Across the country factories are buzzing with all kinds of activity as workers manufacture many of the products we use every day. Seeing firsthand how these factories work can make for a fun family outing and give your children ideas for a future career.
A factory tour helped 14-year-old Brennan, an avid model builder, determine how to pursue his dream of designing roller coasters when he grows up. As part of his seventh grade goal-setting process, his teacher and his mother wrote a letter requesting a tour of the K'nex factory in Pennsylvania, which makes construction sets.
"I saw the whole operation and talk to the product designers," Brennan says. "The most valuable thing was learning that they'd studied art and design instead of engineering, as I'd expected. It's definitely changed my thinking about my college major!"
To find one of the many public tours available, visit factorytoursusa.com, a site that "celebrates American imagination and industry."
Other companies offer virtual tours. Nearly 250 web tours are listed at bradley.bradley.edu/~rf/plantour.htm, including a power plant in Michigan and a rubber manufacturer in California.
In rural areas your family can tour farming operations and dairies, such as Shatto Milk Company in Osborn, Mo.
Tours are usually available at no charge - and may offer freebies! Since some operations are seasonal, check the company website for scheduling and reservations.
Here are just a few examples of some of the tours you and your family could enjoy:
Sanford, Maine
Tom's of Maine shows how toothpaste gets into the tube.
Louisville, Ky.
Watch how Louisville Slugger bats are made for little leaguers and pro players.
Abilene, Texas
Learn how Ninnie Baird started Mrs. Baird's Bread factory in 1908.
Afton, Wyo.
See Aviat Aircraft manufacture sport and utility airplanes.
Whatever type of factory you visit, you'll appreciate seeing American ingenuity in action!