Updated post on family friendly breweries can be found here.
If we aren’t at the beach and the pool isn’t an option, I will always opt to hang at a brewery with friends. If the brewery features an outdoor space and a selection games and activities, we can bring along our kiddos– which makes for a perfect day. Be sure to check the websites for hours as many breweries are closed a few days of the week and open all weekend. An alternative to taking the entire family to enjoy a brew– you can plan a great day date or overnight with adults and check out this Countryside Bike Tour published by Edible DC where you bike, drink and eat along the Washington and Old Dominion Trail (W&OD) and the Rock Creek Trail. Take a look at the impressive variety of breweries that seem to keep popping up in the DC area. No matter where you are, you can usually find one a short drive away. Let us know if you have any you’d add to this list perfect for families.
Washington, DC:
Admittedly we LOVE almost all of the beer from breweries in DC however the spaces aren’t particularly well suited for families. Has that always stopped us, of course not — but if you’re looking for wide open outdoor space for your kids to frolic, best to head out of the city.
Wunder Garten Beer Garden– NE, DC
Lawn games, a children’s play area and many outdoor tables with live music on Sundays and many weekly events. They serve food and even have a kids menu. They make an effort to incorporate kids into their event programming.
Right Proper Brewing Company– Shaw & Brookland
With a small outdoor area, kids can keep themselves busy for a bit but take some games for more entertainment.
Bluejacket– SE, DC
Perfect place to go before or after a Nats game. A huge space with outdoor seating but comes across as more of a restaurant. When bringing kids, we’d suggest hanging outside or getting a table inside.
Bardo Beer– SE, DC
The strangest setup but one of the most inventive. Situated between Nats Park and the water. You can enter from Riverwalk or Potomac Ave/S Capitol St SE. Perfect for pre-game or post-game hangout. TONS of seating and fun outdoor games, right next to the river!
Other breweries that aren’t particularly kid friendly but great for dates:
Hellbender Brewing Company
Dacha Beer Garden
3 StarsBrewing Co
Atlas Brew Works
DC Brau
Maryland:
7 Locks Brewing– Rockville, MD
It’s a party here on weekends with corn hole, shuffle board, various games, live music on Saturday evenings and food trucks at this all indoor brewery. You can bring in food if you aren’t interested in the food truck choice.
The Brookeville Beer Farm– Brookeville, MD
A perfect brewery to bring a blanket and relax on the lawn. They have live music and food trucks on Friday & Saturdays with a kitchen open whenever they are open.
Denizens– Silver Spring, MD
A very cool spot in Silver Spring perfect for an evening sip with good food, great service, cornhole all in a lovely outdoor space. If you’re in NW or Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Silver Spring, this is one of the most convenient.
Waredaca Brewing Company– Laytonsville, MD
Various food trucks on site at-least one day during the weekend. Be sure to check back in the Fall as they will be offering trail rides where you will be escorted on a ride on the 230 acre farm and then enjoy a flight of beers from the on-farm brewery.
Peabody Heights Brewery– Baltimore, MD
They offer kids books, toys are available and they host many first birthdays at the brewery (genius idea in my opinion).
Virginia:
Vanish Farmwoods Brewery– Leesburg, VA
In addition to the great beer, they have various events, including a Kids Night! Adult activities include yoga every Saturday morning and bingo and trivia throughout the week. Another great place to spread out a blanket and play games. They have corn hole and other outdoor games to play along with a playground. Live music on the weekends with a food truck and sometimes they have face painters for kids! A reader recommends to visit Temple Hall Farm while you are out that way; a working farm open free to the public.
Solace Brewing Company– Dulles, VA
A large indoor space, perfect for a rainy day with lots of tables, bring cards or games. It has a large and picturesque tasting room that is family-friendly, an outdoor area for pets, and is open all week. Trivia Thursdays and various food trucks throughout the week the kids can order from.
Dirt Farm Brewing– Bluemont, VA
Right up the hill from Great Country Farm with the most AMAZING views. Hang with the kids picking fruit at GCF and then head up the mountain to relax on the great lawn and play some games while you imbibe. They have a kitchen that serves a rotating seasonal menu.
MacDowells– Leesburg, VA
Welcome to the Key West of Leesburg! Described as “Beermuda”, you will have a vacation-like experience on our beach full of warm sand, outdoor seating, tropical trees, fire pits, live music (including “karaoke on the beach” on Wednesday’s), multiple bars and delicious food.
Port City Brewing– Alexandria, VA
In the Tasting Room, regularly scheduled programming includes Beer Yoga every other Tuesday, Joggers & Lagers with Pacers Running every Monday night, Pedals ‘N’ Pints bi-monthly bike ride and trivia on the third Thursday of every month, which all seem perfect for adults-only but bring the kids for Sunday food trucks.
Caboose Brewery Company– Vienna, VA & Fairfax, VA
Both locations are incredibly family friendly. In fact, it is the reason Caboose was created! Caboose Brewing Company in Vienna (now Caboose Tavern) was created with the intention of a place the owners could drink really good craft beer with their friends, who could bring also bring their family.
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I'd like to suggest Old Trade Brewery in Culpepper, VA (https://oldtradebrewery.com/). Owned by Garret & Sara Thayer, they have two young children and totally understand needing to entertain them. Inside, therre's an area with toys for small kids and video games for older ones. Outside, they have a large wooden pirate ship to climb on and a moon bounce. There's also plenty of space to run around. The beers are great too. They also have a tasty sangria for non beer drinkers. Food is available for purchase too. The couple used to live in DC and moved to Culpepper a few years ago to pursue a dream.