Toronto-based family travel writers Yashy & Chris Murphy are not shy about touring around Toronto with two young children. Here are their favourite kid-friendly breweries and beer bars in Toronto (because yes, you can do that).
Toronto’s craft beer scene has exploded over the last few years with new breweries and beer bars all over the city. Rarely does a weekend go by when we aren’t making our way, kids in tow, to a newly-opened tap house or revisiting an old favourite. A new Toronto brewery seems to open every few months and we make it a mission to discover them all.
Depending on what you like to drink, whether it’s sour beers, session ales, or barrel-aged limited releases, there is a craft beer in Toronto for everyone. Taking young kids to a brewery may seem like an odd idea but we have discovered that most of Toronto’s breweries are quite welcoming to families, making it easy for parents to enjoy a pint too.
Here are a few of our favourite breweries and beer bars in Toronto:
- Amsterdam Brewhouse: Situated on the waterfront, this brewhouse is spacious and perfect for family hangouts, with plenty of room for strollers too.
- Bandit Brewery: This west end brewpub is great for catching up with friends while watching a game over pints and nibbles. The bright airy space makes it ideal for an afternoon visit.
- Bar Hop Brew Co: With more than two dozen craft beers on tap, dozens of hard-to-find bottle offerings and some great food to match, this large downtown craft beer bar is a true Toronto gem and the ideal place to celebrate after a Blue Jays’ game day.
- Bellwoods Brewery: The award-winning beers produced here make it a mandatory stop for craft beer lovers. Its front patio overlooks Ossington Avenue, a Toronto neighbourhood known for great food and artisan shopping.
- Burdock: Located on Bloor Street West, Burdock’s offerings include some great experimental beers, unique dishes with delicious vegetarian options and live musical performances almost every night in its music hall. We like to bring the kids in the early evening to enjoy a quieter meal.
- C’est What: One of the first pubs in Toronto to focus on craft beer, this downtown craft beer bar is a great place to discover new beers with a group of friends.
- Indie Ale House: We highly recommend a trek out to the west end to sample some of this brewpub’s exceptional beers and upscale pub fare. They welcome kids with open arms but be sure to get there early, especially on weekends.
- Left Field Brewery: Dog-loving kids will love meeting the adorable Wrigley, who is there to greet every beer lover. Situated in an open warehouse, this brewery is a great spot for kids to roam around while parents enjoy the great beer and good times.
- Mill Street Beer Hall: Brewing in the historic Distillery District, this beer hall is popular with families, as they not only have high chairs and change tables but also provide a kids’ menu that comes with crayons!
Toronto has some great attractions and we are happy to tell you that a great beer is never too far away. If you’re looking to grab a pint and enjoy delicious eats after visiting one of Toronto’s key attractions with kids, watch the video below.
Photos by Yashy Murphy and video by Arienne Parzei.