If you’re looking for a unique and fun family outing in Connecticut, the PEZ Visitor Center in Orange is a sweet spot not to miss!
Just off I-95, this quirky attraction is perfect for anyone nostalgic for childhood treats or curious about the iconic PEZ brand’s story and flavors.
What is the PEZ Visitor Center?
The PEZ Visitor Center in Orange, Connecticut, is an attraction dedicated to all things PEZ, the iconic candy and dispenser brand that’s captivated generations.
Opened in 2011, this hidden gem offers a self-guided experience with displays showcasing thousands of PEZ dispensers, from classic characters to rare collectibles.
Visitors can explore the brand’s history, try interactive games, and even peek into the factory’s packaging area during weekdays.
This family-friendly spot is perfect for candy lovers of all ages.
With highlights like the world’s largest PEZ dispenser, a scavenger hunt, and a well-stocked gift shop featuring dispensers and candies galore, the PEZ Visitor Center is a fun and nostalgic stop for anyone passing through Connecticut.
Discover the History and Art of PEZ
The PEZ Visitor Center welcomes guests with walls filled with rare PEZ memorabilia and colorful dispensers of all shapes and sizes—from classic characters like Mickey Mouse to quirky designs featuring everything from superheroes to presidents to characters from The Office.
It’s fascinating to see how these tiny dispensers, originally invented in Austria in the 1920s as an alternative to smoking, evolved into a worldwide favorite.
A walk through their historical timeline gives insight into the candy’s origins, along with the fun fact that “PEZ” comes from the German word “Pfefferminz” (peppermint) by taking the first, middle, and last letters.
Fun for All Ages: Scavenger Hunts, Games, and More!
One of the really cool things we love about the PEZ Visitor Center is its interactive scavenger hunt, a rotating challenge that has you searching for specially marked dispensers hidden throughout the exhibits.
Complete the hunt, and you might just win a free PEZ dispenser to take home!
There’s also a trivia game where visitors can test their PEZ knowledge and even print out a certificate of their achievement.
The scavenger hunts and trivia aren’t just for kids though. Adults often find themselves joining in, with nostalgia adding to the experience.
And if you’re there on a weekday, you might get to see the factory in action, watching the candy get packaged through large viewing windows.
World’s Largest PEZ Dispenser & Other Unique Finds
The Center is also home to the world’s largest PEZ dispenser at 14 feet tall, a towering, motorized tribute to the brand that stands as a fun photo op and conversation starter.
Upstairs, visitors will find even more displays, including a custom PEZ motorcycle built by Orange County Choppers, rare PEZ memorabilia, and some interactive exhibits.
There’s also a cool photo opp where you can put your head on a PEZ dispenser.
For younger visitors (and those young at heart), there’s a chance to color, play games, or even become a “real-life” PEZ dispenser in one of the interactive setups.
The Perfect Souvenir Stop
No visit to the PEZ Visitor Center would be complete without picking out your favorite dispensers from the gift shop, which offers endless choices.
Whether you’re after classic flavors or PEZ candy in a mix-and-match bucket, there’s a flavor and dispenser style for everyone.
Your admission ticket comes with a $2 credit, which makes it easy to grab a little something to remember the visit by.
And if you’re looking for a fun DIY project, you can even create a personalized PEZ dispenser with stickers and pens. The shop is a treasure trove for fans, collectors, and anyone looking for a quirky keepsake.
Plan Your Visit to the PEZ Visitor Center
- Location: 35 Prindle Hill Road, Orange, CT
- Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Admission: $5 for adults, $4 for kids (3-12), and free for children under 3; includes a $2 credit towards the gift shop.
- Tips: Visit on weekdays for a better chance of seeing the production process in action. Be sure to check hours and availability as operations can vary around holidays.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of PEZ or just looking for an offbeat Connecticut experience, the PEZ Visitor Center promises a “sweet” trip down memory lane.
Perfect for families, couples, and friends, it’s one of Connecticut’s most charming (and sugary) attractions that you’ll want to revisit again and again!
