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Along with rain, coffee and Amazon, Seattle is known for its hopping — pun intended — beer scene, with plenty of microbreweries and nanobreweries to prove it. Wineries aren’t far behind: Washington state is the nation’s second-largest wine producer. But if you think that indulging in these 21-and-older libations is limited to kid-free outings, get ready to reconsider.
Unlike bars, which aren’t allowed to seat minors, breweries and wineries have no such restrictions. Local brew, vino and cider spots make full use of the opportunity to host families. From kids menus and free snacks to play areas and gaming consoles, these hangouts are stepping up their game — literally. Throw in spacious patios, relaxed vibes and, of course, a tasty sipper for parents, and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect Seattle-area afternoon.
Locust Cider
Is hard cider your jam? Grab the fam and head right to one of Locust Cider’s many locations. But be warned: The colorful cans and fun flavors might tempt little hands into trying to sneak a sip! Luckily, there’s no shortage of distractions in the cideries’ groovy taprooms, including sectioned-off kids’ corners, giant lawn games and free retro video game consoles right at the tables, where you can challenge your offspring to a Super Mario battle. Several locations even host local game-night gatherings. In the meantime, explore Locust’s hard cider flavors, ranging from classic apple to the adventurous vanilla bean and honey pear. Most locations also serve a variety of snacks to savor, such as Nutella and bacon flatbread (!), while kiddos devour the mini corn dog bites.
Fremont Brewing
Fremont’s buzzing brewery is famous for its Urban Beer Garden, or UBG, a lush outdoor hub with covered and heated seating. A rotation of specialty, seasonal and year-round beers and ciders is offered on tap. You can order Mammoth sandwiches straight from the UBG bar, or you can take your pick of one of the many neighborhood nosh spots for takeout or delivery. In the meantime, kiddos (and grown-ups) can munch on free pretzels served by a friendly beertender. Youngsters — along with anyone else not imbibing — can order kombucha, soft drinks or juice to sip along.
Stoup Brewing
When Brad Benson and Lara Zahaba, a married couple, opened Stoup with their friend Robyn Schumacher, they knew they wanted it to be a family-friendly spot. Stoup Brewing now has three locations — Capitol Hill, Ballard and Kenmore — that are both kid- and dog-friendly. Any of the spaces can be booked for events, including kids’ birthday parties.
Stoup’s Capitol Hill brewery is located in a 100-year-old warehouse (formerly Optimism Brewing), stretching over 16,000 square feet. There’s no food menu on tap, but a rotating lineup of food trucks serves goodies. Families are also welcome to bring their own or have food delivered to them on-site.
Stoup Ballard also has a rotating schedule of food trucks. Grab a seat outside the main bar or in the spacious beer garden (but note that the upstairs area is reserved for the 21-and-older crowd).
The Kenmore location has a food menu that highlights local ingredients. Families can try fun appetizers like nachos, or opt for a 14-inch pizza piled with toppings.
As for the brews themselves, Stoup prides itself on a wide range of innovative beer styles to suit all tastes. Beer novice? Let the knowledgeable staff guide you to your new favorite brew.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
The oldest winery in Washington state, Chateau Ste. Michelle is an iconic landmark of Woodinville’s wine country — and for good reason. Rising up from the 105-acre forested property is its historic chateau, like something out of a fairy tale. The most popular way for families to enjoy a visit is by having a picnic on the pretty grounds — pack your own or grab some picnic-ready provisions from the winery gift shop, along with your bottle of wine, of course. Be on the lookout for the resident peacock flaunting his tail feathers around the grounds! The venue is also widely appreciated for its family-friendly outdoor summer concert series, which brings in visitors from all over the Seattle area for high-profile musical performances.
JM Cellars
JM Cellars has two locations, one in Woodinville and one in Maltby, where you can try this family-run winery’s signature white or red tasting flights. Charcuterie and cheese plates that double as wine accompaniments and essential kid snacks are available for purchase, too. Note: Once inside, the owners ask that kiddos remain seated at tables for safety reasons, so make sure the littles burn off excess energy around the grounds before having a seat.
