Beer Explorer

If you are a parent, you know it’s not always easy or feasible to get a babysitter in order to enjoy time exploring local breweries. And why should you anyway, if breweries are the hospitable gathering place for the whole family as we believe! When going to a new brewery with kids, however, it’s helpful for parents to know what to expect beforehand. How kid-friendly is the brewery? No matter the space, parents are responsible for their children, yet some breweries make it easier for parents by having a bit more space for children to move around, have low top tables for kids to sit at safely, have snacks or non-alcoholic drink options, and even have games to play. If parents have this type of information on the brewery they’re heading to with their kids ahead of time, they can plan accordingly if they need to bring their own snacks or activities for their children, for instance. In an effort to meet this parental need, we have compiled below what we believe are some of the key helpful pieces of information for parents on each of the ten top-rated breweries in Minnesota so you can maximize your brewery enjoyment with the whole family. Happy beer exploration!

Forager Brewery and Cafe – Rochester, Minnesota

• Do they have snacks? Yes. They have a “scratch kitchen” with locally foraged ingredients, as well as a coffee shop, the Forager Cafe, with other food items. Outside food is not allowed.
• Are there non-alcoholic options? Yes.
• Are there non-beer, alcoholic options? Yes. They have craft cocktails, spirits and wines. 
• Do they have games/activities for families? Yes, they have some board games. 
• Are there low top tables? Yes.
• Is there plenty of space inside? Yes.
• Do they have an outdoor patio? Yes.
• Is there space outside for kids to spread out? Yes.
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Barrel Theory Beer Company – St. Paul, Minnesota

• Do they have snacks? No.
• Are there non-alcoholic options? No
• Are there non-beer, alcoholic options? No
• Do they have games/activities for families? No, although they have a few pinball machines.
• Are there low top tables? Yes
• Is there plenty of space inside? No
• Do they have an outdoor patio? Yes. They are in downtown St. Paul has a small patio space.
• Is there space outside for kids to spread out? No

BlackStack Brewing – St. Paul, Minnesota

• Do they have snacks? Chips and things, and food trucks.
• Are there non-alcoholic options? Yes.
• Are there non-beer, alcoholic options? Yes. They have seltzers and THC seltzers for home. Be on the lookout for their slushie options.
• Do they have games/activities for families? Yes, tons.
• Are there low top tables? Yes.
• Is there plenty of space inside? Yes.
• Do they have an outdoor patio? No.
• Is there space outside for kids to spread out? No.

Back Channel Brewing Co. – Spring Park, Minnesota

• Do they have snacks? Yes.
• Are there non-alcoholic options? Yes.
• Are there non-beer, alcoholic options? Yes. They have craft cocktails, spirits and wines, and THC seltzers for home.
• Do they have games/activities for families? No.
• Are there low top tables? Yes.
• Is there plenty of space inside? No.
• Do they have an outdoor patio? Yes. They have a large outdoor patio.
• Is there space outside for kids to spread out? Yes!

Falling Knife Brewing Company – Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Do they have snacks? Yes 
• Are there non-alcoholic options? Yes.
• Are there non-beer, alcoholic options? No.
• Do they have games/activities for families? Yes, and some pinball machines.
• Are there low top tables? Yes.
• Is there plenty of space inside? Yes, somewhat.
• Do they have an outdoor patio? Yes.
• Is there space outside for kids to spread out? Somewhat. 

Lupulin Brewing – Big Lake, Minnesota

• Do they have snacks? Yes. 
• Are there non-alcoholic options? Yes, coffee and NA beers. 
• Are there non-beer, alcoholic options? THC seltzers for home.
• Do they have games/activities for families? Yes. Games. 
• Are there low top tables? Yes.
• Is there plenty of space inside? Yes. 
• Do they have an outdoor patio? Yes. 
• Is there space outside for kids to spread out? Somewhat.

Modist Brewing – Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Do they have snacks? Yes.
• Are there non-alcoholic options? No.
• Are there non-beer, alcoholic options? Yes, hard seltzers, and THC seltzers for home.
• Do they have games/activities for families? Yes, board games.
• Are there low top tables? Yes.
• Is there plenty of space inside? Yes.
• Do they have an outdoor patio? Yes.
• Is there space outside for kids to roam? No.

Thesis Beer Project – Rochester, Minnesota

• Do they have snacks? Yes, cookies. You can bring your own food. 
• Are there non-alcoholic options? Yes.
• Are there non-beer, alcoholic options? Yes, hard selzers and other cocktails.
• Do they have games/activities for families? No.
• Are there low top tables? Yes.
• Is there plenty of space inside? Yes. You can reserve tables. 
• Do they have an outdoor patio? Yes.
• Is there space outside for kids to spread out? Somewhat.

Wild Mind Ales – Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Do they have snacks? No, but they have food trucks.
• Are there non-alcoholic options? Yes.
• Are there non-beer, alcoholic options? THC selzers for home.
• Do they have games/activities for families? No.
• Are there low top tables? No.
• Is there plenty of space inside? No.
• Do they have an outdoor patio? Yes.
• Is there space outside for kids to spread out? Yes.

Fair State Brewing Cooperation – Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Do they have snacks? Yes, hot dogs and other snacks.
• Are there non-alcoholic options? Yes.
• Are there non-beer, alcoholic options? No. 
• Do they have games/activities for families? Yes. 
• Are there low top tables? Yes. 
• Is there plenty of space inside? No. 
• Do they have an outdoor patio? Yes.
• Is there space outside for kids to spread out? Yes.