My family loves to spend our weekend mornings at the local farmers’ markets. There are so many benefits to bringing children to farmers’ markets: positive interaction with community members, learning to identify various produce and plants, and the chance to make purchases that support local businesses. RVA is home to several farmers markets, including these five!
Dorey Park Farmers Market
The Dorey Park Farmers Market is every Saturday, June – October, 9 A.M. – noon. This particular farmers market offers something completely unique for children: The POP Club. This program offers crafts, games, and demonstrations to teach children about the importance of buying local produce. Additionally, The POP Club offers kids a chance to join the Two Bites Club. If a child takes 2 bites of a fruit or veggie, they earn $2 in POP Bucks to spend at the market.
DPFM has vendor tents lining each side of a large open area. In the center are picnic tables, making this a perfect resting spot once your family has made purchases.
After enjoying the market, take advantage of all Dorey Park has to offer, including: a large playground, paved paths, and dog park.
RVA Big Market
Held at Joseph Bryan Park, RVA Big Market is every Saturday from 8 A.M. – 12 P. M. Prior to heading to the market, check the RVA Big Market Facebook page for a list of vendors who will be there that day. While the list may vary from week to week, you can count on finding something for each member of your family.
We like to wake up and go straight to Bryan Park, and enjoy our breakfast from one of the vendors. Breakfast sandwiches, donuts, crepes, and fresh coffee are just a few of our market favorites.
Another way to incorporate your children into this market visit is to have them bring their own money and allow them to make their own decisions about what to purchase. My daughter recently bought a handmade keychain from a vendor, Bead Creations & Curios. With so many vendors, it was a difficult choice, but this experience allowed her to learn a small lesson about financial choices and budgeting.
To add to your RVA Big Market experience, explore Bryan Park either on bikes or by foot. This is an expansive park with an azalea garden, two lakes, a playground and paved paths.
South of the James Farmers Market
Open year-round at Forest Hill Park, South of the James Farmers Market is every Sunday 10 A.M. – 1 P.M. This is an excellent farmers market to visit with children, as it is a bit smaller than others, making it easier to keep them in your line of sight. The vendors line both sides of a stroller-friendly street.
In addition to yummy food like macarons, or pie; there are beautiful flowers, dog treats and much more. You can find the vendor list on SOJ Farmers Market Facebook page weekly, and prepare your visit accordingly.
My family likes to peruse the entire market, and end at the large, covered picnic pavilion at the very back of the market.
After enjoying the market, make time to explore Forest Hill Park. My family loves to walk around the lake, where you can often spot turtles and herons!
West End Farmers’ Market
Located in the far west end of Henrico county at Discovery Methodist Church, West End Farmers’ Market’s mission to create a true “farm to family” experience. To see which vendors will be at the market each week, sign up for the WEFM newsletter.
As the only farmer-owned market in the area, WEFM offers children and families a way to truly connect with Virginia farmers and learn about how some of their favorite products are made. Showing children soap made from goat milk or socks from alpaca fiber is truly an educational experience.
For added fun and a way to give back, join RFM at WEFM (date TBD!). We are hosting our annual Anthem LemonAid stand, and look forward to serving you there!
