Family-Friendly Breweries to Visit in Tacoma and South Sound

The pumpkins are out at the stores, kids are going back to school and crisp fall days will soon be upon us. Nothing feels more quintessential to the season than sipping on a beer or cider while enjoying some yummy food and good company.

Whether you choose to explore the Olympic Peninsula or check out the eclectic brewery scene right in downtown Tacoma, there’s no shortage of great family-friendly options when it comes to the South Sound’s craft brewing scene — just make sure to leave room in your stroller for a growler to-go. Cheers!

7 Seas Brewing

Whether you want to arrive by boat or by car, the waterfront taproom at the 7 Seas in Gig Harbor is ready to serve you! Enjoy a cold beer while you take in the harbor view and let the kids spot boats while snacking away. You’re welcome to bring your own food or let The Millville Pizza Co. food truck do the work for you. We prefer to be outdoors, but if inside is more your speed, there’s a designated family-friendly area for all-ages relaxation.

Located within the historic Heidelberg Brewery, the 7 Seas taproom in Tacoma is the perfect place where adults can chat and the kids can spread out in the spacious production facility. You can often find my family here when the rainy season hits, catching up with friends and spilling the contents of our activity bags onto the comfy couches in the lounge area. Like the Gig Harbor location, you can also bring your own food. My kids usually eat a pouch (or three) while waiting for their meals to arrive.

Menu favorites: The Galley in the Gig Harbor Taproom serves up burgers, sandwiches and salads that hit the spot for everyone in our crew. Tacoma’s Colvos Canteen does not have a kid-specific menu, but grilled cheese and tater tots are on offer, which means no complaints from the 2-year-old and 4-year-old in our crowd.

Gig Harbor location: 2905 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor
Tacoma location: 2101 Jefferson Ave., Tacoma

Camp Colvos Brewing

I can’t name a better pair than pizza and beer, and Camp Colvos definitely agrees. With 18 taps of locally brewed ales, you’ll be sure to find something yummy. Families are welcome inside or on the outdoor patio. If your kids are older, you might enjoy sitting at one of the tables with a built-in fireplace. No high chairs are available, which meant a meal with a lap toddler when we visited. Their Vashon Island location, the Campsite, has been on my list for some time. So maybe add a ferry to your pizza and beer pairing for the perfect Washington adventure.

Menu favorites: The Tacoma Colvos Outpost has one of our favorite NY-style slices in Tacoma.

Tacoma Outpost location: 2104 Commerce St., Tacoma
Vashon Island Campsite location: 17636 Vashon Hwy. S.W., Vashon

Sig Brewing Company

Sig is a small, family-owned brewpub with two locations in Tacoma. Sig stands out by serving way more than your average pub fare. No high chairs or kids play areas are available, so don’t forget the activity bag. Minors are only allowed until 7 p.m., so make a lunch or early dinner plan to check it out!

Menu favorites: From meatballs to fancy macaroni and cheese, the non-kids menu will still delight the whole family.

Sig Brewing Co. location: 2534 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma
Sig South location: 5419 S. Tacoma Wy., Tacoma

E9 Firehouse and Gastropub

A phrase we hear quite often in our house is, “Can we go to the firetruck restaurant?” While there is no actual firetruck here, this E9 location is run out of a real, old firehouse on Tacoma’s North End. With boosters, high chairs, coloring pages and an accommodating kids menu, this is the perfect spot for a family dining experience (and a win-win for adults with a great tap list). There’s both indoor and outdoor seating and no one was bothered when we wandered around waiting for our meals. Sip on local E9 brews and enjoy this historic Tacoma landmark.

Menu favorites: There’s something for everyone on the E9 menu, from burgers to pizza and salads. Don’t forget to order the garlic fries!

Location: 611 N. Pine St., Tacoma

Well 80 Brewhouse

If you find yourself famished after a long day of play at the Hands On Children’s Museum, wander over to the Well 80 Brewhouse just a couple of blocks away for a family-friendly option that always beats the museum cafe. They’ve got some crayons and table games to keep little hands entertained, plus you can glimpse their brewing facility through windows behind the bar. With high chairs and ample seating, invite another family to join for the fun.

Menu favorites: My kids scarfed down a personal pizza, and even tried my fried Brussels sprouts. You can also expect to find macaroni and cheese, chicken bites, and burgers on the kids menu.

Location: 514 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia

Yoked Farmhouse and Brewery

Set amongst sprawling green fields in Port Orchard, Yoked is a place that not only accommodates families, it wholeheartedly embraces them! Check out the baby goats and beers farm tour where kiddos can experience the joy of feeding and playing with animals and learn about caring for ducks, pigs and goat babies. Each ticket is for one adult and two children, and includes a flight of beer or cider with purchase. Even on a non-tour day, there’s a play area and lots of grassy space for little ones to run around and get their wiggles out.

Menu favorites: Everyone can enjoy a hot sandwich and chips, or you can bring your own picnic spread to pair with Yoked’s farmhouse ales. Kids aren’t even left out of the beverage experience — home-brewed lemonade is on tap and available for free!

Location: 525 S.W. Pine Rd., Port Orchard

Nashi Orchards

Nestled among pear and apple trees, you’ll find idyllic Nashi Orchards on Vashon Island. This cidery is the perfect outdoor space where the kids can roam (supervised, of course) while their parents indulge. Nashi is only open from noon–5 p.m. on the weekends, so head for the ferry and make a day of it. With such limited hours, things can get crowded! If you plan to visit with more than five adults, be sure to email for reservations so you can enjoy this special spot.

Menu favorites: There are light snacks and some non-alcoholic perries available, but you’ll probably want to bring a picnic or make time for a heartier meal before or after the visit.

Location: 16906 107th Avenue S.W., Vashon Island

Mill Haus Cider Co.

A spot for cider lovers, Mill Haus is a bit of a drive outside the city limits, but it’s definitely fantastic enough to merit a mention. The recently renovated cidery is tucked away in the town of Eatonville, conveniently on the way for families heading for a visit to Mount Rainier or Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. You’ll first catch sight of the giant spinning waterwheel right in the center of the lovely patio. Then, take in the rest of the incredible outdoor space, where kids can wander as if through an enchanted forest. Burbling creeks run through the natural landscaping; charming rustic décor is set off by twinkling fairy lights; inviting Adirondack chairs are arranged around fire pits; and covered seating abuts a stage for live music performances.

Menu favorites: Ciders come in sophisticated flavors such as prickly pear and habanero-lime, and a creative food menu features flatbreads, sliders, street tacos and more.

Location: 303 Center St. E., Eatonville

Finnriver Cidery

Sunny fall days are just around the corner, and if you have the time to explore a bit farther from home, the trip to the Chimacum Garden at Finnriver Cidery is the perfect place to spend the day. Let the kids frolic in the grass while you sip your bubbly cider and take in the lush Chimacum Valley on the Olympic Peninsula.

Menu favorites: In addition to their delicious cider on tap, there’s a full menu, rotating food trucks and an all-ages cider slushie for the kids. If you prefer to pack a cooler, Wednesdays are “bring your own picnic day” at the garden.

Location: 124 Center Rd., Chimacum