My Favorite Breweries in Maryland: Fun with Family & Friends
Spring and summer mean longer days, warmer weather, and the perfect excuse to get out of the house with family and friends. And let’s be honest—sometimes, after a long day, a cold craft beer really hits the spot. The best part? There are plenty of breweries around Maryland where I can enjoy a great drink while the kids run around and everyone can snack on some good food.
If you’re looking for a spot where you can sip, snack, and still be a responsible parent, here are some of my favorite breweries to check out this season:
1. Manor Hill Brewing
4411 Manor Ln, Ellicott City, MD
This spot is made for families. It’s a gorgeous farm brewery with tons of open space for the kids to run free while I sip on their signature Manor Hill IPA (so good!). They have picnic tables, yard games, and sometimes even live music.
2. Jailbreak Brewing Company
9445 Washington Blvd N, Laurel, MD
Jailbreak is one of my go-to spots because of the laid-back atmosphere, making it a great place to chill. Their restaurant Foodworks, is an awesome extension of their taproom, offering additional seating, along with an open kitchen and a food menu with so many fun options.
3. Black Flag Brewing Co.
9315 Snowden River Pkwy, Columbia, MD
A local favorite! Black Flag has an ever-changing list of fun, creative beers (if they have a fruity sour on tap, I’m all in). While there’s no kitchen, they bring in food trucks on the weekends. My kids love the casual vibe, and I love that I can grab a drink while still keeping an eye on them.
5. Guinness Open Gate Brewery
5001 Washington Blvd, Halethorpe, MD
Okay, so technically not a “small craft brewery,” but the Guinness brewery in Maryland is absolutely worth a visit. The outdoor beer garden is perfect for spring and summer, and they have plenty of kid-friendly options on their food menu.
6. Lone Oak Farm Brewing Co.
5000 Olney Laytonsville Rd, Olney, MD
If you want a brewery that feels more like a family picnic, Lone Oak Farm is a must. It’s on a beautiful farm with tons of space and lots of picnic tables, so it’s easy to make an afternoon out of it.
7. Crooked Crab Brewing Co.
8251 Telegraph Rd, Odenton, MD
This one has a laid-back, welcoming vibe, plus a great variety of beers (I’m partial to their easy-drinking IPAs). The brewery also has an awesome pizza menu.
8. Reckless Shepherd
8895 McGaw Rd, Columbia, MD
This brewery and live music venue has tons of space, a full food menu, and often hosts family-friendly events. It’s lively but still relaxed enough for parents to enjoy a drink with kids in tow.
9. Victoria Gastro Pub
8201 Snowden River Pkwy, Columbia, MD
Okay, technically not a brewery—but worth the bonus mention! Victoria’s has one of the best craft beer selections on tap in the area, plus an upscale pub menu that even picky eaters can get behind. Yes, please.
10. Sagamore Spirit Distillery
301 E Cromwell St, Baltimore, MD
Located in the Baltimore Peninsula neighborhood, this world-class waterfront distillery is just off I-95 and a short drive from the Inner Harbor. They’re open five days a week with guided tours, tastings, cocktail classes, and a stylish on-site whiskey bar, Nineteen O' Nine, open Thursday through Sunday. Families can also enjoy the waterfront views and live music during their popular summer concert series, Whiskey on the Waterfront.
11. Diamondback Brewing Company
1215 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, MD
Diamondback’s Locust Point taproom has become one of my favorite family-friendly hangouts in the city. With a spacious outdoor patio and beer garden (dog-friendly too!), live music, weekly events, and plenty of space to relax, it’s the kind of place that works for both adults and kids. They offer a rotating lineup of craft beers, non-alcoholic options, and some of the best scratch-made pizza around. Whether you’re there for a chill afternoon or a special event, Diamondback delivers every time.
12. Big Truck Farm Brewery
19919 Cameron Mill Rd, Parkton, MD
This one is a bit of a drive, but it’s the PERFECT spot for a day trip with friends AND family. There’s an indoor taproom menu, outdoor food trucks with plenty of seating, and a giant tire playground right next to the brewery. The adults can relax while the kids burn off their energy.
Cheers to Good Beer & Happy Kids!
Finding a brewery where I can actually relax while my kids stay entertained? That’s a win-win. Whether it’s a farm-style brewery with plenty of space to run or a cozy taproom with games and good food, these spots make it easy to enjoy Maryland’s craft beer scene without the stress.
