Family Friendly Breweries in Connecticut
Family-Friendly Breweries in Connecticut offer a special treat for mom and dad. Sure, we all like to take our kid to the zoo, aquarium, library story time, or children’s museum. But, some weekends I just wake up and think, “why should kids get to have all the fun?” I have scoured all four corners of this fine state to compile this list of “Family-Friendly Breweries”.
Each of these breweries packs a little “something special” for families. The criteria for this list is pretty simply: 1) good beer 2) good times 3) a little “something” to entertain the kiddos while you enjoy 1 & 2. From fun farm tours and artisanal snacks to giant Jenga and a bevy of boardgames, the breweries and brew pubs on this list have gone the extra mile to accommodate every member of your family - sometimes even those four-legged fur babies! For more info on great family restaurants make sure to check out our Connecticut Restaurant Guide.
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I should mention that all the Connecticut breweries on CTBEER.COM are technically “family-friendly” except for one - Two Roads in Stratford. Two Roads has a pretty strict “21 or over” policy. For good measure, it’s best to stick to “daylight hours” when visiting these establishments with tots in tow.
Family-Friendly Breweries in Connecticut - New Haven
1. Stony Creek - Branford
This is one of our favorite summer spots - and for good reason. As it’s name may suggest, this brewery offers lovely waterfront views (not to mention, the Lobster Shack across the creek). My daughter loves watching the boats meander down the Branford River. On top of that, they have a game pit complete with Jenga (or "tiny blocks" depending on your age) and a giant Connect 4!
Getting her wings at Stony Creek Brewery. Photo courtesy of author.
2. Armada Brewing - New Haven
This family-friendly brewery has a menu packed with kid-approved food, like pizza and nachos. And outside food is welcome anytime.
3. Thimble Island - Branford
The menu at Thimble Island is packed with kid-friendly faves, like pizza and mac and cheese. The beer selection has parent-friendly faves, like crisp lagers and hoppy ales.
Family-Friendly Breweries in CT - Hartford
4. No Worries - Hamden
Indoor corn hole can be a lifesaver in those cold months - and don’t worry, No Worries has you covered. They also have a pretty impressive arsenal of board games (including Candy Land and Life) and cornhole!
5. Talcott Mountain Collective - Weatogue
This family-friendly Connecticut brewery has plenty of recreation, with frisbee golf, Kan Jam, cornhole, and lots of nearby hiking trails and open space. The outdoor picnic tables are perfect for families, and the on-site kitchen has great food!
6. Hops on the Hill - South Glastonbury
This South Glastonbury brewery has tons of outdoor space for lawn games, live music, vendor festivals, and more. Food trucks are on the premises, and hiking trails are nearby.
Family-Friendly Breweries in Connecticut - Fairfield County
7. Redding Beer Company - Redding
Redding Beer Company's tasting room has firepit weekends in the fall and a cozy fireplace in the winter. This casual spot also packs in the family friendly board games - including Connect 4, Battleship, and Trouble.
8. Nod Hill Brewery - Ridgefield
This brewery has between 30 and 40 rotating beers to wash down the food provided by Walrus Outpost's food truck. Nod Hill has a calendar full of live music, and kids are welcome with an accompanying adult.
9. Brewport - Bridgeport
Located right off I-95 in Bridgeport, Brewport is a happy marriage of two of my favorite things: pizza and beer (they also have some pretty amazing salads.) Add to that giant Connect 4, and Wellington’s legendary root beer floats, and you may be in the running for parent of the year.
Enjoying a game of giant chess at Brewport. Image via Intsagram courtesy of sarahlehgerber.
Family-Friendly Breweries in CT - Litchfield County
10. Kent Falls Brewery - Kent
Located on a the winding roads of Litchfield County, you will find Kent Falls Brewery. This brewery features a tasting room with toys for children to play with! As if that wasn’t enough, in season they also offer a Farm Tour where the kids will see pigs, chickens, and how beer is made! We should note that, at the present time, Kent Falls does not have a permit to serve food, so plan for snack time accordingly.
Cheers! to a good time for the WHOLE family!
Cover photo courtesy of Ally Noel. Originally published 2018.