Dupont Circle Farmers' Market
Going to a farmers’ market can be a great outing with a preschooler, and the market in Dupont Circle in Washington, DC, is one of the best. It’s a sensory feast with ample opportunity for you and your preschooler to see, smell, and taste fresh produce and other goodies straight from producers. It’s also open year round, so you can show your preschooler how produce changes through the seasons.
Getting There
Taking the Metro to the farmers’ market is the easiest way to go, unless of course you live close enough to walk. Take the Red Line to the Dupont Circle stop. When you exit the station, you’re about ten steps from the market. It’s located in the 1500 block of 20th Street, between Massachusetts Ave. and Q Street, by the PNC Bank.
Getting Around
The booths and tents at the market have plenty of space, with a wide path down the middle. The market is stroller friendly, and if your preschooler wants to walk, you can always use the stroller to carry your purchases!
What You’ll Find
Lots of the vendors have samples, and unlike grocery store samples, which are usually grease and fat laden frozen food items, you can nibble on fresh cucumbers, cheese, and peaches. The aroma of fresh flowers and herbs is pervasive, and vendors are happy to share information about their farms and processes.
In addition to fruits and vegetables, you’ll also find meat, poultry, seafood, baked goods, plants and flowers, fresh pasta, and natural soaps and herbal products. There is a wide array of organic products.
The size of the market is just about perfect for visiting with preschoolers. There are enough stands that you will find tons of variety, but not so many you’ll feel like you’ve run a marathon at the end. It also is laid out in an oval shape, so you don’t have to backtrack and can end up right back at the Metro station.
Tips for your Trip
Get there early (the market opens at 9 AM April to December, and 10 AM January to March). Not only will you avoid the heat of the day in the summer, but favorite products like fresh mozzarella and gazpacho can run out quickly. That said, there is plenty of shade in and among the booths as well, so you can avoid the sun. The market can get crowded, but people are very friendly. Just be patient and plan on taking your time. Many people bring their dogs, so be aware if your preschooler is timid. Maneuvering around them is pretty easy.
General Information
Freshfarm Market at Dupont Circle
1500 Block of 20th Street
Washington, DC
Hours: Sunday, 9-1 (April to December); 10-1 (January to March)