It’s not summer without spending at least one Saturday morning browsing a local farmers market with your kids! Families in Minnesota have the cream of the crop for the best farmers markets in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and the greater Twin Cities metro area with kids. These vibrant markets are more than just a place to pick up fresh, local produce—they’re a delightful family outing filled with delicious treats, colorful sights, and engaging activities for kids. From selecting the best produce and trying new foods to enjoying live music, there’s something to excite everyone in your family. Here are our top picks for the 10 Best Farmers Markets in the Twin Cities with Kids. Each one promises you and your children fun, food, and fantastic memories. Get ready to create new weekend traditions this summer and enjoy the best of what our local communities have to offer!
Best Farmers Markets in Minneapolis with Kids
Looking for the best farmers markets in Minneapolis with kids? There are SO many to choose from. We’ve narrowed it down to four of the best local markets across Minneapolis for families, from Northeast to Linden Hills.
Minneapolis Farmers Market (on Lyndale)
One of the oldest farmers markets in Minnesota (with roots dating back to 1876), the Minneapolis Farmers Market needs to be experienced at least once! It is Minnesota’s largest open-air farmers market and the state’s largest farmer-managed market.
Here, your family can browse over 100 vendors (170 stalls) – featuring everything from fresh produce and ready-to-eat food to flowers and more. Be sure to talk with the farmers; you’ll find that some stands have five generations of local farming experience!
Summer Hours: Summer season hours are in effect from May 1 – October 31. The Minneapolis Farmers Market is open five days a week (Wednesday – Friday, 7 am – 1 pm and Saturday – Sunday, 6 am – 1 pm). With so many chances to go, it’s no wonder this is one of the best farmer’s markets in the Twin Cities with kids!
Twin Cities Farmers Markets: Mill City Farmers Market
With over 115 rotating farmers, food makers, and artists every Saturday, the Mill City Farmers Market is undoubtedly one of the best farmers markets in Minneapolis for kids. It’s the perfect spot for a Saturday morning shopping for local, healthy, and sustainable groceries. In addition to fresh produce, you’ll find free cooking classes, children’s activities, zero-waste initiatives, outdoor yoga, live music, and stunning views of the Mississippi River. Afterward, you’re just steps from other fun things to do in Minneapolis, including the Mill City Museum and Mill Ruins Park.
Kids can participate in the Power of Produce (POP) program on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, sampling the featured vegetables and earn a $2 token to use at the market. On the off weeks, live chef demos with seasonal recipes are featured (when POP isn’t offered). Then, Storytime with the Guthrie happens on the second Saturday,
Summer Hours: Every Saturday from May to September, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Check the website for other seasons, as it is open year-round.
Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market
Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market offers a unique blend of experiences across its three markets: the Saturday Market, Market After Dark, and the Winter Market. Each one is held rain, snow, or shine. The largest is the Saturday Market, featuring a diverse array of farmers, baked goods, cold-pressed juices and smoothies, ferments, coffee, cheese, spices, honey, pet treats, prepared foods, and much more.
The children’s tent offers educational activities, including seed planting, food-themed art projects, and storytime. Live music enhances the vibrant atmosphere, making it a delightful outing for families to enjoy local produce and handcrafted items. With so many vendors and activities, this is one of the best farmers markets in Minneapolis with kids!
Summer Hours: Saturday Market is from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, May – October. It is held at 629 NE 2nd St NE. Then, Market After Dark is held on the fourth Tuesday of every month during the summer from 6:00 – 9:00 pm, May-October at Bauhaus Brew Labs.
Kingfield Farmers Market
One of the newest markets on the scene (operating since 2001), the Kingfield Farmers Market has quickly become one of the best farmers markets in the Twin Cities with kids. With humble beginnings as a pickup truck full of vegetables, the Kingfield Farmers Market has blossomed into a thriving community hub with 40 vendors every Sunday morning in the summer. The market offers a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, prepared foods, coffee, handmade crafts, and more. Kingfield Farmers Market prides itself on featuring only products that vendors have grown, raised, made, or substantially transformed themselves.
