Do you have a love for craft beer? Are you looking for a fun night out? Why not check out one of the many fantastic breweries Boston has to offer? Many are family friendly, so pack up the kids and enjoy the local flavor!
Boston Moms encourages you to have fun at these Boston breweries, but also to drink responsibly!
Dorchester Brewing Company
1250 Massachusetts Ave. :: Boston (Dorchester)
This Boston brewery really loves its neighborhood. Offering a 20-line tap in addition to house Dorchester Brewing Co. beers, there are offerings from local brewing partners and regional collaborators. The taproom has plenty for all — games, Wi-Fi, a beautiful outdoor patio, appetizers available anytime for purchase, takeout and delivery menus, and fresh beer to go. Seltzer and soda are offered to the non-drinking crowd, and picnicking is encouraged. Check out their calendar, which is chock full of fun pop-up events. An added bonus is free, on-street parking!
Harpoon Brewery and Beer Hall
306 Northern Ave. :: Boston (Seaport)
While not technically a “craft brewery,” Harpoon’s expansiveness just lends itself to a wider audience. There are large picnic tables for seating, so bring coloring books and crayons to set up shop. In addition to the locally known beer, Harpoon’s Beer Hall serves the most delicious pretzels with specialty dips! The staff is very knowledgeable, and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly! The Beer Hall is 21+ all day on Saturday. Located in the Seaport, Harpoon is the perfect place to grab a cold beer and a snack after visiting the Boston Children’s Museum.
Jack’s Abby
100 Clinton St. :: Framingham
Jack and his wife, Abby (see what they did there?), have young kids, and you can tell by the family-friendly atmosphere of this Framingham beer hall. Jack’s Abby brews lagers — and only lagers! Snacks, a full lunch and dinner menu, and high chairs to contain the munchkins accompany the lager-filled menu.
Trillium Brewing Company
100 Royall St. :: Canton
50 Thomson Pl. :: Boston (Fort Point)
401 Park Dr. :: Boston (Fenway)
Trillium’s founders set out to create a lifestyle and experiences through the lens of a modern New England farmhouse-inspired brewery. And they’ve been making good on that goal for the last 10 years! Their taprooms, full-service restaurants, and patio spaces are perfect for gathering and mingling. Be sure to check out their events calendar for extra fun!
Cambridge Brewing Company
1 Kendall Square, Building 100 :: Cambridge
If you are looking for a brewery that feels more like a restaurant than a brewery, Cambridge Brewing Company is your place. They have high chairs, an extensive food menu, and a full menu of drinks other than beer!
Winter Hill Brewing Company
328 Broadway :: Somerville
This Somerville establishment is coffee shop by morning and brewery by afternoon and evening. The brews are made on site. Winter Hill is a small-batch brewery (they have six on tap), but the selection offers something for everyone. An unusual bonus here is that there is a full, delicious menu available. There is free Wi-Fi, too! High chairs and changing tables are available.
Lamplighter Brewing Company
284 Broadway :: Cambridge
110 N. First St. :: Cambridge
Lamplighter is a neighborhood brewery serving half pours, full pours, and flights. Be sure to enjoy Pepita, Lamplighter’s in-house cafe with a full espresso menu, rotating cold brews and teas, hearty sandwiches, and fresh pastries. There is also a full schedule of pop-up food trucks and a bring-your-own-food policy.
Aeronaut Brewing Company
14 Tyler St. :: Somerville
199 Ashland St. :: Everett
267 Western Ave. :: Allston (summer only)
Make it a Boston breweries tour by hitting Aeronaut and Somerville Brewing on the same day. On Sunday afternoons, there is live music at the taproom. Sundays are also their group community picnic day, with dedicated family-friendly programming every week. There are food vendors in house, or you can bring your own or have it delivered. Affiliated with the brewing company is Aeronaut Allston, a beer garden summertime music lineup every Wednesday and Friday evening. This kid- and dog-friendly venue is a fun spot for local musical talent.
Untold Brewing
6 Old Country Way :: Scituate
96 Derby St., Suite 330A :: Hingham
Located in the lovely South Shore, Untold’s Scituate location is housed in a renovated schoolhouse. In keeping with the theme, there is a small area with a chalkboard and antique child’s school desk for kids to use their imaginations. There is a nice patio with picnic tables and umbrellas to provide some shade. Untold Brewing encourages bring-your-own food and offers a list of local eateries with takeout and delivery. They also have food (and ice cream) trucks on site regularly.
Notch Brewing and Tap Room
283R Derby St. :: Salem
525 Western Ave. :: Brighton
The Salem location of this brewery and taproom has both indoor seating and a fenced-in beer garden that is open year round (sun, snow, whatever!). Enjoy the South River basin in the warm months, or hang out at heated stand-up tables in the cold months. The kids will be thrilled to catch a view of harbor seals, birds of all types, and striped bass when they are running. Head on over to Brighton for a totally different experience — the biergarten is located in the center of the Charles River Speedway facility!
Stellwagen Beer Company
100 Enterprise Dr. :: Marshfield
This is newer brewery is down the road from Untold in Scituate and is a fun addition to a South Shore brew tour. Stellwagen has an entire corner dedicated to kids’ games and coloring supplies. Pull a miniature Adirondack chair out to their large outdoor area — it feels like a backyard with its fenced-in area, picnic tables, and grassy knoll. They offer snacks and non-beer drinks, but feel free to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks. There are also food trucks on occasion.
Widowmaker Brewing
220 Wood Rd. :: Braintree
This brewery has a very cool industrial vibe with ample seating. The most unique claim to fame at Widowmaker is that they provide lawn games to be played inside the taproom! There are complimentary snack stations and a full food truck calendar. The brewery offers half pours, full pours, flights, and beer to go.
Barrel House Z
95 Woodrock Rd. :: Weymouth
The beer here is small batched and barrel aged, making it super fresh and on a quick rotating schedule. There is a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. There are many families around for friend-making opportunities. In addition to great beer, Barrel House Z is known for its mac-and-cheese empanadas. There are food trucks on Fridays and Saturdays, and food delivery is encouraged. Board games are available too!
Nightshift Brewing
1 Lovejoy Wharf :: Boston
87 Santilli Highway :: Everett
Nightshift is a very popular, very busy spot with a brewery in Boston and one just north of town. Head there on the early side to score a communal table in their taproom or on their dog-friendly patio. Nightshift offers more types of beer than an average craft brewery and offers beers to go. There are board games and lawn games to play. There is a full calendar of food trucks, but feel free to bring your own snacks or pizza!
This article was originally published in 2018 and has been updated for 2024!
