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Kid-Friendly Beer Gardens in Philadelphia

Our favorite family-friendly Philly beer gardens

Outdoor dining has become a staple in Philadelphia since the beginning of the pandemic. Over the past few years, we’ve seen plenty of beer gardens pop up (literally) throughout the city. These gardens serve as fantastic spots to enjoy the view, see some gorgeous decor, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy a cold beer or frozen cocktail while staying safe and socially distanced.

And, better yet, a majority of beer gardens in the city are kid-friendly. So if you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a drink outside while keeping the family occupied, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of our favorite family-friendly beer gardens and outdoor bars in Philadelphia:

Morgan’s Pier

221 N. Columbus Blvd.

A. Ricketts / EDITORIAL USE APPROVED; ©VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

This spring and summertime favorite overlooks the river with views of the Ben Franklin Bridge and the marina below. In 2020, Morgan’s Pier added even more outdoor seating to help everyone stay safe and socially distanced. Reservations are required for guaranteed seating up to 10pm; walk-up reservations are available if space permits. Walk-ins are always welcome for bar service and tables are available in the bar areas for those without reservations. 

This year’s menu includes seafood, snacks, small plates, flatbreads, sandwiches, sweets, and a kids’ menu. Of course, they also have great cocktails and over a dozen different beers on tap and cans, including exclusive Mainstay Independent Brewing Mainstay Pier Beer on draft. 

Finally, for the furry members of your family, Morgan’s Pier is planning monthly “yappy hours” from 4–8 pm, where guests can bring their dogs and sip for a cause with a portion of signature cocktails during that time being donated to PSPCA.

The Garden at Cherry Street Pier

121 N. Columbus Blvd.

Hit up this unique open-air riverfront space for spectacular views of the Ben Franklin Bridge. The Garden takes walk-ins only and doesn’t accept reservations. For food, enjoy casual bites including sandwiches, tacos, salads, and snacks. A kids menu is also available. If you’re looking for a drink, you can order beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages from the converted shipping container-turned-bar.

While you’re there, check out everything that Cherry Street Pier has to offer. Artists galleries, custom installations, artisan markets, and more events will pop up throughout the season. 

Independence Beer Garden

100 South Independence Mall West

Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA® / EDITORIAL USE APPROVED; ©VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

After exploring the city’s historical sites or nearby museums like the National Constitution Center, head across the street for some delicious beer and bites courtesy of Independence Beer Garden. A menu of American favorites including small plates and sandwiches will go well with the 40 taps of regional and domestic craft beers offered. Seating is first-come, first-served. 

This 20,000 square-foot garden features compelling decor, private areas, and games for everyone in the family to enjoy. Please note that while Independence Beer Garden welcomes kids and families, it is not a pet-friendly establishment.

Bok Bar

1901 South Ninth Street (enter on Mifflin St. near Eighth St.)

This spring and summer, Bok will be open seven days a week and is welcoming all ages! Dogs can also tag along, but must remain on leashes at all times. Reservations are not required, but are available if needed. 

Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy food from Poi Dog x Frizwit, a revival of Philly’s favorite Hawaiian food truck that features poke, pupus, and a lineup of snacks made with ingredients that are purely from Pennsylvania. Sips include an extensive selection of cocktails, beer, wine, and zero-proof drinks. Check out Bok Bar’s Instagram page for up-to-date information on upcoming concerts and events.

Frankford Hall

1210 Frankford Avenue

Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA® / EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING USE APPROVED; ©VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

This Fishtown favorite transports you to an open-air, 21st-century German Biergarten with eats like warm Bavarian pretzels and bratwurst along with a variety of German and American beers. The hall’s modern and industrial decor delivers the perfect balance of edge and charm. Seating is spread out between open-air picnic tables and a covered bar area. Limited reservations are available, as well as walk-ins. Pickup and delivery options are also available. 

Cannstatter Volkfest-Verein Biergarten

9130 Academy Road

Cannstatter, the largest outdoor Biergarten in Northeast Philadelphia, is open every Friday and on select Saturdays from April through October. They always have a wide selection of German & domestic beers on tap, along with bottled beer, mixed drinks, and wine. This picnic grove is in a family-friendly atmosphere and welcomes guests of all ages. The Biergarten regularly hosts events like game nights and concerts, with live entertainment every weekend from 7:30-9:30.

