5 Kid-Friendly Breweries In Portland

Oregon is known for its beer. In fact, many would say it’s the best beer state in the whole country.

But what if you want to enjoy a fine brew with a child in tow? Fear not, thirsty parents, for there is a plethora of Portland-based breweries that boast features from top-notch (and sometimes gluten-free) kids menus to all-out play areas. Oh yeah, and the beer is great too. Here are our five favorite kid-friendly breweries in Portland.

1. Caldera Public House

Pub, American

Upon the slopes of Portland’s urban volcano, Mt. Tabor, sits the aptly named Caldera Public House. Built in 1910, the space was originally a pharmacy before becoming the neighborhood pub it is today. Aside from featuring rotating taps of the finest local beers and ciders, Caldera also offers high chairs, sippy cups, coloring placemats, and a children’s menu.
Bonus Points: There is a low couch made by the owner Kevin Overby’s dad from an old claw-foot bathtub that kids love.

2. Hopworks Urban Brewery

Pub, American

Proud of being urban “HUBs” for their neighborhoods, both of Hopworks Urban Brewery’s Portland locations appease the little ones. The brewery, located on SE Powell, features an upstairs play area that boasts toys, books, and even a train track, all sponsored by local toy store Thinker Toys. Meanwhile, HUB’s BikeBar, located in Northeast Portland, has an inside and outside play area, sponsored by local toy store SpielWerk Toys. With extensive entertainment for kiddos, great food and impeccable brews, from IPAs and radlers to ciders, Hopworks Urban Brewery truly has something for everyone in the family.

Bonus Points: HUB’s Powell location hosts “Tot Tuesday,” the second Tuesday of every month, where the brewery provides crafts, story time, and healthy snacks for kids. BikeBar’s version of the event is on the second Thursday of the month.

3. Zoiglhaus Brewing Company

Pub, American

Located in the outer Southeast neighborhood of Lents, Zoiglhaus Brewing Company brings together the joys of Germany and the Pacific Northwest and prides itself for its family-friendly atmosphere. The large beer hall offers a play area for kinder (that’s German for kids) that is equipped with a plethora of toys, including a train table and chalk wall. The $5 kids menu includes simple fare like grilled cheese and German-inspired grub like chicken schnitzel nuggets. And for the parents? Zoiglhaus brews its own German-style beers with a PNW twist.
Bonus Points: Zoiglhaus partners with the playgroup/performance series Little Lentils to host live music, painting activities, and baking demonstrations for children.

4. McMenamins Kennedy School

Boutique Hotel

McMenamins Kennedy School is the only brewery on this list that also serves as a hotel. The McMenamin brothers renovated the once abandoned elementary school into a magical escape for the whole family. Parents can grab a pint at one of the numerous bars on the premises while kids run through the halls, exploring the funky art and history. When it’s time to relax, hop in the soaking pools or catch a movie at the Kennedy School Theater. Bonus Points:The theater offers a Crybaby Matinee Tuesday through Thursday.

5. Laurelwood Public House & Brewery

Pub, American

Laurelwood Brew Pub was established in 2001 and quickly became “A Place Where Friends and Families Meet.” Aside from crafting creative beers with its 15-barrel brewing system, each of the brewery’s locations are more than accommodating for those with children in tow. From coloring sheets and play areas to kids menus and fast service, a visit to Laurelwood can definitely be a family affair.Bonus Points: There’s a mini ice cream sundae on the kids menu.