21 Family Friendly Breweries in Raleigh To Enjoy With Kids

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Raleigh is the kind of place where you can take kids to anywhere, including breweries.

Most of Raleigh’s breweries are kid-friendly, and will have an outside space conducive to children, and may have extra entertainment for them such as games like cornhole or board games.

Mom and dad don’t have to save a local brewery for date night, we’re here to show you some of the best breweries in Raleigh that you can take the kids to, and one’s we have personally noticed have made a noticeable effort to focus on the kid part of family friendly.

And because we know parents will drive 15-20 minutes for a brewery that welcomes kids, we’ve included a few breweries located outside of Raleigh in Wake County.

Family Friendly Breweries in Raleigh

Yes, we enjoy an adult beverage or two, and we’re lucky to have some awesome family-friendly breweries in Raleigh. If you don’t want to hire a babysitter, take your family to…

1. Lynnwood Brewing Concern, Iron Works

people sitting in Lynwood Brewing Concern beer garden

Lynwood Brewing is one of the local’s favorites. Not only is it kid-friendly, but you can also bring your pooch! Every time we’ve visited, both are in abundance!

Located in the Iron Works District, this brewery feels more chilled and laid-back than the ones located in downtown.

It has an industrial feel and tons of seating space, and we love their outdoor beer garden which has plenty of tables.

They have award-winning beers on tap, and it also shares a parking lot with Wilson’s Eatery, one of our favorite family-friendly restaurants for burgers, fries and other fast foodie bites (plus they deliver to your table in Lynwood Brewing).

Their location in northwest Raleigh (Lynnwood Grill & Brewing Concern) is also very family friendly with their rooftop terrace and outdoor patio. They have a full menu with American favorites such as wings, burgers and pizzas as well as a kids’ menu.

They are also located near a movie theater, shopping center and Umstead State Park, so plenty of opportunities to incorporate a stop here on your family outings!

2. Standard Beer & Food, Mordecai

exterior of standard brewery with outdoor seating

Located on North Person Street, Standard Beer and Food is a brewery on the rise!

It has a wondeful and large outdoor space where you can sit, whilst also providing kids enough space to move around.

It’s also only a couple of doors down from Two Roosters Ice Cream, so the kids can grab a treat whilst you drink. 

It also has some tasty food offerings if you want something more substantial though.

They serve comfort bar food like tacos, wings, and salads.

And next door is one of our favorite Raleigh hidden gems – the Raleigh City Farm! Kids will love roaming amongst the gardens and may even want to lend a hand pulling weeds on their volunteer afternoons!

3. Raleigh Beer Garden, Downtown Raleigh

people enjoying the beer garden at Raleigh Beer Garden

Although technically not a brewery, the Raleigh Beer Garden is exactly what it says on the tin – a huge beer garden space for everyone to move around.

The entire outdoor space covers 8,500-square-foot, over 3 levels, and also has a rooftop bar and ever-changing selection of beers!

We love to sit in this beer garden with our kids on a hot summer’s day. There are more than 350 beers on tap and this Raleigh establishment was once the world record-holder for offering the largest selection of draft beer (verified by the folks at Guinness World Records).

They also have a kid-friendly menu serving simply food items. 

4. Crank Arm Brewing Company, Warehouse District

Man and woman enjoying a drink outside a brewery.
Crank Arm Brewing

Crank Arm Brewing is a unique concept. It began in 2013 when the owners combined two passions – bikes and beer!

They have a wide selection of locally made craft beer, which are all unfiltered.

For the kids, there are plenty of kids games, including Jenga, that can keep them entertained.

And as a bonus, a couple of doors down is Videri Chocolate Factory, where you can pair your beer with bean to bar chocolate (or soft serve ice cream).

Read our full guide to Crank Arm Brewery and why we think it’s one of Raleigh’s best breweries.

5. The Players Retreat, Hillsborough St

man drinking beer at outside table at the The Players Retreat, Raleigh, NC

The Player’s Retreat is a historic sports bar in Raleigh with a real family feel.

Surround yourself with the cheerful attitude of Wolfpack fans and order yourself a juicy burger.

Mom and dad can not only try a craft beer, but one of the 100 varieties of wine or a single-malt whisky, to which they have the largest selection of whiskies in the state.

There are 13 large flat screens to watch the big game on, and a lovely seating area outside on the sidewalk.

What makes this the best kid-friendly brewery in Raleigh is that kids eat free every Sunday! Which is why we snuck that into these breweries for families in Raleigh list. Even though it’s not really a brewery!

6. Trophy Brewing & Pizza, Downtown Raleigh

beer and pizza

Trophy Brewing has a rotating selection of beer on tap, so every time you visit you’ll be able to taste something new.

