Farmers’ market season is in full swing. And as much as parents love to peruse the locally grown produce and artisanal honey, meats and baked treats, anyone who’s ever gone to market as a family knows the boredom factor can be high for kids. Keep young attentions happily focused at the following area markets. Some pop up weekly al fresco, others are permanently ensconced on an actual farm — all appeal with fun, outdoorsy activities.
Pennsylvania farmers' market kid activities
The West Philly Clark Park Farmers’ Market, on 43rd St. and Baltimore, is an heirloom veggie’s throw away from the park’s “dog bowl,” a large stretch of grass where kids can burn energy by playing with their pet and on the playground.
While you stock up the pantry with just-picked produce at the Farmers’ Market at Linvilla Orchards in Media, the kids can circle the surroundings on a mini steam train, ride ponies and feed emu, sheep, deer and horses in the barnyard.
At Maple Acres Farm Market in Plymouth Meeting, photo op–worthy spreads planted with pick-your-own zinnias, pansies and other field flowers (right) beckon kids who like to stop and smell the literal roses.
South Jersey farmers' market kid activities
Horse Sleigh Farm in Washington Twp. may have a wintry name, but spring brings seasonal fruits and veggies as well as kid-happy pony rides, gem mining, a petting zoo and a glimpse of the resident exotic water buffalo herd (left).
Grown from a humble iced-corn wagon, Johnson’s Corner Farm in Medford now fields an impressive indoor market. The Discovery Barnyard area keeps kids busy with pedal go-carts, a tepee town, a splash pad for warm days and an elaborate obstacle course.
With 35 crop varieties, Springdale Farms in Cherry Hill is a go-to local produce source. Hay, pony and tractor rides are a kid staple, and as a bonus, the Garden State Discovery Museum’s just a jaunt down the road.
Delaware farmers' market kid activities
Saturday magic shows, face painting and the corn-husk superhero Market Man (right) occupy kids’ time while parents shop at the indoor/outdoor New Castle Farmers Market in New Castle.
Dutch County Farmers’ Market in Middletown is an indoor extravaganza ideal for exploration. Specialties include traditional kid-friendly Pennsylvania Dutch foods (shoo-fly pie) and a wide range of treats.
