Ocean City Farmers Market
About
The Ocean City Farmers Market offers a delightful sensory experience for kids who can sample fresh local produce, watch craftspeople at work, and enjoy family-friendly activities in a relaxed outdoor setting. With its convenient summer schedule and high ratings from visiting families, it's a perfect morning outing that combines education about local agriculture with entertainment and the chance to pick up healthy snacks for beach days.
Highlights
- ✓Fresh fruit sampling stations where kids can try local berries, peaches, and melons
- ✓Local honey and baked goods vendors with cookies and treats
- ✓Handmade craft booths featuring kid-friendly items like wooden toys and jewelry
- ✓Live music and entertainment during peak summer weekends
- ✓Educational opportunities to meet local farmers and learn about sustainable agriculture
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early (around 8 AM opening) for the best selection of produce and to avoid the heat and crowds
- 2.Bring cash as not all vendors accept cards, and small bills make transactions easier
- 3.Let kids bring their own small basket or bag so they can help pick out fruits and vegetables
- 4.Sample before you buy - many vendors offer tastings of fresh fruit, baked goods, and local honey
- 5.Park in the lots along Coastal Highway and make the market part of a larger morning before heading to the beach
Best Time to Visit
Saturday or Sunday mornings right at 8 AM opening during June through August offers the coolest temperatures, fullest vendor selection, and most family activities before the midday heat sets in.
What to Know
Admission is free and the market operates outdoors, so bring sunscreen and hats for sun protection. Stroller-accessible aisles make it easy to navigate with little ones.
Seasonal Notes
Operates seasonally during summer months (typically May through September). Hours are Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8 AM to 12 PM, with closures on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Best selection of local produce peaks in July and August.
Nearby Eats
Fractured Prune Donuts is just a short drive away for post-market breakfast treats, or grab lunch at Barn 34 which offers a kids menu and casual atmosphere perfect for families coming from the market.
More Activities Near Ocean City
Outlets Ocean City
The Outlets Ocean City transforms the typical shopping experience into a family-friendly destination with indoor play areas and an arcade that keep kids entertained while parents browse over 50 brand-name outlet stores. Located just off Route 50, this open-air outlet mall offers a perfect rainy-day alternative or a welcome air-conditioned break from the beach, with plenty of family dining options to fuel your shopping adventure.
Ocean City Beach
Ocean City Beach offers 10 miles of pristine Atlantic coastline perfect for family beach days, complete with gentle waves ideal for young swimmers and lifeguards stationed throughout the summer season. The famous boardwalk runs alongside the beach, providing easy access to amusement rides, arcade games, and treats when kids need a break from the sand and surf.
Assawoman Wildlife Area
Assawoman Wildlife Area offers families a peaceful escape into nature just minutes from Ocean City's beaches. This scenic wildlife refuge features easy hiking trails perfect for little legs, excellent bird watching opportunities, and hands-on educational programs that teach kids about local ecosystems and wildlife in an engaging, interactive way.
Ocean City Recreation & Parks Center
Ocean City Recreation & Parks Center is a fantastic community hub offering something for every family member. With its combination of modern playgrounds, refreshing splash pad, wide-open spaces for running around, and multiple athletic fields, it's the perfect spot to let kids burn energy while parents relax in a safe, well-maintained environment. The impressive 4.7-star rating from over 160 families speaks to its consistent appeal as a go-to destination for both locals and vacationing families.