The actual brewery is quite small, but it has a huge patio that is kid and dog friendly.

They have two branches, but we suggest going to their flagship brewery in downtown because they also have pizza (the taproom doesn’t offer food).

Their location on Maywood Ave has a kid-friendly beer garden and they often have family friendly events like markets, Oktoberfest celebrations, and small food festivals.

7. Bond Bros Beer Co, Cary

woman sitting at a table with a wine glass

Bond Brothers Beer Company is another one of our favorite breweries because of its beer garden.

It was named best new brewery in America by USA Today in 2017, and are known for their high-quality, artisanal beers. There’s more than a dozen to choose from, and they also have gluten-free beer (Toe the Line).

With over 9,000 square feet of industrial modern space to enjoy, including a nice outdoor patio area that’s family-friendly and has food trucks (they change every day) – you won’t find much better than this in the Raleigh area.

And a short walk for the kids to FRESH Local Ice Cream in downtown Cary. Savannah loved joining in on their Guinness Book of Records, flip flop run several years ago!

8. Raleigh Brewing Company, West Raleigh

Group of people outside a brewery drinking beer

I don’t think there is a brewery that’s more in touch with its local roots and community than Raleigh Brewing Company.

Everywhere you look there are murals dedicated to The City of Oaks, and even their beers are named after the community.

They have over 20 beers on tap and a huge outdoor patio area.

They often have a food truck, and for the kids who need a sweet treat, their an easy walk to Ben & Jerry’s. 

9. Vicious Fishes Brewery, Apex

people in beer garden

Technically not a brewery, but a family-friendly place to drink beer is The Raleigh Times Bar.

Vicious Fishes Brewery in Apex, North Carolina, is a popular destination for families looking for a welcoming and enjoyable outing.

The brewery prides itself on creating a family-friendly atmosphere where parents can relax with a craft beer while children are entertained. The spacious outdoor seating area is perfect for kids to play and explore, and the brewery often hosts family-oriented events, such as live music and community gatherings.

They have food trucks and a coffee bar on site! It’s also a very dog friendly brewery

10. Bowstring Pizza & Brewyard, Raleigh

people sitting on picnic tables

Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard is a unique place – it’s nestled inside a converted an old Gulf Oil crude barrel storage garage and features two patios and a large grassy “brewyard.”

As well as being family friendly and offering plenty of space for the kids to move around, they also have wood-fired pizzas from Vic’s Pizza Bus on-site.

With rotating taps of your favorite local craft brews, and live music some evenings, it’s one of our favorite places to eat out as a family in Wake County.

11. Clouds Brewing Taproom, North Raleigh

beer tasting flight on table
Image by CloudsBrewing.com

Located in North Raleigh, Clouds Brewing is a full service restaurant with a kids menu. It has a more restauranty vibe than the other breweries on this list, and sometimes you even forget it’s a brewery!

It has a nice outdoor patio area with a play area and a laid-back ambiance.

There is a variety of beers and styles on tap. They were founded as a ‘German Inspired, American Made’ brewery and so many of their lagers and ales have a European feel to them.

There are more than 18 beers on tap, plus wine and cider available too.

12. Nickelpoint Brewing Co., Five Points

A group of people sitting at a table with a blue umbrella
Image by NicklepointBrewing.com

Located in the Five Points neighborhood, Nicklepoint Brewing is a family-owned brewery with a laid-back vibe and beautiful taproom.

It was founded by two home-brewing brothers, who pair historical styles with innovative new creations.

It’s small, but cozy, and has a lovely unique shaded patio area with a big red double decker bus.

Not only is it kid-friendly, but it’s pet friendly too, and they have lots of games like foosball, ping pong, and cornhole for the kids to play.

Come by on a Friday and Saturday to watch live music, or catch a sporting game on a huge projector screen. 

13. Neuse River Brewing Company, Five Points

image

Located just a short drive outside of downtown Raleigh in the Five Points Neighborhood, is Neuse River Brewing.

This craft brewery focuses on Belgian ales and IPA, and has a lovely and large informal outside seating area.

For a brewery, the food offerings are quite upscale, but the overall vibe is informal and relaxed.

The patio is also dog friendly.

14. Tap Station, Apex

Aerial photo of a two story restaurant

Tap Station in Apex is a standout choice for families seeking a kid-friendly brewery experience.

Housed in a converted old gas station, it combines a unique, nostalgic atmosphere with a welcoming environment for all ages. The spacious outdoor area is perfect for kids to play, offering plenty of seating and shade for parents to relax. They even have a decent sized sand pit that younger kids love. If you’re lucky you can get the table connected to an old truck – the kids will love sitting in the cabin!

