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Take a Made in America Massachusetts Factory Tour

Massachusetts is a great state to enjoy some chocolate , visit a brewery , see a world-class piano being built, learn how braille is produced and published, or watch a glass blower blend modern techniques with old-world traditions on these Massachusetts factory tours.

Massachusetts Factories That Offer Tours

Mason & Hamlin | Haverhill, MA

See how the finest hand-built pianos in the world are made when you visit the Mason & Hamlin piano factory. Tours are available by appointment and must be made at least one week in advance.

#Mason & Hamlin

National Braille Press | Boston, MA

Learn how braille is produced and published when you take an educational tour of National Braille Press. Tours are offered by reservation request with at least two weeks notice.

#National Braille Press

Pairpoint Glass Company | Sagamore, MA

Watch the team of glassblowers continue the nearly 200 year old tradition of glassblowing, learn the history of Pairpoint Glass Company, and see how traditional methods and modern techniques are combined to make modern glass.

#Pairpoint Glass Company

More Tours in Massachusetts

Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts .

Massachusetts 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 Massachusettts .

Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts .

USA Factory Tours

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

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

American Cheese Factory Tours | See Cheese Made in the USA

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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Visit the Ben & Jerry's Factory

Operating hours: 10:00am-8:00pm every day. Advanced online ticket purchase highly recommended. For group reservation requests of 21 or more people please email at least 2 weeks in advance to inquire.

Please note July 3-7 tours will be offered although there will be no active manufacturing.

We are delighted to welcome you! Our Waterbury site is the only Ben & Jerry’s factory open to the public. Our very first factory, built in 1985, continues to manufacture upwards of 350,000 pints per day while offering our fans a sneak peek at our humble beginnings. Our small Scoop shop, retail area and tour route have remained fairly unchanged over the years.

Guided tours, which began in 1986, have allowed us to share with millions of guests the evolution of what started as a small local company from the early days in the gas station to the worldwide reach we’ve expanded to since we opened our first Scoop Shop on May 5, 1978!  

We can’t think of a better way to enjoy time with family and friends than learning how we make our ice cream then indulging in your favorite flavor or trying one of our euphoric new additions all the while taking in the beautiful mountain views!  

*** Production schedules vary and are managed by our manufacturing teams. As a result, we cannot guarantee you will see active production during your tour***

Contact Us & Area Info

Operating hours:.

10:00am-8:00pm every day. Advanced online ticket purchase highly recommended. For group reservation requests of 21 or more people please email at least 2 weeks in advance to inquire.

Physical address:

1281 Waterbury-Stowe Road Waterbury, VT 05676 Information line 802-337-1201 or  Email Us

Visit Vermont

In addition to Ben & Jerry’s, Waterbury is home to The Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Cabot Farmer’s Store, Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea plus a host of restaurants, shopping and lodging for all budgets. For more local information including downtown historic Waterbury visit the Discover Waterbury site.

Other Resources:  

Green Mountain Byway

Stowe Area Association

Vermont Attractions Association

Vermont Brewers

Vermont Cheese Council

Vermont Grape and Wine Council

Vermont Vacation

Immerse yourself in all things Ben & Jerry’s with a guided tour of our humble beginnings.  Browse through our Gift shop then swing by our Scoop shop to indulge in your favorite old flavor or discover a new one.

The 30 minute guided portion of your Factory Experience begins with a quick MOO-vie to learn about our company culture followed by a short walk to our glassed-in mezzanine overlooking the production room floor where your tour guide will explain how we make our pints.  To sweeten the deal you’ll also receive a sample of one of our chunks*. The tour ends in our Flavor Room with a tasting of one of our euphoric flavors* and a cow joke, or two!  *nondairy, vegan options available.

Our outside grounds offer space to enjoy your ice cream, play on the playground, pay your respects to our Dearly De-pinted in our Flavor Graveyard, snap a few memorable photo ops and take in the lovely mountain views.  A great outing for all ages!

***Production schedules vary and are managed by our manufacturing teams. As a result, we cannot guarantee you will see active production during your tour***

Visitor Information

• Factory Experience tickets are released two weeks in advance of any chosen date. 
• Pre-purchasing your tickets online is highly encouraged due to limited capacity.    
• Day of and walk-in ticket availability will vary each day based on staffing with the potential of NO availability.
• Additional ice cream can be purchased before or after your guided tour outside from the Scoop shop window.
• For group reservation requests of 21 or more people please email at least 2 weeks in advance to inquire.
• As we are a food manufacturing facility there is no glass or pets (with the exception of service animals) allowed inside.
• Large bags are not permitted and cannot be left unattended. 
• RV, Coach and Accessible parking located at the top of the entrance driveway hill, with designated drop off at the end of the boardwalk.

What is included in the Factory Experience?

Your ticket includes a 30-minute guided tour where you will learn about our company culture, how we make our ice cream, try a sample of our chunks and a sample of our ice cream.  Additionally there are plenty of photos ops, a retail shop with all things Ben & Jerry’s, a full service Scoop shop, playground, Flavor Graveyard and lovely mountain views.

What is the cost of the Factory Experience?

Ticket prices are: $6 for adults, $5 for seniors 65+, and $1 for Children, age 2-12, plus service fee. Infants do not need a ticket for the Factory Experience. 

What are your hours of operation?

Please visit the home page  for updated hours of operation. 

Can you guarantee I will see active manufacturing?

No. While we do have scheduled downtime the reality of manufacturing is any minute without advanced warning can become downtime thus we do not guarantee you will see active manufacturing.

What does the tour consist of if you are not manufacturing ice cream?

The tour remains the same.  To better explain the manufacturing process your tour guide will narrate a video that was filmed on the production room floor.  In the manufacturing room you may see a shiny, clean, empty room; a portion of our thorough cleaning process that takes place between flavors; or our maintenance crew working on a repair.

How do I buy tickets for the Factory Experience?

Tickets are released 2 weeks in advance and can be purchased online under the BOOK NOW! tab on our website. If available , you may also purchase walk-in tickets onsite at our Ticket Sales and Gift Kiosk.  Due to high demand, we recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance of your visit to guarantee your Factory Experience. 

Does everybody in my group need a ticket?

Yes. Adults, Seniors, and Children, age 2-12, need to purchase a ticket. 

What if I was only able to book 2 tickets, but I have a group of 3 people?

Due to strict capacity limits, unfortunately we are only able to accommodate those two guests that have a ticket. We recommend checking back on the website for potential openings or cancellations with availability for your entire group. 

I have already purchased my Factory Experience tickets online, where do I go?

Enter through the main lobby doors located on the patio area.  Listen for the cowbell to signal the start of your scheduled visit.  Check in with your tour guide as the group proceeds to the first stop on the tour.

What if tickets are sold out online?

We recommend checking back on the website for potential openings. 

