Family-Friendly Brewery Tours in Greater Milwaukee

Wisconsin's craft beer scene warmly welcomes families, and the greater Milwaukee area offers an impressive variety of breweries where parents can enjoy exceptional craft beer while kids stay entertained with playgrounds, arcades, root beer tastings, and outdoor adventures.

From formal brewery tours with unlimited soda samples to sprawling beer gardens with sand volleyball courts, this guide covers every family-friendly option across the region—organized geographically so you can plan the perfect brewery day trip.

Before you go, note that the Milwaukee brewery landscape shifted significantly in late 2024 and early 2025. MobCraft Beer, City Lights Brewing, and Enlightened Brewing have all permanently closed, while Good City Brewing was acquired by Explorium Hospitality Group. This guide reflects the current landscape as of December 2025.

Practical tips for visiting breweries with kids

Wisconsin law allows minors in taprooms when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, though many breweries set cutoff times (typically 8 or 9 PM) after which the space becomes 21+ only. Always call ahead to confirm current policies, especially for newer establishments.

Pack strategically for your visit. Bring snacks for picky eaters even when food is available, and download games on tablets for toddlers during slower moments. Many taprooms allow outside food, which is noted for each brewery below. Outdoor spaces shine during Wisconsin's warmer months (May through September), but several breweries offer heated patios and fire pits for year-round family visits.

What makes a brewery truly family-friendly goes beyond just allowing kids through the door. The standout spots offer dedicated kids' menus, activity bins with coloring books and games, outdoor play areas, and crucially, non-alcoholic options beyond water. House-made root beer and craft sodas transform a brewery visit from something kids merely tolerate into something they actively enjoy.

The city's best family-friendly breweries

Sprecher Brewing—The ultimate destination for kids

This Glendale brewery (technically just outside Milwaukee proper but serving as the city's most family-focused option) earns the top spot for families with children of any age. The 45-minute guided tour includes unlimited soda samples for kids—and Sprecher's fire-brewed root beer was named the nation's best by the New York Times. Children get to taste their way through 12+ soda flavors including orange dream, cherry cola, grape, and cream soda, transforming what could be a boring adult activity into a highlight of their week.

Address: 701 West Glendale Avenue, Glendale, WI 53209
Phone: (414) 964-2739 (tours) / (414) 967-0411 (taproom)
Website: sprecherbrewery.com

Hours: Wednesday–Thursday 11 AM–7 PM, Friday–Saturday 11 AM–8 PM, Sunday 11 AM–6 PM. Closed Monday–Tuesday.

Tour details: Approximately $8 per person; reservations required and summer tours fill quickly. Tours showcase the entire brewing process from brewhouse through bottling. Kids are encouraged to ask questions, and the educational experience works well for school-age children through teens.

Food: The taproom kitchen serves giant pretzels with Sprecher mustard and cheese (a family favorite), chicken wings, pizza, and root beer floats. Friday fish fry runs $12 and includes a beer.

Parking: Free on-site lot with accessible spaces and bike racks.

Best for: All ages, but especially toddlers through elementary schoolers who will be genuinely excited about the unlimited soda tastings.

Lakefront Brewery—Milwaukee's iconic tour experience

The most famous brewery tour in Wisconsin delivers 50 minutes of entertainment, education, and beer (or root beer for the kids). The Friday fish fry with live polka music creates genuine multigenerational appeal—grandparents, parents, and children all find something to enjoy.

Address: 1872 N Commerce Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212
Phone: (414) 372-8800
Website: lakefrontbrewery.com

Hours: Monday–Thursday 3–9 PM, Friday 11 AM–9 PM, Saturday 11 AM–9 PM, Sunday 11 AM–5 PM.

Tour pricing and schedule: $13 Monday–Thursday, $16 Friday–Sunday. Tours include four 8-oz pours, a souvenir pint glass, and a beer coupon. Weekend tours run every 30 minutes starting at noon and almost always sell out—book through eTix well in advance.

