My family is excited that the summer farmer’s markets have opened. Going to the farmer’s market is one of our favorite summer family activities.
I like that my children get to see real farm families at work. Many times the kids are offered a sample of watermelon, peaches, local honey, or flavored popcorn. And my kids love samples. I like that we are eating corn that was picked in the wee hours of the same morning, and that we are supporting local farmers.
The farmer’s markets are great places for trading recipes, too. I love talking and eavesdropping as people discuss what they are going to make with bunches of basil or oregano. It’s fun for the kids to pick through a bin of corn that is ten times as big as they are. Seeing all the variety of vegetables is fun and educational, too. We like to see the heirloom tomatoes, the different kinds of potatoes and corn, the many varieties of beans and melons and squash.
I like to take small bills so that the vendors don’t have to make change. The markets can be crowded, so for little ones a wagon or a stroller is a good idea. I actually liked the wagon better when my kids were small because that way there was room for the watermelon. Besides being a handy way to carry the produce, pictures of kids in a wagon with a watermelon are very cute. These days I take a small push cart or large canvas bags that the boys can help carry.
Bringing home the fresh produce is fun, too. We know we will have fresh corn, new potatoes, sliced tomatoes and green beans with our dinners this week. I let the kids shuck the corn and trim the beans. I like that they know what real beans look like, that they don’t think beans grow in a can.
Farmer’s markets are a fun way to get the family shopping done.
Also See:
Fun With Gourmet Foods
Grocery Store Fun