One of the best things about living near Elmwood Park is how easy it is to get your hands on fresh, local food. Within a short drive, you’ll find weekend farmers’ markets with live music, warm baked goods, colorful produce, and friendly vendors who actually want to talk to your kids about apples. These markets are perfect for Saturday or Sunday outings. Grab a coffee, hand your little one a mini donut, and wander through stalls packed with seasonal fruits and veggies. Below are five great farmers’ markets near Elmwood Park that make shopping local fun for the whole family.
The Oak Park Farmers Market is one of the area’s classics. Held on Saturday mornings, it features Midwest-grown produce, flowers, breads, and fan-favorite donuts that kids ask for by name. The market has a very community-forward vibe—church groups, musicians, and longtime vendors all come together to make it feel like a small-town market in the middle of the suburbs. It’s stroller-friendly, easy to navigate, and a great place to let your child learn how to “pick peaches” or help choose sweet corn. Go early for the best selection and to beat the rush.
Farmers Best Markets isn’t a single pop-up market like the others, but it’s a fantastic nearby option for families who want farmers-market-style shopping with a big selection. You’ll find fresh produce, pantry staples, specialty cheeses, and sometimes harder-to-find items used in Latin and Eastern European cooking—perfect for expanding your kids’ tastebuds. Parents love that it’s a good stop for both weekly groceries and weekend “fun food.” Take your child along and let them help pick ingredients for a Sunday dinner or smoothie bar at home. It’s local, affordable, and very family-friendly.
The Austin Town Hall City Market brings a neighborhood feel to the West Side of Chicago and is still close enough for Elmwood Park families to enjoy. You’ll find local growers, craft and artisan vendors, and occasional kid-focused activities and performances. It’s a wonderful way to show your children the diversity of Chicago-area makers—everything from jams to handmade goods. Because it’s smaller and welcoming, it’s easier for young kids to walk around without getting overwhelmed. It’s also a great spot to teach them about buying from local farmers and businesses.
If Sundays work better for your family, the Jefferson Park Sunday Market is a terrific option. This North Side favorite offers farm-fresh produce, baked goods, coffee, plants, and rotating local vendors. Families love it because it’s relaxed—there’s space to move, usually some kind of music or entertainment, and plenty of kid-attracting treats. It’s also a great place to meet other local parents and make the market part of your monthly (or even weekly) routine. Let your child pick one thing each visit—berries, a muffin, or flowers for the kitchen table—to make it special.
The Northwest Side Farmers Market Collective partners with local growers, food makers, and artists to bring fresh, high-quality items to the Northwest Side. It’s an excellent choice for families who like variety—one week you might find gorgeous greens and local honey, the next week baked goods, coffee roasters, and handmade goods. The market’s community-first approach means kids are welcome and often encouraged to participate. Parents can use it as a teachable moment about seasonal eating and where food comes from. It’s also just a fun, low-cost way to spend a weekend morning together.
As you can see, parents in Elmwood Park have several great farmers markets to choose from—Oak Park for the classic Saturday-morning vibe, Jefferson Park for Sunday shopping, Austin Town Hall for community flavor, Farmers Best Markets for variety, and the Northwest Side Farmers Market Collective for something a bit different. All of them make it easy to bring your child along, let them pick healthy foods, and show them what local community really looks like.
And when you’re not walking the market aisles, give your child a place to learn and grow every day. Little Newtons in Elmwood Park offers infant care, toddler care, preschool, and Pre-K in a safe, educational, and fun environment. Schedule a tour to see why so many local families love them:
Photo by Jordan Christian on Unsplash
