When summer rolls around, visiting one of the many outdoor farmers market in Chicagoland is on 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 activities for kids on site!
Here are some of our favorite outdoor farmers markets in Chicago and the suburbs. Looking for more summer fun? Find more kid-friendly activities in our summer fun guide for Chicagoland families.
Farmers markets in Chicago
Green City Market (Lincoln Park)
April 1-Oct. 29, 2022
- Address: 1817 N. Clark St., Chicago
- Hours: Saturdays 8 a.m.-1 p.m. (April), Wednesdays and Saturdays 7 a.m.-1 p.m. (May-October)
While there’s also a Green City Market in the West Loop, we enjoy the Lincoln Park spot because it’s a great activity to add when exploring the Chicago History Museum or having a beach day at North Avenue Beach. This farmers market makes the visit exciting for littles with their Club Sprouts with on-site activities like crafts and hands-on recipes to teach kids more about farming, sustainability and food.
95th Street Farmers Market
May 1-Oct. 30, 2022
- Address: 1835 W. 95th St., Chicago
- Hours: Sundays, 8 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Beverly neighborhood’s 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. Every Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon, enjoy live music acts. Depending on the week, special activities may include face painting, yoga, cooking demonstrations and a children’s petting zoo. The Original Rainbow Cone is only a few blocks away, too!
Logan Square Farmers Market
May 8-Oct. 30, 2022
- Address: 3107 W. Logan Blvd., Chicago
- Hours: Sundays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
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. You can also enjoy the indoor farmers market as soon as the outdoor market closes.
61st Street Farmers Market
May 14-Oct. 29, 2022
- Address: 61st Street and Dorchester Avenue, Chicago
- Hours: Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
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, food and more. During the winter, you can visit the indoor market season at the Experimental Station.
Farmers markets in North/Northwest Suburbs
Downtown Evanston Farmers Market
May 7-Nov. 5, 2022
- Address: 1800 Maple Ave., Evanston
- Hours: Saturdays, 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
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 28-Oct. 30, 2022
- Address: 15 Prairie Ave., Park Ridge
- Hours: Saturdays, 7 a.m.-1 p.m.
Find all your seasonal produce at Park Ridge Farmers Market. Plan to eat lunch there with plenty of food delicious options. The market usually has a Sprouts Kids Club where kids can sign up for free and enjoy activities every week at the club’s tent. If you visit the tent five times during the season, you win a special prize!
Deerfield Farmers Market
June 11-Oct. 15, 2022
- Address: 828-836 Deerfield Road, Deerfield
- Hours: Saturdays, 7 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
This farmers market serves fresh produce, but you can find plenty of delicious treats to eat on site like crepes, waffles, tamales and more. Families will get excited to see the live musical performances, kids’ activities (both in-person and grab and go) and other special events. Since you’re in Deerfield, spend some time at Jewett Park and Deerfield Public Library only a short walk away from the market.
Buffalo Grove Farmers Market
June 12-Oct. 16, 2022
- Address: 951 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove
- Hours: Sundays, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Eat some breakfast treats while you shop some fresh produce at this suburban market. Families can enjoy a variety of entertainment like live music, face painting and balloon animals. If you’re there on a hot summer day, make plans to visit Spray ‘n Play, a family splash playground, right next door.
Farmers markets in South Suburbs
Frankfort Country Market
April 24-Oct. 30, 2022
- Address: 1 N. White and Breidert Green parking lots, Frankfort
- Hours: Sundays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Closed on July 10 and Sept. 4)
Frankfort Country Market is one of the largest markets around. There are more than 50 vendors offering produce, dairy, meats, baked goods, honey, salsa and freshly prepared foods. This year, we will be missing the usual entertainment and food demos. Families can have fun at the nearby KidWork Children’s Museum.
Homewood Farmers Market
May 28-Oct. 8, 2022
- Address: 18020 Martin Ave., Homewood
- Hours: Saturdays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
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 4-Oct. 15, 2022
- Address: 17375 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park
- Hours: Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
This Saturday market at Zabrocki Plaza usually offers a wide array of seasonal fruits, fresh vegetables, flowers and plants. You can spend more time here with the live music performances or bring your furry family member along to explore the market.
Farmers markets in Western Suburbs
Downtown Downers Grove Market
May 7-Oct. 15, 2022
- Address: 5001 Main St., Downers Grove
- Hours: Saturdays, 7 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
Downers Grove is another fun suburb to visit during the weekend. After shopping at the farmers market, walk down Main Street to find restaurants and shops. Kids will love to visit My Special Toy Store and Anderson’s Bookshop.
Oak Park Farmers Market
May 21-Oct. 29, 2022
- Address: 460 Lake St., Oak Park
- Hours: Saturdays, 7 a.m.-1 p.m.
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. Keep an eye out for special events throughout the season featuring free activities and treats.
Aurora Farmers Market
June 4-Oct. 8, 2022
- Address: 65 Water St., Aurora
- Hours: Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
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, and while you’re there, Blackberry Farm is only a short drive away.
Batavia Farmers Market
May 28-Oct. 29, 2022
- Address: 107 Spring St., Batavia
- Hours: Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon
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.
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