Philly’s Best Kid-Friendly Beer Gardens
From seasonal pop-ups to permanent family-favorites, here are all the laidback outdoor spots for sippy cups and craft beers alike.
Parks on Tap is just one of the kid-friendly beer gardens in Philly. / Photograph by Laura Swartz
Philly has been called a “city of neighborhoods,” but Avram Hornik, owner of FCM Hospitality, has another nickname in mind: city of beer gardens. “When you give people something to eat, something to drink, a chair, it transforms any place into a public space — a place people can socialize,” he says.
Together with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, Hornik and Kathryn Ott Lovell conceived of a traveling beer garden series in 2016 that would show off Philly’s many parks and highlight its many neighborhoods while raising money for our green spaces. Parks on Tap took off, and the beer garden had an additional set of fans that may have been surprising to those not paying attention: kids.
With three children of his own, city dad Hornik noticed that parenting in Philly was changing. Families were looking for ways to gather with each other (and their kid-free friends) in more inclusive and outdoor settings. “Both parents are working full-time and when you get home you want to see your kids, but you also want to socialize,” he explained. Parks on Tap was so kid- (and dog-) friendly that it brought toys like hula hoops and oversized Jenga to its pop-ups. The little ones followed, swinging in hammocks and enjoying their sippy cups alongside their parents’ craft beers. The welcoming atmosphere didn’t make Parks on Tap any less of a hot location for the over-21 set, because who doesn’t enjoy day-drinking in a garden? A trend was born.
(Not everyone is on board. Human Robot bans kids after 2 p.m., for example.)
In Philly, there are so many great spots to grab a drink and enjoy the outdoors with kids in tow. From fun activities to kid-favorite menu items, these places strike the perfect balance.
Morgan’s Pier serves up waterfront views and kid-friendly beer garden vibes / Photograph courtesy of Morgan’s Pier
Morgan’s Pier
This spring and summertime favorite overlooks the Delaware River with views of the Ben Franklin Bridge and the marina below. While it’s a seasonal hotspot featuring DJs, specialty cocktails and several outdoor bars, on weekend afternoons you’ll typically see multiple strollers and live music. Morgan’s Pier accommodates this audience with a kids’ menu, sippy cups and a changing table. Kids have to be out of there by 9 p.m. 221 North Columbus Boulevard.
PHS Pop-Up Gardens
PHS really started the whole seasonal pop-up beer garden craze years ago when they decided to transform an abandoned lot into an oasis. Since 2014, they have settled into a spot in the backyard of Jamaican Jerk Hut (at 15th and South). In the past couple years, they added a second location in Manayunk, which was renovated to mimic the feel of an “urban forest.” Even better, the Manayunk spot has a game room with foosball, Skee-Ball, pop-a-shot and more. Both locations offer food, craft brews, cocktails, family-friendly activities, plant swaps and craft workshops throughout the spring and summer seasons. Also at both locations: A bright orange frozen Gritty Marg rimmed with black salt. 1438 South Street and 106 Jamestown Avenue.
Games like shuffleboard make Independence Beer Garden kid-friendly / Photograph by Laura Swartz
Independence Beer Garden
Located on Independence Mall across from the Liberty Bell, this is a great place to hit after exploring historic sites. The 20,000-square-foot space boasts an expansive beer list and food that will please kids and adults alike — like pretzel bites and burger sliders. Best of all, outdoor games: shuffleboard, cornhole, giant Jenga, and ping pong. 100 South Independence Mall West.
Sunset Social
Located on the 1.2-acre Cira Green rooftop park, Sunset Social is always kid- and dog-friendly, with lawn games and fun events like Wednesday movie nights, weekly Saturday movie matinees on the big screen and discounted food ($2 hot dogs and $3 burgers!) from noon to 3 p.m., and Sundae Socials with lawn and table games (and ice cream, of course). They’ve also got all-ages Beyoncé and Taylor Swift parties planned this spring. 129 South 30th Street.
Kid-friendly outdoor dining at Sor Ynéz / Photograph courtesy of Sor Ynéz
Sor Ynéz
The laidback outdoor area of this Mexican spot in Kensington includes a cute enclosed patio, as well as al fresco tables where highchairs are welcome. Bonus: lots of free parking. 1800 North American Street.
Bok Bar
This South Philly rooftop used to only allow kids on Sunday afternoons, but they changed that policy in recent years, permitting supervised kids and dogs before sunset. (But be cool about it, okay? Keep a good thing going.) You can even bring a birthday cake with you (for a $25 cutting fee). This year’s iteration of Bok Bar includes a chef residency program with different Philly chefs cooking each month. Bok Bar is open for the season until October. 1901 South 9th Street.
South Bowl’s kid-friendly beer garden The Yard has lawn games and batting cages / Photograph by Laura Swartz
The Yard at South Bowl (Opens April 26th)
Of course, everyone knows the indoor bowling alley that gives South Bowl its name, but did you know they also have an outdoor space with games and its own bar? The Yard has two 40-foot-long bocce ball courts, shuffleboard, pool, slow- and fast-pitch batting cages, and more. Plus, you don’t have to go inside to order food and drinks because The Yard has its own outdoor bar and lounge serving beer, cocktails and kid-favorite fare including tater tots and pizza. They even host kids’ birthday parties. Unsurprisingly, as it gets later in the day, the crowd gets more adult, so plan your visit on the early side — they open at 1 p.m. on weekends. 19 East Oregon Avenue.
