KCKidsFun

It’s that time of year–when thoughts turn to getting outside and eating fresh, homegrown produce!  Starting this week, the metro’s many farmers markets will open for the season.  Farmers markets offer a great opportunity to meet and support local growers.  It also makes for a great “teaching moment” when you take the kids, let them pick out some fruits and vegetables, and chat with the farmer who actually puts the food on the table.  Back to basics!  Farmers market “season” is typically late-April through October.  Markets aren’t limited to just produce…many offer up baked goods and handmade crafts, too!  Don’t forget your reusable shopping bags!

Kansas City, MO City Market

This market, the “granddaddy” of them all, is located in KC’s River Market area, on 5th Street in downtown KC.  There are close to 150 vendors represented here!  If you want it, you’re sure to find it here…fresh baked goods, fresh produce, handmade crafts, and even local plants, herbs and fresh-cut flowers.  This market is open year-round, but is especially vibrant during the spring and summer growing seasons.  Hours are 7am to 330 pm on Saturdays, 8am until 330pm on Sundays.

Brookside’s Community Market at Border Star Montessori School

Located in Brookside at 63rd and Wornall, this market features organic produce, free-range eggs, hormone-free meats and even some prepared foods.  Saturdays only, from 8am until 1pm, or sellout.

Overland Park, KS Farmers Market

Located in Downtown Overland Park near the Clock Tower Plaza (just west of Metcalf around 80th Street).  Saturdays from 630am until sellout, and Wednesdays from 730am until sellout.

Shawnee, KS Farmers Market

Located in the City Hall’s parking lot at 11100 Johnson Drive.  Begins this Saturday!  Saturdays, 8am-4pm.  Check out the fresh-baked goods!

Olathe, KS

Join fellow “locavores” in eating foods grown within a 100-mile radius of where you live…this market features only produce and flowers grown in or around KC.  Located west of I-35 in Olathe at 200 W. Santa Fe.  Hours are 7am until sellout on Saturdays (starts this weekend) and 3pm until sellout on Wednesdays, June through September.

KC Organics and Naturals Organic-Only Market

Only Organic, Fair Trade and Recycled here!  Located at Minor Park in south KCMO, which is at about 112th Street, just east of Holmes.  8am to noon on Saturdays.

Parkville, MO Market

Local farmers sell produce and plants in Parkville’s downtown at English Landing Park.  3-6pm on Wednesdays, and 6am until sellout on Saturdays.

Zona Rosa Farmers Market

Tuesdays from 4-8pm are when you’ll find this Northland gem.  Located at Zona Rosa shopping district (I-29N and Barry Road), you’ll find fresh-made baked goods, produce, crafts and honey.

Liberty, MO

(Also known as the “Crowley’s Furniture Farmers Market”–because it’s located in the Crowley’s parking lot!  Shop 7am until noon on Wednesdays.  Located at M-291 and M-152 in Liberty.

Independence, MO

Located between Liberty and Main streets at Truman Road.  Open Saturdays May-October, with Wednesdays starting in June.  7am until 1pm on both days.

Blue Springs, MO

Located at 11th and Main in Blue Springs, this market is on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 7am-noon.

Lee’s Summit, MO

I think that this one wins the prize for closing out the farmers market season…you can shop here through NOVEMBER!!! In downtown Lee’s Summit at Douglas and 2nd streets.  Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7am til sellout.

So, there you have it!  Did I leave your favorite out??  If so–shoot me an email!  ENJOY!