When summer rolls around, visiting one of the many outdoor farmers markets in Chicagoland is at the top of our bucket list. It’s a nice break from the normal shopping routine and you get easy access to the freshest fruits, vegetables and other organic goodies from nearby farms.
Farmers markets are also great for kids! Maybe your picky eater needs a new way to enjoy healthy food or the whole family can learn about when certain fresh produce is in season. Plus, many Chicagoland farmers markets offer great on-site activities for kids!
Here are some of our favorite outdoor farmers markets in Chicago and the suburbs.
Looking for more kid-friendly activities? Check out our summer fun family guide!Â
This article was updated on May 7, 2024, by Chicago Parent’s Audience Development Coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. Her work included her research in finding the latest information for farmers markets in Chicagoland, aligning with Chicago Parent’s mission to provide the top parenting resources for local families. Questions? Please reach out to kari@chicagoparent.com.
Farmers Markets in Chicago
61st Street Farmers Market
May 11-Oct. 26, 2024
- Address:Â 61st Street and Dorchester Avenue, Chicago
- Hours: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays
Known as the South Side’s “premier farmers market,” this powerhouse works to bring the freshest and best in meats, eggs, cheeses, produce and prepared goodies from local and regional vendors. Families can spend time at the Market School tent for educational activities about gardening, agriculture, cooking and more.
95th Street Farmers Market
May 5-Oct. 27, 2024
- Address:Â 1835 W. 95th St., Chicago
- Hours: 8 a.m.- 1 p.m. Sundays
Beverly’s neighborhood farmers market offers great vendor options ranging from fresh produce and sweets to hot meals on the spot. But what’s even more amazing about this market is its family-focused activities.
Green City Market Lincoln Park
April 6-Oct. 5, 2024
- Address:Â 1817 N. Clark St., Chicago
- Hours: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays
On Saturdays from April to October, families can discover the best of the Midwest at Green City Market’s Lincoln Park farmers’ market.
Logan Square Farmers Market
Opens May 12, 2024
- Address:Â 3107 W. Logan Blvd., Chicago
- Hours: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays
When the outdoor season of this year-round market hits, you’ll find families heading to Logan Square to get all the produce. The atmosphere makes you want to spend your day here as it brings in live entertainment, food vendors and cooking demonstrations. Check out the list of vendors.
Farmers Markets in the North/Northwest Suburbs
Buffalo Grove Farmers Market
June 16-Oct. 13, 2024
- Address: Mike Rylko Park, 951 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove
- Hours: 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sundays
This farmers market features locally grown vegetables, fruits, gourmet coffee, condiments, pastries and more.
Deerfield Farmers Market
June 8-Oct. 5, 2024
- Address:Â Park Avenue, between Jewett Park Drive and Hazel Avenue, Deerfield
- Hours: 7 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays
This farmers market serves fresh produce, but you can find plenty of delicious treats to eat on site like crepes, waffles, tamales and more.
Downtown Evanston Farmers Market
Opens May 4, 2024
- Address: 1800 Maple Ave., Evanston
- Hours: 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays
Evanston is already a great place for families to visit! But if it’s outdoor farmers market season, then you have to stop by the downtown market to find dozens of vendors. It also hosts a Spud Club (located in the middle of the square) with free farmers market-themed activities for kids ages 2-10.
Park Ridge Farmers Market
May 27-Oct. 26, 2024
- Address:Â 15 Prairie Ave., Park Ridge
- Hours: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays
Browse the selection of great fruits, vegetables and other food products on Saturdays every week. There will also be vendors, events and programs.
Farmers Markets in the South Suburbs
Frankfort Country Market
April 21-Oct. 27, 2024
- Address:Â 1 N. White and Breidert Green parking lots, Frankfort
- Hours: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays
There are more than 50 vendors offering produce, dairy, meats, baked goods, honey, salsa and freshly prepared foods. There will also be live entertainment each week from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on the Breidert Green stage.
Homewood Farmers Market
May 25-Oct. 12, 2024
- Address:Â 18020 Martin Ave., Homewood
- Hours: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays
Homewood is a charming suburban town, so why not also visit during outdoor farmers market season? The market typically offers baked goods, kids’ activities, live music and more family fun.
Tinley Park Farmers Market
June 1-Oct. 12, 2024
- Address: Zabrocki Plaza, 17375 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park
- Hours: 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Saturdays
This Saturday market at Zabrocki Plaza usually offers a wide array of seasonal fruits, fresh vegetables, flowers and plants.
Farmers Markets in the Western Suburbs
Aurora Farmers Market
June 1-Oct. 5, 2024
- Address: Water Street Square, 65 Water St., Aurora
- Hours: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturdays
If you want to spend a Saturday in downtown Aurora, make some time for the farmers market. You’ll have to get Aurora’s famous Dick’s Mini Donuts as a treat, along with delicious coffee and one-of-a-kind items.
Batavia Farmers Market
May 18-Oct. 26, 2024
- Address: North River Street between Wilson and Spring streets, Batavia
- Hours:8 a.m.-noon Saturdays
This farmers market offers more than your typical vendors. On the third Saturday of each month, it hosts the Artisan Collective with artists and crafters selling handmade items. You’ll also find lots of family fun with live musicians and kids’ activities at The Kiwanis Club of Batavia tent.
Downtown Downers Grove Market
Mid May-late October 2024
- Address: Main Street Train Station, 5001 Main St., Downers Grove
- Hours: 7 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays
More than 60 vendors come together to sell locally grown produce, coffee beverages, artisanal cheeses, fresh baked goods, curated floral arrangements and more.
Oak Park Farmers Market
May 18-Oct. 26, 2024
- Address: Pilgrim Church parking lot, 460 Lake St., Oak Park
- Hours: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays
This lively market connects the Oak Park community with local farmers. In addition to fresh produce, you can find dairy and meat products as well as handcrafted items. May 18 and May 25 are Go Green Days, Aug. 10 is Corn Roast, Sept. 7 is Pie Bake-Off and Oct. 26 is Stone Soup.
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