Echoing the German tradition of beer gardens as places where family travelers can spend a weekend afternoon with friends, many American breweries encourage families by adding play spaces and kid-friendly activities. Two breweries in central Massachusetts lead the trend, one of them on a family farm that’s already a travel destination.
For Moon Hill Brewing Co. in Gardener, Massachusetts, Red Apple Farm in nearby Phillipston makes for the perfect setting for a casual taproom and beer hall with a large outdoor terrace overlooking the orchards. Teaming up with the Rose family, fourth-generation owners of Red Apple Farm, widened the audience for both businesses and created a destination for family outings, festivals and seasonal harvest events.
Red Apple Farm built an outdoor barbecue kitchen with a wood-fired pizza oven, adding to its other attractions of an ice cream window and pick-your-own apples, berries and pumpkins. The Moon Hill Brew Barn hosts live music, kids can feed farm animals and families can take wagon rides through the orchards. Shopping at the farm’s atmospheric country store in the centuries-old barn reveals fresh-made cider doughnuts, 50-plus flavors of house-made fudge, cider, candy corn and apple dumplings.
Families are also welcome at Moon Hill’s in-town Gardner Ale House, a casual restaurant where the $8 kids menu includes a choice of main dishes plus a drink and ice cream. The main menu goes beyond the usual brew pub fare, with Italian favorites and several deftly crafted seafood entrées.
Closer to Boston, Jack’s Abby Beer Hall & Kitchen in Framingham also makes special efforts to include families, taking the classic German beer garden traditions as its model. Inside, long tables have plenty of room for families and also encourage engaging with other guests in a community-oriented environment.
Outside, the large, fenced beer garden features picnic-style tables, umbrellas for shade, half-kegs filled with bright flowers, and a play area for kids (another play area is inside in the beer hall). The German atmosphere carries into the menu, with pretzels, schnitzel and sizzling wursts, along with American brew pub favorites.
In December, the beer hall is the scene of a German Christmas Market, complete with festive decorations; children’s activities; vendors; and even a Bavarian band playing authentic folk songs complete with yodeling, cowbells and alphorns.
Read This Next
What’s New in Cleveland for Families
Destinations / North America
Nov 4, 2024#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
Oct 29, 2024Sensei Launches Festive Wellness Programming for 2024 Holiday Season
Luxury wellness hospitality brand Sensei invites family travelers to experience holiday-themed wellness and cultural activities at Sensei Porcupine Creek this festive season.
Sponsored Content
Discover the Magic of East Crete: A Perfect Family Getaway
East Crete is a blend of stunning landscapes, history and charming towns, making it an ideal family destination. Far from the crowds of the west, the region offers pristine beaches, ancient sites and authentic Cretan villages.
Hotels
Oct 29, 2024Snag Black Friday Deals at These Hawaiian Hotels
Save on your next family trip to Hawai’i thanks to these exclusive and limited-time Black Friday deals at various hotels and resorts across the state. Whether your family prefers a surf-inspired hotel or residential-style accommodations, there’s a deal for everyone.
Airlines
Oct 28, 2024La Compagnie Turns Children’s Dreams into Reality for Its 10th Anniversary
Family travelers likely inspired La Compagnie’s new campaign in honor of its 10th anniversary. The airline’s new campaign, “La Compagnie is 10 years old,” brings together a diverse group of 10 children in New York City that are given free rein to redesign every aspect of La Compagnie’s offerings. The English-, French- and bilingual-speaking children go from suggesting in-flight movies to creating their own dream designs.
Hotels
Oct 24, 2024The Charleston Place Hotel Announces Holiday Happenings
Celebrate the holiday season with family travel to South Carolina and a stay at The Charleston Place. The iconic hotel hosts a variety of holiday programming throughout the season. The theme for 2024’s concept is Be the Light, representing the hope, care and light of the holiday season.
Hotels
Oct 23, 2024Make The Lodge at Moss Neck Your Next Virginia Getaway
Spoil the family on an outdoor-centric vacation in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with a weekend trip to The Lodge at Moss Neck. This private, countryside escape sits within easy access to the metro D.C. area and is a great spot for family travelers seeking an unparalleled retreat experience.
ShareThis