Are Walk-In tickets available?

Sometimes. If staffing allows each day, we may add additional bookings day-of for walk-in and online purchases. We recommend visiting us early in the day as these tickets sell out quickly!

Is there a waitlist/cancellation for the Factory Experience?

No. We do not have a waitlist or cancellation list.  We recommend checking back on the website for potential openings. 

What if I have a group of 21 or more people?

For group reservation requests of 21 or more people please email at least 2 weeks in advance to inquire. 

Does the Factory Experience sell out often?

Yes. Since our reopening, we have sold out every day. Please plan accordingly! 

What if I miss my scheduled Factory Experience reservation time?

If you miss your scheduled time, it is unlikely we will be able to reschedule due to advanced ticket sales and capacity limits.  A refund will not be provided. If you are running late, you may reschedule or self-cancel your experience up to 30 minutes before your scheduled time using the link found in your confirmation email.  

Is the Factory ADA accessible?

Yes, the Factory is ADA accessible.  Accessible parking is marked and located in our upper parking lot. You may also drop off at the end of the boardwalk, at the top of the hill.  For planning purposes, the tour is in 3 parts. Your tour guide will direct you. After the intro/check-in in the tour lobby area the first 2 parts take place on the second floor by way of the elevator (we only have one!) located in the tour lobby. The 3rd part of the tour is located in the Flavor Room. You will take the same elevator back to the lobby then go across and down the hallway to meet up with the group in the Flavor Room.

Do you offer loaner wheelchairs?

Yes.  Ask any staff member and they will direct you to where you can pick up a wheelchair for use during your visit.

Lost & Found?

Please call our Gift shop to inquire at 802-337-1201 .

How do I cancel my Factory Experience reservation?

To self-cancel a Factory Experience reservation, click the link found in your confirmation email.

Do you have space to store luggage during my visit?

No, unfortunately we do not have space to store luggage, backpacks, etc.

How long should I plan for my visit?

Between one hour and one hour and fifteen minutes.  We are located on a hill.  It takes a few minutes to park and walk into the facility.

What else is there to do if I cannot take the tour?

You are welcome to visit our Scoop Shop, Flavor Graveyard, playground area, outdoor Gift Kiosk and enjoy the lovely mountain views. 

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, but only outside. Pets are not permitted inside the Factory. Dogs must be leashed and supervised.  Please do not leave your dog in the car during the warmer months.  Service dogs are permitted inside.  

Are there restrooms onsite?

Yes.  Restrooms are located outside on the paved walkway and inside the tour lobby. 

Is there public transportation available?

No, however for travel around Waterbury and the surrounding area, Hometown Tours & Rides offers local transportation and tours of the Central Vermont region . 

Where do I go to purchase an ice cream cake?

Please call or visit our Scoop Shop to purchase a ready-to-go ice cream cake. For custom cake orders, please visit our Scoop shop website.

Where can I buy gift/souvenir items?

Our main retail space is located inside. A second smaller area, stocked full of our bestselling items, is located outside in our Ticket Sales & Gift Kiosk.

Do I need a ticket to go to the inside retail area?

No.  Tickets are only required for the guided tour portion of the Factory Experience.

What is the Flavor Graveyard? Where is it?

The Flavor Graveyard is an actual graveyard onsite where we have laid to rest our Dearly De-pinted flavors with granite headstones and witty epitaphs. It is located at the top of the property in the upper parking lots, passed the playground area. 

What if I have a food allergy?

For the Scoop shop please inform your scooper of the allergy so they can provide the most accurate allergy scooping protocol.  For the Factory Experience please inform your tour guide and they will assist.  

Do you have nondairy, gluten free, nut free options?

Yes. Nondairy, gluten free and nut free options are available for purchase in our Scoop shop and for sample on tour.  For all other allergies we will do our best to accommodate.

What else is there to do in the area?

Printed material can be found in our onsite Info Booth, located in our lower parking lot. 

For additional information, we recommend using the links below:

www.discoverwaterbury.com                      Local area around Ben & Jerry’s www.vtattractions.org                                VT attractions all throughout the state www.gostowe.com                                      Stowe located 10 miles north www.vermonttourismnetwork.com              Group visits to VT www.vermontbrewers.com/breweries/         VT beer  www.vtcheese.com/                                     VT cheese www.vermontgrapeandwinecouncil.com/    VT wine  

Do you have EV Chargers?

Yes, we do although please note due to weak cell service in the area you may/may not be able access.

Visit our onsite Scoop Shop to enjoy the Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavors you love.

617-855-8567

Yes! We do corporate events!

Yes! We do virtual events!

Hey all you gift-givers!

Last-minute shoppers may want to send one of our e-gift cards. These digital gift cards are sent instantly via email and can be ordered in full or partial tour cost amounts.

WELCOME TO COCOA BEANTOWN

Calling all chocoholics and the sweet-toothed among us if you’re looking for amazing chocolate experiences, you’ve come to the right place join in the fun at cocoa beantown—boston’s sweetest chocolate tour and event company—and enjoy a variety of chocolate-y offerings, including in-person and virtual chocolate tasting classes, neighborhood tours of boston, corporate team building events, and educational presentations. all lead by a chocolate educator with over a decade’s worth of experience, sharing the stories, history, culture, and culinary highlights of chocolate to groups of all sizes, backgrounds, and ages..

Cocoa Beantown supports the health and safety of our community and the public at large. We are fully vaccinated and boosted and ready to assist with your in‑person chocolate events.

CHOCOLATE LOVERS CLUB

A sampling of satisfied clients.

Virtual Events

Picnic tours.

Looking for a relaxing chocolate experience, without all the walking around? Enjoy a 1-hour, totally outdoor, curated chocolate tasting picnic set in one of Boston’s beautiful green spaces!

Walking Tours

Gather all your best cocoa pals and tour some of Boston’s most beautiful neighborhoods, enjoying sweet treats every step of the way.

Whether in your home, office, or other location of your choosing, chocolate tastings are a great way to learn about what makes this food so magical. Each of our tasting menus is custom curated for every client, so no two events are ever alike. Choose also from fun add-ons like blind tasting challenges, trivia, and a variety of themes and pairing suggestions.

Educational Services

The breath and scope of the chocolate world is vast. Offering insight into local food cultures, chocolate is a tremendous portal into issues related to geography, history, politics, environmental science, and more.

Private Offerings

All programs are available for private parties, bridal showers, birthdays, anniversary celebrations, bachelorette and bachelor parties, office and professional gatherings, and corporate team building activities. Chocolate is a great reason to get everybody together!

YOUR BOSTON CHOCOLATE ADVENTURE AWAITS

Outdoor hors d’oeuvre @ $25, greenway chocolate tasting picnic.

Satisfy your chocolate cravings in a transformed neighborhood…

Tasties Among the Trees @ $25

Back bay chocolate tasting picnic.