Evil Genius Beer Co.
Known for its whimsical names like Purple Monkey Dishwasher, the Fishtown brewery (or “Lab,” as they like to call it) has a delightful beer garden that welcomes kids and dogs. In addition to beer, there’s a menu of flatbreads to snack on. Kids can play games in the colorful yard, too. 1727 North Front Street.
Fishtown’s Evil Genius has a kid-friendly beer garden next to their brewery. / Photograph courtesy of Evil Genius Beer Co.
Frankford Hall
Unlike most places on this list, Frankford Hall is open in Fishtown year-round. On the menu? German biergarten-inspired food like giant soft pretzels, schnitzel, and a variety of bratwurst and beers. The outdoor area is huge, and even stays warm in the winter thanks to heat lamps and fire pits. The crowd is all-ages, but you’ll see tons of families on weekends for brunch — especially when Santa visits during the holidays. And keep an eye on their Instagram for weekend craft activities by nearby playspace PlayArts. 1210 Frankford Avenue.
Craft Hall
This one’s not exactly a beer garden, but omitting it from the guide would be a grave error. Where else can you drink alcohol while your kids play on a pirate ship? Nowhere, that’s where. The FCM crew outdid themselves, and life hasn’t been the same since Craft Hall opened in Northern Liberties. In addition to the pirate ship playground, there’s old-school video games, table games, a Phanatic statue, and porch-swing seating, if you can snag it. Still hung up on that whole outdoors thing? Don’t be: Craft Hall has patio seating and a freaking dog park. That’s right, this bar has its own dedicated doggy play area, complete with custom dog cocktails. There’s also a full menu featuring barbecue platters and a kids’ section. Just be sure to get the kids out of there by 9 p.m. so adults can have some alcohol-fueled fun in peace. Craft Hall is open year-round, and thank heaven (or Poseidon?) for that. 901 North Delaware Avenue.
A pirate ship playground is just one feature that makes Craft Hall a kid-friendly spot. / Photograph by Laura Swartz
The Philadelphia Zoo
You read that correctly — your family zoo outing just got a whole lot more interesting. The zoo’s Urban Green dining area has outdoor seating, food carts with options for everyone, and a rotating list of wine and craft beer. A tip: Along with the free parking and unlimited admission you bought the membership for in the first place, zoo members also save 10-percent on food. 3400 West Girard Avenue.
Libertee Grounds
When this bar with an indoor mini-golf course first opened, it had an adults-only policy. But a few years ago, they added all-ages hours on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., which makes it great for families — especially during daytime Eagles games. Also, Sunday brunch! In addition to their now-expanded golf offerings and games, they’ve also got an outdoor beer garden that’s open to kids at all hours (as long as they’re supervised). 1600 West Girard Avenue.
Liberty Point
Yet another spot along the Delaware River (and yet another FCM production), this outdoor spot at the Independence Seaport Museum has three levels, five bars, panoramic waterfront views, and live entertainment. There’s even a little rowboat for kids to play in (on the lower level). The menu includes snacks, Bassets ice cream, and a kids’ section — and there’s definitely plenty to drink as well. If you’re bringing kids, stick to daytime with this one. All minors must be accompanied by an adult after 4 p.m., and kids need to be out by 9 p.m. 211 South Columbus Boulevard.
The Haas Biergarten at FringeBar / Photograph courtesy of FringeArts
FringeBar
If some of the Delaware River waterfront spots on this list get a little too crowded — or a little too bro-y one particular summer afternoon — cross the street and head to FringeArts’ outdoor beer garden. They’ve got Pumphouse Pizza on weekends, build-a-burger Wednesdays, and a weekend brunch menu that pairs perfectly with views of the Ben Franklin Bridge. 140 North Columbus Boulevard.
Parks on Tap
They may not have done it first, but they did it best. With lots of room to run around, the cleanest bathroom trailers I’ve ever seen, and food offerings like pretzel bites, cheesesteaks and smash burgers — plus hot dogs for the kids — this is one of the best ways to spend a lazy weekend afternoon. Parks on Tap is already back to touring, popping up in 19 different parks over 26 weeks this season. Even better? A portion of all proceeds benefits each park they visit, ensuring outdoor play can go on long after the tour. Various locations.
Walnut Garden
You know that vacant lot on 17th and Walnut where a McDonald’s used to be before it burned down in 2020? Well, it’s a pop-up beer garden, and a kid-friendly one, at that. The Rittenhouse spot has a dedicated “Children’s Garden” with a climbing structure shaped like a Jeep (it has a slide, too!). 1706-10 Walnut Street.
Children’s play area at Walnut Garden / Photograph courtesy of FCM
Cherry Street Pier
Visit this open-air riverfront space for views of the Ben Franklin Bridge. Stick around and grab a drink at the pop-up bar. While you’re there, check out the pier’s artists’ galleries, art installations, and pop-up events like craft markets. Seating is first-come, first-served. 121 North Columbus Boulevard.
Spruce Street Harbor Park (Opens in May)
In addition to visiting Cherry Street Pier, you can also drink further down the river thanks to longtime fave SSHP. Lounge in a hammock, play shuffleboard and giant lawn games, stroll the boardwalk for all kinds of treats, pose for a picture in the giant Visit Philly Adirondack chair, and then head to the floating bar(ge) for cocktails and beer. 301 South Columbus Boulevard.
