Posted May 17, 2021
By Chicago Parent
"Whether you are trying to engage a picky eater, support local farmers or simply find something fun to do outdoors, visiting a farmers market needs to be on your family’s summer bucket list. So grab your favorite tote bag and head out to these 'can’t miss' spots.
City
95th Street Farmers Market
Sundays, May 2-Oct. 31, 2021
- Address: 2100 W. 95th St., Chicago
During a normal year, the market offers a community tent, children’s activities, yoga and other activities. Those activities are currently postponed, but you can still make it out to Beverly to pick up fresh produce. The Original Rainbow Cone is only a few blocks away, too.
Green City Market (Lincoln Park)
Saturdays, May 5-Oct. 27, 2021
- Address: 1817 N. Clark St., Chicago
Green City Market in Lincoln Park offers a great spot for organic local produce and other artisan products. It also has Club Sprouts for kids, which is available with activity kits due to the pandemic. Nearby, you can explore Lincoln Park or spend some time at the Chicago History Museum.
61st Street Farmers Market
Saturdays, May 15-Oct. 30, 2021
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. Since you’re in the area, explore University of Chicago’s lovely campus where you can visit the Oriental Institute MuseumandSmart Museum of Art.
North/Northwest Suburbs
Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market
Saturdays, May 1-Nov. 6, 2021
One of the area’s biggest farmers markets has opened for the 2021 season. As COVID-19 restrictions continue to phase out, the market hopes to bring back live music, Spud Club activities and more. For now, you can explore the downtown area, and visit family-friendly spots like Becky and Me Toys and Insomnia Cookies.
Arlington Heights Farmers Market
Saturdays, May 15-Oct. 16, 2021
Located at a parking lot across from the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, find seasonal produce, cheese, pastries, fresh coffee, handmade crafts and more. We’ll always save room for dessert with options like Kiki’s Cotton Candy and B’s Sweet Bites.
Deerfield Farmers Market
Saturdays, June 12-Oct. 9 2021
- Address: 850 Waukegan Road, Deerfield
The market will continue to serve fresh produce, but what we love is breakfast to go! Enjoy crepes, coffee and other yummy breakfast treats. There’s also a park nearby to enjoy a little picnic after you’re done shopping.
South Suburbs
Frankfort Country Market
Sundays, April 25-Oct. 24, 2021
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
Saturdays, May 8-Oct. 9, 2021
- Address: 18020 Martin Avenue, Homewood
Homewood is a charming suburban town, so why not also visit during farmers market season? Normally, the markets feature activities for kids, a wide assortment of regional farmers, non-profit organization booths, live music, children’s crafts and yoga, but a few things are different to help keep visitors safe.
Tinley Park Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, June 5-Oct. 9, 2021
This Saturday market at Zabrocki Plaza usually offers a wide array of seasonal fruits, fresh vegetables, flowers and plants. Last year, changes were made to keep shoppers safe during the global pandemic.
Western Suburbs
Downtown Downers Grove Market
Saturdays, May 8-Oct. 16, 2021
- Address: 5001 Main Street, Downers Grove
Downers Grove is another fun suburb to visit during the weekend. After shopping at the farmers market, you can 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
Saturdays, May 22-October 2021
- Address: 460 Lake St., Oak Park
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. Online ordering for pick-up is also available again this year.
Aurora Farmers Market
Saturdays, June 12-Oct. 16, 2021
- Address: 65 Water Street, Aurora
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 there aren’t many extras at the market this year due to COVID-19, Blackberry Farm is only a short drive away."
Read more from Chicago Parent.