Family policy: Kids 12 and under don't require tickets but must stay with family. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (aunts and uncles don't qualify). The tour includes adult-oriented humor, so families should use discretion about whether it's appropriate for their children.

Food: The full beer hall restaurant serves Wisconsin's most acclaimed cheese curds, Bavarian pretzels, brats, and sandwiches. The famous Friday fish fry is so popular that 90-minute table limits apply during peak times.

Kid beverages: Golden Maple Root Beer and Coke products available.

Parking: Free street parking on Commerce Street (no overnight parking); small lot with accessible spaces on the building's northeast side.

Best for: School-age children and teens who can appreciate the tour's history and humor. The polka music on Fridays particularly delights kids.

Third Space Brewing—"Milwaukee's Happy Place" for families

Owned by two local dads, Third Space was designed from the ground up as a welcoming space for families. They regularly host birthday parties for children at their downtown location and explicitly welcome parents with kids of all ages.

Address: 1505 W St Paul Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233 (Menomonee River Valley)
Phone: (414) 909-2337
Website: thirdspacebrewing.com

Hours: Monday–Thursday 4–9 PM, Friday 2–10 PM, Saturday noon–10 PM, Sunday noon–6 PM.

Tours: Available (approximately 40 minutes); includes pint glass and beer pours. Private tours and special tastings can be arranged.

Food: Outside food is allowed, and vegetarian options are available on-site. Many nearby restaurants deliver.

Kid-friendly features: Large outdoor beer garden, board games available, spacious taproom with laid-back atmosphere. Dogs are welcome (small dogs inside on laps, larger dogs in the beer garden).

Parking: On-site lot plus street parking.

Best for: All ages—the relaxed atmosphere and family-forward ownership make this genuinely welcoming from toddlers through teens.

Eagle Park Brewing—The hidden kids' cabinet

This funky Lower East Side spot includes a secret weapon for families: a hidden kids' cabinet stocked with games, coloring books, and trinkets to keep little hands busy while parents enjoy their beer.

Address: 823 E Hamilton St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: (262) 278-0679
Website: eagleparkbrewing.com

Hours: Sunday 11 AM–9 PM, Monday–Friday 3–10 PM, Saturday 11 AM–10 PM.

Food: Full kitchen on-site serving burgers, sandwiches, wings, and cheese curds.

Parking: Street parking available.

Best for: Toddlers through school-age children who benefit from the activity cabinet.

Gathering Place Brewing Company—Where kids' parties happen

True to its name, this Riverwest brewery strives to be a gathering place for everyone—including families celebrating children's birthdays. Yes, they've hosted parties for one-year-olds.

Address: 811 E Vienna Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53212 (Riverwest)
Phone: (414) 635-0569
Website: gatheringplacebrewing.com

Hours: Monday–Friday 4–10 PM, Saturday noon–10 PM, Sunday noon–6 PM. Happy hour Monday–Wednesday 4–6 PM.

Tours: Small group tours on weekends; purchase tickets in advance as spaces fill.

Family-friendly features: Board games available, cozy atmosphere, dogs welcome (treats behind the bar). The bar itself is made from an old basketball court.

Second location: Gathering Place Tosa Taproom at 7208 W. North Avenue in Wauwatosa offers the same welcoming atmosphere in East Tosa.

Best for: All ages—the explicit welcome for children's parties signals genuine family friendliness.

Indeed Brewing Company—"Tiny humans are welcome"

This Walker's Point brewery explicitly states that "tiny humans are welcome" and backs it up with a family-friendly environment through 8 PM daily.

Address: 530 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, WI 53204 (Walker's Point)
Phone: (414) 216-9007
Website: indeedbrewing.com/visit/milwaukee

Hours: Monday 2–10 PM, Tuesday–Thursday 2–11 PM, Friday–Saturday 11 AM–11 PM, Sunday 11 AM–10 PM.

