Cheers! San Diego Breweries That Welcome Kids

Pure Project

Pure Project Balboa Park is an upscale taproom located conveniently adjacent to the world-famous Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo in the bustling Bankers Hill neighborhood. Filled with smiling faces, cold beer, reclaimed Torrey Pine, plants at every turn, and unmistakable Pure Project vibes, this location ticks all the boxes. Not to mention the 1000 sq. ft. sun-drenched outdoor patio with cozy furniture, west-facing views, and a cool breeze coming up off San Diego Bay.

This taproom features 20 taps from 2 sides of the unique bar. This location also features a full selection of merchandise, beer to go (bottles/cans), and crowlers on demand.

Click here for info on each Pure Project location in San Diego, all of which have outdoor dining areas, are kid- and family-friendly and located in Balboa Park, Carlsbad and Miramar.

Online: purebrewing.org

Gravity Heights

Tucked away in Sorrento Mesa sits the 12,000 square foot Gravity Heights. Serving New American cuisine and on-site brewed beers, the uber family-friendly brewpub includes a full service restaurant, an event space, an expansive and lush outdoor beer garden, plus a side lawn for games and shenanigans. A collaboration between Whisknladle Hospitality, and the original founder of AleSmith, Skip Virgilio, Gravity Heights is a unique spot that the whole family will enjoy spending time at. Not only does Gravity Heights provide multiple reasons to visit, including a stellar daily happy hour from 3-7 p.m., they also have Game On Sunday. Each Sunday starting at 4:45 p.m., Extreme Game Truck will pull up to Gravity Heights and let kids play a variety of games inside or out––including dance games, Mario Cart, Madden Sports and more. What’s more, is that it's free for the kids when an adult orders food. Kiddos too young to play will simply dine free with their parent. They are also re-launching Fried Chicken Sundays so parents can watch their favorite game in the beer garden while the kids play either on the side lawn with giant Jenga and Connect Four, or in the game truck.

9920 Pacific Heights Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92121
858-283-8206
Online: gravityheights.com

Bay City Brewing Co.

Bay City Brewing Company, one of the fastest growing breweries in the U.S. is opening a new location this month in San Diego’s East Village. Located in one of the city’s oldest buildings, the second location features a restaurant, taproom, outdoor patio and rooftop event space. There's a
spacious rooftop bar––a 4,735 square foot indoor-outdoor space with plenty of seating, fire pits, a video wall, games and downtown views. You'll love the craft beers on tap––a seasonal selection of Bay City’s finest ales including favorites like 72 and Hoppy, Bay City IPA, Jucci Gang and more. Order food from the delicious menu featuring specialty pizzas, wings, fresh salads and breadsticks. The front patio is dog- and kid-friendly.

627 Eighth Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-255-4700
Online: baycitybrewingco.com

Duck Foot Brewing

You'll love the gluten-free food and beer, your kids will love the card and board games and the cute little dog wandering around the brewery. Food trucks and live music are also available on occasion.

8920 Kenamar Dr. Suite #210
San Diego, CA 92121
858-433-7916
Online: duckfootbeer.com

Mission Brewery

The award-winning Mission Brewery prides itself on being a family-friendly environment that extends a warm welcome to kids. Located downtown in the old Wonderbread factory in the East Village, this gem is situated one block from Petco Park. The interior boasts high ceilings and a ton of open space with plenty of tables available for families. Mission Brewery is also dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry family member to enjoy the outing too. They host various fun events each year including their "bring your dog night." Mission Brewery also provides activities for kids including board games, coloring kits and arcade games kids of all ages will enjoy. 

Good to know: Mission Brewery doesn't have a menu or kitchen for food in-house, but you're welcome to bring outside food to pair with your beer.

1441 L St.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-544-0555
Online: missionbrewery.com

My Yard Live

My Yard Live is relatively new to the scene, and you'll want to hang out here ASAP. The indoor/outdoor family-style restaurant is part park, part upscale beer garden and it features live entertainment, a treehouse for kiddos to play in, a playground with stump jumpers and a log climb through, lawn games, air hockey, an 80s combo arcade and so much more entertainment for the whole crew. Even Fido is welcome on the scene, which is reminiscent of a fantasy backyard oasis.

My Yard Live currently offers an array of beer styles via their 10 BBL brewery system, including West Coast IPAs, Amber, American Brown Ale, Dry Irish Stout, and a Belgian Dubbel. My Yard Live will also offer a variety of light drinking beers ideal for enjoying music in SoCal weather, including Saisons, Pilsners and Blondes.

