April’s arrival means it’s time to start dreaming about farmers market season! How much more fun does it sound to bring your kids along to one of these family-friendly Twin Cities Farmers Markets as opposed to dragging them to the local supermarket? Bonus that most of these markets offer entertainment, kids activities and food trucks. Most are also located near other fun attractions, so you can make a day of your marketing. Find a nearby farmers market in Minneapolis, Saint Paul or the surrounding metro area.
If you want to get started early, check the links. Many of these markets are open year round with monthly indoor winter markets.
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The Power of Produce Club for Kids ("POP")
Many of the markets listed below participate in the Power of Produce Club (POP). This program started in Oregon City in 2011 and quickly spread to Farmers Markets around the country. Kids who sign up for the program receive a starter pack (usually things like a passport book, shopping bag, buttons, etc.) They then receive a weekly voucher to buy produce at the market (Minneapolis is monthly). Most of the participating markets give a $2.00 voucher with each visit. Each market sets its own age guidelines for participation. Learn more about POP here and look for it at your favorite market.
Our Top 10 Twin Cities Farmers Markets for Families
Here are 10+ fresh picks we chose based on their appeal to the whole family. Besides locally-grown produce these markets carry artisan cheeses, honey, jellies & jams, pickles and spices. You’ll also find baked goods like pastries, cookies and pies and meat like farm raised pork, poultry and beef. You will even find handmade products like jewelry, body care products and artwork.
Each market is listed by their outdoor opening date:
Location: Downtown St. Paul, 290 East 5th Street, St Paul, MN 55101
Opening day: Regular spring season opens the weekend of April 27-28, 2024.
Hours: Sat, 7am-1pm & Sun, 8am-1pm.
Family fun: Fun kids activities throughout the year. Opening day features kids crafts and FREE yoga.
Make a day: Shoppers can combine a trip with a Sunday St Paul Saints baseball home game or walk down closer to the Mississippi and watch trains come and go outside of Union Depot. Starting May 3, the beloved Twin Cities toy train shop Choo Choo Bob’s will set up operations in Union Depot, offering events, play space and retail.
More locations/hours:Saint Paul Farmers Market manages more locations & hours across the Metro – including Apple Valley, Burnsville, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, Maplewood, Rosemount, Roseville, Savage, Vadnais Heights, Woodbury and more. Be spontaneous! Pick any day of the week (except Monday) and find a market location to visit.
Main location: 750 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Opening day: May 4, 2024
Hours: Saturdays, May-September, 8am-1pm.
Family fun: On the second and fourth Saturdays of each months, Kids can participate in POP, sample the vegetable of the month and earn a $2 token. Storytime with the Guthrie will be on the second Saturday of the month this year. There will be live chef demos with seasonal recipes on weeks that POP is not offered.
Make a day: This is our favorite farmers market to hit up in the Minneapolis-St Paul area because of the easy walk to so many family attractions. After you shop all the fresh stuff, you’re only steps from the super kid-friendly Mill City Museum. Or, if you’d rather stay outdoors, my kids enjoy crossing the Mississippi River at the Stone Arch Bridge and exploring Mill Ruins Park (located below street level). For the best view of St Anthony Falls, try stopping in at the St Anthony Falls Lock and Dam Visitor Center. Open during the summer months, tours and admission to the indoor exhibits are free. You’ll want to check the website for the most updated operating hours.
Location: 2225 Lake Street E., Minneapolis, MN 55407 (where the light rail meets Lake Street)
Opening day: May 4, 2024
Hours: Saturdays May-October, 8am-1pm; Tuesdays June-September 3pm-7pm and 3pm-6pm in October.
Family fun: Live music, children’s educational activities and storytime, advice and demonstrations for cooking, gardening and composting. In 2022-23, Picture Books offered a new book on Parade every weekend.
Make a day: If we’re in this area on a spring or summer Saturday, we’re usually spinning our wheels on the Midtown Greenway bike route or tooling around one in the chain of Minneapolis lakes. You can find more details on our list of favorite MINNEAPOLIS BIKE TRAILS.Â
Location: Veterans Park, 64th Street & Portland Ave S, Richfield 55423
Opening Day: May 4, 2024. Runs through October 26, 2024.
