18 Family Friendly Breweries in Raleigh To Enjoy With Kids

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Raleigh is the kind of place where you can take kids 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 ones 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

Lynnwood Brewing is one of the locals’ 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 Lynnwood 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 wonderful 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 feet, has 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 is the 3x Guinness World Record holder for offering the largest selection of draft beer. 144 of those beers are from North Carolina, and the other 222 are from the rest of the USA and international varieties. They also have a kid-friendly menu serving simple 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 beers, 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

Again, not a brewery as such, but a family-friendly tavern, 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, for 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

Over in Cary, 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 is known for its 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 32 beers on tap and a huge outdoor patio area. They often have a food truck from Wednesdays to Saturdays and weekly events such as Bike Clubs, and for the kids who need a sweet treat, there’s an easy walk to Ben & Jerry’s. 

9. Bowstring Pizza & Brewyard, Raleigh

people sitting on picnic tables

Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard is a unique place – it’s nestled inside a converted 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.

10. 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.

11. Neuse River Brewing Company, Five Points

image

Just a short drive outside of downtown Raleigh in the Five Points Neighborhood, you’ll find Neuse River Brewing Company and Brasserie. This craft brewery focuses on Belgian ales and IPAs, and has a lovely and large informal outdoor 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.

12. 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.

13. 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, 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.

14. 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 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.

15. South Line Brewing Co., West End, Cary

The West End is the home of Southern Line Brewing Co., which has an expansive beer garden with lots of picnic benches, an outdoor bar, TVs showing the latest game, 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 of a crafted brew and settle in on the lawn. The vibe here is electric and cool, and it is a welcoming gathering space for local residents, including families and families with dogs!

16. Bearded Bee Brewing Company, 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.

17. 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?

18. 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. 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.

More Places to Drink in Raleigh

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

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