Family-Friendly Craft Breweries on the Gulp Coast

Nestled in a snug storefront, woman-owned 7venth Sun Brewery has been known for its small-batch IPAs and barrel-aged beers since it opened in 2012. The cozy taproom is close to plenty of shops and restaurants in charming Dunedin. Well-behaved children are welcome – they might even get a lollipop – and staff members’ kids often drop in to hang out. The outdoor beer garden offers a perfect place for families to chill and have fun.

HOB Brewing Company started out life in 2009 as a craft beer bar. Eventually, the owners – both long-time homebrewers – began brewing their own beer, and “The HOB” was born. The expansive outdoor patio and recreation area just off the Pinellas Trail makes for a family-friendly spot. Kids can have fun in the large AstroTurf-covered play area while adults enjoy an award-winning Cool Cucumber IPA or other craft brew from one of the 24 taps, or opt for hard cider, wine, seltzer or a canned cocktail.

CEO and co-founder Kip Kelly says Crooked Thumb Brewery, located just two blocks off Main Street in Safety Harbor, has always aimed to be a place where the entire community could gather and socialize. Being a parent himself, he wanted the kids to be safe, have fun – and get a little loud once in a while. To that end, the brewery has a large, family-friendly, fenced-in outdoor space, and there’s a stash of boardgames behind the bar in the tasting room as well as cornhole outside. Live music in the tree-covered beer garden entertains crowds of all ages while adults sip on Shade Tree IPA, 727 Gold Ale or numerous other house-brewed options.

The artisans at Rapp Brewing Company in Seminole focus on creativity, brewing a wide variety of beer styles, including some stemming from the founder’s family’s European brewing heritage. While adults enjoy the tasty, history-inspired brews, there's plenty for kids to do, including a variety of boardgames, card games, foosball and table tennis. A rotating schedule of food trucks make sure that bellies young and old are kept full and happy.

One of the largest independent breweries in the state, 3 Daughters Brewing serves up everything from their light and refreshing Beach Blonde Ale to limited reserve Bourbon Barrel Aged Porter. Owners Mike and Leigh Harting named it after – you guessed it – their three daughters. This St. Pete craft brewery welcomes everyone with a fun, family-friendly vibe. The menu has food and beverage options for younger palates, and there are lots of games inside and out for kids of all ages. Over-21 events are sometimes held in the warehouse portion, but kids are always welcome on the rest of the property.

Taking family-friendly to the next level, veteran-owned Bayboro Brewing in St. Pete’s Warehouse Arts District will give youngsters kid packs with games and other items for them to enjoy while their parents sample Bayboro’s New England IPA, peanut butter chocolate stout and other house brews. Families have a good time hanging out in the fenced-in beer garden. Typically, the music crowd filters in to enjoy live bands after 7 p.m., and some events are 18+ or 21+, so that might be the cue to head back to the hotel or rental and tuck the kids in.

The IPA, porter, blonde ale and other craft brews flowing from 18 taps will draw adults to Cage Brewing's two taprooms in St. Pete’s Grand Central District. And families will feel right at home – kids have plenty to keep them happy, with free pinball machines, old-school videogames, a foosball table, cornhole and a welcoming, covered outside area (check out the space alien-themed murals on the walls).

Being a welcoming gathering place for families and friends was a top priority when Green Bench Brewing opened in 2013 as the first true taproom/beer garden experience in downtown St. Pete. Families love this place, located in the EDGE District, especially since they can hang out in the spacious beer garden, where kids won’t have to worry too much about using their inside voices. Movies in the garden and other events are great for families to enjoy together, says co-founder and head brewer Khris Johnson.

The owners of Mastry's Brewing Co. in St. Pete Beach definitely had family-friendly in mind from the beginning. The brewery is near the beach – the biggest sandbox of all – so families can enjoy a morning or afternoon of sun and sand, then stop by the tasting room to find beverages everyone can enjoy. Chill with award-winning craft beer (sample the popular Hefeweizen, Boca Ciega Bay IPA or chocolate coffee porter), hard cider, wine, iced coffee or other non-alcoholic drinks. And while the adults relax, the children can play the latest video games, Connect 4, Jenga and other assorted board games.