When you become a parent, your bar days may be over, but breweries are fair game! If you’re looking for a new place to hang for a family date, consider these brew pubs that check off all the family-fun boxes. On our list are kid-friendly breweries that boast a wide range of perks like old fashioned arcade games, made-for-digging sand pits, onsite playgrounds, fireside s’mores kits, kid-friendly menus and ample room to run around. From splash pad-adjacent Dacha Beer Garden in Navy Yards to worth-the-drive-for-a-playground Vanish Farmwoods Brewery in NOVA, here are the best family-friendly breweries to grab a cold one this summer.
Washington, DC
Dacha Beer Garden
With riverfront views, a kid’s play area and (if you’re lucky) a night sky filled with Nat Park fireworks, what more could you want? How about a near-by splash park to cool off during the summer. This place is so family-friendly, you can even bring your pup!
Insider tip: Also coming to The Yard this summer is The Cove, a reincarnation of Bardo that will also be a family-friendly spot to grab a brew. Expect a tropical vibe with fire pits, games and tented sandlots.
1600 7th Street NW
Navy Yard
Online: dachadc.com
Atlas Brew Works
This brewery is so kid-welcoming the event space often hosts first birthday parties. For older kids, you’ll find a number of classic arcades. Head here on the first Sunday of the month and they cost a dime. You’ll often find parent meet-ups at this Ivy City hangout, but if you want to kick back and relax sans kids, drop them off at The Lane Social Club down the street for 2 hours of fun-filled childcare.
Editor’s note: the tap room is temporarily closed for a summer refresh. While you wait for this Ivy City brewery to reopen, be sure to head to their Half Street location by Nat Park. Andy’s New York-style pizza makes this worth a visit with kids.
2052 West Virginia Ave NE #102
Ivy City
Online: atlasbrewworks.com
City State Brewing
Follow this brewery’s event page for kid-friendly events like Kids, Eggs & Kegs and magic shows from the likes of The Great Zucchini. There is free goldfish, juice boxes ($1) and chips (.50) for little eaters. The open-air indoor seating is spacious and provides plenty of room for families to spread out. Bring packs of Play Doh or Wikki Sticks for tabletop activities. There are also onsite arcade games, skeeball and corn hole for those that need an active challenge.
Insider Tip: Thomas the Train lovers will love the City State Brewing’s front row seat to the rails. Over 85 trains pass by a day!
705 Edgewood St NE
Edgewood
Online: citystatebrewing.com
DC ‘Burbs
Eavesdrop Brewery
Leave the hustle-and-bustle of all-things-metro behind at this rustic, barn-like brewery off Route 28 near Manassas. Tucked away behind a small, suburban strip mall, Eavesdrop offers plenty of space for kids (and adults) to run and play outdoors. You’ll find the usual beer-garden staples, like cornhole, on the property. The patio area is expansive with numerous picnic tables; outside food is welcome and encouraged. Weather permitting, there is an outdoor fire pit for roasting marshmallows. The indoor space is small, but does feature board games and a popcorn machine.
7223 Centreville Road Suite 115
Manassas, VA 20111
703-420-8955
Online: eavesdropbrewery.com
Port City Brewing Company
This tasting room has all the beer hall gaming classics for an entertaining afternoon: giant Jenga, ladderball, darts, cornhole and more. It’s the old school arcade games — which don’t cost a penny — that are sure to please the 6 & up crowd. Don’t forget to pack the pb&J sandwiches and mozzarella sticks when you hit this picnic-friendly brewery. Outside food is welcome!
3950 Wheeler Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22304
703-797-2739
Online: portcitybrewing.com
Solace Brewery Company
This expansive tasting room has oversized picnic tables for families to gather over a board game. A foosball table, a pinball machine and an arcade game keep kids (and adults) entertained. If the kids get the tummy grumbles, grab some popcorn from the old-timey popcorn machine onsite.
Insider Tip: Head to near-by Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center or Sully Historic Site to make this outing an all-day event.
42615 Trade West Drive
Sterling, VA 20166
703-345-5630
Online: solacebrewing.com
Denizens Brewing
The Denizens slogan says it all: “Unified by beer.” All are welcome at this Silver Spring beer hall, conveniently located off Georgia Avenue. Expansive rooms mean even parents with small children in tow can find a quite, un-crowded spot. The rooftop offers ample seating (but, note, there is limited shade outside). If hunger strikes, this brewery has a kid-friendly menu with crowd pleasers like chicken fingers .
1115 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-557-9818
Online: denizensbrewingco.com
Twinpanzee
If you enjoy family game night, bring your crew to this Sterling establishment for some beer and board games. Twinpanzee offers games for all ages, including Candy Land, Operation, Chutes and Ladders, Trouble, Sorry!, Clue and more. There is also a Nintendo Entertainment System with over 30 games to challenge your loved ones with. Kids 16 and under are treated to free chips and juice. The brewery frequently hosts family-friendly events like kart racing.
10 Executive Drive
Sterling, VA 20166
703-791-9363
Online: twinpanzee.com
MacDowell Brew Kitchen
Craft beer aficionados regularly gather here with their littles who like to play and build sand castles on the year-round beach outfitted with a couple of fire pits for chilly afternoons. With a full menu, this is the perfect spot for a laid back weekend brunch.
Insider Tip: For more beach-themed dining, check out this guide.
202 Harrison Street SE, Suite B
Leesburg, VA 20175
703-777-2739
Online: macdowellsbrewkitchen.com
Worth the Drive
Dirt Farm Brewery
Dirt Farm, nestled on the side of the Blue Ridge Mountains, not only serves exceptional beers but it offers outstanding views. If your crew is hungry, this brewery serves hand-tossed flatbread pizzas. You’ll find plenty of toys and attractions on-hand to entertain the little ones, like tubs of bubbles, monster-sized trucks and more. The most fun? Playing in the dirt, of course!
Insider Tip: Great Country Farm (owned by the same family that runs Dirt Farm) is at the foot of the mountain and a must-see stop.
18701 Foggy Bottom Road
Bluemont, VA 20135
540-554-2337
Online: dirtfarmbrewing.com
Vanish
Spend the day in the country at this Loudoun County brewery; set on over 50 acres, this rural establishment encourages guests to BYOG (bring your own games), enjoy over 20 beers on tap and make use of its wide open spaces. Enjoy the rural outdoor setting while playing corn hole or gaga ball and if the kids need to burn off some energy, there is a a playground on site. This brewery often hosts special events with kid-friendly attractions like face painters.
Insider Tip: While you are in the area, be sure to check out Temple Hall Farm, a working farm open free to the public (and a short five mile drive from the brewery).
42264 Black Hops Lane
Leesburg, VA 20176
703-779-7407
Online: vanishbeer.com
Peabody Heights Brewery
The largest brewery in Baltimore City is also the most kid-friendly; Peabody, located in the Abell Neighborhood, offers tours and tastings every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. In addition to the industrial-style tasting room, you’ll also find outdoor seating. The real draw is the dedicated kid play space, that includes two bookcases filled with children’s books, a train table, ride-on toys and more.
401 E 30th Street
Baltimore, MD 21218
410-467-7837
Online: peabodyheightsbrewery.com
Harpers Ferry Brewery
This brewery is exactly 60 miles from the city; it’s a mini road trip, but well worth the drive for the breathtaking views of the Potomac River. Make a day of it by spending some time on the water, visit the nearby historic town of Harpers Ferry, or take a stroll down the C&O towpath.
37412 Adventure Center Ln
Purcellville, VA 20132
571-310-2543
Online: harpersferrybrewing.com
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