Posted on by Judith Rich

Kid Friendly Farmers Markets in Portland

Summer is almost here, which means you’re more likely to visit your local farmers markets. Even though it’s tempting to leave the kids at home, we encourage you to reconsider and bring them to these kid friendly farmers markets in Portland. Not only does spring and summer provide the best opportunities for your entire family to sample fresh produce, farmers markets around Portland feature fun and engaging activities that get the whole family involved.

“Now that I’ve got said produce in hand, how do I prepare it at home so my kids actually eat it ,” you may ask? Our friends at PDX Parent have put together a few tips and activities that help you get those healthful veggies and fruits into your kiddos’ mouthes.

Here are our top picks for Kid Friendly Farmers Markets in Portland:

Hillsdale Farmers Market

You can visit this farmers market year-round but it’s definitely more inviting in the spring and summer months. I love how they get families involved and you can spot the POP (Power of Produce) Club tent with kids activities right as you come in. The staff is friendly and welcoming and features a new children’s activity each week.  Upon signing up for the POP Club, each child receives 2 complimentary food bucks (worth $4) that the kids can spend in any way they like–providing them with a nice taste of responsibility.

Our family enjoys POP Club take-home activities such as various planting kits, acidity experiments, coloring sheets and more. A bonus activity the kids will love to try each week is finding a little stuffed chicken (aka Flopsie) that makes its way around the market. Sometimes it hides amongst the produce, sometimes it perches on top of the tents, you just never know!  

Sundays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
1405 SW Vermont Street, Portland. http://www.hillsdalefarmersmarket.com/ 

Hollywood Farmers Market

I’ve been coming to the Hollywood Farmers Market with my family ever since my older child was a baby, and it always feels special. They offer a nice variety in terms of fresh produce, raw foods, prepared foods, fresh cut flowers and more. There’s usually tons of dogs, babies, and other little ones walking around, some being pushed in wagons, surrounded by the day’s bounty. Often-times, the market will feature live music, sometimes geared specifically to kids, which really gets them up and moving. Tasting fruits and veggies is also part of the deal and most of the vendors are super friendly and welcoming to children. Pro tip: come hungry, as the samples are flowing and the food options plentiful. 

Saturdays 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
NE Hancock Street between 44th and 45th Avenues. https://hollywoodfarmersmarket.org/

Kindness Farm

Although not a farmers market per se, Kindness Farm offers volunteer opportunities for the whole family. It’s an all-around great vibe and kids of all ages are welcome and invited to contribute to the farm however they can. Whether that means planting, digging up soil, harvesting and anything else that needs doing, kids are taken seriously and their work is valued. Both of my kids really enjoyed being on the farm and while my little one got tired and took lots of breaks, she was in it for the long haul and toughed it out for 4 straight hours. We got a lot done, felt good about it, and met some nice people along the way. Pro tip – you need a reservation to volunteer so make sure you fill out the form on their website. Bring some lunch and snacks with you because all that work will make you huuuungry!

7101 SE 127th Avenue, Portland. https://www.thekindnessmodel.org/

Montavilla Farmers Market

One of the biggest and most vibrant farmers markets in SE Portland, the Montavilla farmers market has much to offer for families. They feature live music, kid friendly activities, face painting and lots of delicious free samples year-round. The kids will love participating in their seasonal fruit tastings such as during peach season in August and berry season in June and July. It’s also great to see that this farmers market has branched out when it comes to local food vendors, which is key when you’ve got a hungry crew at your side.  

Sundays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
7700 SE Stark Street, Portland. https://www.montavillamarket.org/

People’s Coop Farmers Market

Known as the “longest running year-round market in Portland,” People’s Food Coop hosts their farmers market on Wednesdays, which is a nice way to break up the week. It happens to be a bit more focused and smaller than some of the other markets on this list, but the quality of vendors is great. I always find the featured vendors to be knowledgeable and they do a nice job of providing you and your kids with helpful information about planting and caring for veggies and fruits. Added bonus – if your kids are animal lovers, look out for special days when vendors bring in their animals such as baby goats, which may bring on some adorable pets and snuggles.

Wednesdays 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
3029 SE 21st Avenue, Portland. https://www.peoples.coop/farmers-market#

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Judith Rich

Judith Rich is a writer and co-contributor to Bridgetown Bites. She’s been a proud Portlander since 2014 and is now raising two Portland natives who are budding foodies. Judith loves cooking at home and experimenting with new recipes, as well as checking out new and tried and true Portland restaurants. She loves a good food adventure (together with Meg Cotner!)

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