288 Rancheros Dr.
San Marcos, CA 92069
Online: myyardlive.com

Kairoa Brewing Company

Kairoa Brewing Company in University Heights is a 10,500 square foot, kid- and dog-friendly brewpub that brings New Zealand influence to the San Diego food and beer scenes. Kairoa’s brunch and dinner menus fuse fresh, coastal flavors of Southern California with the comforts of traditional Kiwi cuisine. Several items are gluten-free or plant-based, including the Vegan Flat Top Burger. Traditionally indulgent bar food has a place on the menu too in dishes such as the Smoked Chook Wings.

4601 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92116
Online: kairoa.com

Saint Archer Brewing Co., Leucadia

Saint Archer Brewing Co., one of San Diego’s most coveted craft breweries, boasts a family-friendly tasting room in Leucadia, the beach community located in the coastal city of Encinitas. The 1,200 sq. ft tasting room features 30 taps offering their core beer selections and specialty brews only available at the tasting room and the main brewery. Cans, bombers and crowlers are also available for beer to go.  The tasting room is kid-friendly, dog friendly and perfectly located a few blocks from Beacon's Beach.

978 N. Coast Hwy. 101
Encinitas, CA 92024
Online: saintarcherbrewery.com
Hours: Sun-Sat noon-9 p.m.

Bagby Beer Company

Hit up this laid-back brewery with indoor-outdoor rooms that allow plenty of space for the tots. Even more, little ones get their own cute green picnic tables to hang at. Food-wise, half-pints like the mac n' cheese and grown-ups enjoy fish tacos and more. There are also vegan food options here too. Beer-wise, the flight is always a good way to taste the different brews. Beer-lovers and foodies alike will really relish a visit to this Oceanside eatery, as their dishes are crafted in a nearly all from scratch kitchen with locally sourced ingredients. There are plenty of rotating craft beers to choose from, and each pairs perfectly with suggested dishes on the menu.

601 S. Coast Hwy.
Oceanside, CA
760-512-3372
Online: bagbybeer.com

619 Spirits Distillery & Tasting Room, North Park 

619 Spirits, founded by San Diego local Nick Apostolopoulos, is one of only a handful of distillers operating in the city of San Diego. The 4,200 square foot distillery and tasting room has taken up residence in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood, and features 619’s line-up of award winning vodkas, as well as a full food and cocktail menu. Housing a custom-made two-column 1,000L still along with a dog-friendly outdoor patio, the tasting room is all ages and has board games along with Connect 4 and is currently working on a kids menu and a menu just for dogs!

3015 Lincoln Ave.
San Diego, CA
619-269-2757
Online: 619vodka.com

Belching Beaver Brewery

Pair unique craft beer choices with a relaxed outdoor patio that's family (and dog!) friendly and you have date night with your whole pack. Half-pints can chow down on food like chicken strips then run-around playing hide and seek. Grown-ups have over 60 craft beer options and grub like giant pretzels, fish tacos and veggie flatbread. Even more, you'll find corn hole and bocce ball.

302 E. Broadway
Vista, CA
760-295-8599
Online: belchingbeaver.com

Viewpoint Brewing

Is this a dream? Nope, it's real. Brew with the crew on the San Dieguito Lagoon. First off, there are fabulous food items like beer battered shrimp and truffle fries. Secondly, the view of the water is fabulous and you'll find an outdoor grass area with corn hole and cool swings to sit on. Even more, the beer choice is optimal with 20 taps. We recommend the 'Raccoon in the Lagoon.'

2201 San Dieguito Dr., Suite D
Del Mar, CA
858-356-9346
Online: viewpointbrewing.com

Legacy Brewing Tap & Kitchen

You can bring your kiddos to this local brewery in Miramar. You'll find a relaxing vibe and games to play. Beer-wise, try the flight and the Guava beer too. Even more, the food is good––from the Philly cheesesteak sandwich and soft pretzels to the pork belly fries. 

7060 Miramar Rd.
San Diego, CA
858-695-9953
Online: legacybrewingtapandkitchen.com

Thorn Street Brewery

Situated right in the center of North Park, this brewery has the cool parent vibe on lock-down. You’ll be able to wheel your stroller in through a side door and if you want to venture upstairs, there’s a special stroller parking section too. (Kids are welcome before 8 p.m.) There are games to keep the kiddos (and adults) entertained, not to mention the great beer that is pretty affordable too. A food truck is usually parked outside to get some snacks, but you can always bring food in from the outside and the pizza joint close by will even deliver to your table. Grab a seat at one of the couches and kick back with your family and enjoy the day in comfort.

3176 Thorne St.
San Diego, CA
619-501-2739
Online: thornstreetbrew.com

Mother Earth Brew Co.

We know the name is Mother Earth, but Dads dig the flavored brews here too. Known for their adventurous beers like vanilla cream and peanut butter and a laid-back atmosphere, we give two thumbs up to this local pub. There are large tables and open space for the littles. When it’s time to eat, patrons order from the pizza place or Mexican spot next door.