Tap Station frequently hosts family-oriented events, including live music and food trucks that cater to diverse tastes. Their thoughtful menu includes a variety of non-alcoholic beverages and kid-friendly options, ensuring everyone can enjoy their visit.

The friendly staff and community-oriented vibe make Tap Station a great spot for families to gather and create lasting memories.

15. Burial Beer Co, East Raleigh

couple selfie in front of mural at Burial Beer Co, Raleigh

We first discovered Burial Beer over in Asheville, where they originate from, and have since visited their bottle shop in Raleigh a few times.

Located next door to Transfer Co. Food Hall, one of our favorite family-friendly restaurants, Burial Beer Co is a taproom where art and beer collide.

Their Raleigh taproom is affectionately known as The Exhibit, because it showcases local art alongside their 24 craft beer offerings.

I would say that this is a somewhat kid-friendly brewery and would be better visited with slightly older kids in the preteen and teen stage, as there’s not a lot of entertainment for young kids and the vibe is a bit more upscale.

16. Compass Rose Brewery, North Raleigh

three pints of beer on table
Image by CompassRoseBrewery.com

While we have not personally visited Compass Rose Brewery in northeast Raleigh, we have heard of many recommendations in regard to its family friendly nature.

Their German beer hall style 5,500 sq ft taproom features reclaimed wood and industrial design details, a mix of high-top tables and normal tables, plus multiple picnic tables outside.

Weekly events include Trivia, live music, and a rotation of food trucks, along with games for the kids.

On Fridays and Saturdays, it’s 21+ after 8pm.

17. West End, Cary (2 breweries in 1)

Be prepared for two family friendly breweries in one location on the outskirts of Downtown Cary. The newly opened West End space is the home of Vicious Fishes Brewery and Southern Line brewery.

They flank an expansive biergarten with a fire pit and outdoor bar, cornhole games, and plenty of space for kids to run around! I’ve seen many of them! They also have rotating food trucks and live music.

You can take your pick for a crafted brew from either brewery to enjoy in the beer garden or to sit inside their individual taproom spaces.

The vibe here is electric and cool and is a welcoming gathering space for local residents, including families.

18. Bearded Bee Brewing, Wendell

woman sitting on brewery patio with bee mural behind

Bearded Bee Brewing Company in Wendell is an ideal spot for families looking for a kid-friendly brewery experience. It’s housed in a beautifully redesigned historic building with a warm and inviting atmosphere inside and a spacious outdoor area where kids can play while parents relax with a refreshing drink.

Regular events such as live music, food trucks, and community gatherings make it a lively and inclusive place for all ages. The menu includes a variety of non-alcoholic beverages and snacks that cater to younger visitors. The attentive staff and family-focused environment make Bearded Bee Brewing Company a fantastic destination for a family outing.

19. KōMANA Brewing, Cary

If you’re looking for a unique brewery in Wake County that also caters to kids, KōMANA Brewing in Cary is a place to visit.

KōMANA sets out to provide the highest quality in Kombucha & unique alcoholic and non-alcoholic options from around the world, including CRAFT BEER and seltzers.

I know it’s kid friendly as I have a friend who takes her kids to their Friday night Kid Karaoke! They have other fun events like music bingo, movie nights, and craft evenings. And what kid doesn’t like soft kombucha?

20. Tap Yard, Raleigh

New to the brewery scene last year is the Tap Yard located in Mordecai just outside of Downtown Raleigh. More of a neighborhood bar, beer garden, and inclusive community space than a brew house, but it does feature local and Raleigh NC brews as well as cocktails.

With its expansive one-acre beer garden makes it a vibrant and family-friendly destination. Come here ready to play yard games, listen to live music, enjoy cuisine from local food trucks, and experience local art.

Kid-friendly until 9pm and the front bar is 21+ only.

21. Fainting Goat Brewery, Fuquay-Varina

Ok, so it’s not exactly one of the local breweries in Raleigh but it’s one of the most family-friendly in Wake County, so we had to feature it on our list!

Fainting Goat Brewery was founded in 2014 and is a small, handcrafted brewery which creates only a small selection of beers, but a big vibe.

They not only have great beers on tap, but they also have a lot of entertainment, from music nights, bingo nights, and trivia nights. They also have a selection of board games, and also host a running club.

This is a brewery all about having fun and enjoying time with the people you’re with! They don’t have WiFi, because they believe in spending time away from the internet and enjoying quality time with family.

The atmosphere is causal, and they also have an outside patio with fire pits and is dog-friendly.

Map of These Family-Friendly Breweries in Raleigh

To help you decide which of these breweries to visit, here is a helpful map that features all the breweries and taprooms mentioned on this list.

More Places to Drink in Raleigh

Need more inspiration for places to drink in Raleigh? Check out these other guides:

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