Good Brews and Happy Kiddos

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I love good beer. I might even refer to myself as a beer snob. I certainly like to try local (and not so local) craft beers whenever I can. And actually going out for said beers, to enjoy in the ambiance of the brewery, is pretty sweet. But of course, I have kids and sometimes we’ve got to drag them along. 

I mean let’s be honest, not all happy hours can be kid-free. But we can still enjoy them as responsible, still capable of having fun, post-parenthood, adults. So being the clever and capable mom I am, I’ve put together a list of my top 3 favorite local Flagstaff breweries that help us all achieve true beer loving happiness with kids in tow.

Mother Road Brewery

I’ve always enjoyed stopping in here with my kids as there just always seems to be kids there, including the actual owners’ kiddos. They’ve had a basket of toys and books inside the tasting room and I assume it’s still there because admittedly I haven’t been by in a while. They also have a decent-size closed in patio which is great for letting the kids explore a bit and not have to worry. Mother Road will often bring in some great acoustic music acts which the littles can dance to. An added bonus is they serve Pizzacletta from next door, and what kid (or adult) doesn’t like pizza? Boom. Beer. Pizza. Happiness achieved. You’re welcome.

Lumberyard Brewery

This one might be my favorite for several reasons. Of course, the beer, because I do love their 

Railroad Red best, but their food selection is mighty perfect both for adults and kids. The boneless chicken wings and mac n cheese balls are always a win. And again, the closed in outdoor patio is a huge plus for corralling the kids. And the best part? They get to watch the trains go by. If you’re lucky, two will pass at the same time. Whoa! Mind blown! My boys have always loved coming here. It’s our fall back spot. Also, they do this great pumpkin carving event there with the Arboretum every year right before Halloween, which is really fun.

Beaver Street Brewery

This is one of the first breweries here in Flagstaff and sister brewery to Lumberyard and is also one of my fallbacks. A closed in patio is always a good thing. I cannot stress this enough and they have this great area all at the back of their large patio that my kids love to play in. They’ve always felt VERY family friendly to me with great brick oven pizzas and some other kid-friendly food options. But oddly enough my kids love their kiddo placemats. Every time we go, without fail, they color, draw and do the crossword puzzle. Total entertainment.

Honorable mention goes to…Grand Canyon Brewery

They’re not quite a Flagstaff brewery since they’re in downtown Williams. And I just happen to know the family that owns it and they’re pretty awesome. So is their beer and their beautiful new restaurant. They’ve got lots of family-size seating, a great menu and a growing list of fantastic beers. A great stop after spending some time with the family hiking, fishing or camping in that area. Or on one of your many trips taking family and friends to see the Grand Canyon. 

PS – Drink Responsibly. Know your limit, or better yet, make your spouse or partner drive, just in case you enjoy one too many of your favorite brews. And then return the favor on your next visit together.

 

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Heather Pierce
Born and raised in NJ, Heather left with fire on her heels to attend ASU in Tempe, AZ in 1995, where she obtained a degree in art history, while minoring in both anthropology and French. While at ASU she met her husband Jake and began their loud, crazy, fun filled life together. She’s a full time corporate marketing consultant, freelance writer, is on the board for and chairs the fundraising and marketing committee for Flagstaff Arts & Leadership ACademy, and most importantly, a very hands on and fun mom to two wild boys Zane, age 9, and Van, age 4. They’ve made Flagstaff their forever home since 2010 and Is actively involved in our mountain community, lives for live music, good food and wine, reading books about real life people, and a lover of the outdoors.