Relax underneath the shade while indulging in chocolate…

Downtown Delectables @ $55

Back bay chocolate walking tour.

Find yourself surrounded by fine chocolates and fun…

Bonbons & Brownstones @ $55

South end chocolate walking tour.

An under-explored neighborhood filled with sweet rewards…

Transcendental treats @ $55

Choc’ full of history tour of concord.

History lessons have never been sweeter…

Check Back Soon

Other Events

Private tours & tastings.

Any reason is a good reason to gather friends who share the love of chocolate!

Over the past decade, we have continually been impressed by Victoria’s enthusiasm and skills with running the Cocoa Beantown Tours. Our guests always comment on the educational and sensory delight of her tours!!!

Victoria’s chocolate classes are very informative, fun, and delicious! I have been an avid fan of chocolate for many decades and never knew that there was so much more to learn. It also can be healthy….who knew?! So come have fun with Victoria. I know I am a fan.

Victoria’s knowledge of chocolate and its history is exceptional, and her enthusiasm for the subject matter is undeniable and infectious. Whether it’s a walking tour for any age group highlighting the best treats in a particular neighborhood or a historical presentation and tasting in a more formalized setting, if you have even a hint of a sweet tooth, Victoria is a good woman to know!

I don’t usually do this but I just had to send some feedback regarding our tour! I planned this as surprise for my mom who is also my best friend who grew up in South Boston and spent much of her time in the South End. She is also a chocolate fanatic! What I hoped to be a nice day with my mom was truly spectacular!!!! The chocolate was so yummy but was almost just a “perk” of the tour. Victoria made today so absolutely fun and enjoyable that we will remember today always as a wonderful mother daughter day! Thank you Victoria for an absolutely fabulous day!!!!

This is a great class. The best part about it is Victoria’s enthusiasm about chocolate and the process of how it’s made. This class worked really well…Victoria took time to explain how to do a chocolate tasting, and it was fun to try to match that at home with the samples.

Overall, we had a lovely experience and enjoyed being on the tour. All the stops were picked with care and great sense of taste and it was a pleasure to discover new and exciting places in Boston with the guide who was very friendly and welcoming.We really enjoyed the chocolate treats which in themselves were delicious. Thank you for a nice tour.

One of the hallmarks of Knowledge Exchange has always been bringing to the forefront the most innovative and unique experiences for the corporate event spectrum. Our industry is currently in a place where planners are tired of the old hotel ballroom routine.  They crave creativity, ingenuity and wow factor. This is why I’ve long admired the talents of Victoria from Cocoa Beantown Tours & Events. She has taken something as “vanilla” as chocolate, an item consumed by millions of people on a daily basis, and through her extensive knowledge and the sheer power of innovation, has created spectacular programs that not only tantalize the tastebuds, but indulge the participant in a full sensory exploration of the decadence of the cocoa bean.  I greatly look forward to not only having the opportunity to be enchanted by her chocolate creativity next time I’m in Boston, but to seeing the ingenious new ways she will continue to change our industry.

Victoria’s passion and impressive knowledge of chocolate shows with these tours. She keeps them fun, lighthearted and brings the euphoria throughout the tour. It’s always been a pleasure sharing our own passions in ice cream & social justice with each tour.

Victoria of Cocoa Beantown was an excellent partner and collaborator. We worked together to create new educational programming around pairing specialty coffee and chocolate. Not only is she a chocolate expert, she is passionate and enthusiastic about what she does. She also makes learning engaging and approachable.

Many thanks to Cocoa Beantown Tours and Events for a great team-building day! We had a blast learning the history of various chocolatiers in and around Boston, and sampling some amazing treats. Our bellies are full and our hearts are happy! Best team building ever!!

Few people consistently exhibit the passion, detail, and professionalism of their work like Victoria. I’ve had the pleasure of not only seeing her in action but also working alongside her at events and seminars. In both capacities, I eagerly await the next opportunity! Her knowledge of chocolate never ceases to amaze, and her ability to convey that knowledge to novice and professional alike is equally impressive.

Victoria’s warm and outgoing personality, high level of professionalism, and of course her vast knowledge of all things Boston and chocolate make her the ultimate chocolate guide around the city. We’ve seen time and time again loads of happy guests on her tours chatting with Victoria, thanking her for a great experience, and making plans for future tours.

I thoroughly enjoyed the taste testing. It was not only fun but also informative. I would love to understand how to take these chocolates and incorporate them into drinks or baking or other cooking dishes!

Who wouldn’t want to be tasting chocolate, and getting a cocoa-education in the process? This is a fantastic event, even over Zoom or Webex, to gain a higher appreciation for chocolate – origins, history, innovation – and of course, savor the different tastes along the way. I’ve joined multiple (ahem, 9) chocolate walking tours with Cocoa Beantown, and at least 2 corporate tasting events. Hands down – one of the best ways to bring a team together!

I can recommend Victoria’s presentation on chocolate highly. She prepares an assortment of delectable chocolates to sample and savour. Then she explains where the beans come from and the pieces are made around the world. Any chocolate lover, and who is not one, will have their chocolate pleasure greatly enhanced by attending her programs.

Our tour guide Victoria made our tour fun and educational. She had a way of making everyone on the tour feel like life long friends instead a a bunch of strangers tasting chocolate. She is incredible. She made the tour wonderful, and as a result, our anniversary weekend. We will definitely be doing this again on our next trip to Boston.

Chocolate adventures in Boston and beyond…

French Onion Soup with a Chocolate Twist

Fans of the TV show "Portlandia" might recall more than a few references to chocolate in its various forms throughout the series. Though not a cacao connection, yet another now infamous episode spurred the pop [...]

Tiny Chocolate Company with Boston Roots Takes on Nestle’s Bunny

In the world of chocolate, so much of the products widely available to consumers are produced by a very small group of companies, who have cornered the market in terms of market share. As consumers [...]

Former New England Patriot Turned Chocolatier Darryl Haley

Many chocolate makers and chocolatiers find their way to the world of chocolate through very different means. Prior career paths can include everything from financial analysts, teachers, doctors, environmental scientists, and sometimes even former professional [...]

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Factory Tours

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Visit the Taza Factory!

We are currently open Tuesday - Friday 11am - 6pm and Weekends 10am - 6pm for in-store shopping and tours! 

We will continue to host our Virtual Tours and Tastings that are perfect for both individuals and private groups! Learn how to bring the Factory Tour Experience to your home or team here. 

At Taza, we make stone ground chocolate. Why stone ground?  Because bolder is better! We grind cacao beans using hand-carved granite millstones. The result? Chocolate with bold flavor and satisfyingly gritty texture unlike anything you've ever tasted!

Join us at the factory for an  Intro to Stone Ground Chocolate , a brief talk and chocolate tasting tour offered at our factory Wednesday - Sunday. The cost is  $13  per person.  Online reservations are required , and may be made for a maximum of 10 people.

