Believe it or not, beer gardens can be super family-friendly.
Sure, a biergarten is technically just an open-air spot to enjoy beer and food—but in practice, it’s so much more than that.
Originally popular in Bavaria and Germany, beer gardens are all about community, good food, and soaking up the outdoors. And in Milwaukee, they’ve taken on a life of their own—with plenty of fun for kids, too.
Many offer concessions, live music, yard games, and non-alcoholic drinks, making them a great low-key outing for families. Here are five of our favorite Milwaukee-area beer gardens that welcome kids and families with open arms (and maybe a soft pretzel or two).
1. Estabrook Beer Garden
📍 Estabrook Park – 4600 Estabrook Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53217
One of Milwaukee’s most beloved beer gardens sits right inside Estabrook Park, nestled along the river with easy access to a large playground and a skate park. There are also walking paths nearby if your crew needs to burn off some energy.
Estabrook Beer Garden serves imported beer from the Munich Hofbräuhaus, along with local craft brews, cider, hard seltzer, draft root beer, and Pepsi products. And yes—you can bring your own stein!
The food menu sticks to the classics: brats, hot dogs, and their giant fresh-baked pretzels. You’re also welcome to bring your own picnic or snacks (non-alcoholic drinks only).
Heads up: This beer garden is cashless, so be sure to bring a credit or debit card.
2. Traveling Beer Garden
📍 Various Milwaukee County Parks | May 14 – Sept 1, 2025
This summertime favorite rolls into a new Milwaukee County park every two weeks, transforming green spaces into pop-up beer gardens full of local flavor and family fun.
The Traveling Beer Garden is a joint effort between Milwaukee County Parks and Sprecher Brewery, now in its 12th season. Two restored fire trucks (yes, really!) serve up Sprecher craft beer, gourmet sodas, root beer floats, and more.
- On tap: A rotating lineup of Sprecher brews, plus cider, gluten-free, and non-alcoholic options. Bring your own beer garden pint glass to score refill pricing!
- Food: Expect traditional beer garden fare—think brats, hot dogs, and those big, chewy Bavarian pretzels.
- Live music: Select dates feature local bands—check the official schedule for details.
🗓 2025 Schedule Highlights:
- Wilson Park: May 14–18
- Greenfield Park: May 21–June 8
- Cooper Park: June 11–22
- Grant Park: June 25–July 6
- McCarty Park: July 9–20
- Lake Park: July 23–Aug 3
- Doctor’s Park: Aug 6–17
- Sheridan Park: Aug 20–Sept 1
Pro tip: These stops are popular—bring a blanket or folding chairs and settle in early for live music nights!
3. South Shore Terrace
📍 2900 S. Shore Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53207
If you’re looking for lake views with your brew, South Shore Terrace delivers. This open-air Miller beer garden is perched right along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Bay View, offering some of the best views of the water and city skyline.
The setting is housed in a beautifully restored 1930s bathhouse, giving it a unique historic charm with a laid-back vibe.
- Kid-friendly eats: There’s a dedicated kids’ menu with options like hot dogs, grilled cheese, and more.
- For little sippers: Kids can choose from craft sodas, juice, root beer, or a classic kiddie cocktail.
- Nearby perks: It’s steps from South Shore Park, which has a playground, walking trails, and a beach—perfect for making a full afternoon of it.
Tip: Grab a picnic table early on nice weekends—it gets busy fast, especially at sunset!
4. Franksville Craft Beer Garden
📍Franksville Memorial Park, 9614 Northwestern Ave., Franksville, WI 53126
Located just south of Milwaukee, Franksville Craft Beer Garden is Racine County’s first permanent craft beer garden—and it was clearly made with families in mind.
- On tap: A rotating selection of 16–22 Wisconsin craft beers, plus cider and wine.
- Kid-friendly drinks: Root beer (only $1 on Sundays!), craft sodas, and more.
- Perfect for play: There’s a playground, sandbox, and lots of green space for kids to roam.
- Events & extras: The beer garden regularly hosts live music, food trucks, family fun days, yoga classes, board games, and even night markets. There’s always something going on!
Sunday is Family Fun Day with $1 Sprecher Root Beer and often kid-friendly entertainment or activities.