PHS Pop-Up Garden 

1438 South Street and 106 Jamestown Avenue

Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA® / EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING USE APPROVED; ©VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

The Philadelphia Horticultural Society now has two beautiful pop-up beer gardens in the city: one on South Street, and one in Manayunk. The South Street location is a vibrant seasonal hangout set in a pollinator garden that features stunning flowers and foliage. This year’s menu highlights local Philadelphia restaurants including Cantina Los Caballitos and Khyber Pass Pub.  A selection of curated cocktails, a variety of frozen drinks, craft beers, non-alcoholic beverages, wine, and snacks will also be available. 

The newly-designed site in Manayunk allows visitors to experience a unique blend of blooming horticulture and culinary arts. Food options include appetizers & snacks, sandwiches, and a kids menu. Guests of all ages and pets are welcome.

Walk-ins are encouraged at both locations. At the gardens, you can order and pay for your food and drinks all on your mobile phone. QR codes will be available at each table that will lead guests to the online ordering platform.

The Yard at South Bowl

19 East Oregon Avenue

Want to wind down after a round of bowling? The Yard at South Bowl offers the ultimate backyard experience for families and friend groups in Philadelphia. This outdoor destination is home to slow and fast pitch batting cages, two 40-foot bocce courts, shuffleboard, horseshoes, an outdoor arcade with billiards, and an outdoor bar and lounge.

Fuel up at the lounge with appetizers, salads, pizza, burgers, hot dogs, tacos, tater tots, and more. For the 21+ crowd, a selection of cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits are also available. The Yard opens at 5pm on Tuesdays-Fridays and at 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

The Philadelphia Zoo

3400 W Girard Avenue

Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA® / EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING USE APPROVED; ©VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

Spending the day at the zoo? Take a break from discovering nature to enjoy a bite or a drink in The Urban Green. The Urban Green, which is the outdoor dining area at The Philadelphia Zoo, houses several restaurants along with an open-air beer and wine garden called The Watering Hole. While the Watering Hole itself doesn’t have a food menu, its neighbors (Tiger Terrace & World Tacos) serve favorites like burgers, pizza, and tacos. Beverages include frequently-changing craft beers from local breweries and a rotating wine selection. The area features plenty of seating, eclectic artwork, a vertical farm, and several play zones for the kids.

Sunset Social

129 S. 30th Street

Located on the 1.2-acre Cira Green rooftop park, this unique setting gives you room to roam around and soak up the beautiful views. Sunset Social’s extensive food menu features everything from burgers to bowls. They even have a special menu, “You Know, For Kids” with family-friendly bites like chicken fingers and hot dogs. Their drink menu includes cocktails (frozen or on the rocks), local beers, wine, and non-alcoholic options.

There’s something special for the whole family to enjoy every night at Sunset Social. Bring the whole crew for trivia on Mondays, Yappy Hour for dogs on Tuesdays, movie night on Wednesdays, cartoon picnics and lawn games on Saturday mornings, and more.

Spruce Street Harbor Park

301 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard

M. Edlow for Visit Phil / APPROVED FOR EDITORIAL

This one-of-a-kind urban oasis along the Delaware River is the perfect place to bring the whole crew and enjoy the view. Spruce Street Harbor Park is a seasonal, family-friendly park that officially opened for the summer on May 6. Guests can lay in one of the space’s 50+ hammocks, play games like shuffleboard or life-sized chess, enjoy food from vendors like French Toast Bites & Chickie’s & Pete’s, and lounge on one of the barges at the floating beer garden over the river. 

This floating beer garden, which is open during the same hours as the park (weather permitting) offers unique seating with a view, local beers, frozen cocktails, and more.

Love City Brewing Company

1023 Hamilton Street

Love City Gardens, an outdoor beer garden outside of the Love City Brewing Company taproom, allows guests of all ages. The menu includes craft beer, booze, cocktails, wine, cider, and plenty of non-alcoholic beverage options. Guests can munch on snacks like chips and pretzels in the beer garden or head into the taproom to order from one of the on-site food trucks.


We hope that you and your family get the chance to enjoy one of the city’s many amazing beer gardens soon! For updates about upcoming events in the area, be sure to keep checking our Philadelphia Family Calendar every week.

Featured Image: Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA® / EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING USE APPROVED; ©VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

Philadelphia Family is published by a team of local women to connect families raising their kids in the city with resources, events, and each other. Learn more about us, our mission, and our method for supporting local businesses at familyfocus.org.

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