Families with children under 10 years old are encouraged to visit us for our Cacao Scouts Scavenger Hunt hosted at 10am on Saturdays and Sundays. Space is limited so we recommend reserving your spot in advance. 

Visitors will be able to view our chocolate grinding and depositing rooms from our factory store. While we cannot guarantee you'll see chocolate being made during your visit, our awesome team of Chocolate Guides will be on hand to answer your questions and sample lots of stone ground chocolate with you! Please note in accordance with new food safety regulations, we are unable to enter chocolate-making spaces with our guests. The production facility does not operate on weekends.

If you have any questions about our Tour Experience, please reach out to us directly at [email protected]!

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SEE HOW WE MAKE CHOCOLATE

At the Taza Chocolate Factory in Somerville, Mass, we craft stone ground chocolate from bean to bar. Fueled by our passion for Mexican chocolate traditions, we hand-carve granite millstones to grind cacao into rustic, organic dark chocolate that bursts with bright, bold flavor and texture.

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Organic, stone ground dark chocolate bars, discs, gifts, and treats.

Try Our Recipes

Our bold stone ground chocolate is delicious in both sweet and savory recipes.

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4 Fun Factory Tours for Families in the Boston Area

by Kelley Heyworth

January 6, 2015

Looking for an educational outing that’s doable in cold weather, yet outside the well-trodden Beantown museum circuit? Appeal to kids’ curiosity and taste buds with a tour of a local sweet or treat factories. Some of the country’s best are within a couple hours of Boston!

Taza Chocolate, Somerville

Taza makes its organic, stone-ground, Mexican-style dark chocolate in Somerville, where you can watch chocolatiers grinding and roasting beans and piping fresh chocolate into molds on weekdays. Its 45-minute tours are best suited for kids ages 10 and up, since the tour includes detailed explanations of the chocolate-making process (there are also close-up views of vintage machines and plenty of yummy samples). Younger children are welcome with adult supervision, but use a carrier if needed, since strollers aren’t allowed on the factory floor.

When: Monday through Sunday afternoons and Saturday and Sunday mornings; times vary, so check the website for details. Keep in mind: They only make chocolate during the week, so go then if you want to see the crafters and machines in action.

Where: 561 Windsor Street, Somerville

Cost: $6 per person

Reservations required? Yes, book here .

Finagle a Bagel, Newton

Looking for a super-low-maintenance outing that includes an affordable lunch to boot? Finagle a Bagel’s world headquarters are tucked away in a shopping center in Newton’s Auburndale neighborhood, and they offer self-guided tours of the factory where their bagels are hand-crafted and kettle boiled before being delivered across the region.

When: Tours are Monday to Thursday from 10am to 3pm. The best days to view dough mixing and baking are Monday and Wednesday, and you can purchase fresh, discounted bagels on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from noon to 4pm.

Where: 77 Rowe Street, Auburndale

Reservations required?: No. Call ext. 8425 from the building’s lobby to take the tour.

RELATED: 10 Things To Do in Boston in January

Cape Cod Potato Chips, Hyannis

This self-guided tour of New England’s favorite chipmaker is quick, easy, and a fun pit stop en route to the Cape (or as a standalone adventure). Kids can get a good look from behind large windows at the chips being prepped, fried and sent along conveyer belts through the factory, and detailed signs explain how the potatoes are sourced and seasoned. Everyone gets free samples at the end, and a gift shop stocks specialty chip flavors you probably won’t find at your local store.

When: Take a tour weekdays from 9am to 5pm.

Where: 100 Breed’s Hill Road, Hyannis

Reservations required?: No

Harbor Sweets, Salem

This old-fashioned shop is known for its themed treats, including nautical, garden and horse-inspired designs. Employees handcraft their famous “Sweet Sloops” and other exquisite candies using copper kettles, wooden paddles and local ingredients in a red-brick factory near the seaside. Tours are relaxed, personal and informative, and samples are readily offered throughout their adjacent store.

When: These tours only take place twice a week—on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11am.

Where: 85 Leavitt Street, Salem

Reservations required?: No, but call 800-234-4860 to be sure of tour time.

Photo credit: Taza Chocolate.

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5 Fantastic Factory Tours You Can Only Take In Massachusetts

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Don’t you love those TV shows that take you behind the scenes where your favorite products are made? These factory tours in Massachusetts will let you experience the crafting process of everything from stunning glass art to delicious chocolate. Read on to learn more about taking this fun tours that are perfect for everything from a first date to a family outing.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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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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Visit the cider house.

DOWNEAST CIDER HOUSE TAPROOM 256 MARGINAL STREET, EAST BOSTON, MA 02128

• MON-WED: CLOSED
• THU-FRI: 5PM - 9PM
• SAT: 11AM - 8PM
• SUN: 12PM - 7PM

*scroll down for upcoming closures and/or changes in our regular hours

What to know before visiting .

WE ARE A 21+ FACILITY. at both the cider house / taproom and our outdoor pop-up, all members in your party (yes, even your dd!) must show an ID to enter, no exceptions.

FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. we do not take reservations, we seat parties as they arrive. 

WEEKENDS ARE BUSY. EXPECT A WAIT. saturdays and sundays are our busiest days. we have limited seating and no standing room. wait times vary but can be anywhere from 5 to 55 minutes during peak hours. we do our best to turn tables over but ask for your patience. 

YOU WON'T BE SAT TIL YOUR  WHOLE  PARTY ARRIVES. leave your chronically late friends out of these plans. on busy days and when we have a line, we cannot seat you until your whole party is physically there with you ("they are parking" doesn't count, we gotta see them for ourselves). parties arriving at separate times seriously impacts our ability to keep the line moving and causes longer wait times. once you are sat, we cannot seat new people at your table. please plan for your party to fully arrive before hopping in line. if the season is right and our outdoor pop-up is open, it's a great place to grab a cider and hang out while you wait for your crew! 

PARTY SIZE MATTERS. we always try our best to accommodate but due to limited seating, we cannot guarantee that groups of 7+ can be sat all together. 

groups with 10+ cannot be accommodated unless we split the group up and seat you separately. 

KIDS AND BABIES ARE NOT TAPROOM FANS. we love kids. but they don't really love us and to be honest, we get it. our floors are concrete, we have no food, no non-alcoholic beverage options, and no ball pits. everyone in the cider house must be seated–and with lots of fancy cider-making machinery, ingredients, and chemicals around, we cannot allow children (or adults, for that matter) to be wandering, toddling, or running around. that being said,  if your kid is 10 years old or younger, we won't make them wait outside or anything like that, we just ask that they are seated or in your arms while visiting. 

