Are you looking for a fun, family day out that involves learning about and tasting one of the most delicious food items on the planet? Then look no further than the Tillamook Cheese Factory and Creamery!
This award-winning cheese brand has been supplying Oregon residents with delicious cheese and dairy products for over 100 years. Its state-of-the-art visitors center and creamery allow visitors to learn more about how the products are made and sample some tasty treats.
In addition to an interactive Farm Exhibit, a fantastic viewing gallery, and a sample station, the facility features a newly improved dining hall showcasing plenty of the brand’s signature products and a well-stocked kitchen and souvenir shop.
Here are five reasons why you should choose the Tillamook Creamery for your next family day out (we think you’ll have a “brie”-lliant time!):
Kids will enjoy the learning experience
The cheese factory has been upgraded recently, and they’ve really pulled out the stops. First, head into the modern grand entrance, where you can marvel at the unique ‘floating cheese’ sculpture. You’ll find an interesting display exhibit showcasing facts about how the cheese is made and how much is sold.
The best part for kids is an interactive Farm Exhibit where little ones can try their hand at feeding a calf and milking a cow and learn about how the farmers care for the cows.
There’s also an expanded viewing gallery where you can see right into the heart of the cheese factory. Read about the different machines and processes used to make the products while watching the process for yourself.
The experience is fantastic for the whole family, but kids especially will enjoy getting hands-on while learning more about some of the products they likely eat daily.
You can go at your own pace
Days out with little ones in tow can be challenging. Finding things to keep them entertained long enough, or in some cases taking part in activities that are far too long, is a constant battle.
At the Tillamook Cheese Factory, there’s no need to pre-book. You can turn up at any point during the opening hours (10 am – 6 pm, seven days a week) and enjoy a self-guided tour of the factory. The self-guided tour means that you can explore at your own pace, spending as little or as long at each station as you like – perfect for when you can’t tear the kids away from something!
If you can, visit the factory during the week to see the workers producing the cheese in real time!
You can try delicious samples
One of the best things about visiting a food factory is the likelihood of sampling some tasty treats, and at the Tillamook Creamery, you won’t leave hungry!
At the sampling station, you will find an array of cheese samples, all completely free to try! Try a few flavors and get everyone in the family to choose their favorites. Head to the shop afterward with your favorite flavors in tow, ready to purchase some delicious take-home goodies.
There’s an ice cream counter!
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!
Little ones (and big ones, too!) will likely be most excited to enjoy a delicious scoop of the Tillamook Creamery ice cream after seeing how the tasty treat is made. And with 26 regular flavors of ice cream to choose from – there’s plenty to satisfy even the fussiest of mouths. You can choose from either one, two, or three scoops, all served in a waffle cone. Additional extras, such as a dipped waffle and frozen custard, are available, too.
They sometimes have new flavors that haven’t hit the shops yet, so keep your eyes peeled for brand-new offerings!
It’s completely free to visit!
Open seven days a week from 10 am – 6 pm, you will pay absolutely nothing to enjoy a self-guided tour of the creamery at your leisure. Plus, you get cheese samples! Of course, you will have to purchase any products from the shop and fork out for lunch or ice cream, but for an enjoyable day out that costs nothing to experience, it’s somewhere that should definitely be on your list.
A fantastic budget day out for the whole family – we think you’ll have a “grate” time!
