Ben & Jerry's
About
The Ben & Jerry's Factory in Stowe offers an interactive 30-minute guided tour where kids can watch ice cream being made through observation windows, learn about the company's quirky history, and enjoy a free sample at the end. The highlight for many families is the whimsical Flavor Graveyard outside, where discontinued flavors get their own hilarious headstones, making for great photo opportunities and giggles.
Highlights
- ✓30-minute guided factory tour with observation windows showing real ice cream production
- ✓Free ice cream sample at the end of every tour
- ✓Flavor Graveyard with funny headstones for discontinued flavors
- ✓Scoop Shop offering exclusive Vermont-only flavors
- ✓Interactive exhibits about Ben & Jerry's social mission and history
Pro Tips
- 1.Book tours online in advance, especially during summer and fall foliage season when they sell out quickly
- 2.Visit on weekday mornings right when they open at 10 AM for the smallest crowds and freshest samples
- 3.Don't skip the Flavor Graveyard outside,it's free, hilarious, and kids love reading the punny epitaphs for discontinued flavors
- 4.The Scoop Shop offers full servings of ice cream separate from the tour, so budget extra time (and appetite) if you want more than just the sample
- 5.Dress in layers as the tour route can be chilly, and wear comfortable shoes for standing during the 30-minute experience
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (10-11 AM) in spring or early fall offer the best experience with smaller crowds and pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor Flavor Graveyard. Avoid summer weekends and October peak foliage season when tour groups and tourists pack the facility.
What to Know
Tours cost approximately $5 for adults and $3 for kids, with children under 2 free. There's ample free parking, and the Scoop Shop sells full servings of ice cream beyond the tour samples. The facility is wheelchair accessible with accommodations available.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round, seven days a week from 10 AM to 6 PM. Summer and fall foliage season (September-October) are the busiest times. Winter visits offer a cozier experience with fewer crowds, though Vermont weather requires appropriate cold-weather gear.
Nearby Eats
The Prohibition Pig (5 minutes away) offers excellent BBQ with a kids menu, or stop at the Stowe Mercantile for casual sandwiches and local goods in downtown Stowe (10 minutes north).
More Activities Near Stowe
Stowe Free Library
Stowe Free Library is a welcoming community hub that offers much more than books for families visiting Vermont's scenic mountain town. With a dedicated children's section, regular story hours, and engaging programs designed for young learners, this beautiful library provides a perfect rainy-day activity or quiet retreat between outdoor adventures in Stowe.
Picnic Area at Lake Mansfield
Lake Mansfield's picnic area offers families a peaceful lakeside retreat surrounded by Vermont's stunning natural beauty. With designated grills for cookouts, open spaces for kids to run and play, and gorgeous water views, it's an ideal spot for a laid-back family day in the mountains. Pack your picnic basket and enjoy quality time together while the kids explore the natural surroundings.
Stowe Recreation Path
The Stowe Recreation Path is a beautiful five-mile paved trail that winds through some of Vermont's most stunning scenery, making it perfect for families who want a safe, car-free outdoor adventure. With multiple access points throughout town, you can customize your journey to match your family's energy level, whether that's a quick mile-long stroll or the full scenic route with mountain views, crossing charming bridges over the West Branch River.
Snug Valley Farm
Snug Valley Farm is a quintessential Vermont fall destination that delivers all the autumn magic families crave. This seasonal farm attraction offers pumpkin picking straight from the patch, a challenging corn maze for adventurous kids, and hands-on farm activities that give children a real taste of agricultural life in the beautiful Stowe region.