My husband and I love visiting breweries, and now that we are toting two little ones, having a family-friendly establishment is a necessity. A brewery outing should be a fun experience for the younger crowd too. The good news is that Albuquerque is “The Craft Beer Capital of the Southwest,” which means there are plenty of breweries that meet our family-friendly requirements. With spring and summer upon us, grab the kids and head out the door to find your newest favorite brew!
Beer Creek Brewing Company
3810 New Mexico 14, Santa Fe, NM 87508
They have an amazingly large, cozy patio and outdoor space. Everything is so relaxed and there is even a playground for the little ones near the outdoor seating area so that you can keep your eye on the tots while sipping your IPA. Everyone is so friendly, and there is ample parking. The ambiance and views are everything.
Food Options: They are well-known for their pizzas and green chile cheesecake!
Bosque North Brewery | Taproom
834 US-550, Bernalillo, NM 87004
Bosque Brewing is well-known in these parts, and they have lots of locations in New Mexico. My personal favorite location is their Bernalillo brewery and taproom because the views are incredible. There is tons of space to find a table indoors or on the patio. The main reason I find this place especially family-friendly is because of the fun vibe and size of the establishment . . . there’s nothing worse than having to wait 20-30 minutes for a table when you have little ones with you. I would also recommend a visit to Restoration Pizza, owned by Bosque Brewing!
Food Options: They have a full menu. Restoration Pizza has, well, pizza!
Boxing Bear Brewing Company
10200 Corrales Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114
Boxing Bear has four locations, but I personally think the Corrales location is really family-friendly. They have a wonderful outdoor patio area with many shaded areas. The patio is mostly enclosed, so you don’t have to worry about your little ones running out into the parking lot. Outdoors is dog-friendly, so bring the whole crew!
Food Options: Nom Nom on Wheels, a Vietnamese Fusion restaurant, is available Wednesday through Sunday.
Canteen Brewhouse
2381 Aztec Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107
Canteen Brewhouse is proud to be Albuquerque’s longest-standing brewery, which means that they have been welcoming local families for many years! They have a wonderful patio and get raving reviews about their staff. If you want to visit a smaller location, head to Tramway and visit their taproom.
Food Options: Super extensive and diverse menu for everyone in the family, including a root beer float option to treat the kids while you treat yourself.
Ex Novo Brewing Company
4895 Corrales Rd, Corrales, NM 87048
Ex Novo recently expanded with a gorgeous Biergarten that has a large, open grassy space. The adults find a seat nearby and watch as literally every child at the brewery gathers to play chase, soccer, or just wander around. The grassy area is fenced in so you feel safe and confident that your children won’t go darting into the busy street. Sit back, keep an eye on your kids, and enjoy your cold beer and the sunshine (hopefully, it is New Mexico, after all).
Food Options: Various food trucks are available on-site every day of the week. You can also order food to be delivered.
Gravity Bound Brewing Company
816 3rd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
This is such an amazing brewery to bring your children to. Their dog-friendly outdoor patio is open and inviting for wandering and curious little ones. It is mostly enclosed, so you can keep your children corralled and out of the busy downtown street. The staff and guests have always been extremely friendly each and every time we have gone to visit. When my youngest was first starting to walk, she stopped by all the tables and were greeted with smiles and laughter.
Food Options: Food trucks on rotation and kombucha as an alcohol-free drink for the kids!
High and Dry Brewing
529 Adams St NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108
Whenever you visit, you’ll see tons of families. They have a dog-friendly patio. Indoors they have four different kinds of seating . . . bar top, high stool tables, regular tables, and couches with coffee tables. The coffee tables are full of board games to entertain the kiddos. A big plus is that they have changing tables! I know, mind blown. It is easily accessible by bike, so load up those trailers! When you arrive, try their kombucha as a refresher before you dive into their delicious craft beers. High and Dry is “a spot for everyone.”
Food Options: Food trucks and snacks.
Kaktus Brewing Company
There is something raw, welcoming, and cozy about Kaktus Brewing. Tucked away, it has two great patios to choose from. One of the patios has live music but may be too loud for little ears as the space is fairly small. If you love hearing and feeling the music, pack your earmuffs for the babies. The other patio is enclosed with lots of outdoor games and seating . . . and you can still hear the music! The ambiance is wonderful, and our kids have so much fun playing with all the activities.
Food Options: Pizzas, salads, and desserts.
Rio Bravo Brewing Company
1912 2nd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Seating options are available both indoors and outdoors. The indoor seating is spacious, and it’s a great place to hang out if you’re avoiding the summer heat. There are a ton of table games, but also foosball and shuffleboard. They are pet-friendly . . . we even saw the cutest pet pig on one of our visits! (Yup, a PIG). The beer selection is great, and they offer cream or root beer sodas for the kids.
Food Options: Full menu, kids menu, and now serving brunch on the weekends!
Rumor Brewing Co (formerly Ale Republic)
28 Arroyo Seco Rd, Cedar Crest, NM 87008
It’s a little drive from the city, but you can make an entire day trip out of it for the family. It’s a small, beautiful mountain brewery that is located next to hiking trailheads. Enjoy some outdoor time and then finish the day with some cold brews. They often have live music, and if you go when there isn’t live music, send your kiddos up to the stage to perform their own show! My son entertained a few tables of guests during an early Friday evening.
Food Options: Brick oven pizzas.
Santa Fe Brewing HQ
35 Fire Place, Santa Fe, NM 87508
I’m kicking myself for not visiting this place sooner. This is an oasis off I-25 and a must-go for all families. The outdoor area is SO spacious with lush greenery. They have tons of picnic tables, and at the center of the space is an artistic fire pit. There is a lot of space indoors too if being outside just isn’t your thing . . . or the weather is not cooperating. We treated our son to their Pinon Cola and the refreshing “ahhs” were endless.
Food Options: Fusion Tacos. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 12-8 p.m.
Sierra Blanca Brewing Company
1016 Industrial Rd, Moriarty, NM 87035
The outdoor area is amazing . . . are you sensing a theme here? They do have an indoor area, but it is very small. It is probably best to plan your trip in the warmer months. They have outdoor games and activities and a big grassy area for the kids to run free. Everything is enclosed, so I felt comfortable knowing my kids would be safe wandering and exploring. There is an adorable area with wooden swings that the kids enjoyed relaxing on.
Food Options: They sometimes have food trucks, but don’t count on food being available. You are welcome to bring your own food though, so pack those snacks and yummy goodies!
Steel Bender Brewyard
8305 2nd St NW, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM 87114
We really enjoy the spacious picnic tables on the patio of Steel Bender. They keep it cool on hot days with misters, and the noise level is low enough to have a good conversation with everyone in the family. I also love that they support local and feature products and produce they can find right here in our very own communities.
Food Options: Full menu with lots of variety, including a kid’s menu (score!).
I hope that this list helps you plan your next outing. Cheers!
The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ABQ Mom, its executive team, other contributors to the site, its sponsors or partners, or any organizations the aforementioned might be affiliated with.
