Channel Your Inner Willy Wonka at a Chocolate Factory Tour

Hannah Bruneman

Have you ever dreamed of visiting a real-life Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory? Well—at least one without the chaos and missing children. Lucky for us, chocolate factory tours do exist, and they’re the perfect family-friendly attraction for your next vacation. The tours below are the top choices on our must-visit list. They’re sure to be fun, affordable, and, of course, delicious!

Image courtesy of Hershey's

1. Hershey’s Chocolate Tour

The Hershey’s tour in Hershey, Pennsylvania looks more like an amusement park ride than an educational tour. But, don’t be fooled by the candy-themed ride carriages and talking Hershey’s bars—you’ll learn all about the chocolate making process. This tour is free, runs 30 minutes, and ends with a complimentary chocolate sample.

Image courtesy of Cadbury

2. Cadbury World Tour

If you think the chocolatiers at Cadbury only work hard during the Easter season, think again. Year-round you can visit Cadbury World in Birmingham, UK to learn all about the many products Cadbury creates. The playful experience includes a 4D chocolate adventure, an Aztec jungle, and a chance to pipe your own chocolate with the guidance of a real chocolatier.

Image courtesy of Cailler

3. Maison Cailler Attraction

You’re not going to have much luck finding a Nestle chocolate tour. Instead, you’ll have to visit Maison Cailler, a picturesque chocolate factory in Switzerland. Cailler joined the Nestle family in 1929, and its history has been delicious ever since. The tour is interactive and afterward you can pick up a snack or beverage at the Cafe Cailler.

Image courtesy of Ethel M Chocolates

4. Ethel M Chocolates

Chocolate probably isn’t the first thing you think about when you hear Las Vegas. But, once you’re spent at the slots and the shows, head over to Ethel M Chocolates, an affiliate of Mars candies. While there, go on a self-guided tour of the factory and enjoy a chocolate tasting class.

Image courtesy of Olive & Sinclair

5. Olive & Sinclair

Artisan chocolate is the craft beer of the candy world. And just like craft breweries, they have an outstanding factory tour. Olive & Sinclair is a Southern Artisan Chocolate-maker in Nashville, Tennessee. See how they make Bourbon Nib Brittle and a Salt & Pepper Chocolate Bar at their bean-to-bar factory tour.