Bring the Kids to Chicagoland's Best Farmers Markets
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!
This article was updated on May 24, 2025, by Chicago Parent writer Sarah Knieff. 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 [email protected].
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.
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.
On Saturdays from April to November, families can discover the best of the Midwest at Green City Market’s Lincoln Park farmers’ market.
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.
This farmers market features locally grown vegetables, fruits, gourmet coffee, condiments, pastries and more.
This farmers market serves fresh produce, but you can find plenty of delicious treats to eat on site like crepes, waffles, tamales and more.
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.
Browse the selection of great fruits, vegetables and other food products on Saturdays every week. There will also be vendors, events and programs.
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 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.
This Saturday market at Zabrocki Plaza usually offers a wide array of seasonal fruits, fresh vegetables, flowers and plants.
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.
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.
More than 60 vendors come together to sell locally grown produce, coffee beverages, artisanal cheeses, fresh baked goods, curated floral arrangements and more.
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.
Kari Zaffarano is a mom of one and Chicago Parent's Content Writer. She tracks down the best events every week and shares the inside scoop with families online. She enjoys reading, traveling and exploring new places with her son.