Food: Outside food is allowed (bring your own or order delivery). Food trucks sometimes park outside, and pizza is available in the taproom. Note: no extra plates, napkins, or utensils provided for outside food.

Kid-friendly features: Games available, rear biergarten, seasonal rooftop bar ("Up-Top"). All minors must be accompanied by parent/guardian after 8 PM.

Parking: Pay lot across the street at 529 S 2nd St (use code "Indeed40" for 40% off).

Best for: All ages until 8 PM; the explicit "tiny humans" messaging signals genuine welcome.

Broken Bat Brewing—For baseball-loving families

Sports-loving families should head directly here. This baseball-themed Walker's Point brewery features an indoor wiffle ball field that makes it a genuine destination for kids.

Address: Walker's Point neighborhood, Milwaukee
Website: brokenbatbrewery.com

Features: Indoor wiffle ball field, baseball memorabilia throughout, spacious first-floor taproom, second-floor event space, and summer patio "Beer Oasis."

Food: Food available on-site with TVs for watching games.

Best for: School-age children and teens, especially baseball fans. Perfect for pre- or post-Brewers game visits.

Black Husky Brewing—Cabin vibes and dog themes

This Riverwest brewery occupies a unique niche: cozy cabin atmosphere, all beers named after sled dogs, and one of Milwaukee's most dog-friendly policies—dogs welcome inside the taproom and on the patio.

Address: 909 E Locust St, Milwaukee, WI 53212 (Riverwest)
Phone: (414) 509-8855
Website: blackhuskybrewing.com

Tours: "Milwaukee's Worst Tour—But Best Beer" runs Saturdays at 2 PM or by request. The small operation means there's not much to see, but the intimate experience with beer in hand has its own charm.

Food: No food served, but outside food and delivery are allowed.

Kid-friendly features: Small sand lot with toys outside, outdoor fire pit, cabin-like atmosphere. The dog-themed beer names and stories may engage kids.

Best for: School-age children through teens, especially dog lovers.

North Shore and northern suburbs: Scenic settings and historic tours

Foxtown Brewing—Arcade and historic cave tours

Mequon's family-focused brewery stands out for two exceptional features: a dedicated kids' arcade with classic and video game consoles, and tours of historic 1857 lager caves from the original Opitz Zimmerman Brewery.

Address: 6411 W. Mequon Road (Highway 167), Mequon, WI 53092
Phone: (262) 292-5700
Website: foxtownbrewing.com

Hours: Monday–Thursday 11 AM–9 PM, Friday–Saturday 11 AM–10 PM. Closed Sunday.

Cave tours: Sign up on website; tours explore two-level historic lager caves dating to 1857. Cave dinners with beer pairings also available.

Food: Full menu with 85% of food made from scratch. Kid-friendly options include hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, and the famous Clock Shadow Creamery cheese curds. Weekend brunch offered.

Kid-friendly features: "The Arcade at Foxtown" provides dedicated entertainment space. Outdoor patio and beer garden with fire pits. Dog-friendly outdoor areas. Nominated for "Best Pet-Friendly Establishment" by Milwaukee Magazine.

Reservations: Accepted via OpenTable but not required.

Parking: On-site lot.

Best for: All ages—the arcade makes this exceptional for families with children. History enthusiasts will love the cave tours.

Inventors Brewpub—Lake views and craft sodas

Port Washington's family-friendly brewpub occupies the historic 1847 Lakeside Brewery building and offers stunning harbor and Lake Michigan views alongside house-made craft sodas that give kids their own tasting experience.

Address: 305 E. Washington Street, Port Washington, WI 53074
Phone: (262) 431-2337
Website: inventorsbrewpub.com

Hours: Monday–Thursday 11 AM–9 PM (bar until 10 PM), Friday–Saturday 11 AM–10 PM (bar until 11 PM), Sunday 11 AM–9 PM (bar until 10 PM).