WE DO NOT OFFER TOURS. tours kinda boring anyway. who wants to be wearing close toed shoes and safety goggles when you can just sit at your table with a view of the whole thing? seriously, our taproom is in the middle of it all and the walk to the bathroom is essentially a self-guided tour of our entire production line.

but if that's not enough for you and you're interested in seeing it all in action, visit us on a thursday when our cider production and packaging is fully operational and you can sip your flight while watching our next flavor get canned right before your eyes.

QUESTIONS ABOUT GROWLERS? EVENTS? SOMETHING ELSE? please check our  full list of faq's  for more information.

UPCOMING EVENTS

December 2023.

POTTERY WITH A PURPOSE @ EASTIE POP-UP

build a boob pot pottery class - BUY TICKETS HERE

BOSTON HARBORFEST FIREWORKS WATCH PARTY @ EASTIE POP-UP

waterfront view of boston's harborfest fireworks display. daddy's bonetown burgers food truck. games, prizes, music and more. pop-up will stay open late.

DJ DAVID ROQEUTZAL @ EASTIE POP-UP

AFRO/LATIN HOUSE

PIZZA PARTY @ EASTIE POP-UP

WITH DEADPROOF PIZZA CO.

RETURNING FAVORITE LAUNCH PARTY @ EASTIE POP-UP

WITH WHICKED WHISK FOOD TRUCK

FIRST SATURDAYS @ EASTIE POP-UP

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36 Hours in Boston

By Jenna Russell July 4, 2024

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By Jenna Russell Photographs by Simon Simard

Jenna Russell is the New England bureau chief for The New York Times and previously reported for The Boston Globe.

In Boston — oft-beset by slush and cynicism — summer brings a deep sigh of relief, as hunched shoulders finally relax and beer gardens pop open like tulips. First-term mayor Michelle Wu, 39, the first woman and person of color elected to lead the city, has brought an ambitious environmental agenda and new ways of looking at the urban landscape . The result is a destination steeped in history, as ever, with reinvented outdoor spaces for drinking, dining and recreating, and more change in the air. Waterfront redevelopment has spread farther and wider, spawning new harbor-adjacent art spaces and breweries, while a forward-looking focus on water transportation means more ferries and water taxis to get you where you’re going, while enjoying sparkling views and salty breezes.

Recommendations

• Fenway Park , the home of the Boston Red Sox and the oldest, smallest ballpark in baseball, offers daily tours full of colorful history.
• Yvonne’s serves elegant food and unusual cocktails, with ingredients that include marshmallow, carrot and salted sage, in a dazzling reinvented space.
• The Boston Harborwalk , a “linear park” stretching more than 40 miles, traces the zigs and zags of Boston’s waterfront.
• The ICA Watershed , a seasonal satellite of Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art, brings free exhibitions to harborside East Boston every summer.
• UnCommon Stage , an outdoor performance space run by Emerson College in partnership with the city, hosts free performances in a beer garden on Boston Common , the country’s oldest public park.
• “ The Embrace ,” a new public sculpture on the Common, celebrates the love between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, who first met as students in Boston.
• The Granary Burying Ground , established in 1660, is the final resting place of the founding fathers Samuel Adams, John Hancock and Paul Revere (plus Benjamin Franklin’s parents).
• The African Meeting House on Beacon Hill, part of the Museum of African American History , is considered the oldest surviving Black church building in the country.
• The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum explores political history and the mystique of the Kennedy family in an architectural gem on Dorchester Bay.
• Bakey is a bakery with Danish-Israeli roots, across the street from Boston Common.
• Temple Records pays tribute to Japanese listening bars and serves sushi downstairs.
• Time Out Market Boston , a massive food hall near Fenway Park, showcases a range of Boston favorites like lobster rolls and three-way roast beef sandwiches.
• Carmella’s Market is an old-school Italian market in East Boston for giant takeout subs.
• Downeast Cider House offers four-flavor flights of cider in its tap room near the waterfront.
• Tea by the Sea is a spacious harborside cafe offering bubble tea and smoothies.
• The Tall Ship is a floating oyster bar with sunset views in East Boston.
• Rincon Limeno , a neighborhood favorite, has a friendly vibe and authentic Peruvian food.
• Sullivan’s is a summer institution for hot dogs, lobster rolls and ice cream in South Boston.
• Dorchester Brewing has a rooftop deck and tasty smoked meats from M&M BBQ .
• Comfort Kitchen in the Dorchester neighborhood has won accolades for its global comfort food, including okra, plantains, jerk-roasted duck and curried monkfish.
• Music Research Library is a light-filled record store on a quiet street, with a peaceful, library-like ambience and two listening stations.
• Beacon Hill Books & Cafe opened in 2022 but feels like a neighborhood institution, with five floors of books in a charming 19th-century townhouse.
• December Thieves is a Beacon Hill boutique known for unusual jewelry, like rings of polished resin and dangling silver earrings shaped like bare winter branches.
• Yacht Haven Inn & Marina , on Commercial Wharf in the historic North End, has an unrivaled harborside location. The boutique hotel has 10 spacious rooms, some with private decks overlooking the water; you can also rent a slip to berth your boat. Rooms start at around $500.
• The Verb Hotel , next door to Fenway Park, has won a faithful following for its funky take on hospitality, with turntables in every room and a lending library of 1,700 records in the lobby. Breakfast (included) is way above average, with live music and fruit smoothies made to order; the former Howard Johnson’s even has a heated outdoor pool. Rooms start at around $300.
• citizenM , a no-frills budget option, offers a prime Boston location close to historic attractions and the Italian restaurants of the North End, and next door to the TD Garden, home of the Boston Celtics and the Boston Bruins. Rooms start at around $200.
• Boston is compact and largely walkable , though you’ll need other transport to reach some of its most dynamic neighborhoods. Its beleaguered subway system, known as the T , has struggled with delays and breakdowns of late, but remains the cheapest, fastest way to get around in many cases. A CharlieCard can be purchased at any station, and widespread testing of one-tap credit card entry is under way. The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority, known as the M.B.T.A., also offers a beefed-up summer ferry schedule (Charlestown and East Boston routes $2 to $4 one way).

UnCommon Stage

Kick off the weekend in the oldest city park in the United States, the Boston Common , where a new summer performance space run by Emerson College, UnCommon Stage , features free live music in a beer garden pouring classic drafts from the Boston mainstay Harpoon Brewery . When you’re ready for a stretch, amble over to “The Embrace” and debate the merits of the Common’s newest and most hotly debated public monument , a massive, semi-abstract bronze work paying tribute to the love between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, in the city where they met. Then drop in across the street at Bakey, a fragrant pastry showcase with Danish-Israeli roots, to stock up on chocolate, almond or raspberry babka ($6) for the morning (or a late-night snack).

