Kid-Friendly Breweries in Des Moines, Iowa
It is a perfect time of year to check out local, kid-friendly breweries in Des Moines. Local breweries are a great place to enjoy the best beers and have a good time. There are many in central Iowa that the whole family will enjoy. We rounded up a few that have kid-friendly patios, board games, and more!
Big Grove Brewery
Address: 555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Big Grove Brewery recently opened a location in Downtown Des Moines. They have a delicious selection of beers as well as amazing food. Their space is large and welcoming to all. There are plenty of large televisions to catch a football game. Hang out on the dog-friendly patio and let your kids have some space to play. There are several cornhole sets for your enjoyment. If you are lucky, your child might meet a friend and play while you enjoy adult conversation. And if you have a stroller, there is plenty of room for that too.
Confluence Brewing Co.
Address: 1235 Thomas Beck Rd, Des Moines
The OG of breweries in the Des Moines area. This brewery sits just south of Downtown Des Moines and Gray’s Lake Park. It’s a great spot to stop after playing, biking, or walking around Gray’s Lake or at Water Works Park. They have a great patio and a community room you can rent for free. This is where we had our launch party for the 100 Things Des Moines party!
Firetrucker Brewery
Address: 716 SW 3rd St, Ankeny
Firetrucker Brewery is located in an old Ankeny Fire Station right on the High Trestle Trailhead. Their patio makes a great stop to rest after a long bike ride. There is a lounge area inside with tons of board games for your kids to enjoy. They do not have food so make sure to bring some along. Visit their Facebook page for information on food trucks and live music.
The Hall
Address: 111 S 11th St, West Des Moines
The Hall was an ideal stop on a rainy day. We ordered cheese curds, nachos, two brews, and a lemonade for our son. The beer hall is large, open, inviting, and the perfect place to have family time. They offer a wide variety of craft beers, perfect for beer lovers. Our beers were ready quickly at the bar and we made our way to a table. My son found the shelves full of games and he got started with a hungry turtle game. My husband and I played cards before our daughter tried to eat them. We will be back to check out the beer garden outside.
Lua Brewing
Address: 1525 High St, Des Moines
We stopped by Lua Brewing after running laps around the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. I had been eager to visit after seeing pictures of their colorful beers. Their taproom opens to a large patio. There are plenty of tables with umbrellas for shade on a hot summer day and their beers will cool you right off. They do have a food menu so come hungry.
Make a stop at their sister restaurant Either/Or Des Moines which offers a play space outdoors!
SingleSpeed Brewing Co.
Address: 303 Scott Ave, Des Moines
This is a newer brewery in the Des Moines metro, but not new to Iowa! This brewery has a great location with perfect views of Downtown Des Moines, an outdoor patio, and a fun kids’ space inside filled with games, a chalkboard, and more. They also have a kid’s menu!
Uptown Garage Brewing Co. – Ankeny
Address: 305 SW Walnut St, Ankeny
Uptown Garage Brewing has an enticing patio with turf for a beautiful afternoon. If you happen to come by on a rainy day, the inside is perfect too. They have a whole kids’ section with toys and a television. They do not have food so feel free to bring your own or order a pizza from Leaning Tower of Pizza. The beers were crisp and delicious and we can’t wait to go back again soon.