Food: Extensive full menu featuring famous poutine (signature dish), excellent white cheddar cheese curds, burgers, street corn taco salad, and Wisconsin comfort food. Catering available.

House-made sodas for kids: Root beer (creamy sarsaparilla style), cola, orange cream, lemon-lime, and ginger beer.

Family-friendly features: Pet-friendly patio with harbor views, trivia nights, karaoke nights. Historic building adds educational interest.

Awards (2024–2025): Best Bar, Best Bloody Mary, Best Local Brewery, Best Trivia Spot—all in Ozaukee County.

Best for: All ages; teens especially appreciate the craft sodas and poutine.

The Fermentorium—Cedarburg's welcoming taproom

This Five Corners area brewery delivers a comfortable family atmosphere with 24 taps and food that reviewers say is "even better than the beer."

Address: 7481 WI-60 (Highway 60), Cedarburg, WI 53012
Phone: (262) 421-8593
Website: thefermentorium.com

Hours: Monday–Thursday noon–9 PM, Friday–Sunday noon–10 PM.

Food: Full menu including pizza (with monthly specialty pizzas), hot dogs, and pub fare. Their beer mustard reportedly "will clear your sinuses."

Family-friendly features: Games available, covered outdoor seating, casual welcoming environment.

Parking: On-site lot.

Best for: All ages; works well for casual family dining.

Rebellion Brewing Company—Creekside charm in a historic mill

Tucked into the basement of Cedarburg's 1855 historic mill, this brewery offers one of the region's most scenic outdoor experiences: a beer garden along Cedar Creek with waterfall views.

Address: N57W6172 Portland Rd, Cedarburg, WI 53012 (Historic Cedarburg Mill)
Phone: (262) 421-8678
Website: rebellionbrewingusa.com

Hours: Tuesday–Thursday 4 PM–midnight, Friday noon–midnight, Saturday 11 AM–midnight, Sunday 11 AM–6 PM. Closed Monday.

Food: Food now offered on-site; free popcorn always available.

Family-friendly features: Dog-friendly patio, large outdoor beer garden with creek and waterfall views, live music during summer, propane heaters for cooler evenings.

Parking: Street parking and nearby lots in downtown Cedarburg.

Best for: School-age children and teens who can appreciate the scenic outdoor setting and historic atmosphere.

Water Street Brewery—Grafton

Milwaukee's first brewpub (established 1987) maintains its family-friendly reputation at this Grafton location with full restaurant service and weekend brunch.

Address: 1251 Gateway Drive, Grafton, WI 53024
Phone: (262) 375-2222
Website: waterstreetbrewery.com

Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 11 AM–10 PM, Sunday 10 AM–10 PM (brunch 10 AM–3 PM). Closed Monday.

Food: Extensive menu with appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and entrees. Highly-rated Wisconsin cheese curds, Friday fish fry, and weekend brunch service.

Parking: On-site lot.

Best for: All ages; excellent for families wanting a traditional brewpub dining experience.

Sahale Ale Works—Grafton

This smaller Grafton brewery explicitly welcomes kids and dogs while partnering with artisanal food trucks for rotating culinary options.

Address: 1505 Wisconsin Avenue, Grafton, WI 53024
Website: sahalebeer.com

Hours: Tuesday–Wednesday 5–9 PM, Thursday 4–10 PM, Friday 3–10 PM, Saturday noon–10 PM, Sunday noon–8 PM. Closed Monday.

Food: Rotating food trucks (check website/social media for schedule)—no full kitchen.

Family-friendly features: Explicitly kid-friendly and dog-friendly. Outdoor patio. Award-winning craft beers and house cocktail program.

Best for: School-age children and up; check food truck schedule before visiting.

