:: WINTER 2020-2021 ::
Over the last couple of years we’ve discovered something amazing – all over New England, there are fantastic local breweries located right next to kids play areas! We love visiting breweries and have found that most are very kid friendly. It’s a recipe for the perfect day – take the kids out to play, wear them out, then take the parents out for a little liquid treat.
*Please note: all reviews of venues are based on pre-COVID-19 regulations unless otherwise noted. Please visit their websites for updated visitor information.
ACTON DISCOVERY MUSEUM // TRUE WEST BREWERY
Acton, Massachusetts
The Discovery Museum in Acton, Ma is an amazing children’s museum for kids of all ages. Newly renovated in 2018, it’s a hands-on and interactive way for kids to learn while having a great time. It’s filled with fun activities including water tables, towering air tunnels with flying objects, sound and light exercises, and more. Most of the exhibits are inside, but there is also an outdoor section with a wooden treehouse and open woods with so much to see and to explore. Due to COVID, they have added many virtual exhibits, workshops and resources for learning at home.
Coming for a visit? Keep an eye out for the iconic large green dinosaur in the front lawn and you know you’re in the right spot!
True West Brewery is located just a mile and half away from the Discovery Museum in cute up-and-coming West Acton. With indoor and outdoor seating (weather permitting) as well as takeout available, the staff takes great pride in the craftsmanship of their food and beers. The menu changes seasonally and includes a wide variety of delicious choices such as handcrafted burgers, savory risotto, creamy mac ‘n cheese, fresh salads, and yummy shares like wings and fried pickles.
The beer is made onsite, with the barrels visible from the bar area. The process is powered almost entirely from solar energy captured from over 100 solar panels located at the building. I love that they have larger flights – with six samples – so you can try more and find a new favorite. They have classics like an American Pale Ale and IPA, rotate through seasonal beers, and have some of my favorites like a Witbier and a Czech Pils. Growlers are available to bring your top picks home to share.
BONUS – right across the street is a little local playground with swings, a slide, and a firetruck structure for climbing – perfect to let the kids run free and burn off energy while waiting for your table.
JAM TIME // SALT BOX KITCHEN
Maynard, MA // Concord, MA
Jam Time was our #1 indoor playground when we lived in Sudbury, MA. There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained for hours, including a bouncy-house, sectioned off baby area, playhouse, climbing structures, slides and more. Throughout the year they have special events included in the normal daily price such as visits from Santa and the Easter Bunny. It can get crowded, especially on long weekends, but if you go around lunchtime it usually empties out.
**Due to COVID restrictions they are offering very limited hours for open play. Be sure to check their calendar online before visiting.
Saltbox Kitchen in West Concord is a chic farm-to-table restaurant and brewery offering delicious meals, fresh beers on tap, catering, and prepared dishes to go. They mix up the menu often to keep with the seasons and provide food fresh from their own farm, including the hops for their “unpretentious & approachable, experimental in nature and farm-inspired” beers (Saltbox Brewery). They typically only have about 4-5 beers on tap, but they are clean, complex and a nice variety.
COWABUNGA’S! // BACKYARD BREWERY
Manchester, New Hampshire
We discovered Cowabunga’s! this winter and have been back multiple times since that first visit. Located in Manchester, NH, Cowabunga’s is a large warehouse-style building filled with a variety of inflatables – slides, houses and obstacle courses, as well as a large jungle gym with flying balls, climbing, and more. Food and goodies are available for purchase, tables are on site for eating and relaxing, and there are separate designated sections for parties.
Currently because of COVID restrictions, you need to order your tickets online before visiting the Manchester location. They only allow a certain amount of children in at a time, so be sure to buy your ticket at least the day before to reserve your spot. Tickets are broken down into 1 hour, 2 hours, and 3 hours (with kid’s meal included). We’ve always bought the 2 hour tickets and it’s been the perfect amount of time.
If you’re looking for a brewery with fantastic food and a casual, fun atmosphere, look no further than Backyard Brewery. Located in Manchester about a four minute drive from Cowabunga’s, this spot is great for both a family meal or drinks with friends. The inside is large, with an open bar area and multiple dining rooms. The brew tanks are on full display with bright blue lights shining the way. There is also a decently sized patio area if you’re interested in eating and drinking outdoors.
We decided to split a few appetizers and they were amazing! The Trailer Nachos with their homemade puffed tortillas were so light and crunchy, and the OG Prime Rib Egg Rolls were bursting with flavor. There were so many enticing items on the menu, I know we’ll be back to try something new.
They have a good variety of beers on tap, including multiple wheat beers (my favorite!). Their website is updated with what is currently on draft, so you can take a peek before visiting.
Do you know of more breweries with nearby kids play areas? Tell me about them! Include photos
and you could be featured on From Farm to Coast!
Contact me at Fromfarmtocoast@gmail.com