A kid-sized adventure to Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

I grew up where it was always time to make the donuts, but all the deep-fried action was in a back room. Every time I visit a Krispy Kreme Doughnuts facility with the miniature doughnut factory, I get excited.

Last winter, we stopped at the Union City Krispy Kreme on our way to the Niles Canyon Train of Lights, and I (finally) shared this sweet adventure with my children. Of course they loved it, too.

For the price of a doughnut (or a dozen), you can enjoy this pint-sized factory experience.

Whenever the HOT light is on, you can expect an assembly line where gooey dough loops are dropped into hot oil, then passed along a conveyor of sweet glaze. Once the doughnut finishes its sugary shower, a staff member will use chopsticks to put it directly in your box or bag — but not mouth. YUMMMM!

Remember to ask for your paper hat.

Sadly the mini factories are the exception in the East Bay rather than the norm. I suggest you tie your sweet visit into a boring errand with your family or make a sugary destination out of it (Heck, its way easier than the Jelly Belly Tour!).

Visit the Krispy Kreme Doughnut Factory

You can find the full-on doughnut assembly lines in Fremont, Union City, Mountain View, Concord, Brentwood, Daly City and more. Check their website or call for HOT light hours. There’s also a HOT light app, of course there is.

Other fun factories to consider: bagel factory, jellybean factory.