Hours: Saturdays, 7am-noon through August; 8am-12pm Sept-mid-October.
Family Fun: Join POP, where kids ages 4-12 and teens 13-17 receive a voucher to pick out a fruit or veggie to try each week. There is usually plenty for families to enjoy at the market in addition to perusing the produce, including art programs, story times, live music and more.
Make a Day: The Richfield Farmers Market is held in the same park as the Wheel Fun Rentals 18-hole mini golf course and malt shop. Kids will have a ball, plus there’s a large playground at Veterans Park.
Location: 9060 Zanzibar Ln N, Maple Grove, MN 55311 (please note this is a temporary location for 2024 during expansion of the Maple Grove Community Center)
Opening day: May 9, 2024
Hours: Thursdays, 3-7pm through mid-October.
Family fun: Rock the Market offers weekly live music by local musicians, POP starts in June for kids ages 4 to 12 (learn more here), and seasonal activities round out the fresh local offerings at various booths.
Make a day: The temporary market location is about a 10-minute drive from the Maple Grove Community Center. Maple Maze Indoor Playground is open until 8pm on Thursdays and is a fun way to wear the kids out before bedtime. Close by, Maple Grove Library and Town Green Park all interconnect through easy walking paths. Plan the potential fun times in our round up of the best Maple Grove Parks.
Location: 629 NE 2nd St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Opening day: May 11, 2024
Hours: Saturdays, 9am-1pm through October 12th, 2024
Family fun: A children’s tent is typically stocked weekly 9am-1pm with educational market activities such as seed planting, food-themed art projects, storytime and more. Live music also accompanies the bountiful food from local growers and handcrafted items. POP club for kids.
Make a day: Visit Dickman Park (across the street from the market), drive a little further to Boom Island Park to seek the lighthouse or go on a family bowling date at Elsie’s.
Location: 4901 Chowen Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410Â
Opening day: May 18, 2024
Hours: Â 8:30am – 12:30pm
Family fun: Local businesses traditionally take turns sponsoring children’s crafts each week — in past years kids painted, made sand art, and designed and pressed their own buttons. Past entertainment has included storytime and magic shows. Plus, what kid can resist samples?
Make a day: Cross the street to play at Pershing Field Park or drive to nearby Lake Harriet for a day on the lake. Pictured are some of our FFTC Team Kids enjoying a frosty treat from Bread and Pickle on Lake Harriet.
Location: Eagan Central Park Festival Grounds, 1507 Central Pkwy, Eagan, MN 55121
Opening day: June 5, 2024
Hours: Wednesdays, 4-8pm thru September 25th.
Family fun: Join the Kids POP Club for weekly activities with kids ages 4-12 and their adult. Enjoy weekly concerts;Â get the full lineup of Eagan Marketfest
entertainment here.
Make a day: Central Park is home to a full day of fun – visit Core Valley Fitness Playground (great for tweens or teens reluctant to come to the park with the folks), run through the splash pad (perfect for the preschoolers plus) or visit The Blast Indoor Playground, located within the Eagan Community Center, for just $5.
Location:Â Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Ave. S. Edina, MN 55435
Opening Day: June 6, 2024
Hours: Thursdays, 3-7pm thru October 3, 2024
Make a Day: There are 10 acres of kid-friendly space to explore within Centennial Lakes Park. Kids ages 8+ might enjoy the obstacles on the 18-hole putting course, younger kids may get a kick out of renting a paddleboat or seeking out the labyrinth. Arrive a little early to attend Children’s Concerts at 11am. Thursday evenings also play host to a radio-controlled miniature boat club and Movies in the Park begin at sunset.
Location:Â Frogtown Farm Park, 946 Minnehaha Ave W., St Paul, MN 55104
Opening day: Has not been announced for 2024.
Hours: Saturdays 9am-1pm
Family fun: Outdoor kitchens host cooking demos and there are other activities that appeal to kids, including tokens to spend at vendors. A playground incorporating natural materials and lots of green space is onsite for wiggly ones.
29 More Twin Cities Farmers Markets
1. Albertville Farmers Market
Albertville Central Park, 5801 Main Avenue NE, Albertville, MN 55301
Family fun: Live music from 6-8:30pm every week. Participates in POP. Central Park has a playground and a cool train car to view. Thursdays, 3-7pm, beginning June 13, 2024.
