Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Factory
See Stowe, Vermont family vacationBen and Jerry's Ice Cream Factory
Waterbury
view website1281 Waterbury Stowe Rd
Waterbury, VT 05676
802-882-1240
Good-for-Kids Rating
Sightseeing Tour
Specialty Food Store
Dessert
Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Factory Description
This is not your average factory tour -- it is where Cherry Garcia and Chunky Monkey were born, after all. Ben and Jerry aren't here (they no longer own the company), but the guides are lively, the tour is short, and there's a "moo-vie" explaining how the company started and how its style of ice cream was invented (in terms kids can understand). Your last stop is at a counter where you'll pick up a fresh sample of the day's flavor and a new appreciation for your favorite pint.
Kid Tips
Toddlers & Pre-K: Kids will love the playground equipment and huge tanks of milk and cream on the side of the building. Take a walk along the trail (just off the lower parking lot) and you'll likely spot a few cows whose relatives may have contributed to your cone.
School-Age Kids: The free annual outdoor movie festival takes place at dusk on Saturday nights during the summer months (check the website for details). Bring a chair or blanket and settle in for kid-friendly flicks.
Pre-Teens & Teens: Teens and tweens will dig the cool souvenirs available in the gift shop. Favorites include a padlock for your pint of ice cream and tie-dyed T-shirts.
Planning Notes
- Don't miss the graveyard. If you park close to the factory you may not see it, but tucked in the rear of the parking lot is a cute testament to all the flavors that melted before their time.
- First come, first served. Tickets are given on a first-come, first-serve basis and give you a timed entry, so get them first and then explore the grounds until it's your turn.
- Stick around. The end of the tour is no reason to leave the grounds. Plenty of playground equipment, nature trails, a quirky gift shop, and picnic areas make this a great stop for all ages.
Just the Facts
Hours: Open seven days a week except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. On Wednesdays in September and October tours are offered but no ice cream is made on site. Tour hours vary by season.
Fees: Under $10
Recommended Time: 2 to 4 hours
What's Nearby?
- The Ice Center of Washington West 546 River Rd
Waterbury, VT 05676
802-244-4040 44.331158888888886 -72.76310277777777 - Vermont Teddy Bear Co. 2653 Waterbury-Stowe Rd
Waterbury Center, VT 05677
802-244-7964 44.36852694444445 -72.72875888888889
Related Vacations
Ski or Swim for Fun Year-Round
Stowe, VermontSteps from the mountains and packed with swimming holes, Stowe offers ...







