Photo: Grasshopper Farms
Photo: Grasshopper Farms
Photo: Wesley White
Grasshopper Farms
★4.7(117 reviews)$Farm
🕑 1-2 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers love the playground and sweet treats from the ice cream shop, while elementary-aged kids enjoy exploring the farm setting and sampling fresh local foods. The open, outdoor environment is perfect for little ones who need space to move around.🧡 Saved by 100+ families
About
Grasshopper Farms in Knightdale is a delightful farm destination that combines a farmers market with family-friendly attractions including a playground, ice cream shop, and garden center. Kids can enjoy fresh treats, explore the farm atmosphere, and play while parents shop for local produce, baked goods, and handcrafted items from community vendors.
Highlights
- ✓On-site playground where kids can burn energy while parents finish shopping
- ✓Ice cream shop and confectionery offering sweet treats made with local ingredients
- ✓Saturday morning farmers market with fresh produce and baked goods kids can help select
- ✓Authentic farm atmosphere that provides an educational experience about where food comes from
- ✓Garden center where families can pick out plants to grow together at home
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early on Saturday mornings (around 9 AM opening) for the freshest produce selection and to enjoy the market before it gets busy
- 2.Bring cash for smaller vendors, though many accept cards - having both payment options ensures you won't miss out on any treats
- 3.Let kids pick out a special treat from the ice cream shop or confectionery section as a reward after helping shop at the market
- 4.Pack sunscreen and hats for sunny days since much of the farm experience is outdoors
- 5.Check their social media before visiting for seasonal offerings like U-pick opportunities or special farm events
Best Time to Visit
Saturday mornings between 9-11 AM offer the best market experience with full vendor selection and a lively community atmosphere. Weekday afternoons (Tuesday-Thursday) are quieter if you prefer a more relaxed visit focused on the garden center and ice cream shop without market crowds.
What to Know
Free admission with individual purchases from vendors and shops. Ample parking is available on-site, and the outdoor setting makes stroller navigation easy. The ice cream shop and confectionery provide quick snack options for hungry kids.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with the Saturday market running consistently. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for extended outdoor visits. Summer brings peak produce season with the most variety, while the garden center shines in spring planting season. Closed Sundays.
Nearby Eats
Knightdale Station Brewery (5 minutes away) offers a family-friendly atmosphere with outdoor seating and a kids menu. For quick bites, Cook Out on Knightdale Boulevard provides affordable, fast casual options that appeal to children.
More Activities Near Knightdale
Park
Knightdale Station Park
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Knightdale Station Park is a beloved community hub that delivers everything families need for a perfect outdoor day. With its well-maintained playground equipment, spacious picnic shelters, and scenic walking trails winding through open fields, this central park has earned its impressive 4.8-star rating from thousands of local families who return again and again.
Restaurant
The Depot on First
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The Depot on First is a welcoming southern comfort food spot that makes family dining easy with its generous, shareable portions and kid-friendly menu. The relaxed atmosphere means parents don't have to stress about noise levels, and the diverse menu featuring barbecue, seafood, and pasta ensures even picky eaters will find something they love.
Ice Cream
Bruster's Real Ice Cream
★4.2$❤️22
Bruster's Real Ice Cream in Knightdale is a family favorite where kids can watch their sweet treats being made fresh daily. With dozens of rotating flavors, colorful sundaes, and thick shakes, it's the perfect spot for a quick after-dinner treat or to celebrate small victories. The outdoor seating makes it easy for kids to enjoy their cones without worrying about spills, and the friendly staff is patient with little ones who need extra time deciding.