5 Top Ohio Factory Tours for Kids

Why not take the kids to a factory this summer? They will be amazed when they look on to see how a few of their favorite things are made. Ohio is one of the best States for Factory Tours. From Whistles to Ice cream, these factory tours will amaze the kids of all ages.

American Whistle Corporation

Kids have always asked the question, "How do they get that little ball inside that whistle?" Well, they can get their answer in Columbus, Ohio! Since 1956, The American Whistle Corporation is the only manufacturer of metal whistles in the U. S. Their Whistles have been used by millions of Americans of all walks of life. During your 45 minute tour, you will will see the machinery used to produce the metal whistles. Some of the machinery has been there since the start of business. Your tour guide will also explain who buys whistles and why. Everyone gets to take a shiny new whistle home with them at the end of the tour.

American Whistle Corporation
6540 Huntley Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43229
800-876-2918

Anthony-Thomas Chocolates

This one-hour tour will take you through a 152, square-foot factory. As you walk along a glass enclosed cat-walk, you will watch as 8 lines of workers produce 25,000 pounds of chocolate per shift.The silver wrapped pipes that carry liquid chocolate through the factory is among the many highlights of the tour. The end of the tour will take you to the gift shop where you get to see the finished product. The tour is free.

Anthony-Thomas Chocolates
1777 Arlingate Lane
Columbus, Ohio 43228
877-226-3921

Creegans

Their motto is "We make things move". Creegans have been making animated figures and settings since the 1950's. Some of their famous clientele include places like Disney World, and Hersery Park. Once inside the kids will be able to watch as artists create costumes, and make puppets come to life. The kids will be in awe as they peek inside headless mechanized bodies and see how parts unite to produce character movements. Watching the artists paint the faces on puppets will be a delight for kids of all ages.

Creegans
510 Washington St.
Stubenville, Ohio 43952
740-283-3708

Graeter's

Even though this tour is only 20 minutes, it's free, and kids will be able to taste the finished product in the kid friendly restaurant ajacent to the factory. There is a video at the beginning that tells the story of Graeter's. From there, the kids will be able to stand behind a glass window and watch their favorite flavored ice cream being made. The factory is self-guided, anytime.

Graeter's
2555 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio
43220
614-442-7622

Middleton Doll Company

Located in Belpre, Ohio, this life size doll house is sure to be a little girl's dream come true. With a full size nursery of newborn dolls, each girl will be able to participate in a fun-filled adoption process before taking their little bundle of joy home. A nurse on staff is availble at all times to answer questions the child may have about their new baby. Each porcelain and vinyl baby is hand-painted and assembled throughout the factory. Tour the dollhouse museum and learn the history about founder, Lee Middleton, and his life-like dolls. Closed on Sundays.

Middleton Doll Company
1301 Washington Blvd.
Belpre, Ohio 45714
800-233-7479