Photo: H William Park
Photo: H William Park
Photo: Loquito Coquito RVA
Lakeside Farmers' Market
★4.5(206 reviews)FreeFarm
🕑 1-2 hours👶 Best for all ages. Toddlers enjoy the sensory experience of fresh produce and live music, while older kids can help select ingredients for family meals and explore craft vendors. The spacious layout accommodates strollers easily.🧡 Saved by 100+ families
About
Lakeside Farmers' Market transforms Saturday mornings into a delightful family outing where kids can sample fresh fruit, watch live musicians, and explore colorful vendor stalls. The relaxed, open-air atmosphere gives children room to roam while parents shop for local produce, handmade crafts, and ready-to-eat treats from food vendors.
Highlights
- ✓Live music performances that create an entertaining backdrop for browsing
- ✓Fresh fruit sampling from local produce vendors
- ✓Handmade crafts and artisan goods perfect for browsing with curious kids
- ✓Food vendors offering breakfast and lunch options for family meals
- ✓Family-friendly outdoor atmosphere with space for kids to move around
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early on Saturday morning (around 9:00 AM) for the best selection and smaller crowds, plus cooler temperatures in summer months
- 2.Bring small bills and cash as many vendors may not accept cards, and consider giving older kids a few dollars to make their own purchase
- 3.Pack reusable bags and let kids carry their own small bag to feel involved in the shopping experience
- 4.The Sunday hours (11 AM-3 PM) tend to be less crowded if you prefer a more leisurely pace
- 5.Check out the live music area and bring a blanket so kids can enjoy snacks while listening to local performers
Best Time to Visit
Saturday mornings between 9:00-10:30 AM offer the perfect balance of good vendor selection before items sell out, pleasant weather, and manageable crowds. Spring and fall provide the most comfortable temperatures for browsing outdoor stalls.
What to Know
The market operates outdoors, so dress for the weather and bring sunscreen in warmer months. Free parking is typically available on-site, and many food vendors offer kid-friendly breakfast and lunch options.
Seasonal Notes
The market operates year-round on Saturdays, with additional Wednesday and Sunday hours. Summer brings peak produce variety and longer outdoor comfort, while fall features seasonal items like pumpkins and apple cider. Winter months may have reduced vendor turnout but offer a cozy community atmosphere.
Follow Lakeside Farmers' Market
Nearby Eats
Lakeside Avenue has several family-friendly restaurants within walking distance including casual cafes and pizza spots, though the market's own food vendors offer plenty of options for breakfast or lunch during your visit.
More Activities Near Lakeside
Park
Lakeside Park Club
★4.6$❤️11
Lakeside Park Club is a well-equipped neighborhood recreation hub that goes beyond a typical park experience. With tennis courts, a swimming pool, basketball courts, playground equipment, and sprawling green spaces, it offers families a full day of varied activities all in one convenient location.
Park
Bryan Park
★4.5Free❤️157
Bryan Park is a sprawling family paradise in Richmond that offers something for every age and energy level. With colorful azalea gardens, multiple playgrounds, disc golf courses, wide walking trails, and open athletic fields, families can easily spend an entire day exploring without running out of activities. The park's excellent maintenance and variety of amenities have earned it rave reviews from thousands of local families.
Restaurant
Early Bird Biscuit Company
★4.4$❤️43
Early Bird Biscuit Company is a beloved Southern breakfast and brunch spot that welcomes families with open arms and hearty comfort food. Kids will love the fluffy biscuits and classic breakfast favorites, while parents appreciate the casual, relaxed atmosphere where little ones can be themselves without worry.
Library
San Diego County Library – Lakeside
★4.4Free❤️19
The San Diego County Library, Lakeside branch is a welcoming community hub that goes beyond books, offering engaging storytimes, creative children's programs, and helpful homework assistance for students. With a strong 4.4-star rating from local families, this library provides a calm, educational environment where kids can discover new interests while parents enjoy free programming and resources.