Sara Hardy Farmers Market
About
Sara Hardy Farmers Market brings fresh, local flavor to downtown Traverse City every Saturday morning during the warmer months. Kids love sampling fruits and vegetables, watching live music performances, and meeting local farmers while parents shop for farm-fresh produce, baked goods, and artisan products in a lively outdoor setting.
Highlights
- ✓Sampling fresh berries, cherries, and other seasonal fruits from friendly vendors
- ✓Live music performances that create a festive, family-friendly atmosphere
- ✓Meeting local farmers and learning about where food comes from
- ✓Freshly baked treats like donuts, cookies, and pastries perfect for little hands
- ✓Seasonal activities and special themed market days throughout the summer
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early (around 8am) for the best selection and smaller crowds, making it easier to navigate with strollers.
- 2.Bring cash and small bills since not all vendors accept cards, and have kids bring their own small bag to collect their picks.
- 3.Park in the adjacent public lots along Cass Street or Union Street, as the market lot fills up quickly by 9am.
- 4.Let kids pick out one special treat like fresh donuts or locally made popsicles to keep them engaged while you shop.
- 5.Visit the information booth for a free market map and to ask about any kids' activities or special events happening that day.
Best Time to Visit
Visit right when the market opens at 8am for the coolest temperatures, best selection, and easier navigation with kids. Mid-morning (9-10am) offers the liveliest atmosphere with full entertainment but larger crowds.
What to Know
The market is free to attend and runs Saturday mornings from late April through October. Parking is available in nearby public lots, and the market is stroller-friendly on paved surfaces.
Seasonal Notes
The market operates Saturday mornings from late April through October, with peak produce variety in July and August. Cherry season (late June through July) is especially exciting for kids. The market does not operate during winter months.
Nearby Eats
The Omelette Shoppe on Front Street offers hearty breakfasts perfect for post-market appetites, while Kilwin's nearby serves ice cream and treats that kids love after a morning of shopping.
More Activities Near Traverse City
Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail
The Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail offers families a stunning 18-mile scenic drive through Michigan's wine country, perfect for a leisurely day trip that combines natural beauty with educational stops. While the wineries cater to adults, kids will love spotting cherry orchards, exploring historic lighthouses, playing at beach access points, and taking in panoramic views of both arms of Grand Traverse Bay.
Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve
Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve offers an exceptional blend of indoor and outdoor nature exploration perfect for curious kids. The interactive nature center features engaging aquariums and hands-on exhibits, while the scenic boardwalk trails wind through diverse natural habitats where families can spot local wildlife, birds, and native plants. With its impressive 4.8-star rating and extensive hours from dawn to dusk, this nature preserve provides a fantastic educational adventure that keeps children entertained while learning about Michigan's ecosystems.
Boardman Lake Trail
Boardman Lake Trail offers families a beautiful 3.5-mile paved loop around a pristine lake in the heart of Traverse City. The flat, well-maintained path is perfect for strollers, bikes with training wheels, and young walkers, with stunning water views and wildlife spotting opportunities that keep kids engaged throughout the journey.
Old Mission Peninsula Scenic Heritage Route
This stunning 19-mile scenic drive along Old Mission Peninsula offers families a perfect blend of natural beauty and hands-on fun. Kids will love stopping at farm stands to pick cherries or apples, playing on sandy beaches with shallow waters, and learning about local agriculture at family-friendly orchards. The winding route through rolling hills and farmland provides plenty of opportunities for photo ops, picnics, and exploring northern Michigan's agricultural heritage.