Downtown Crossing

In the city’s Downtown Crossing shopping district, Temple Place has become a lively restaurant row of late, dense with clever concepts like the Wig Shop , a cocktail lounge tucked behind a storefront that remains a dead ringer for the wig shop it once was. Steps away, the new Temple Records is a tribute to the “listening bars” of 1950s Japan, with a custom sound system and an eclectic collection of vintage vinyl. Sip a pale green Off Minor cocktail (gin, Midori, basil, yuzu, absinthe, $16) and snack on addictive karaage fried chicken ($16) while trying to identify the album in rotation. Hidden one floor below, Sushi@Temple Records feels like a secret hideaway, a 22-seat wooden sushi bar serving tiny cups of sake and delicate cuts of sea urchin, eel, sea trout and caviar (plates from $7 to $25).

For a glimpse of sumptuous old-world Boston, reinvented for a modern audience, there is nothing quite like Yvonne’s , the dimly lit bar and restaurant that occupies the former Locke-Ober, an iconic Boston restaurant that opened in 1875 and endured for 137 years. Once the exclusive hideaway of bluebloods, the grandly appointed space retains its mysterious glamour, with whimsical touches like the portrait of Bill Murray, dressed in epaulets, that hangs above the fireplace in the library bar, and the smoky drama of the Rubicon, a gin, chartreuse and rosemary cocktail ($16) that is briefly set aflame. This is a room to dress up for, to see and be seen in; just don’t forget to try the lobster ricotta dumplings in black truffle butter ($32) and the seared haloumi with orange-blossom honey and crispy chickpeas ($16).

“The Embrace,” the Common’s newest and most hotly debated public monument, pays tribute to the love between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, in the city where they met.

Whatever your level of baseball fandom, a pilgrimage to Fenway Park feels necessary in Boston, whether it’s to watch a Red Sox game or soak up the history of the sport’s oldest, smallest ballpark on a Fenway tour ($25). You’ll get plenty of Yankees trash talk in this hourlong expedition, plus colorful backstories on the Curse of the Bambino and the Green Monster, the towering outfield wall that boasts the oldest manual scoreboard in baseball. If sports aren’t your thing, opt for another neighborhood gem, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum , in a Venetian-style palace. Afterward, stroll a half-mile down Brookline Avenue to the Time Out Market , a cavernous food hall stuffed with local favorites, including Cusser’s three-way roast beef sandwich (with BBQ sauce, mayo and cheese, $13) and butter pecan crullers ($5) from Union Square Donuts .

Disneyland for history buffs lies on Beacon Hill, a short ride from Fenway on the MBTA Green Line. Wander through the Granary Burying Ground , established in 1660, a shady oasis beside busy Tremont Street, to pay respects to the founding fathers Samuel Adams, John Hancock and Paul Revere, all of whom are buried here, along the city’s 2.5-mile-long Freedom Trail . Hike uphill past the Massachusetts State House to find the African Meeting House , the country’s oldest surviving Black church building, and the Museum of African American History ($15). Downhill on Charles Street, browse the unusual and beautiful jewelry at December Thieves , and explore Beacon Hill Books & Cafe , a Tasha Tudor illustration come to life with its steep staircases, reading nooks and fireplaces. Afternoon tea is served on Sundays ($65).

No Boston neighborhood has seen more recent transformation than East Boston, or Eastie, long a home to new immigrants and Logan Airport, and now morphing into a trendy waterfront playground. Change has brought parking woes and identity angst , but also a complex vibrancy. A seasonal ferry ($5 round trip) runs every 30 minutes from Long Wharf, near the New England Aquarium, across Boston Harbor to East Boston, or take the M.B.T.A. Blue Line to Maverick station. Stop by Carmella’s Market, an authentic Italian corner store, for oversize meatball or chicken cutlet subs ($10 to $13) and picnic in Piers Park for the stunning skyline views across the harbor.

Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art , in the Seaport neighborhood, runs a summer outpost in East Boston called the Watershed (free admission), in a former pipe factory. (A water taxi links the two sites .) An exhibition by the British artist Hew Locke, “ The Procession ,” through Sept. 2, explores memory and identity in an installation of 140 life-size sculptures of masked figures. For post-show contemplation, Downeast Cider House Taproom is steps away, offering four-flavor flights ($15). Or, if the wait there is too long, walk 15 minutes to Tea by the Sea , a spacious waterfront cafe with loungy leather couches, jewel-toned velvet footrests and an extensive menu of bubble teas, smoothies and revelatory delights, including mango coconut milk slush (drinks $5 to $10).

For sunset views and lawn party energy, there is Tall Ship , a floating oyster bar moored at East Boston’s Pier One. A lively seasonal venue favored by a youthful crowd, with cornhole, live music and a water shuttle ($4) to other harborfront hot spots, this is not the East Boston of old. But that neighborhood is still here, too. For dinner, try one of its gems: Rincon Limeno , in Day Square, serves Peruvian food in a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere. The ceviche is beloved by locals, but seafood-averse diners will find their own favorites, like the hearty Tacu Tacu ($25), a heaping plate of fried rice-and-bean cake, topped with steak or chicken, perfectly spiced and smothered in sauce. Sip a silky pisco sour on the back patio before catching the train back to your hotel.

People ride a Swan Boat in the Public Garden, adjacent to Boston Common.

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Begin at Columbia Point in the Dorchester neighborhood, where the soaring white profile of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum rises above the blue backdrop of Dorchester Bay. Rent bicycles from the BLUEBikes station in front of the Campus Center at the University of Massachusetts Boston ($10 per day; check bikes before you go to make sure they’re working). Slip behind the J.F.K. library to pick up the Boston Harborwalk , a near-continuous, 43-mile “linear park” that traces the city’s waterfront. Pedal along, listening to the waves, the gulls and the planes descending toward Logan Airport; stop to hunt for shells or shards of sea glass at beaches along the trail.

A ride of about four miles takes you to Castle Island, in South Boston , another oceanfront peninsula with walking trails, beaches and a rich military history; free tours of Fort Independence , which dates back to the 1600s, are offered on weekends. No Castle Island idyll is complete without a stop for sweet and salty sustenance at Sullivan’s , a beloved Southie landmark serving burgers, hot dogs, lobster rolls and ice cream since 1951. A public front porch for the city’s summer nights, the scene is equal parts chaotic and laid-back: children shrieking; dogs chasing balls; planes preparing for landing just above your head. Keep one eye on the sly Southie seagulls, who will dive-bomb your French fries ($3.75) when you least expect it.

Beer arrived on the Mayflower, and helped to fuel the American Revolution, so it’s no surprise to find a bevy of neighborhood breweries in Boston. Drop your bikes at the BLUEBikes station on Day Boulevard and catch an Uber to Dorchester Brewing , with its sunny outdoor deck, Skee-Ball and in-house Museum of Bad Art . Don’t resist the juicy brisket sandwich ($15) from the M&M BBQ counter inside the taproom. (Ask for a fork.) More exotic fare, including jerk jackfruit sliders ($13), is a short walk away at Comfort Kitchen , a Black-owned cafe acclaimed for its globally inspired menu.

