’ll add it to the list.
California
Jelly Belly
Eye candy at the world famous Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield, CA. On this free 40 minute tour you’ll experience whiffs of pineapple, popcorn, chocolate, toasted s’mores or whatever flavor they choose to create that day. Tour details here.
Nifty Candy
Located in Covina, California, the Nifty Candy factory is one NOT to miss. Kiddos ages 4 and up will get to see how they create all kinds of crazy candies like Sandy Candy sand art (yes, edible art), Wasabi candy powder (sushi anyone?), Packed Fresh Zombie Hearts (cuz, you don’t want to eat un-fresh zombie) . Candy tours are $5/person (includes samples along the tour) and by reservation only. Call for your crazy candy experience – 877-643-8922.
Colorado
Patsy’s Candies
Patsy’s Original Candies is nestled in gorgeous Colorado Springs, CO. Take this tour and delight in hot buttery butterscotch creations, taffy being pulled into shape and candy made the old fashioned way. Tours run from May 15-Sept 15, from 11 am – 2 pm. Tour details here.
Hammond’s Candies
What doesn’t the Hammond’s Candies factory have to offer? They’ve got chocolate, lollies, ribbon candy, taffy and tons more. Take a group tour (free) or get the VIP behind the scenes tour (fees apply), either way, you’ll end your tour in the candy shop devouring everything in site. Tour details here.
Florida
Lofty Pursuits
Be amazed as Master Candy Crafter Wes Raley (we bow down) creates a work of art in each piece of folded hard candy. Lofty Pursuits, located in Tallahassee, FL, is an old school candy factory and soda shoppe. Your senses will be delighted with every turn of the tour. Call for your reservation – 850-521-0091 or visit the Lofty Pursuits website to see everything they have in store.
Michigan
Kilwin’s Chocolate Kitchen
Enjoy sensory overload while watching Kilwin’s create their famous Turtles, Truffles, Caramels, Corns, Brittles and other sweets through their expert process. Factory Tour information is available online here or by calling 231-347-7112.
Missouri
Askinosie
Show the kiddos what socially responsible chocolate looks like and how it’s made by taking the Askinosie tour in Springfield, MO. They pride themselves on making single origin chocolate from the bean (wanna be all scholarly and know what that means – click here). Public tour details here or email for your very own private tour ([email protected]) – minimal fees and special instructions apply.
Nevada
Ethel M Chocolates
Get your choco-licious fix at the Ethel M Chocolates factory in Henderson, Nevada (8 miles off the LV strip). This free self-guided tour will have you racing along the glass walls just in time to get to the free chocolate samples at the end. 7 days a week, hours vary – get tour details here.
Utah
Sweets Candy Company
Get the kids a reservation for the delicious tour of the Sweet Candy Company located in Salt Lake City, UT. Or stay in your PJ’s and watch them make taffy and cinnamon bears 24 hours a day with their virtual candy factory tour. Tours are free and offered year round. Tour details here.
We’ll be on the hunt for many more and will add to the list. Keep checking for your city or next vacation spot!
Like what you see? Show us some sugar…
Lori Lavender Luz
Oooh, I ate Ethel’s once and thought I’d landed in heaven, not Las Vegas.
Great candy tour roundup!
Daria
those chocolates being filled are making my mouth water – swear I gain a pound just looking at the pics 🙂
alana
I have been to the Jelly Belly factory! AMAZING! I am a Jelly Belly addict! LOVE THEM!
Brandie (@ Home Cooking Memories)
I love the Ethel M’s tour in Vegas — and their cactus garden too. Would love to visit some of these other ones too.