If you are a parent in Western New York who also enjoys beer, there’s a very good chance you’ve lingered over a flight at a brewery while your kids bury their noses in an iPad. And that is nothing to be ashamed of, since breweries tend to be a safe, comfortable option for families.
I’ve spent quite a bit of time hitting local breweries, both with and without my kids. Here are some of the spots I’ve found are best suited to families. Let’s hit the beer trail, kids!
42 North Brewing Company
25 Pine St., East Aurora | 42northbrewing.com
East Aurora is ideal for afternoon visits, and so is 42 North. Its beer is among the area’s finest, and its location is right in the heart of the village.
Why will kids enjoy it? Most kids will vibe nicely with the brewery, which offers indoor and outdoor games and some neat-o non-alcoholic drinks. And if your gang loves Fat Bob’s as much as mine does, 42 North offers dine-in and takeout from the BBQ favorite.
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What else should parents know? Playgrounds, Vidler’s 5 & 10 and the Toy Loft are within walking distance. I may or may not have bribed my children with new toys prior to a 42 North visit.
Brazen Brewing
5839 Genesee St., Lancaster | brazenbrewco.com
This 20-tap brewery has become one of my suburban faves. The beer is stellar, yes, but there is also the bright, smartly designed building and grounds. Brazen will be hopping all summer long.
Why will kids enjoy it? Brazen is spacious on the inside and out. The beer garden space is lovely, and during a recent visit on a rainy afternoon, our server explained that games (including a giant Connect 4) are ready for kids to enjoy during warm weather months.
What else should parents know? The kids food menu is small—just three items—but fun. (Waffle bites!)
Hamburg Brewing Company
6553 Boston State Road, Hamburg | hamburgbrewing.com
In addition to its ever-growing selection of brews, Hamburg has scenery that is, quite simply, unmatched by any other local brewery.
Why will kids enjoy it? While the brewery doesn’t cater specifically to children, little ones will appreciate looking upon the gorgeous pond while running themselves ragged on the grass nearby.
What else should parents know? Outdoors means noise will not be a problem. While there is no kids menu, the ultimate ice cream sandwich and messy sundae sound delightful.
Other Half Brewing
1 Seneca St., Buffalo | otherhalfbrewing.com
There are many reasons to delight in the success of Seneca One, and the presence of a pop-up taproom for Brooklyn’s Other Half Brewing is certainly a biggie. Other Half has also announced plans to expand its space with a restaurant and outdoor beer garden.
Why will kids enjoy it? There are arcade games and pinball, a delightful corn and broccoli cut-out and a chill atmosphere. Plus, it is footsteps from Sahlen Field, making it a nice pre- or post-game stop.
What else should parents know? I like the transparency of Other Half’s FAQ page: “Kids are welcome as long as they’re well behaved and closely supervised. We are a bar so it is important for your children’s safety that you keep them close at all times!” Remember to be careful—those beers have a mighty high alcohol content.
Steel Leaf Brewing Company
4545 Transit Road, Williamsville | steelleafbrewing.com
As you might expect from a brewery open for a little over a year, the beer menu at this spot at the Eastern Hills Mall is small when compared to others on this list. What Steel Leaf has, however, is 35,000 square feet of space that includes bowling lanes, Kan-Jam, cornhole and more. (This spot once housed a Dave and Buster’s.)
Why will kids enjoy it? The many games on the premises make this a big “yes.”
What else should parents know? If little ones get antsy, you can always take a stroll around the mall.
Wayland Brewing Company
3740 N. Buffalo St., Orchard Park | waylandbrewing.com
Wayland is the newest brewery on the list—and in terms of aesthetics and design, it might be the best. The enormous outdoor area features a bocce court and lots of running space, while the interior is bright and nicely noisy. And there’s an easy-to-access ramp for strollers (and wheelchairs, of course).
Why will kids enjoy it? The space, both inside and out, will delight children, and the menu offers a few kids options and plenty of non-alcoholic drinks.
What else should parents know? Just like the taproom, Wayland’s beer list is a stunner. This might be your new favorite Western New York brewery.
More spots to consider
Community Beer Works features pinball, a Simpsons arcade game and lots of board games.
Resurgence Brewing Co. downtown offers a large, bright space and some fun details, like peelable beer label stickers.
12 Gates Brewing Company in Williamsville has plenty of outdoor seating, and kids will enjoy watching the planes zoom overhead.
Southern Tier Brewing Company taproom is minutes from Canalside (and the carousel).
Plus, there are restaurants that offer their own beer—New York Beer Project, Britesmith, RationAles—and beer shops like Fattey Beer Company. (Fattey’s Kenmore location has a nice stack of board games.)
Some pre-visit tips, parent to parent
Pack some fully charged electronic devices. And headphones.
Don’t be afraid to ask for the wifi password. Some spots (like Resurgence) post this essential info behind the bar.
Check the online events calendar before you go. My kids hate live music if it’s not all Beatles songs, and I’m betting yours do, too.
Have a dog? Consider bringing your four-legged friend. If the kids misbehave, at least your pet will win over your fellow drinkers.
Thank your family for agreeing to visit someplace that actually interests you. And maybe promise them ice cream afterwards.