Western suburbs: Games, outdoor spaces, and full menus

Big Head Brewing—A warehouse playground for kids

This Wauwatosa gem occupies a warehouse space specifically designed so kids can move around without anyone worrying about them breaking things. The extensive game collection makes it a genuine family destination.

Address: 6204 W. State Street, Wauwatosa, WI 53213 (entrance on 62nd Street)
Phone: (414) 257-9782
Website: bigheadbrewingco.com

Hours: Tuesday–Sunday (check website for current hours). Closed Monday.

Food: No kitchen, but free popcorn available. Pizza delivery welcomed.

Kid-friendly features: Video games, pinball machines, indoor cornhole, board games, giant Jenga, shuffleboard, darts, hammerschlagen, and a big projector screen for games. Large open warehouse space lets kids roam safely.

Parking: Street parking on 62nd Street.

Best for: All ages—especially toddlers and school-age kids. Multiple reviews specifically cite it as "pet and kid friendly" and "baby approved." One reviewer noted: "We can sit back and relax with a microbrew while the kids play cornhole, pinball, and darts."

OPE! Brewing Company—Half-acre outdoor wonderland

West Allis's massive brewery features a half-acre outdoor beer garden with sand volleyball courts, bocce ball, cornhole, four fire pits, and multiple pergolas for shade. It's essentially a park that serves beer.

Address: 6751 W. National Avenue, West Allis, WI 53214
Phone: (414) 509-6700
Website: opebrewingco.com

Hours: Monday–Thursday 4–11 PM, Friday–Saturday 11 AM–11 PM, Sunday 11 AM–8 PM.

Tours: Ask nicely and you might get a cool informal tour.

Food: Rotating food trucks (various cuisines). Non-alcoholic options include Two Brothers soda, hop water, NA beer, and CBD beverages.

Kid-friendly features: 6,000 square feet indoor taproom, half-acre outdoor space, volleyball courts, bocce ball, cornhole, fire pits, live music stage. Dogs welcome inside and outside.

Parking: Large on-site lot.

Best for: School-age children who enjoy outdoor activities; teens welcome. Reviews note "young families with small kids" visiting regularly.

Raised Grain Brewing—Waukesha's family favorite

This Waukesha brewery combines a full kitchen with heated, covered outdoor seating and consistently ranks as "good for kids" across review platforms.

Address: 1725 Dolphin Drive, Suite B, Waukesha, WI 53186
Phone: (262) 505-5942
Website: raisedgrainbrewing.com

Hours: Monday–Thursday 3–10 PM (kitchen opens 4 PM), Friday 11:30 AM–11 PM, Saturday 11 AM–11 PM, Sunday 11 AM–8 PM.

Tours: Saturdays at 1 PM; must pre-register online. Includes full beer pour and behind-the-scenes experience. Note: Tours are 21+ only.

Food: Full kitchen with wood-fired pizzas, tacos, burgers, signature fries, and Friday fish fry. Kid-friendly meals and vegetarian options available.

Kid-friendly features: Outdoor seating that's heated and covered for year-round use.

Parking: On-site lot.

Best for: All ages; families with school-age children particularly appreciate the spacious environment and full menu.

North Pillar Brewing—Toys, juice boxes, and historic charm

The owners of this downtown Waukesha brewery specifically designed the space to be family-friendly, stocking it with toys for kids, juice boxes, and kombucha for non-drinkers.

Address: 212 E. North Street, Waukesha, WI 53188
Website: northpillarbrewing.com

Hours: Wednesday–Thursday 4–9 PM, Friday 3–10 PM, Saturday 11 AM–10 PM, Sunday 11 AM–7 PM. Closed Monday–Tuesday.

Food: Snacks available; outside food permitted and encouraged from nearby downtown restaurants. Food trucks during events.

Kid-friendly features: Toys, juice boxes, board games (Scrabble, ring toss), lounge seating, 70-person event space, outdoor patio. The owners explicitly designed this as "a comfortable extension of home."

Parking: Street parking or nearby parking structure.