2. Bruentrup Farm’s Big Red Barn Farmers Market
Bruentrup Heritage Farm, 2170 County Road D East, Maplewood MN 55109
Family fun: Participates in POP, museum exhibits and free kids crafts and lawn games. Check Maplewood Historical Society’s calendar for coinciding special events. Sundays, 9am-1pm June 2, 2024 through September.
3. Bloomington Farmers Market
Bloomington Civic Plaza, 1800 W Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington, MN 55431
Family fun: Kids ages 5-12 can participate in the POP Club. Need some indoor time? Visit the Bloomington Center for the Arts galleries for a short art break. Saturdays, 8am-1pm; June 8 – October 12, 2024.
4. Bongards Market
St. John’s United Church, 12984 County Rd 51, Norwood Young America, MNÂ
Bongards participates in POP: “On average, a family with 3 children in the program save approximately $100 on fruits and vegetables throughout the summer.” Wednesdays, 3-6pm, Early June to Late September.
5. Brooklyn Park Farmers Market
North Hennepin Community College, Parking Lot off of West Broadway, 7411 85th Ave N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Wednesdays, 1-6pm, July 10-October 9, 2024.Â
6. Buffalo Farmers’ Market
100 1st Ave NE, Buffalo, MN 55313
Saturdays, 8am-12pm, early May through October. Participates in POP.
7. Carver Farmers Market
Carver Station, 607 Hartwell Drive, Carver, MN 55318
Tuesdays, 3pm-6pm, Mid-July through September.
8. Champlin Farmers Market
Mississippi Crossing, Champlin, 307 East River Parkway, Champlin, MNÂ 55316
Tuesdays, 2-6pm, July 9-October 8, 2024.
9. Chanhassen Farmers Market
7700 Market Blvd. City Center Park, Chanhassen MN
Saturdays, 9am-1pm, earlt June through October.
10. Crystal Farmers Market
Becker Park, 5530 Douglas Dr N, Crystal, MN 55429
Participates in POP! Weekly performers, food trucks, community information and local authors. Hip Hop Dance Fitness in the park at 6:15pm, June through mid-August. Located at the newly renovated Becker Park, combine it with a playground visit. Tuesdays, June 11-September 24, 2024 from 3-7pm.
11. Delano’s Farmers Market
8045 County Line Rd SE, Delano, MN 55328
Wednesdays, 2pm-6pm; early May through October.
12. Downtown Chaska Farmers’ Market
City Square Park, 300 N Chestnut Street, Chaska, MN 55318
Wednesdays, 3pm-6pm; Mid June through early September.
13. Elk River Farmers Market
Park Plaza Parking lot, 716 Main Street, Elk River, MN 55330
Thursdays, 3pm-7pm; June 13-October 10, 2024. PoP for kids ages 3-12 begins mid-July.Â
14. Franconia Art & Farmers Market
29836 St Croix Trail N, Shafer, MN 55074
Shop local produce and handmade crafts. Explore the park and possibly catch a concert. Find out more about the family-friendly Franconia Sculpture Park. First Sundays, May-October, 10am-2pm.
15. Gale Woods Saturday Farm Market
7210 County Road 110 West, Minnetrista, MN 55364
Make a day of it by participating in a Gale Woods farm activity such as a farm program on Saturday morning. Saturdays 9am-12:30pm; mid-June thru October.
15. Golden Valley – Market in the Valley
7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427Â
Note this is about a mile away from the Brookview Community Center where winter markets are held. Sundays, 9am-1pm, Mid-June through Mid-October.
17. Hopkins Farmers Market
Downtown Park, 16 9th Avenue S., Hopkins, MN 55343
Combine this visit with a walking tour of Hopkins ArtStreet. Saturdays, 7:30am-Noon, Mid-June through October.
18. Lake Elmo Farmer’s Market
Lake Elmo Elementary School 11030 Stillwater Blvd N Lake Elmo, MN 55042
Family fun: Stop by the Youth Entrepreneurs Booth to support fundraisers, youth farmers, and kidpreneuers. Saturdays, 9am-1pm, Mid-June through September (Labor Day weekend).