Have a weekend to explore a destination? We’ve got the perfect travel itinerary.

Colorado Springs: ​​Colorado’s second-largest city, which brims with outdoor activities , is enticing visitors with a new museum and revamped hotels.

Minneapolis: Springtime is best for exploring this Midwestern city’s lakeside trails, robust arts scene and top-notch restaurants .

Maui: The beauty and hospitality of this Hawaiian island, still recovering from last year’s wildfires, remain as vibrant as ever .

Toronto: Savor the diversity of this lakefront city through its hidden bars, small-but-fascinating museums and vibrant restaurants .

Cape Town: Take a food and storytelling tour, cruise one of the world’s most beautiful coastal drives and see contemporary African art in this city with stunning views in every direction .

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Best Things To Do in Boston July 2024 with Kids

G et ready for a July 2024 packed with things to do in Boston for summer fun. The month starts off with a bang, and we've got you covered with Where to See 4th of July Fireworks in Boston 2024 . The celebrations begin with an Independence Day extravaganza at Boston's annual Harborfest  and culminate with the Boston Pops and 4th of July Fireworks . July is also filled with festivals including Artbeat  2024 , Do Good Fest  2024 , the Revere Beach Sand Sculpting Festival and so many more! Read on for the Best of July with our picks for fun things to do with kids in Greater Boston and around New England.

Need more ideas for family activities this summer?  See our guide to Drive-in Movie Theaters In and Around Boston for Outdoor Movie Night with kids . Take the kids for a spin on the rides at one of these 8 New England Theme Parks that Are Great for Families . For a full list of ideas to pack this season with fun, check out our Summer Guide . And we are always adding events to our calendar , so be sure to come back and see what's new!.

Get some family fun on the waterfront this July at the Marblehead Model Boat Building and Regatta. Photo courtesy of Marblehead Festival of the Arts.

Best of July: Things To Do in Boston with Kids

July 1-4, 2024

With hundreds of activities over Independence Day week at Boston’s best landmarks, this family-friendly event is one of the country’s largest Fourth of July festivals. Activities include historical reenactments, Freedom Trail walks, boat tours, live entertainment, and more. read more

Boston Navy Week at the Charlestown Navy Yard

July 1-7, 2024

Join the Museum, Boston National Historic Park, and USS Constitution in celebrating Boston Navy Week in grand fashion! Activities all week will honor the history and legacy of the US Navy, culminating in a Block Party on July 4th to celebrate the nation's independence. read more

Boston Pops and 4th of July Fireworks

July 4, 2024

The 2024 Boston Pops July 4th Spectacular returns to the Esplanade along the Charles River. Special guests at this year's spectacular include The Mavericks and Kelli O'Hara. The fireworks finale will also be broadcast as part of the live televised event. read more

Marblehead Model Boat Building and Regatta

This popular event begins with a workshop where children construct and design a model sailboat at the Lee Mansion Gardens, and then sail it at Redd’s Pond competing against all the other boats! Family team participation is encouraged. read more

Berkshires Arts Festival Fourth of July Weekend

July 4-7, 2024

The Berkshire Arts Festival will offer great entertainment geared toward kids this year, with puppet shows, demonstrations and live music. read more

Marblehead Kite Festival

July 5, 2024

Join Three Moons Rising and create a piece of flying art!. Buy a kite kit on site or BYO Kite! read more

Ice Cream Making Workshop

July 6 & 27, 2024

Gerly’s Ice Cream Making Workshop offers a unique experience centered around crafting premium ice creams from scratch, using only real, high-quality ingredients. Participants will delve into the history of ice cream, exploring its origins and earliest flavors, before unleashing their creativity to craft their own signature ice cream flavor. read more

Danny Go! Live

July 12, 2024

“Danny Go!” is a live-action educational children’s show filled with music, movement and silliness. read more

Artbeat 2024

July 13, 2024

The theme of this year’s ArtBeat Festival is WILD, exploring all the ways the word can be interpreted. There will be 100 craft, community, and food vendors, plus live music and a dance showcase. read more

Do Good Fest 2024

The Do Good Fest is a day of family-friendly fun with live music, food, and more–all to benefit Vermont charities. Local organizations will have games, raffles, and crafts to raise money, spread awareness, and build stronger community bonds.  read more

Revere Beach Sand Sculpting Festival

July 19-21, 2024

The largest Sand Sculpting Festival on the East Coast is back for the 20th year. The festival features include an interactive Kid’s Zone & Learning Center, a beach-side food pavilion and a fireworks extravaganza on Saturday night. read more

Opening Celebration of Bike Town at Moakley Park

July 20, 2024

All Boston youth and families are invited to a family-friendly bike party to celebrate the opening of Bike Town at Moakley Park, a new place in Boston where kids can practice riding, rolling, and walking in a fun and safe environment. read more

Gazillion Bubble Show

July 21, 2024

Prepare to be amazed by the world-famous Gazillion Bubble Show! This mind-blowing show combines the beauty of bubble artistry, the wonders of soapy science, and interactive musical fun for the whole family. read more

Ossippee Valley Music Festival

July 25 - 28, 2024

Ossipee Valley is a music festival in Maine. The festival features four stages, food trucks, craft beer, yoga, barn dances, workshops, kids activities, craft vendors and camping. It is dreamily situated on the banks of the Ossipee river, amongst tall pines and goat barns, in southern Maine. read more

Lowell Folk Festival

July 26 - 28, 2024

Lowell celebrates its 37th Folk Festival with three days of musicians, food vendors, and artisans celebrating folk culture from around the globe.  read more

Yankee Homecoming in Newburyport

July 27 - August 4, 2024

Head to Newburyport for the annual celebration of Yankee Homecoming. This week-long celebration features a parade, fireworks, live music, and vendors. Events include a cornhole tournament, a road rally, and an exhibition of artwork from all over New England. read more

Summer Tracktivities

Saturdays in July

Suffolk Downs is partnering with Outside the Box Learning Company to offer free programming for kids at The Track this summer. All summer there will be hands-on science experiments, games, challenges, and more! read more

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Where to Watch the Boston 4th of July Fireworks in 2024

There are two things that matter most in Boston : summer and celebrating freedom. Naturally, Independence Day and the enjoyment of fireworks are tentpoles of any Bostonian’s summer plans.

Each July 4th, the city swells with activity: residents take to their roof decks, suburbanites ride the commuter rail into town to gather on the banks of the Charles River, and travelers from around the world come to catch a glimpse of this waterfront celebration of music and pyrotechnics that has enchanted our fair city for the last five decades. Whether you’re a seasoned local or a first-time visitor, here are the best places to watch Boston’s 4th of July fireworks in 2024, as well as the events where you're bound to find the crowds, the drinks, and the air of patriotism simply intoxicating.