Best for: Toddlers through school-age; the toys and juice boxes signal genuine family focus.

Delafield Brewhaus—Full restaurant with kids' menu

This large Delafield establishment operates as a full-service restaurant with a dedicated kids' menu and daily specials that cater to families.

Address: 3832 Hillside Drive, Delafield, WI 53018
Phone: (262) 646-7821
Website: delafieldbrewhaus.com

Hours: Daily 11 AM–10 PM.

Food: Extensive menu including WoodStone oven pizzas, BBQ ribs, fish fry, burgers, steaks, and seafood. Kids' menu pricing: $7.95 for Wednesday pasta bar and Sunday breakfast buffet (ages 4–11). House-made root beer. Sunday breakfast buffet (9 AM–1 PM) features made-to-order omelets, crepes, and waffle station.

Kid-friendly features: Very large space with upstairs area overlooking the brewery, "Stammtisch" barrel-shaped private dining room (seats 12), two bars, outdoor beer garden.

Tours: Available—contact brewery for details.

Parking: On-site lot.

Best for: All ages—particularly good for family celebrations and special occasions.

Lion's Tail Brewing—Expansive biergarten

Wauwatosa's Lion's Tail offers an expansive outdoor biergarten that's heated for year-round family visits, plus a welcoming carry-in food policy.

Address: 8520 W. North Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Phone: (414) 309-9360
Website: lionstailbrewing.com

Hours: Monday–Thursday 4–11 PM, Friday–Saturday 11 AM–11 PM, Sunday 11 AM–8 PM.

Food: No kitchen, but rotating food trucks (4–8+ PM most days). Order from Sendik's or Thai-Namite next door via QR code. Outside food welcome.

Kid-friendly features: Large expansive heated biergarten, games available, spacious indoor/outdoor layout, 20+ beers on tap.

Parking: On-site lot plus street parking.

Best for: School-age children and up; outdoor space great for active kids.

Explorium Brewpub Wauwatosa

The newest member of the Explorium family (formerly Good City Brewing, acquired January 2025) continues the group's family-friendly mission in the Mayfair Collection area.

Address: 11200 W. Burleigh Street, Milwaukee, WI 53222
Phone: (414) 539-4343
Website: exploriumbrew.com/wauwatosa

Hours: Monday–Thursday 11 AM–10 PM, Friday–Saturday 11 AM–10 PM (sometimes midnight), Sunday 11 AM–9 PM.

Food: Full scratch-made menu with gluten-friendly options and 24 taps of house-made beer.

Kid-friendly features: Explicitly "warm, family-friendly environment." Dog-friendly patio, spacious outdoor dining, event spaces for family gatherings.

Parking: Mayfair Collection parking lot/structure.

Best for: All ages; popular for baby showers, birthday celebrations, and family gatherings.

Lake Country options

SteelTank Brewing in Oconomowoc (1225 Robruck Drive) offers a full gastropub menu including a kids' "Cheese on a Shingle" option, outdoor patio where kids can run around, and a veteran-owned welcoming atmosphere.

Brewfinity Brewing (N58W39800 Industrial Road, Oconomowoc, and Pewaukee) provides all-natural sugar sodas specifically for kids, board games, cribbage boards, and tours by appointment.

Water Street Brewery—Lake Country (3191 Golf Road, Delafield) offers full restaurant service with house-made root beer and weekend brunch in a beautiful Lake Country setting.

Vennture Brew Co. Brookfield (2970 N. Brookfield Road) operates as a hybrid coffee shop and brewery—open at 7 AM for coffee and pastries, transitioning to beer in the afternoons. The daytime coffee shop vibe is exceptionally family-friendly.

Southern suburbs and beyond: Playgrounds and full dining

Franksville Craft Beer Garden—The region's best for young children

Located inside Caledonia-Mt. Pleasant Joint Memorial Park, this seasonal beer garden provides something truly rare: a dedicated playground and sandbox specifically for kids, plus green space and yard games in a park setting.

