Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Sara Hardy Farmers Market
★4.6(404 reviews)FreeNature
🕑 1-1.5 hours👶 Best for all ages. Toddlers enjoy the sensory experience of colorful produce and live entertainment, while older kids can help select ingredients and learn about where their food comes from.🧡 Saved by 70+ families
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.
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