Kids in breweries has been a hot topic by patrons ever since the craft brewery revolution began. Kids and beer seems like an odd combination (even an illegal combination) but in this setting, it works. Most craft beer drinkers will agree that a brewery is different than a typical bar. Most close before 8 or 9 any way. But the main difference in our minds between a brewery and a bar is sense of community. Your local brewery has become the community gathering place for many years now and kids are a part of that community as well.
I get it. No one wants screaming children running around, chasing each other around your table. Even the parents of the well behaved children hate this. Nothing's worse than "in control parents" watching out of control children scampering around while the parents are oblivious to the situation and how it affects others. I'm sure those of you who HATE kids in breweries have been scarred by this occurrence and are therefore vehemently against children in breweries. Unfortunately, this happens and it's truly a shame that the few must ruin it for the many.
Why Should Kids Be In Breweries?
As stated earlier breweries are a place for the local community to gather. These are the people you and your kids see at the grocery store, on your way to work, or while pumping gas. Some may have even been at your house so why not see them (with your kids) in a more recreational setting?
Most brewery patrons, with or without kids, will only consume a beer or two. I really don't think parents intend on doing a line of tequila shots with a baby strapped to their back or chug a beer bong while their kid explores brewhouse. No different than you are at home with your family or during a barbecue enjoying some beers while the kids play.
When Do Kids Belong In Breweries?
I think everyone can agree that there comes a time of day when you should pack up the kids and head on home. For those breweries that are open late, I'm sure no one wants to see kids running around at 10pm. That's just irresponsible. Let's allow those that absolutely hate kids enjoy a few childless hours at the taproom.
Weekend afternoons seem to be peak child hours at breweries. Honestly, we've never had any issues with our children at breweries and have never encountered anyone having a problem with our children. Maybe because we pick the right time of day? Maybe because we are responsible parents? We know when and where our children might cause issues with others so we avoid those situations all together. For instance, never bring an over tired child to a brewery. You and everyone else will have a terrible time. Just use common sense.....which unfortunately many people lack these days.
What Type Of Breweries Are Best?
When doing our personal brewery trip research it's important to know which breweries are kid friendly and which are not. Did you know Indiana doesn't allow children in breweries unless those breweries meet certain legal requirements? We didn't and which is why research is necessary! New Jersey doesn't allow food at their breweries so getting a hot dog for your toddler is out, which may cause some issues.
Our favorite brewery style is the farm brewery which usually includes lots of green space and games for kids. You're very likely to encounter many other parents with kids on any given Saturday afternoon so there's usually no need to be nervous if your kids will be the ONLY kids. Sometimes these type of breweries even have a playground!
Big warehouse breweries are also a solid choice, not necessarily because there's lots of running around space, but because the random child scream is usually muted by the cavernous walls of the building. Also, many other parents seem to have their kids with them in these types of places. There's no greater relief to us than walking into a brewery for the first time and seeing other kids there! No one wants to be the only parents with kids at a brewery even if it's perfectly acceptable.
Tips and Tricks For Parents
Hopefully you picked up on some tips and tricks along the way in this article, but let's rattle them off again.
Do your research! Look at Google images and see what the taproom looks like. You may even see kids in the pictures! Usually sit down, restaurant style brewpubs are the worst. Only go there unless you plan on eating a meal.
Be aware and responsible. Use common sense with this one. Don't be the ignorant parent letting their kids run in between tables. Don't ruin it for the rest of us.
Tired kids? Leave them home. You will thank yourself later and so will everyone else.
Not an iPad parent? Tough shit. Become one. It's a reward for the child being well behaved and gives you precious moments of calm.
Bring snacks for the kids. Whatever they like! Eventually your kids will WANT to go to breweries.
Try and sit outside. If your kids get restless (which they will) an outside area is great for them to stretch their legs or maybe play some yard games if available.
Inside? Take advantage of board games or table games.
If all else fails....leave them home. Take advantage of any free babysitting. Even with well behaved kids, the workload will double or triple when at a brewery, especially for people like us who are busy taking pictures of beer and the rest of the taproom. Having a child free brewery days has become one of the little things in life we enjoy the most.
We hope this article has helped parents or future parents survive the world of kids at breweries a little bit better. As for the anti-kids at brewery crowd, we hope this has helped you understand the topic as well. With breweries being a special part of the community, children have a special part at breweries. Kids aren't there to annoy you. They are there because they belong.
Cheers!
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