The Charles River Esplanade

Watching the fireworks from the Esplanade —roughly between the Museum of Science down to the Boston University Bridge—is a quintessential Boston experience, although not suggested for the agoraphobic. Everybody else needs to go straight into the belly of the beast at least once: gates open at the Hatch Shell’s lawn at 9 a.m. (and lawn space fills up notoriously quickly) and the fireworks kick off at 10:30 p.m. If reserved seating is more your vibe, get a ticket to Community Boating’s annual SAILabration fundraiser, the only event that offers reserved seating on the Esplanade on July 4. It will cost you $100 per adult and $75 per child, but that price includes plenty of space to stretch your legs, as well as unlimited water and seltzer from Massachusetts’ popular Polar Seltzer, and Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream to beat the heat, so the cost of admission basically pays for itself.

Rolling with a 21+ crew? The Esplanade's Night Shift Beer Garden is a prime spot from which to view the fireworks and throw back a few craft brews. If you’re spending the day out with your pets, this could also be a good spot for your four-legged friends: it's one of the few outdoor bars in the city that allows dogs. Night Shift will offer extended hours from noon until 10 p.m. on July 4th, and will be debuting two new tipples: Firecracker American Lager and Daiquiri Sour, a strawberry daiquiri sour ale brewed with real strawberries. The sprawling space accommodates 400 people at a time and doesn’t require tickets for admission.

Nearby, the Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel is just across the street from the Esplanade and where the fireworks will be visible from the second and third floor catwalks that line the hotel’s cavernous lobby, which will be newly open to the public this year. Reservations aren’t required, but are highly recommended—especially if you want to score one of chef Lydia Shire’s signature lobster pizzas at Scampo afterwards.

From the water

Don’t forget that this is a coastal city with watercraft abound. Each Independence Day, the Charles River chokes with anchored boats awaiting the evening’s fireworks. But if you can’t simply score an invite on a friend’s boat, a rented kayak will do just fine: Beloved outfitter Paddle Boston’s launch location in Cambridge’s Kendall Square, just across the river from the Hatch Shell, is an easy five-minute row to the heart of the action. If they don’t have availability when you go to book, look into renting from the Boston location on Soldier’s Field Road—just be ready for a work out, as opting for this location involves about a one-hour paddle each way for the best vantage point. If being chauffeured around is more your speed than doing the paddling yourself, the Charles Riverboat Company is doing a rain-or-shine sunset sailing aboard the Lexington, from 6:45 p.m. to 11 p.m. Kick back and relax while enjoying an open bar, a dessert buffet, and an unbeatable view of the fireworks over the city’s skyline. Tickets are $250 and can be purchased via phone .

And if they’re sold out (which they usually are) there are tons–and we mean tons–of other opportunities to get on a boat for the 4th this year. Boston Harbor City Cruises will offer a dinner cruise on the Harbor side of the city (not the Charles River side)–and while you may not be right under the fireworks, it will still be possible to catch glimpses of them as you take in the city lights. For a more historic outing earlier in the day, City Cruises also offers an excellent daytime lunch cruise that brings you by several of the city’s most popular landmarks, and offers a waterfront view of the USS Constitution’s annual turnaround (once a year, she leaves her port in Charlestown to sail to South Boston, turn around, and come back).

Another pro tip for seeing fireworks from the water in Boston on the 4th–several operators offer tours to nearby Winthrop, located just across Boston Harbor from downtown, which offers a slightly smaller-scale yet infinitely less chaotic display. The Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships will set sail one of its gorgeous schooners from Fan Pier in the Seaport District to make the short trek across the water in time for the fireworks in Winthrop. The cheeky Tiki Boat Boston (a decidedly boozier, more adult-centric offering) also has some sailings available still.

For an even more turnkey experience, Martignetti Hospitality Group (of popular Woburn restaurant Sogno, twelve miles north of Boston) just launched Sogno-at-Sea, a 60-foot Azimut Yacht available for private charters complete with caviar, champagne, serving staff and all the lite bites you can handle. It’ll set you back $7,500 for twenty-five guests, but for some you can't really put a price on having your own sunset charter under Boston’s most iconic fireworks display.

From the sky

Forr something a little more… elevated, View Boston, an observation deck that occupies the top three floors of the Prudential Tower, is offering a special adults-only July 4th viewing party. The $75 tickets grant access to both indoor and outdoor views—making this a great option in case of inclement weather—and includes two drink tickets. Regular everyday admission starts at $29.99 per adult, so the inclusion of two drinks on Boston’s biggest night (not to mention golden hour admission to the city’s most coveted Instagram spot of the moment, without any errant toddlers ruining your shot) makes this a pretty sweet deal.

From Cambridge, Charlestown, and remotely

The classic spot from which to watch the fireworks in Cambridge is the grassy quadrangle at MIT, where a giant screen live-streams the Boston Pops concert. The view from this side of the river—with the city skyline in the background and more sweeping vantage points over the Charles River—might just beat being on the Esplanade itself.

For something with more local flavor, head across the Charles over to Charlestown, the oldest neighborhood in Boston—also known as “The Town”—where The Anchor , a sprawling waterfront beer garden, offers plenty of space to move around and a clear line of sight to the fireworks barge. And if you’d rather catch the fireworks from the comfort of your own home, tune in on Bloomberg TV, or WHDH Channel 7.

Before the 4th

You didn’t think just one night of festivities would be enough for Boston, did you? Locals know that the real party begins in the days leading up to the 4th–specifically with Boston Harborfest , one of the largest Independence Day festivals of its kind in the country. The good times begin on the 1st, with several days of Revolutionary War reenactments, free clam chowder tastings (while supplies last), face painting and balloon art for kids, live music, and more. Don’t miss the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum’s annual “Revelry on Griffin’s Wharf” event, where guests will have access to replicas of the 18-century vessels present at the original Boston Tea Party, and also be able to throw tea crates themselves into Boston Harbor.

And if you aren’t able to make the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular held over the Charles River on the actual 4th, locals know that the Boston Harborfest Fireworks on July 2nd are just as grandiose. And since they’re held over the Inner Harbor, Harborfest’s fireworks can be enjoyed from a wider spread of vantage points, which means (marginally) less hectic crowds. For the best lookouts, check out Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park in the North End, Rowes Wharf by the Boston Harbour Hotel, or head across the water to East Boston, where the best spots include LoPresti Park or Griffin’s Wharf–or better yet, the covered patio at MIDA’s East Boston location, where you can snack on spritzes and charcuterie from the comfort of their covered outdoor patio. City Cruises will also offer a front-row experience to the Harborfest fireworks on July 2nd–where it will be possible to get much closer to the action on the water than on the 4th itself.

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