Grocery Shopping Made Fun at These Specialty Food Markets

The next time Old Mother Hubbard complains about your empty cupboards, take the kiddos on a cultural food tour and pick up groceries at the same time.

By Shannon Reed March 18, 2015

When was the last time you and the kids had fun while at the grocery store? That’s what we thought! Between asking for cookies to declaring how bored they are, your little shoppers are usually not too excited about it either. What if we helped you turn a mundane task like getting groceries into something fun the whole family could enjoy? Yes, it can happen!

There are several specialty and ethnic food markets across San Diego that offer a slightly different shopping experience where kiddos can explore, sample food and listen to music — all while you cross items off of your grocery list and grab something fun to make for dinner. Click through the slideshow to check out our favorite family-friendly specialty markets.

Balboa International Market

The Mediterranean meets the Middle East here in this dynamic market and grill. You won't be able to miss the line of people waiting for their lunch or dinner orders of kabobs, gyros or salads. Your own little kabobs will be amazed at the selection of cheeses, cured meats and bins of fresh olives that you all can sample. The highlight of this store is the in-house bakery that's constantly churning out lavash bread so big one of your kids might mistake it for a blanket. After you're done picking up your usual groceries, grab the lavash, cheese, salami and olives for a quick dinner. That is, if you can resist the smell of the fresh grill. Dinner may be take-out tonight!

5907 Balboa Ave.
San Diego, CA
858-277-3600
Online: balboamarket.com

What are your favorite places to shop for groceries that are off the beaten path? Tell us in the Comments!

—Shannon Reed (and photographs too!)