West Allis Farmers Market

About

The West Allis Farmers Market at State Fair Park is a wonderful weekend tradition where kids can experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of a bustling Wisconsin farmers market. Children love interacting with friendly farmers, sampling fresh produce, and discovering unique local products while parents shop for farm-fresh ingredients. It's an educational and sensory-rich outing that teaches kids about local agriculture, healthy eating, and community connection in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

What to Expect

Families will find rows of colorful vendor booths offering fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, baked goods, artisan crafts, and prepared foods. The market buzzes with activity as live musicians perform, kids sample treats, and vendors enthusiastically share stories about their farms and products. The spacious State Fair Park grounds provide plenty of room for kids to move around, and the friendly community atmosphere makes it easy to navigate with strollers and little ones. Many vendors welcome questions and enjoy teaching children about their farming practices and seasonal crops.

Highlights for Kids

• Sampling fresh fruits, veggies, cheeses, and baked goods from friendly vendors who love sharing with kids
• Meeting real farmers and learning where food comes from, including seeing photos of farms and animals
• Live music performances that create a festive, community atmosphere
• Discovering colorful, seasonal produce they might not see at regular grocery stores
• Choosing special treats like fresh donuts, honey sticks, or flavored popcorn to enjoy during the visit

Pro Tips for Families

1. Arrive early (within the first hour of opening) for the best selection, cooler temperatures, and easier parking,plus vendors are often more generous with samples when they're fresh
2. Bring a wagon or rolling cart to help kids pull purchases and give little legs a rest; the State Fair Park grounds are spacious and can involve lots of walking
3. Give older kids a small amount of money ($5-10) to choose their own produce or treat, turning the visit into a fun lesson about budgeting and healthy choices
4. Pack reusable bags and a cooler in your car for keeping purchases fresh, especially if you plan to stay for breakfast or explore the market for an hour or more

Best Time to Visit

The first hour after opening is ideal for families,you'll find the best selection, shorter lines at popular food vendors, cooler morning temperatures, and a less crowded atmosphere perfect for strollers and curious kids. If your children are early risers, this timing works perfectly and you can still be home before lunch. Mid-morning offers a livelier, more bustling atmosphere with full energy from musicians and vendors, though it can get busier.

Food & Drinks

The market features numerous prepared food vendors offering breakfast items, fresh pastries, coffee, smoothies, and kid-friendly options like flavored popcorn, cheese curds, and seasonal fruit cups. Many families make breakfast part of the experience, grabbing fresh donuts or pastries to enjoy while browsing. Vendors are typically happy to accommodate picky eaters, and the fresh fruit stands make for healthy, easy snacking. Bring water bottles to stay hydrated, especially on warm mornings, though beverages are available for purchase.

Parking & Access

Parking is plentiful at State Fair Park with designated lots near the market area, typically free or very affordable. The market grounds are stroller-friendly with paved surfaces and wide aisles between vendor booths, making it easy to navigate with wagons, strollers, or young walkers. Follow signs to the farmers market area upon entering the fairgrounds. The spacious layout means families don't feel cramped, and there's room for kids to move around safely while staying close to parents.