Address: 9614 Northwestern Ave, Franksville, WI (inside Caledonia-Mt. Pleasant Joint Memorial Park)
Website: hopheadscraftbeer.com/beer-garden

2025 Season (Opens May 16):

• Thursday: Taco Thursday events

• Friday: 5–9 PM

• Saturday: 11 AM–9 PM

• Sunday: 11 AM–7 PM
  Seasonal operation: May through October

Food: Rotating food trucks daily (no full kitchen). $1 root beer for kids during special events.

Kid-friendly features: Dedicated playground, sandbox, plenty of green space, yard games, board games. Bounce houses during special events like the Food Truck Festival.

Special events: FREE live music series every Friday and Saturday (award-winning), Franksville Food Truck Festival (September), Taco Fest, Oktoberfest, Night Markets with 70+ vendors, movie nights, yoga classes.

Parking: Free park lot.

Awards: 2024 Best of Racine County for Best Event, Best Free Entertainment, Best Family Fun, Best Beer List, Best Happy Hour.

Best for: Excellent for toddlers and young children (playground, sandbox); genuinely designed for families.

Explorium Brewpub Greendale—Mall-adjacent full dining

The flagship Explorium location inside Southridge Mall offers the most family-complete package in the southern suburbs: full scratch-made menu, kids' menu, coloring pages, spacious outdoor patio with fire pit, and Friday/Saturday brewery tours.

Address: 5300 S 76th St, Unit 1450A, Greendale, WI 53129
Phone: (414) 423-1365
Website: exploriumbrew.com

Hours: Monday–Thursday 11 AM–10 PM, Friday–Saturday 11 AM–midnight, Sunday 11 AM–9 PM.

Tours: Available Friday and Saturday by appointment; showcases 10-barrel brewhouse and sour barrel-aged beer collection.

Food: Full scratch-made menu with kids' menu (all items include kid beverage and choice of fries or fresh fruit). Extensive gluten-free options (8+ beers on tap).

Kid-friendly features: Coloring pages for kids, spacious outdoor patio with fire pit, gender-neutral restrooms.

Parking: Large Southridge Mall lot.

Best for: All ages—toddlers through teens welcome.

Water Street Brewery—Oak Creek

This location maintains the family-friendly brewpub tradition with games, a kids' menu, and a $1 duck machine "where everyone wins."

Address: 7701 S Howell Ave, Oak Creek, WI 53154
Website: waterstreetbrewery.com

Hours: Tuesday 4–10 PM, Wednesday–Thursday 4–10 PM, Friday–Saturday 11 AM–11 PM, Sunday 11 AM–10 PM. Closed Monday.

Food: Full menu with kids' options (chicken tenders, burgers, fries—all include beverage and choice of fries or fruit). Award-winning cheese curds, Friday fish fry.

Kid-friendly features: "Plenty of games to play," $1 duck machine, spacious dining area with booth seating, brewery memorabilia collection on display.

Parking: Large lot. Near IKEA for combined family outings.

Best for: All ages; especially good for school-age kids who enjoy games.

Public Craft Brewing—Kenosha's only brewery tours

The only brewery in the Kenosha area offering guided tours, Public Craft explicitly welcomes families and allows kids 12 and under to join tours without requiring tickets.

Address: 628 58th St, Kenosha, WI 53140
Phone: (262) 652-2739
Website: publiccraftbrewing.com

Hours: Wednesday 3–9 PM, Thursday–Friday 3–10 PM, Saturday 11 AM–10 PM, Sunday 11 AM–6 PM. Closed Monday–Tuesday.

Tours: Limited to 20 people for intimate experience; includes mid-tour beer pour. Kids 12 and under don't need tickets but must stay with family. Under 21 must be accompanied by parent/guardian.