206 Main St.
Vista, CA 92084
760-726-2273
Online: motherearthbrewco.com

Alesmith Brewery

A large open room with an industrial-modern vibe, beer barrel tables and a play area with chalkboard, books and crayons make this craft brewery full of Father’s Day fun. Dogs are allowed at the outside picnic tables too! Food trucks rotate to serve the whole crew. You'll find super service and a cool Tony Gwynn museum to check out.

Miramar
9990 AleSmith Ct.
San Diego, CA
858-549-9888
Online: alesmith.com

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens

Rock one of the two local Stone Brewery locations this holiday season. Head out to Escondido for a natural feel with large boulders, ponds and plenty of greenery. Or reserve at the centrally located Liberty Station bistro with an urban feel, bocce ball courts and a spacious patio. Either way, the whole crew is welcome.

Escondido
1999 Citracado Pkwy.
Escondido, CA
760-294-7866

Liberty Station
2816 Historic Decatur Rd., #116‎
San Diego, CA
619-269-2100
Online: stonebrew.com

Plan 9 Alehouse

If you like pub food with an expansive craft brew selection, then Plan 9 Alehouse is your brewery. You'll find great bar food from vegetarian chili to coffee encrusted steak bites. The kiddos corner has a chalkboard, table, chairs and toys. They up the cool factor with beer cap inlaid wood tables, mood lighting and an industrial vibe.

155 E. Grand Ave.
Escondido, CA
760-489-8817
Online: plan9alehouse.com

Second Chance Beer Company

Test your throwing arm playing corn hole or your stacking skills at the jumbo Jenga game. Then, quench that thirst with a craft brew from this pub's large selection. Here you'll find games, events and rotating food trucks the whole clan will love.

Note: no minors are allowed after 8 p.m.

Carmel Mountain Ranch
15378 Avenue of Science, #222
San Diego, CA
858-705-6250
Online: secondchancebeer.com

Ballast Point Tasting Room & Kitchen

If you’re near Little Italy this brewery and eatery is a perfect pit stop. Sit outside and littles will get an up-close view of the belly of the planes coming in for a landing. Dads will love the large craft brew selection, the good-sized food portions, like blue cheese crispy duck nachos or a bar burger with truffle oil fries. Littles can dive into pretzel bites or a large lemon-glazed sugar cookie. Whatever you choose, this family-friendly brewery has quick service (you order at the bar) to boot.

Good to know: Due to its prime location in Little Italy, this brewery is usually packed, so be prepared to wait for a table, which are seated on a first come, first served basis.

2215 India St.
San Diego, CA
619-255-7213
Online: ballastpoint.com

Nate's Garden Grill

What better location than the city's farm-nursery? This brewery-grill is the perfect place for good eats and craft brew. Dads will love the beer choices from twenty-one featured taps and three nitro taps to bottles and home-brewed sodas. The crew will dig the local organic seasonal food, and (yes!) there’s a menu for the kiddos too. When done eating, there’s a small playground and animals next door.

3120 Euclid Ave.
San Diego, CA
619-546-7700
Online: natesgardengrill.com

Pizza Port

If you want a brewpub made with families in mind, then this is your spot. It’s loud and fun with yummy pizza and craft beer. The atmosphere is laid-back with surfboards hanging from the ceiling, picnic-style seating and pinball machines for the kiddos to play. Your clan can sit inside or out. Hang out at the beach or park up and then head to Pizza Port for growlers and grub.

Carlsbad
571 Carlsbad Village Dr.
Carlsbad, CA
760-720-7007
Online: pizzaport.com

Bressi Ranch
2730 Gateway Rd.
Carlsbad, CA
760-707-1655

Solana Beach
135 N. Hwy 101
Solana Beach, CA
858-481-7332

Ocean Beach
1956 Bacon St.
Ocean Beach, CA
619-224-4700

Green Flash Brewing Company

It may feel like you're pulling into work when you arrive at this brewery right in the middle of an industrial park, but rest assured you and your munchkins are about to have some fun! Here you will find a cavernous indoor area that can get quite loud, which usually works in favor for those of us with kids running around. The outdoor patio has turf grass with many picnic tables and the brewery’s very own food truck–– although bringing snacks from home is not a problem. The beers here are tasty and very affordable. If you are indecisive or just want to try them all, each taster is only a dollar. Luckily, this brewery is located right in the center of San Diego on Mira Mesa Blvd., making it close enough for most parents to get there and back just in time for nap time.

6550 Mira Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA
858-622-0085
Online: greenflashbrew.com

Station Tavern

Want pub food with your craft brew? You can devour a burger full of toppings, garlic French fries and craft beer. Local favorite labels like Station 'Pail' Ale and Swamis IPA make this a fave lunch spot and outside picnic tables and a cool kids play area will make it a day to remember.

2204 Fern St.
San Diego, CA
619-255-0657
Online: stationtavern.com