Everything is better with beer! If you’re taking a deep dive into the fascinating world of IPAS, lagers, stouts, pilsners, and porters, you know it’s about more than just the brews. There’s a whole bunch of awesome activities that can level up your beer game and turn a regular brewery outing into an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re into savoring intricate flavors or just soaking up the brewery culture, there’s something for everyone. Pick out your favorite coast-to-coast classics like Yuengling or discover a Pacific Northwest Gem with any bottle from Seattle’s award-winning Stoup Brewing.

Then, pack a picnic, visit a casino, plan a pub crawl, or play games with friends. Whether you’re up for a full-blown adventure into the art of making beer or just want a low-key pint at the pub, beer and having fun go together like peanut butter and jelly (sounds like a potential beer flavor to us, actually!).

Good vibes, food pairings, live music, and more make every beer that much more delicious. Discover the tapestry of experiences that surrounds brewery culture and enjoy some of the best drinks we’ve seen come out of craft collections in recent years. Here are some excellent suggestions of things to do with a cold one in hand. Cheers to that!

Gaming

From tabletop games and home to arcade bars, having a beer while you play is great fun! Unwind, take some responsible chances, and stay entertained when you sip on a brewski and play an assortment of games. It could simply be a round of cards at any old place or a more sophisticated visit to a local gaming establishment.

More and more breweries are popping up inside actual casinos across the nation. If slots are the name of the game and beer is your drink of choice, visit somewhere like the Main Street Station Casino & Brewery in Las Vegas, the Dostal Alley Casino & Brew Pub in Central City, or a trusted brand in Pennsylvania like the Parx Casino, whose Liberty Bell Beer Garden has 24 craft beers on top. All three of these establishments either serve bespoke brews or source from locally crafted big names such as Sierra Nevada.

Outdoor yard games are also a natural companion for a good beer night—break out cornhole, bocce ball, horseshoes, and even spike ball for a lowkey evening on the beach, in a nearby park, or right in your backyard.

Dine Al Fresco

Picture a perfectly sunny day, lush green grass, gorgeous views, and the tantalizing aroma of sizzle food fresh off the grill. Barbecue or picnic, anyone? Add your favorite selection of beers to this awesome combination, and life really couldn’t get any better.

A park-side picnic or beachfront barbecue, along with everyone’s favorite beers, is a little slice of paradise that’s sure to round out your summer experience. Ask everyone to bring a six-pack selection of what they like to drink, and you can provide the food. Or do it potluck style! Either way, it’s fun to see what people’s personal beer preferences are—not only is it a great conversation starter, but it also opens up a little insight into their culinary tastes and personality.

The food you provide can be as simple as chips and dip, cold veggies, and something sweet for dessert. Or go all out with steaks, marinated sides, potato salad, and all the picnic classics. Every sip and bite will be a celebration of being together and, of course, beer! A wonderful picnic is all about life’s simple pleasures.

Pack up your blanket, gather your friend group, and stop by your nearest beer store for a fun evening that’s sure to fill your social cup, your stomach, and your beer curiosity.

Brewery Tours & Tasting

A brewery tour or tasting experience is a no-brainer for anyone wanting a fun activity centered around beer! One of these journeys will leave you feeling like a kid in a candy store. You’ll get to see behind the scenes and savor the step-by-step process that brewers use to turn hops and more into your beloved beers.

Feel like a backstage pass holder as you witness larger-than-life equipment and the intricate machinery that crafts grain into glass. There are big factory tours as well as smaller, more intimate options, depending on the experience you’re looking for.

Start by seeking out some of your favorite area breweries and see what they have to offer. Luckily, almost all spots offer tastings (if they’re not equipped for tours just yet) that let you sample a range of brews in small formats. There’s not a ton of commitment unless you find something you love—in which case, buy a bottle or two or ten to take home and enjoy later.

Experts will guide you through the options, let you know what you’re drinking, and use their endless knowledge to point you in a direction that pleases your taste buds. Immerse yourself in the craft, get a little education along the way, and enjoy plenty of different beers when you visit a brewery for a tour, a tasting menu, or even better—both!

Bicycles and Brews

Cities across the nation have facilitated bike tours of breweries that lay in proximity to each other. Or you can plan your own! Cycle along picturesque routes and enjoy beers and food and every turn. Charming landscapes and brand-new breweries go perfectly together!

Whether you’re ambitious and want to go far or just seeking an afternoon of fun, cycle safely. That means wearing a helmet, picking approved pathways, packing water, a lock, and lights, and drinking responsibly. Biking around to all your favorite breweries is an irresistible blend of outdoor adventure, exercise, and a little bit of well-deserved indulgence all in one ride.

Lots of breweries are also family-friendly, so this is an activity you can bring your older kiddos on. Bring snacks and a little entertainment, such as an iPad or a book for your small ones. That way, you can enjoy your beers with fellow adults while still enjoying the company of your family. Map out that route and embark on your latest two-wheeled adventure, complete with craft beer to cool you down!