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.
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.
Kinship Brewing Company
Address: 255 NE Sunrise Dr, Waukee
We stopped by Kinship Brewing Company on a perfect Saturday afternoon. The patio is large with umbrellas for shade. They have turf covering part of the patio, which helped my crawling one-year-old get around. Inside, there is a large place to hang out and a few board games to choose from. My son had a great time playing with the UNO cards. They do serve food but make sure you check their Facebook page for updates on when the kitchen is open. My husband and I shared a pitcher of their refreshing summer lager. My only mistake here was not bringing our dog! They have an awesome dog park. Our dog, Wally, will tag along next time.
In addition, they are located right off the bike trail. Plan a family bike ride and make a stop to rest. Another tip, this brewery is located down the street from the new Triumph Park in Waukee!
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.
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.
There are so many more Des Moines breweries we are looking forward to trying this summer. Here is a list of what’s on our plan next.
- Peace Tree Brewing Co. – Located in Downtown Des Moines across the street from 1717 Brewing Co.
- 1717 Brewing Co – Just down the street from the Court Avenue Restaurant to grab a bite to eat.
- Confluence Brewing Company – This is a classic Des Moines craft brewery!
