It’s no secret that today’s harder economic times makes it more difficult to stay within budget at the grocery store, let alone purchase all organic produce.  If you want to try organic and the closest Whole Foods or Gelson’s is a little too cost prohibitive, check out your local farmer’s market, where local growers have less overhead and less reason to pass on higher costs to you.

Below is a list of a few of L.A. Kid Stuff’s favorite kid and family-friendly Farmer’s Markets in the L.A. area so you can start cultivating the next generation of farmers market supporters in a fun and enjoyable way! Activities are usually free; pony and train rides have a minimal fee. L.A. Kid Stuff confirmed that these markets have vendors that are Certified Organic Farmers, or farmers who are 99% pesticide free.

Hollywood Farmer’s Market
Ivar between Sunset Blvd. and Hollywood Blvd.
Sundays
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
(323) 463-3171

The most fun part of this market for the really big kids is the more than 20 different musicians entertaining the crowds on any given Sunday. This is the heart of Hollywood after all, and with no permits necessary for musicians, the market is a virtual hotbed of talent. This is not to say that the music is strictly for the big people set; a market regular on the corner of Selma Ave. and Cosmo St. is a pied piper for little ones every week with his infectious drumming and encouraging audience participation. His medley of other musical instruments is free for the borrowing and playing. Free balloons at the info booth, and a balloon artist in the central area will make your favorite animal to order. An arts and crafts table is farmers market-appropriate, teaching kids to design a farm or garden out of found objects, eco friendly play dough and finger paints.

Studio City Farmer’s Market
Ventura Place, between Ventura and Laurel Canyon Boulevards
Sundays
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
(818) 655-7744
Website

The Studio City Farmer’s Market’s reputation as a kid-friendly place precedes itself. The reigning kid-friendly market by Los Angeles Magazine’s “best of” issue, there is something for everyone here. Animals, both of the balloon kind and the real kind for petting are in abundance. Train and pony rides, face painting and arts and crafts will keep your little one entertained and contained. Snow cones and live music make this market a cool summer destination for the whole family.

Pasadena Farmers Market (Victory Park)
North Sierra Madre Boulevard and Paloma Street
Saturdays
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
(626) 449-0179
Website

Do double duty on Saturday mornings at this market that is adjacent to Victory Park and two playgrounds for the kids. When you are ready for some serious shopping, musician King Swami will entertain the kids with his drums, rice shakers and various other musical instruments. You can start teaching your kids the benefits of conservation by sharing a little tidbit that King Swami carries all those instruments to the market while traveling on the bus! Now that’s an example all Los Angelenos can strive to emulate!

West Los Angeles Farmer’s Market
Corner of Purdue Avenue at Santa Monica Blvd.
Sundays
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
(310) 281-7855
Website

You’ll have forty-five vendors to browse through at this West Los Angeles Farmers Market, and your kids will have ponies and trains. A children’s craft table will bring out her inner artist. Each week a family band show entertains with live music.