Food: Full house-made menu with award-winning cheese curds, tacos, Friday fish fry, and gluten-free/vegan options.

Family-friendly features: Owned by Lakefront Brewery. Historic Barden building in downtown Kenosha.

Parking: Available at venue.

Best for: School-age children and teens (12+) will enjoy tours; all ages for dining.

Rustic Road Brewing—Kenosha

Downtown Kenosha's neighborhood brewery offers a full menu with daily specials and family-friendly game nights.

Address: 5706 6th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53140
Phone: (262) 320-7623
Website: rusticbrewing.com

Hours: Monday–Thursday 11 AM–10 PM, Friday–Saturday 11 AM–1/2 AM, Sunday 11 AM–8 PM.

Food: Full menu with daily specials: Monday cheesesteak $9, Tuesday tacos $2.50, Wednesday wings $1, Friday fish fry.

Family-friendly features: "The Rustic Loft" event space (holds 150), outdoor sidewalk patio, bar games, trivia nights, live music.

Best for: All ages for early dining; school-age kids may enjoy game nights.

Littleport Brewing—Racine

Racine's only remaining brewery reopened in 2024 and welcomes outside food—a huge plus for families with picky eaters.

Address: 214 3rd St, Racine, WI 53403
Phone: (262) 629-6976
Website: littleport-brewing.com

Hours: Monday–Wednesday 5–9 PM, Thursday 4–9 PM, Friday 4–10 PM, Saturday 2–10 PM, Sunday noon–6 PM.

Food: Hot pretzels and stone-fired pizzas. Outside food welcome—bring your own or order delivery from downtown Racine restaurants.

Family-friendly features: Historic cream city brick building (former livery stable), live music, game nights, dogs welcome.

Best for: All ages; teens may appreciate the historic building.

Bay View options

Component Brewing (2018 S. 1st St #169, Lincoln Warehouse) is run by three cousins who explicitly welcome "your offspring, your grandmas, uncles, in-laws, dogs, exes, ex's dogs, neighbors or prospective lovers." A small sand lot with toys outside makes it particularly nice for younger kids during daytime visits.

New Barons Brewing Cooperative (2018 S 1st St, Bay View) operates as Wisconsin's first co-op brewery with an explicitly dog-friendly and family-friendly taproom.

Seasonal considerations and final tips

Spring through fall (May–October) opens up the best family brewery experiences: Franksville Craft Beer Garden's playground, expansive outdoor biergartens at OPE! and Lion's Tail, and creek-side seating at Rebellion Brewing.

Winter visits should focus on indoor-friendly spots: Big Head Brewing's warehouse full of games, Foxtown Brewing's arcade, Sprecher's unlimited soda tour, or full-service restaurants like Delafield Brewhaus and Water Street Brewery locations.

Summer weekends require advance planning. Sprecher tours book up quickly, and popular spots like Lakefront Brewery's Friday fish fry operate at capacity. Make reservations where possible and arrive early for first-come, first-served venues.

For toddlers and preschoolers, prioritize Franksville Craft Beer Garden (playground), Sprecher (soda tasting), Big Head Brewing (open warehouse space), and North Pillar Brewing (toys and juice boxes).

For school-age kids, Foxtown Brewing's arcade, Broken Bat's wiffle ball field, OPE!'s outdoor sports courts, and Water Street Oak Creek's games offer genuine entertainment beyond "just sitting there."

For teens, brewery tours at Lakefront, Public Craft, and Sprecher provide educational interest, while craft soda options at Inventors Brewpub and Brewfinity let them participate in tastings alongside adults.

The greater Milwaukee area has embraced family-friendly brewing in ways that many other cities haven't, creating genuine opportunities for parents to enjoy exceptional craft beer while kids have experiences they'll actually remember fondly. From unlimited root beer samples to indoor wiffle ball fields to beer gardens with playgrounds, these breweries prove that "family-friendly" can mean much more than just "kids tolerated."