Today, the craft beer industry in the U.S. seems as popular as it was 10 years ago. In our small (but prosperous) town of Frederick, Maryland, new breweries are popping open and remain central sought-after places to visit for a lunch date, happy hour with co-workers or a Sunday afternoon out with the family.
The lasting love affair between craft beer and Millennials or “Gen Y” (referring to people born between 1981 and 1996), isn’t dying down—even in these uncertain economic times.
Millennials, however, have aged. We’ve been out of college for *ahem* quite some time and our children aren’t babies anymore. It only makes sense that 30 and 40 year olds would bring their growing families to the local breweries that welcome them.
And since we all know the internet has big opinions on kids at breweries, let’s just settle the debate. Kids belong at breweries—deal with it.
Sure, kids and alcohol seem like an odd combination, but in many of today’s brewery settings (which aren’t like a typical bar), they make it work and even have elements that encourage families to come.
My appreciation for businesses putting parents at ease and making families feel welcome runs deep. The breweries that have outdoor areas and spacious room for kids to roam and play are a parent’s favorite. Think brew-pub-farm vibes that include a lot of green space and games for kids, giving off that backyard BBQ feeling with multiple generations enjoying time together.
Since parents aren’t doing a line of tequila shots with a baby strapped to their chest, it’s safe to say your local brewery has become a safe community gathering place for all.
Of course no one wants a screaming child running around your table, destroying things. That can be said for drinking adults, too. So parents who do bring their kids to a brewery are fully responsible for them—just as in any public space (an airport, a restaurant, a ball game).
So the case for bambinos at a brewery is simply between parents and owners of each establishment. Here in Frederick Co., there are a few breweries that welcome all ages and we. are. here. for. it!
While my appreciation is deep, the list is short. And that’s because I think there’s a difference between “kids welcome” and truly “kid-friendly.” So let’s dive into which local breweries stand out as the most family-friendly (and pet-friendly, too) and what makes them so welcoming to everyone.
Prospect Point Brewing
5500A Jefferson Pike, Frederick, MD
Two playgrounds?! Need I say more? Okay, I will say more. In May, they installed their second playground for kids to swing, slide and climb and it’s situated right by dozens of picnic tables for parents to hang close by with their Lemon Shady in hand. This family-owned and operated pet-friendly brewery sits on spacious farmland below the Braddock Mountain. Kids who can’t sit still (aka all of them) will have plenty of space here to run around outside. Our family loves to play cards that we grabbed from the taproom and stay until the evening hours so we can reserve a fire pit and chill. Outside food is always welcome at Prospect Point or your family can grab delicious eats from the food trucks on site. Even their special events, say for Father’s Day or for Easter, are kid-inclusive. I can only imagine the ease parents and grandparents feel when coming here. Hats off to the owners for creating this space worthy of being both parents’ and kids’ favorite venue in Frederick! ProspectPointBrewing.com
Milkhouse Brewery
8253 Dollyhyde Rd., Mount Airy, MD
Bring a football like we do! The amount of gorgeous county space at Stillpoint Farm is perfect for playing catch or letting kids play tag. Milkhouse Brewery welcomes families, children and pets. It’s why we visit with my kids, parents and grandparents. They have a very family-friendly pavilion with outdoor tables and space to play. Groups can even bring their own chairs and tent. Children are welcome in the taproom (there’s a bookshelf of board games there), but kids are asked to remain seated while inside the brewery. You’ll see families bring a picnic of food with them or you can eat from the food trucks parked on site. While adults 21+ have a Homestate Hefeweizen, kids and non-drinkers can try one of McCutcheon’s bubbly sodas. This brewery also hosts special events that would interest adults and kids alike. Cue “Stargazing at the Farm” where the Westminster Astronomical Society share their telescopes and knowledge with the community every month. It’s a great place for Big & Little to check out the stars while enjoying the latest on tap. MilkhouseBrewery.com
Monocacy Brewing Company
1781 N Market St., Frederick, MD
Our town loves this brewery! It’s either because their craft beers are proudly brewed right here in Frederick or it’s because you can enjoy their honey blonde ale outside by the beautiful water fountain—the focal point of this brew pub. Parents who bring along their kids to Monocacy Brewing can find themselves an afternoon of fresh air while their tots to teens (and man’s best friend) can explore new terrain. Families can sit under the shaded trees, play yard games like corn hole and Connect 4 and have comfort knowing the property is fenced in. Mark your summertime calendars for ‘Fridays at the Fountain’ where you’ll find a lot of families celebrate the end of the long week and listen to live bands or play board games inside with a cold one. Monocacy Brewing Co. allows outside food, so pack your family a picnic or grab food from the food truck on site. Here, you can meet up with your friends or your kids’ play dates while eliminating any guilt for bringing along your tykes or fur-babies. This brewery makes for a perfect outing for the whole family! MonocacyBrewing.com
You might know her as The Frederick Mom, but our guest writer is local mom of two, Tiffany Mahaney, who’s gained a loyal following on Instagram for her recommendations for kid-friendly activities in the area—everything from festivals, workshops to restaurants and parks. Tiffany is at least a fifth-generation native to Frederick County and proudly raises her own family here. @thefrederickmom