At the Farmers Market: Kids Stuff - Fun & Facts

The TOP BANANA is waiting for you at the Northville Farmers Market to introduce your children to fresh Michigan grown produce.

Bananas don't grow on farms in Michigan, so our banana should be fairly easy to find.  It's a full size plastic banana with big eyes and a smile.  Hidden in a different stall each week, it's in plain sight among fruits, vegetables, flowers and other local products.

Once the TOP BANANA is located, tell the vendor, and have a quick conversation about the product, how to prepare it, or how it grows.  You're already teaching your children about healthy eating and fresh foods!

Young children may enjoy a simple scavenger hunt at the Market.  How many things can they find that are red, purple, or yellow?  Teach them the names of the fruits, vegetables and flowers as you find them.  A five senses scavenger hunt is also fun.  Find and experience one item for each of the five senses; sight, sound taste, smell, and touch.

Talking to the farmers is interesting for older kids.  What is a hoop house?  How many apples do you get from one tree?  How does kohlrabi grow?  What are heirloom vegetables?  Worm castings--really?  Encourage older kids to shop for, and buy one food item they've never tasted before.  Help them prepare and sample it.

There are many other "kid-friendly" activities ongoing at the Market.  Make a bracelet, take home a free coloring picture at the white building, shop for a "Glitterbug", taste a ripe Michigan cherry, get a kid-sized sample of kettle corn, and pet the PAWS FOR A CAUSE puppies that socialize at the Market.

While the kids are enjoying the Market, shop for your holiday food items this week.  In season now are: cherries,  carrots, fennel, peas, green onions, radishes, leeks, escarole, cauliflower, zucchini, salad greens, redskin potatoes, raspberries, some strawberries, and much more...  Also available for your picnic is ice cream sauce, baked goods of all kinds, honey, cheese from Zingermans, brown eggs, pasta, pierogis, pickles, raw foods, and gluten free baked goods.  Don't forget some dog treats!

...did I mention there's a sweet treat for those who find the TOP BANANA?

See you at the Market!

www.northville.org/events/farmers market

Facebook: Northville Farmers Market