On any given Saturday (and some weekdays, too) farmers and artisans from all over Missouri and Illinois shop their wares at farmers' markets. Families can visit, meet with the farmers, learn more about their trade and enjoy nature’s bounty, including fresh berries, sweet corn, bright greens and juicy tomatoes. Below are some popular farmers' markets, many of which offer family-friendly attractions beyond locally grown farm-fresh foods.

Tower Grove Farmers' Market
Tower Grove Park, Whitaker Theater at the Pool Pavilion, St. Louis
Open Saturdays May 5 through Nov. 3, 8 a.m. to Noon
Set in one of St. Louis’ most beautiful urban parks, the Tower Grove Farmers' Market has become a see-and-be-seen for foodies and their families. The market features about 60 artisan, food and farm vendors, as well as live music, free yoga (great for families with older children) and kid-friendly food (think gourmet grilled cheeses). While you’re there, take advantage of the park’s great bike path, playground and wading pool.

Schlafly Farmers' Market
Schlafly Bottleworks, 7260 Southwest Ave., Maplewood
Open Wednesdays April through October, 4-7 p.m.
With summer weekends at a premium, plan on visiting one of St. Louis’ few weekday farmers' markets, located in the parking lot of Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood. The market offers the typical mix of farm and craft vendors and has the extra bonus of being located at one of our city’s most sustainable and environmentally friendly restaurants and microbreweries -- Schlafly Bottleworks. Patronize the vendors for fresh items to take home, and while you’re there, enjoy a family dinner on the brewery’s patio. In a nod to the importance of locally-grown food, Bottleworks converted half an acre of their parking lot into a chemical-free kitchen garden where they grow herbs and produce for the restaurant. They also compost their food scraps to create natural fertilizer for the garden. (Schlafly Farmers' Market was formerly Maplewood Farmers' Market.)

At top right: Maplewood Farmers' Market (photo by Sarah C. Truckey).

Clayton Farmers' Market
West of Straub’s Market, 8282 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton
Open Saturdays May 5 through Nov. 3,  8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The Clayton Farmers' Market is known for its support of local farmers and offers organic and naturally produced foods. It also boasts demonstrations from local chefs and wellness experts. 

At right: Clayton Farmers' Market (Photo courtesy of Straub's Market).

Downtown Farmers' Market
Locust Street between 8th and 9th streets and Old Post Office Plaza
Open Thursdays, June 2 through Oct. 20, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The amazing Citygarden gives families a great reason to make the trip downtown, and the Downtown Farmers' Market is yet another great family destination. Plan a play date at Citygarden, and walk the four short blocks to the Downtown Farmers' Market, brought to you by the same folks who organize the well-oiled machine that is the Tower Grove Farmers' Market. With live music, fun food, and friendly farmers, what could be better?

Soulard Farmers' Market
730 Carroll St., St. Louis
Open May through September, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Fridays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Open year-round on Fridays and Saturdays.
Although the exact date of its inception is up for some debate (some say 1779, others say 1838) one thing is for sure — Soulard Farmers' Market is our area’s oldest public market. Vendors treat customers like old friends — because many have become that after years of families buying food from the same farmers. Kids will love the bustling market space — a far cry from the florescent lights of the grocery store aisles — and an adjacent playground will keep everyone happy before or after shopping.

Kirkwood Farmers' Market
150 East Argonne Drive, Kirkwood
Open everyday through Sept. 22, 2012: Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday hours vary by vendor
A smaller market when compared than others, Kirkwood Farmers' Market makes up for its size with local charm and longer hours—vendors are there daily! Like the community that hosts it, the Kirkwood Farmers' Market, is friendly and family-centered. Don’t miss the Peach Festival and Sidewalk Sale, featuring a best local peach contest, live music and peach samples on July 14, 2012.  The market also hosts live music by local bands on selected Saturdays in June, July and August, beginning at 10 a.m.

North City Farmers' Market
Located across from Crown Candy Kitchen in Old North St. Louis at the intersection of St. Louis Avenue and N. 14th Street
Open Saturdays June 2 through Oct. 13 from 9 a.m. to noon
Few farmers' markets are tied as directly to the neighborhood that hosts them as the North City Farmers' Market. Much of the produce for sale is grown in the nearby 13th Street Community Garden. The market emphasizes community health by offering affordable fresh produce, free health screenings and healthy cooking demonstrations. If you shop here with your family, you can feel good about the fact that your dollars are going to help rebuild a once-great neighborhood. What’s the draw for kids? The market is right across the street from Crown Candy Kitchen, a St. Louis restaurant landmark with delicious fountain desserts.

Ferguson Farmers' Market
20. S. Florissant, Ferguson
Open Saturdays May 5 through Oct. 27, 8 a.m. to noon
Directly accessible via the Ted Jones Bike Trail, the Ferguson Farmers' Market makes for a great family field trip. Visit the market for breakfast, enjoy some live music, catch a cooking demonstration or participate in a kid-friendly craft activity hosted by market organizers, and then hit the trail for a two-mile bike ride.

At right: Children participate in chalk art at Ferguson Farmers' Market (photo courtesy of Ferguson Farmers' Market).

Originally published June 2010. Updated April 2012.

After living and writing in St. Louis for almost 15 years, Meredith Boggess has plenty of good things to share about her adopted hometown. She and her husband recently welcomed their first daughter into their home on The Hill, and, despite the sleepless nights, they are still awash in that new parent glow. Contact Meredith at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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