Family Friendly Breweries in Kansas City to Visit This Fall

It seems fall has officially arrived in KC! The trees are showing off their changing colors and the temps are demanding shorts one day and chili the next. The autumnal season is the perfect time to embrace the spirit of Oktoberfest and enjoy some of the many local breweries offering family-friendly atmospheres and sought-after food and drinks.

Family Friendly Breweries in Kansas

Limitless Brewing in Lenexa has a large back where patrons can enjoy live music and food trucks, so keep an eye on its Instagram page to see what the brewery has planned.

Pathlight and Rockcreek, both in Johsnson County, are newer on the scene, and both have garage doors if you want the breeze, without having to commit to being outside. On the weekends, you can often find food trucks, and both offer snacks on site to purchase. Rockcreek also allows you to bring your own chair in the event the tables are full.

Red Crow is another JoCo favorite with food, snacks, and kid beverages, and a great spot for those families out in the southern burbs. The patio is a bit on the small side, so make sure to go early to snag a table. It also has tons of garage doors to allow for that outdoor feel if the patio is full.

Servaes Brewery, located in Shawnee, opened its doors in April 2019 after its owner, Courtney Servaes, wanted to bring her love of interesting flavors and passion for brewing to the masses. Innovative and inventive flavors are her specialty, and she has been known to add surprising flavors such as pumpkin pie, red velvet cake or chocolate chip cookies to the brews.

Courtney’s son was inspired by his mom’s business savvy, and with her help, developed Aaron’s Sodas, sold out of Servaes. He too, loves creative tastes, and offers  flavored drinks kids will love to sample.

Family Friendly Breweries in Missouri

For beer lovers on the Missouri side, head to Crane in Raytown, or Diametric in Lee’s Summit, to enjoy the outdoor spaces and equally awesome beers. Swing by Crane on your way to/from the zoo, or seek it out during a bike ride on the Rock Island Trail.

Harp Barbecue is now open right next to Crane, and always had rave reviews as a food truck. Head to Diametric to watch the next Chiefs game on the patio with a “TD Tossin’ Patrick MaHazy IPA” in hand.

Burn Theory Fire Kitchen operates out of Diametric and is not to be missed, as does Viceroy Coffee for those looking for a caffeine jolt instead of a cold one. It also graciously offers lawn games for anyone to play, and dogs can accompany their owners so the entire family can enjoy a day out.

Boulevard is a KC staple, and if you haven’t been in a while, it is worth a visit. The beer hall is grand with plenty of space for kids to play. Don’t forget to come hungry and enjoy the food options, such as charcuterie boards, pretzel dogs or artichoke dip. The photo booth inside a vintage trailer will provide a refrigerator-worthy take-home souvenir.

Fun at KC Bier Co

Another mainstay, KC Bier Co. will always be a favorite for families. Enjoy a German inspired dinner of brats and pretzels, drink a Dunkel and watch the kids play soccer in the large lot next to the patio.

If you’re headed downtown and want to enjoy some food with your beers, head to City Barrel or Brewery Emperial. Emperial has a spacious beer garden with tables and fire pits, and bonus: a kid’s menu! City Barrel recently expanded its outdoor seating area to accommodate those who want to dine al fresco, and believe me, you’ll want to try everything on both the beer, food and cocktail menus.

If you’re up for an adventure, or just headed to Lawrence to cheer on the Jayhawks, stop by Lawrence Beer Co. or Fields and Ivy. They both provide full food menus and seasonal beers to enjoy.

Mom Tips For Brewery Visits

  • Check out the brewery’s social media pages to get the latest info on patio availability, beer releases, and food trucks!
  • If you’re worried about crowds, go during off hours or on a weekday.
  • Some of the above places take reservations for those who like to plan ahead.
  • You can always grab beer to go, and enjoy in your own lovely backyard.
  • What’s your tip? Does your family have a favorite brewery that we missed? Let us know!

This post was originally written by Stephanie in 2020. Updated by Kristin R. in 2022.