Kid-Friendly Breweries in Portland
Kate Loftesness
Portland is known for its stellar craft brewing scene, with more breweries in its city limits than anywhere else in the world. While most adults are happy to sample the sudsy scene, their kids might not be so keen. Never fear, parents with children in tow: Plenty of Portland pubs don’t just tolerate youngsters, they welcome them with open arms.
In Northeast Portland, spacious Old Town Brewing offers perennial kid-favorite pizza along with award-winning beers. Featuring both a parking lot and two floors of seating, Old Town is a good bet for parents seeking a family-friendly neighborhood brewpub.
Being kid-friendly is an integral part of the brewery’s philosophy and each of their locations features a play area specially designed for toddlers.
Laurelwood Brewing describes itself as “the place where friends and family meet,” and they’re serious about the family part. Being kid-friendly is an integral part of the brewery’s philosophy (it was opened by parents with young children) and features a play area specially designed for toddlers.
Both Hopworks Urban Brewery, in Southeast Portland, and Hopworks BikeBar, on North Williams Avenue, cater to kids and beer-lovers alike. One of Portland’s most popular breweries for all audiences, Hopworks earns rave reviews from families for its play areas, equipped with toys and books, and a kids’ menu with local and organic ingredients. Once every month, each location even hosts a free family event with a seasonal craft activity, storytime and fresh, healthy snack: Tot Tuesday on the second Tuesday of the month at Hopworks on Powell and Tot Thursday on the second Thursday at Hopworks BikeBar.
The country’s first nonprofit brewery, Ex Novo Brewing, has a dozen house beers on tap plus a deluxe restroom changing station equipped with diapers and wipes, making it a great stop for community-minded parents. Oregon Public House (home of Aletruism Brewing) is the first nonprofit pub of its kind, allowing patrons to choose where their individual proceeds are donated. Local charities benefit from the 100% of the pub’s net profits, while families benefit from its relaxed atmosphere and kids’ play area.
When McMenamins Kennedy School first opened in 1915, it was literally built for children. That’s because it was originally an elementary school that sat vacant for years before being converted into a family-friendly brewpub and hotel in 1997. Some of the 57 guestrooms feature original cloak closets and blackboards, but the biggest draws for kids are the on-site movie theater and warm, shallow soaking pool; parents will enjoy the six restaurants and bars on the premises.
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Indoor Children’s Play Areas
Banish your children’s boredom at Portland’s parent-approved play zones, including castles, bounce houses, obstacle courses and malls.