Every Wednesday through October (rain or shine) from 9:30a.m.-1:30p.m. the entire block in front of the City Market (just East of Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis) is taken up with several dozen local companies and farmers selling their wares including flowers, meat, cheese, vegetables and fruits. Not only are farmers markets one of the best ways to support our local economy it's a great way to introduce our kids to what's in season and where food actually comes from.

What makes the City Market on Wednesdays even better is that there are free concerts from local artists performed at lunchtime. Last summer one of our favorite free things to do in Indianapolis was to pack up a lunch on Friday and head down to the market to listen to whatever band happened to be playing. Our favorite last year were the South African Drummers.

There isn't even a need to pack a picnic, there are several places in the Market where you can purchase anything from Chinese food to a Kosher deli sandwich. I've always found that parking at the mall and walking over with a stroller is the easiest most hassle free way to spend the afternoon at the City Market with little kids.