Maine’s craft-beer boom has always been about more than hops and hype—it’s rooted in community. That community includes parents (and grandparents) who don’t want to choose between a quality pint and quality time with the kids. From spacious beer gardens to coloring-book menus, many taprooms now blur the line between brewpub and neighborhood rec center. All the more reason to check out some family-friendly breweries this season!
According to Visit Maine’s Brewery Trail guide, more than 100 breweries operate statewide, and many specifically promote “family-friendly” amenities. Brickyard Hollow Brewing Co. was built for that crowd from day one: our founders are parents, our staff keep crayons behind every host stand, and our kitchens turn out comfort food that picky eaters actually finish. Below is a local’s roadmap—equal parts beer trail and family field-trip—designed around Brickyard Hollow’s nine year-round locations (plus our Sugarloaf pop-up).
What Makes Family-Friendly Breweries Ideal for Maine Families?
| Feature | Why It Matters to Parents | How Brickyard Hollow Delivers |
| Kid-approved menu | Keeps hangry moods at bay. | Half-size cheese & pepperoni pizzas, gluten-free crusts, mac-n-cheese. |
| Room to roam | Strollers, toddler wiggles, diaper-bag traffic. | Spacious dining rooms, outdoor patios, and high-chair parking at every location. |
| Activities & events | Bored kids = short visits. | Board-game libraries, coloring sheets, trivia nights that wrap by 7 p.m. |
| Community focus | Teaches kids about giving back. | Monthly Community Nights donate 5 % of sales to local nonprofits—$50 K+ raised so far. (Learn more on our Community Involvement page.) |
Brickyard’s Family-Friendly Breweries “On the Beaten Path”
Below you’ll find our best-loved taprooms and a few family-activity pairings to turn beer runs into memory makers. A list lives on our Locations & Menus page, but here are the highlights:
Yarmouth – Where It All Began
- Why parents love it: big patio, stroller-friendly sidewalks, quick walk to Royal River Park.
- Pair-it tip: let the kids burn energy on the Royal River playground, then refuel with a 1901 Kölsch and “Build-Your-Own” pizza.
Portland – Old-Port Energy, Kid-Size Scale
- Tuck into a booth after visiting the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine (10-min walk).
- Mini-flight option: four 4-oz pours so parents can taste responsibly before exploring the working waterfront.
Freeport – Shopper’s Paradise
- Steps from L.L.Bean’s flagship and Discovery Park splash-pad.
- Pro move: order online, shop the outlets, pick up pizza when the meltdowns start.
Ogunquit – Beach-Day Basecamp
- Sand still between your toes? Patio seating is hose-able and dog-friendly.
- Friday “Local’s Nights” feature $2 off pints before bedtime.
New Gloucester – Pizza, Pints, and Playtime
437 Lewiston Rd, New Gloucester, ME 04260
- Brickyard Hollow’s New Gloucester location is a haven for families, friends, and anyone looking to pair a pint with some outdoor fun.
- Play a round of disc golf, join a game of cornhole or frisbee, or simply let the kids run free while you enjoy a slice in the sunshine.
Day-Trip Itineraries for Every Age Group
- “Stroller & Sippy-Cup” Morning (Ages 0-4)
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- Freeport – 9 a.m. stroller loop at Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park.
- 11 a.m. early lunch at Brickyard Hollow Freeport (kids eat free on Tuesdays).
- Nap-time drive south while parents sip cold-brew coffee crowlers.
- “LEGO & Lager” Afternoon (Ages 5-10)
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- Portland – morning at the Children’s Museum interactive exhibits.
- Walk to Brickyard Hollow Portland for lunch; kids enter coloring-contest wall.
- Take the Casco Bay Lines ferry for a 90-minute harbor tour—ice-cream onboard, IPAs saved for later.
- “Teens on Trails” Evening (Ages 11-15)
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- Hike Bradbury Mountain near Yarmouth; photos at summit.
- Sunset pizza on the patio; teens demolish Buffalo Cauliflower while parents share a Trestle IPA pitcher.
- Board games or First-Friday art walk in downtown Yarmouth.
Beyond Brickyard: Other Family-Friendly Breweries Worth a Detour
- Nonesuch River Brewing (Scarborough) – large lawn games and kids’ menu.
- Maine Beer Company (Freeport) – spacious tasting room, wood-fired pretzels, proceeds support environmental nonprofits.
- Outland Farm Brewery (Pittsfield) – working farm, playground, farm-to-table menu.
Use these as pitstops on a Brickyard Hollow road trip or substitutes if you’re exploring farther afield along the Maine Beer Trail.
Tips for a Smooth Brewery Visit with Kids
- Time it right – Arrive when doors open (11 a.m. at most Brickyard locations) to snag roomy tables and avoid nap-time meltdowns.
- Order flights, not rounds – Parents get variety while staying within responsible limits.
- Pack entertainment – We supply crayons and board games; add a favorite storybook for longer stays.
- Hydrate & snack early – Free water stations and quick kids’ bites keep energy (and mood) steady.
- Know the rules – Kids must stay with adults; running in service areas is a no-go for safety reasons.
Community Nights: Teaching Kids the Power of “Give Back”
Every Brickyard Hollow taproom hosts monthly Community Nights. Local PTOs, sports teams, and charities receive 5% of sales—over $50,000 statewide so far. Bringing children to these events turns a casual dinner into a mini-lesson on philanthropy and hometown pride. Check our Event Calendar for upcoming dates or email info@brickyardhollow.com if your organization would like to participate.
Planning Your Own “Family & Foam” Route: Visiting Family-Friendly Breweries in Maine
- Choose your home base: Portland for urban vibes, Freeport for outlets, Yarmouth for small-town charm.
- Plot the playground stops: Use Visit Maine’s family-attractions guide for hiking trails, museums, and rainy-day ideas.
- Link taprooms along the way: Grab a passport stamp at each Brickyard Hollow—fill the card, earn free merch.
Raise a Glass (of Juice—or Kölsch) to Maine Memories
Family-friendly breweries in Maine aren’t a trend—they’re a homegrown tradition, rooted in the idea that good food and well-crafted beer taste better when everyone’s invited. From coloring contests in Yarmouth to beach-day growlers in Ogunquit, Brickyard Hollow blends adult flavor with kid-size fun at every turn.
Plan your next outing with our Locations & Menus map, follow daily tap-lists on Instagram @BrickyardHollow, and remember: whether your pint is filled with Trestle IPA or apple juice, there’s always room at the table for family. Cheers to exploring the best of Maine—one slice, one sip, and one smile at a time.