As one of the best Minneapolis farmers markets for families, Kingfield Farmers Market offers a Power of Produce (POP) program, a highlight for kids. This program engages children aged 4-12 in healthy eating habits by giving them $2 weekly tokens to choose fresh produce and plants. Kids can also enjoy food tastings, interactive activities, and a farmers market scavenger hunt, making the market a fun and educational experience for families.
Kingfield Farmers Market is managed by Neighborhood Roots, which runs the Fulton Farmers Market on Sundays (8:30 am-noon) in Southwest Minneapolis and the Nokomis Farmers Market on Wednesdays (4:00 pm—8:00 pm).
Summer Hours: Every Sunday from 8:30 am to 1 pm, May 19 – October 27.
Best Farmers Markets in Saint Paul with Kids
Saint Paul offers a lovely selection of farmer’s markets. If you’re wondering which ones are the best for kids, we’ve narrowed it down to two great options. Please keep reading to discover our top picks for the best farmer’s markets in Saint Paul with kids!
Securian Farmers’ Market in Downtown Saint Paul
Located in the heart of Saint Paul, the St. Paul Farmers Market, hosted by Securian Financial, brings together local farmers and artisans. Situated at 400 N Robert Street, this vibrant market features locally grown fruits, vegetables, plants, and fresh-cut flowers.
This is only one of the many farmers markets managed by the St. Paul Farmers’ Market, which is in its 170th year (making it the oldest farmers market collection in the state). Their definition of local is 100 miles from Saint Paul, meaning all the food within their markets is grown (or made) close to home! Though it’s not open all summer, it’s still one of the best farmer’s markets in the Twin Cities with kids.
Summer Hours: Wednesdays, 10:00 am to 1:30 pm, from July 13 – August 31.
Saint Paul Lowertown Farmers Market
One of the best farmers markets in Saint Paul with kids, Saint Paul Lowertown Farmers Market is located near CHS Field. It is the state’s largest gathering of Minnesota-grown fruits and vegetables, plants, meats, eggs, crafts, flowers, and more. They truly offer a bit of everything, including an array of baked goods, bagel sandwiches, and more ready-to-eat foods! Operating in the community for over 100 years, the market sources each item within 50 miles of Saint Paul city limits. The market is proud to maintain a strong tradition of promoting community and culture in Minnesota! Operated by the St. Paul Growers’ Association, Inc., the market ensures that only fresh, locally-grown produce is sold directly from the grower to you!
Open on weekend mornings, the market features fun kids’ activities throughout the year, including crafts and free yoga on opening day. In addition to fresh produce, visitors can enjoy live music and various activities for all ages. While most of the market is outdoors during the summer, indoor activities and additional vendors or music can often be found in the Market House Collaborative.
Summer Hours: Open from May to November on Saturdays from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm and Sundays from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Best Farmers Markets in the Greater Twin Cities Metro with Kids
Looking for the best farmers markets in the greater Twin Cities area with kids? We’ve got those too! Please keep reading to learn about our favorite four from Edina to White Bear Lake.
Richfield Farmers Market, Richfield
With over 50 vendors, the Richfield Farmers Market offers a wide variety of stalls featuring fresh produce, bread, jewelry, soaps, and more. As you stroll through the market, you can also enjoy delicious prepared foods like empanadas, momos, BBQ, and more, with a rotating selection of food trucks also making appearances. Located in Veterans Park, the market is a fantastic spot for families, as kids can play at the massive nearby playground while parents browse. Additionally, ample parking is available in the adjacent lot.
Kids can join the Power of Produce (POP) program at the Richfield Farmers Market. Open to kids ages 4-12 and teens 13-17, the program allows them to receive vouchers to pick out a fruit or veggie to try each week! Afterward, families can also enjoy mini golfing nearby.