It should be noted that the JM Cellars’ Woodinville property, known as “Bramble Bump,” is reserved for JM Cellars Wine Club members and guests. Nestled in a sprawling 7-acre outdoor arboretum, you can stroll with your wine glass in hand here while your little tagalongs explore the short trails. There’s even a bocce court on-site, should you feel up for an impromptu game.
Rooftop Brew Co.
Editor's note: Rooftop Brew Co. closed temporarily in August 2024 due to a fire. Check their website for updates.
Queen Anne’s Rooftop Brew Co. has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the city’s most kid-friendly breweries. There’s a chalk wall and board games to keep little ones busy while the grown-ups sample the brews. Plus, what kid wouldn’t get excited about being on an actual rooftop? The open-air taproom overlooks the Ship Canal, though when the days turn chillier, a tented outdoor space at the front is set up with heaters and fire pits. If you’re feeling hungry on your visit, you’re in luck. The rotating food truck line-up keeps the whole family fed. Five days a week, you’ll find Smash That Burger Co. outside, while you can expect a mix of Mexican, Thai, Italian and Mediterranean on the other days.
Chainline Brewing Company
This brewery in Kirkland’s Feriton Spur Park is set right along the Cross Kirkland Corridor trail, making it the perfect cycling pit stop. You won’t miss it — kiddos are bound to spot the awesome red caboose and water tower in the distance, marking Chainline Station.
Along with unique craft beers, the historic train car turned taproom serves Bavarian pretzels and pizza. The patio faces the trail and an adjacent urban garden, pickleball court and splash pad, where the littles can beat the heat on summer days while you kick back with a cold one.
Just a few minutes away, in Kirkland Urban, you’ll find Chainline’s second taproom, which also serves up pizza, pretzels and brews.
Ounces Taproom and Beer Garden
Located in West Seattle, Ounce offers a rotating lineup of Washington only beer, ciders and wine on 30 taps. They have a large outdoor space and are open to all ages, and pets! Ounces also hosts a rotating lineup of food trucks and has many special events. Check out their calendar for all the details.
Remlinger Farms Brewery
Can you imagine anything more appealing to a kid than alighting smack-dab in the center of an amusement park? This newer brew spot is located at beloved local Remlinger Farms, Carnation’s kid haven of rides, cute animals and old-fashioned farm fun. Lure Dad in with the promise of chilled brews and tasty tacos, as a well-deserved reward for an outing to the Fun Park or one of the farm’s seasonal events. Hungry kiddos can refuel at the adjacent farm café and explore the indoor play area and toy-filled gift shop.
Reuben’s Brews
Adam and Grace Robbings opened Reuben’s Brews in 2012, after Adam’s award-winning homebrewing career. Named after their first child, Reuben’s has continued to grow for the past decade and now has taprooms in Ballard and Fremont.
The taprooms offer over 20 beers on tap and a limited, but yummy, food menu called Reuben’s Eats. The taprooms are popular and parking can sometimes be tricky, so give yourselves extra time or consider biking if you are local.
Reuben’s also has two private event venues available for rent: the Barrel House and the Canning Line.
Elliott Bay Brewing Company
This community-centered brewpub, started by two friends in 1997, is the ultimate no-frills hangout, and has three locations, in Burien, Lake City and West Seattle. One of the few local breweries dedicated to producing organic beer, it offers a rotation of handcrafted seasonal ales inside a cozy, warmly lit space, along with an impressively varied food selection. The kids menu is extensive, featuring all of the picky-kid classics, from hot dogs and grilled cheese to a fun grazing platter of turkey, cheese, veggies and mandarin oranges.
5 Rights Brewing Company
Head north to Marysville for this family-friendly brewery, serving 24 beers on tap. Bring your appetite, too, as the kitchen has a full menu that includes pizzas, sandwiches, pasta and salads. Kids can opt for classics like buttered noodles or chicken nuggets. Tucked in a historic building along Third St., the location makes it ideal for an afternoon of popping into the neighboring shops.
More Seattle spots for families to eat and drink |
Editor’s note: This article was first published in 2023, and was updated by family fun editor Meredith Charaba on July 22, 2024. Two new breweries were added and all entries were fact-checked.