5. The Landing
📍Hoyt Park, 1800 N. Swan Blvd, Wauwatosa, WI 53226
friendsofhoytpark.org
A beer garden next to a public pool? Yes, please. The Landing at Hoyt Park is one of the most family-friendly beer garden options around—open from mid-May through October.
It’s operated by the Friends of Hoyt Park & Pool, with proceeds supporting the operations of the beloved TOSA Pool and surrounding park.
- Food & drink: A wide selection of draft and packaged beers, plus wine, soft drinks, and kid-friendly eats like Cranky’s pizza, Bavarian pretzels, brats, hot dogs, and popcorn.
- Live music on Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights
- Food trucks on select dates
🧺 Pro tip: Seating fills up fast on nice days—bring a blanket or lawn chairs just in case.
Honorable Mentions
These family-friendly beer gardens didn’t quite make our top five, but they’re definitely worth a visit:
Whitnall Park Beer Garden
📍 8831 N. Root River Pkwy, Greendale, WI 53132
Nestled near the Root River, the Whitnall Park Beer Garden offers dozens of Wisconsin craft beers, plus ciders, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks. There’s a cozy forest vibe, live music on weekends, and fun food options like fish fries and the occasional pig roast from the Gift of Wings Grill.
Third Space Brewing Beer Garden
📍 1505 W. St. Paul Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53233
One of the largest outdoor beer gardens in the city, the Third Space Brewing Beer Garden is an urban oasis that is owned by two dads—so they get it. It’s kid- and dog-friendly, features food from Nadi Plates (Italian with a twist), and hosts live music on a newly extended, shaded deck.
Don’t miss their Elm Grove Beer Garden (EGBG) in Elm Grove Village Park, with a playground and pool nearby, live music on Fridays, and food trucks on weekends.
Sprecher Brewery Outdoor Oasis
📍 Richard E. Maslowski Community Park, 2200 W. Bender Rd., Glendale, WI 53209
The Sprecher Brewery Outdoor Oasis is a family-focused beer garden that features award-winning Sprecher sodas and beers, classic grill fare, and kid-favorite treats like root beer floats and Cedar Crest ice cream. A modern playground and live music amphitheater are just steps away.
The Vine Humboldt
📍 Humboldt Park, 3000 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207
The Vine Humboldt is a wine and beer garden that offers a relaxed vibe with Peruvian empanadas, local drinks, and a beautiful open-air setting. It’s steps from a playground and lagoon, and beverages can be enjoyed throughout the park.
Hubbard Park Beer Garden
📍 3565 N. Morris Blvd., Shorewood, WI 53211
Tucked along the Oak Leaf Trail, this hidden gem offers cabana and winter dome rentals, plus a robust menu featuring brats, pretzels, fish fry, and BBQ ribs. Plenty of kid-friendly drinks and food options make Hubbard park Beer Garden a cozy, year-round stop.
War Memorial Beer Garden
📍 750 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53202
With epic views of Lake Michigan, the War Memorial Beer Garden offers brats, pretzels, and cold brews served from a truck by Kegel’s Inn. Bonus: park in the WMC lot and trade your voucher for a free beer!
Waukesha County Parks Beer Gardens
📍 Various locations across Waukesha County
🔗 waukeshacounty.gov
📷 Photo: Facebook @WaukeshaCountyParks
A rotating series of beer gardens hosted in local parks with help from Tap Yard and Raised Grain Brewing. Many spots include playgrounds, swimming lakes, and paddle sports—great for a day trip with the kids.
Brookfield Beer Garden
📍 18725 W. Hoffman Ave., Brookfield, WI 53045
📷 Photo: Facebook @brookfieldvillagewi
A low-key, bring-your-own-chair kind of vibe. Local brews from Biloba Brewing, games, vendors, and live music keep things festive. Don’t miss the annual block party on August 27!
Upper Lake Park Beer Garden
📍 554 N. Lake St., Port Washington, WI 53074
📷 Photo: Facebook @FriendsofPWPR
Set above Lake Michigan with lighthouse views and the incredible Possibility Playground nearby, this one’s a hidden gem. Food trucks, live music, and a scenic setting make it perfect for a summer evening with kids.
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