19. Lyndale Market
312 East Lyndale Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Family fun: There is a picnic area with tables located near the women’s restrooms. Open Saturdays 6am-noon, May through October.
20. Minnetonka Farmers Market
Ridgedale Commons, 12590 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka, MN 55305
Family fun: Live music, community booths and free kids activities each week. Kids between the ages of 4 and 17 can sign up for POP to receive a $2 voucher each week. Tuesdays, 2-6pm, June 4 – October 1, 2024.
21. Mound Farmers Market
5515 Shoreline Drive, Mound, MN 55364
Family fun: Bring your bikes to ride the Dakota Rail Trail. Saturdays, 8am-12:30pm, Late May through October.
22. New Brighton Farmers Market
New Brighton Community Center, 400 10th Street NW New Brighton, MN 55112
Family fun: Pair this shopping trip with a visit to The Eagle’s Nest Indoor Playground. Wednesdays, 3-7pm, early June through October.
23. Plymouth Farmers Market
15500 County Rd 6, Plymouth, MN 55447
Family fun: Musical performances, children’s activities and theme nights are held throughout the season. Wednesdays, 2:30-6:30 pm, June 26 through October 2, 2024.Â
24. Prior Lake Market
16228 Main Ave SE, Prior Lake MN 55372
Family fun: Children’s events, yoga, food trucks, live music, organic coffee. Saturdays 1am-Noon, early May through October.
25. Robbinsdale Farmers Market
Lakeview Terrace Park, 3769 Crystal Lake Blvd, Robbinsdale, MN 55422
Family fun: This park has a playground and a large picnic area. Make it a play date and picnic. Saturdays, 9am to Noon. Begins mid-June.
26. Shoreview Farmers Market
4580 Victoria St N, Shoreview MN 55126
Family fun: Visit the Shoreview Community Center‘s Indoor Playground or Waterpark or play outdoors at Shoreview Commons Park. Tuesdays, 3pm-7pm, early June through mid-October.
27. Stevens Square Farmers Market
1900 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Wednesdays, 2pm-6pm, begins late June.
28. Stillwater Farmers Market
3rd & Pine Street, Stillwater Minnesota 55082
Family fun: Cross the street to visit the Historic Courthouse and go on a scavenger hunt, play dress up, create a comic strip and visit the children’s corner. Saturdays, 7:30am-noon. Runs June to October.
29. Victoria Farmers’ Market
ENKI Brewing, 1495 Stieger Lake Lane, Victoria, MN 55386
Thursdays, 3pm-6pm. early July through late September.
We would love to hear from you. What are your favorite Twin Cities Farmers Markets? Leave us a comment and we’ll share with our community.
Minneapolis Park Markets
This year, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board is launching “Park Markets” in some favorite Minneapolis Parks each week from the first week of June through the last week of August.
SundaysÂ
Lake Harriet Park, 4135 W Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55409
Combine this with a Summer Concert at 2 or 5pm. Market runs 2:30-6:30 pm.
Wednesdays
The Commons, 425 Portland Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55488
This market will feature local black entrepreneurs from 11am to 3pm.
Market Square Park, 2225 Lake Street E., Minneapolis, MN 55407
This newest Minneapolis park has a small play structure and also hosts the Midtown Farmers Market. Wednesdays 3-7pm.
Fridays
Water Works, 425 W River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MNÂ 55401
Featuring wares from Indigenous artists and vendors from 10am-2pm. Combine this with a walk through Mill Ruins Park.
Minnehaha Park, 4801 South Minnehaha Park Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417
This market overlooks Minnehaha Falls and runs from 4-8pm.
Amazing blog! Maple Grove Farmers Market is Temporarily Relocating to Church of the Open Door for 2024 Outdoor Season. It will be located at the parking lot of the church. Thanks a lot!
The Brooklyn Park Farmers Market runs Wednesdays from 1-6 p.m., starting July 10 to October 09 in 2024 and will be located in the North Hennepin Community College parking lot again this year.
Thank you, Kelsie. I’ve made these updates. I appreciate the help.
Don’t forget our New Brighton Farmers Market bus pretty great too!!
Thank you for this reminder, Angela!