Have children and thirsty for local beer and community? Since 2014, Wilmington and its surrounding area has become a burgeoning craft beer scene with new breweries popping up daily. This weekend, sample one of our favorite local family-friendly taprooms!
In breweries across the nation with sprawling taprooms and food-truck lined parking lots, parents are happily sipping craft beer beside their juice box sipping children. Today’s modern brewery harkens back to pre-prohibition German-style beer gardens, which provided urban dwellers a respite from daily life over a century ago.
Yet, it wasn’t all about beer drinking. They were a space for laughing, eating, and giving children space to move around in. They provided a chance to get out of the house, connect with friends, and share a pint.
Thanks to a mix of factors including larger space size, hours of operation and conscientious parents, the modern taproom is becoming a revival of these German-style beer gardens that once dominated much of America’s drinking culture. Hanging out and enjoying relationships with other people is really what beer drinking is all about! The pub has been perfected over centuries as a gathering place for people, and children have always been an important part of that.
Aside from games and family-friendly events, one thing that sets these taprooms apart is communal space. They’re generally airier and less cramped than other types of drinking establishments.
Obviously, of course, Cape Fear Family Magazine encourages responsibility, especially with precious children! Get a designated driver and don’t take chances.
But going to a brewery can be an all-day activity where families can have a meal, play some games, take in a tour, and spend an afternoon out of the house. There tends to be a bit more for everyone at a taproom than what’s on tap!
Here are a few of our favorite family-friendly Cape Fear and Wilmington, NC area breweries:
Waterline Brewing Co.
721 Surry Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.waterlinebrewing.com
Located under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, and filled with games, live music, family-friendly events, and even a changing table in the bathroom, Waterline Brewing is a perfect afternoon destination.
Wilmington Brewing Company
824 South Kerr Avenue
Wilmington, NC 28403
wilmingtonbrewingcompany.com
The owners – parents themselves – offer a laid-back family friendly atmosphere in their taproom and a spacious area outside to play in. Kids will ask to come back!
Wrightsville Beach Brewery
6201 Oleander Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
www.wbbeer.com
Wrightsville Beach Brewery features a delicious on-site restaurant where families can enjoy fresh local food. The atmosphere is reminiscent of having a beer on the beach with friends.
Good Hops Brewery
811 Harper Avenue
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
www.goodhopsbrewing.com
This friendly Carolina Beach neighborhood brewery features a large outdoor area with plenty of space to play and for families to connect – they even offer a free disc golf course!
Edward Teach Brewery
604 North 4th Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
edwardteachbrewery.com
Located in a historic firehouse in the Brooklyn Arts District, Edward Teach carries the name of the pirate, Blackbeard. Constructed to resemble a ship, guests have a feeling of being at sea in the 10,000-sq foot building.
New Anthem Beer Project
116 Dock Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.newanthembeer.com
Located in historic downtown Wilmington, New Anthem offers an airy seating area where parents with strollers can connect in a relaxed space.
Makai Brewing Company
5850 Ocean Hwy W
Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
www.makaibrewing.com
Families around the surrounding Brunswick beaches will find the spirit of Hawaii at Makai. Take a tour and grab a bite to eat at the sandwich shop next door.
