Sometimes, beer just hits the spot on a really hot day. Sometimes, after hours of cheering on your baseball, softball, or lacrosse players in travel games, you want to unwind at a place that will accommodate everyone. With summer in full swing, visiting a local brewery is a great family activity. The contributors have rounded up some of the best family-friendly local breweries in Fairfield County (and beyond).
Elicit Brewing Company {Fairfield and one opening in Danbury soon}
This place is much more than a brewery! It’s a massive space with a Biergarten, cocktail lounge, game room, and restaurant! There is a wide range of events, from weekend movie afternoons where kids can chill in the game room to adults-only events like line dancing. Some favorite craft beers include “Marriage Counseling” and “Random Feelings.”
Two Roads Brewing {Stratford}
With its recently updated family-friendly policy, Two Roads is the place to be this summer. Visitors under 21 are permitted in the outdoor Hop Yard, Area Two Tasting Room, and the Two Roads Golf Club. There are picnic tables for seating, seasonal food trucks, lawn games, and live music on weekends.
Nod Hill Brewery {Ridgefield}
Nestled off of Route 7 is a gorgeous 6000 sq.ft. Biergarten surrounded by flowers and trees. There’s live music, a beer trailer, rotating food trucks, and picnic tables. Leashed dogs are welcome, too! Their craft beers range from IPAs to Witbiers to Stouts. They also offer frozen cocktails, seltzers, and ciders, all sourced locally.
Brewport Brewing Co. {Bridgeport}
While you may have to wait a bit to be seated, this popular brewery is worth the wait! The New Haven-style pizza is delicious and brews like Blood Orange Blonde and Against the Tide are refreshing. The famous root beer float is a big hit with the kids!
Broken Symmetry {Bethel}
Situated in downtown Bethel beside the tracks of the old train station, this kid and dog-friendly brewery serves amazing beers and food. Order a flight to taste several of the brews. The eclectic menu offers a diverse range of options, from seafood to falafel and traditional bar fare. They also have several board games you can borrow during your visit.
Spacecat {Norwalk}
With ales, lagers, IPAs, sours, ciders, and signature cocktails, there is something for every parent to enjoy. The indoor space features cool architecture and decor, and there is an outdoor beer garden with a food truck serving pizza and grilled items.
Sly Bandit {Wilton}
This brewery is owned by a lovely local family. Check out the story for the IPA, “Delivery Day,” if you don’t believe me. Although they only have indoor space right now, it is cozy, and they accept reservations for parties of six or more, so you can have a table ready for you!
NewSylum Brewing {Newtown}
Yes, it is located in what used to be an asylum on the Fairfield Hills campus, but this renovated building is spacious and inviting. Their beers have fun names, and the wood-fired pizza is a crowd-pleaser! There is live music every Saturday and Sunday.
OEC Brewing {Oxford}
This hidden gem pours interesting beers, specializing in sours and unique flavor combinations. They host fun events like book clubs, pop-up markets, and food trucks. They serve Zuppardi’s Apizza, hot pretzels, coffee, and baked goods. You can also bring in your own food!
Captain Lawrence Brewing Co. {Elmsford in Westchester County}
This is the mothership of fun and yum! There is a HUGE outdoor area (one section is designated for families) with lawn games, live music, and long tables that can be reserved for parties of 12 or more. The food menu has something for everyone, and you get a buzzer, which is another perk for kids when it shakes!
Dockside Brewery {Milford}
Pick your vibe outside: beach, grassy knoll, deck, pergola, or Biergarten. Or if you’re too sweaty, head inside to watch some sports on the many TVs. There are dozens of beers on tap, as well as numerous “cocktails.” The food menu is expansive, offering options ranging from New Haven-style pizza to a raw bar, tacos, and poke bowls.
Stony Creek Brewery {Branford}
This amazing brewery has pizza and ice cream trucks, outdoor seating on the water, and a delicious menu. There is live music every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!
Fox Farm Brewery {Salem}
While it is about an hour’s drive from Fairfield County, this rustic brewery is a wonderful escape for an afternoon. The beers are divine, and the grounds are beautiful. Please note that they do not serve food, so you should bring your own light snacks for a picnic!
I like that you’re writing about mommyhood in contexts apart from strict “mothering.” Great to read “date night” type articles!