Learning from Local; Make your next market visit an opportunity to teach!

        The Horton Farmer’s Market is a special place for adults and children. All the full displays of vibrant colours, the sounds of voices and music, and the smells of baked goods and sweet fruits, a truly unique experiences in the eyes of a child. The Market provides a large assortment of vendors, fresh produce and gifts and an opportunity for a great family outing. 

     Children often become easily bored and fussy in ordinary grocery stores, aisles of cardboard boxes and plastic bags, with harsh lighting and long lines. You’ve seen it once; you’ve seen it all. Even I find myself bored and restless when grocery shopping as an adult! The Market, however, offers a brand new experience to youngsters- friendly vendors eager to share their products, room to explore indoors and outdoors, and often activities ` explicitly hosted for kids! A nearby tourism rack also provides many other events, sites and ideas throughout the summer to entertain the whole family. 

      The Market allows curious minds to ask questions and learn about the fresh fruits and vegetables they eat, grown locally, right from the farmers themselves. Encouraging healthy eating habits is a struggle for many parents. Still, by introducing children directly to the Market’s community and demonstrating the impact, children can understand the importance of locally grown produce. While none of the products contain flashy labels or mascots, these items are packed with essential nutrients. Take this time to teach your child the importance of supporting small, local businesses and how it benefits everyone. 

      The Market can also be used to learn about finances and build social skills. By offering your child the chance to purchase something, they will learn how to interact with others publicly, building social confidence and money-counting skills! Through learning the responsibility of money and its value, kids will cherish and understand the meaning of hard work, earnings and spending. 

      The fun and learning don’t stop after the Market closes! Try introducing your family to a new recipe using the fresh produce purchased. Kids love hands-on activities in which they play a role, making them feel important and part of a team. Having little ones help prepare meals can teach vital cooking lessons to encourage new hobbies and family traditions. 

     While school may be out for the summer, your kids have even more opportunities to learn through experiential learning right here in downtown St. Thomas, every Saturday from 8am to noon, growing our local economy and supporting small businesses and vendors! You may even make a market fan for life and find you have eager companion to attend the market with for years to come!

One such market companion from stroller days to being the one who pulls the cart!