Summer Hours: Saturday mornings from May 4 through October 26. From May to August, the market is open from 7 am to 12 pm; from September to October, it is open from 8 am to 12 pm.
Twin Cities Farmers Markets: Maple Grove Farmers Market, Maple Grove
Family fun awaits at the Maple Grove Farmers Market, one of the best farmers markets in the Twin Cities with kids! Established in 2004 as an initiative of the City of Maple Grove, this much-loved market is a year-round tradition in the northwest metro area. Committed to local agriculture, it supports small growers and producers, providing a welcoming venue for shoppers outside and inside. The market also features a frequent shopper reward program.
The Power of Produce (POP) program starts in June for kids ages 4 to 12. This program empowers kids to make their own food choices, selecting from a wide array of fresh, locally-grown produce. POP is offered every Thursday from May to October. Participation is free, and kids must be present to receive their $2 token each week. Note that POP is not available at indoor farmer’s markets. Families also love Rock the Market, weekly live music by local musicians, and seasonal activities, which complement the fresh local offerings at various booths.
Summer Hours: Thursdays from May 9 – October 17. From May to September, they are open from 3 pm to 7 pm (hours switch from 3 pm to 6 pm in October).
Centennial Lakes Farmers Market, Edina
The Centennial Lakes Farmers Market in Edina is a fantastic place to buy fresh produce and other directly from local farmers, growers, and producers, ensuring top-notch freshness and quality. Here, friendly vendors set up weekly along Centennial Lakes Park’s shaded lakeside walkways. The market features a variety of locally grown vegetables and fruits, fresh-cut flowers, honey, bakery products, meats, candies, and more. With convenient and free parking, visitors can also enjoy the numerous activities at Centennial Lakes Park before, during, and after the market. This is just one of the many reasons why Minnesota families love this farmers market!
Centennial Lakes Park offers 10 acres of kid-friendly spaces, including an 18-hole putting course, paddleboat rentals, and a labyrinth. Arrive early on Thursday mornings for the 11 am Children’s Concerts. Stay all day and attend the Thursday evening events, like the radio-controlled miniature boat club and Movies in the Park at sunset!
Summer Hours: The market is held on Thursdays from June through the first Thursday in October, from 3:00 pm to 7 pm (there is no market day on July 4). Please note that this farmers market is not part of the EBT program.
Marketfest White Bear Lake, White Bear Lake
Looking for a hidden gem? Families will love Marketfest White Bear Lake! One of the best farmers markets in the Twin Cities with kids, Marketfest even has themed weeks to make it extra fun for parents and their kids. Themes include White Bear Lake History Night and Ave for the Arts Night. In particular, kids may enjoy meeting the Police, Fire, and EMS on July 13. Or attending the Environmental Resources Expo on July 27. You can shop 130+ merchandise and food vendors at the market right in beautiful downtown White Bear Lake. Vendors include a variety of arts and crafts, merchandise, services, and food!
Each week, families will adore listening to live music (on two stages!). Live music showcases local bands from various genres, including jazz, blues, rock, folk, country, and funk. Then the festival also includes a classic car show, a kid’s activity zone, pony rides, and more.
Summer Hours: Marketfest is held on Thursdays, June 13 – July 25, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Have Fun Exploring the Twin Cities Farmers Markets with Kids this Summer!
We hope this list of the best farmers markets in the Twin Cities with kids sparks new adventures and summer memories for your family. From the best farmers markets in Minneapolis and Saint Paul to the greater Twin Cities metro area, there are so many fun markets to explore with your kids. Whether you hope to support and connect with local farmers, pick up the freshest seasonal produce, or enjoy a lovely morning with your family, your local farmers market is the place to be! Have fun exploring the Twin Cities with your kids this summer.
Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam and on her website. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
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We hope you found lots of fun Farmers Markets in the Twin Cities to check out with kids!
