To market, to market

A trip to the farmers' market can be an educational, entertaining, interactive outing for the whole family. Activities before, en route and after will nurture children's understanding of food types, menu planning, finances and food production. On-site enjoyments may include fresh baking and juices, produce, fresh-cut flowers, handmade crafts, and even clowns, musicians or face painters. It's a visit that is rich in possibilities regardless of the time of year, so don't wait until July for this outing!

Preliminary planning includes checking the Yellow Pages or calling the chamber of commerce or tourist information center for details about the locations and times of operations of local markets. Some are open from spring to fall and may operate on a smaller scale in the off-season in an indoor facility. Many larger markets are open year round.

What to bring
Wear layered clothing suitable for changes in the weather. Be sure to wear good walking shoes.
• Hats and sunscreen (minimum SPF 15)
• Money for purchases and donations to performers
• Day-trip diaries
• Market bags
• Paper and pencils
• Picnic and grazing food
• Refillable water containers
• Camera or video camera
• Child-safe insect repellent
• Small first-aid kit

Activities
This outing provides an opportunity for children to learn about food production, planning and enjoyment. They learn to shop for items and make purchases to carry in their homemade market bags. Purchases may then be put to use in creating deliciously fresh dishes, such as Alphabet Soup, and making table decor, such as Squash tea light centerpieces.