If you’re looking for a low-key, reliable way to entertain the kids (and yourself) on the weekend, how about a little treasure hunting at these local indie and flea markets? The weekly or monthly events offer plenty of vintage and handmade finds for you to discover, plus live music, crafts and games for little ones. Read on for all the details.
Melrose Trading Post
This longstanding flea market (it's been around for more than 20 years) recently introduced kid-friendly Melrose Mornings, featuring a mini putt-putt course, arts and crafts, face painting and more. While you peruse the antique furniture, vintage clothes and handmade wares, your partner can (hopefully!) supervise the kids during the two-hour event.
When: Every Sun., 9a.m.-11a.m.
Where: 7850 Melrose Ave.
Fairfax
Online: melrosetradingpost.org
Los Feliz Flea
After a brief hiatus during the holidays, this local market is back at John Marhsall High School in Los Feliz. Organized by The Odd Market (the same group that hosts Odd Nights at the Autry and the LA Zoo's Winter Wild Weekends), the Los Feliz Flea has plenty for kids to enjoy, including games, live music and food trucks.
When: Every Sat., 11a.m.-4p.m.
Where: John Marhsall High School
3939 Tracy St.
Los Feliz
Online: theoddmarket.com/losfelizflea
Smorgasburg LA
While technically not a flea market, Smorgasburg LA is an open-air event featuring top food vendors serving up Korean dumplings, Peruvian tacos, "Salt n Peppa Lobsta" and more. Plus, once a month the market also hosts Hecho in LA, with a live DJ and the family-friendly I Love Micheladas beer garden.
When: Every Sun., 10a.m.-4p.m.
Where: ROW DTLA
777 Alameda St.
Downtown
Online: la.smorgasburg.com
Topanga Vintage Market
Bring the family to Pierce College in Woodland Hills to discover more than 200 vendors, great food trucks and live music at the Topanga Vintage Market. Be sure to keep an eye out for local artisans providing free demos for kids to enjoy.
When: Every 4th Sun. of the month
Where: Pierce College
Victory Blvd. & Mason Ave.
Woodland Hills
Online: topangavintagemarket.com
Silver Lake Flea
While it may not have the same kid-friendly games and entertainment as Melrose and Los Feliz, this neighborhood market is chock-full of colorful and unique finds (both vintage and handmade), along with friendly vendors, including some pint-sized entrepreneurs. The vibe is cool and hipster-y, but in a fun-filled, welcoming way. Added bonus: It's free.
When: Every Sat., 9a.m.-4p.m.
Where: 2007 Reservoir St. (behind Taix)
Silverlake
Online: silverlakeshop.com
Odd Nights at The Autry
This popular artisan market and evening festival may be on hiatus during the winter months, but be sure to mark your calendar for its return in Jun. Bring a blanket and spread out on the sprawling Autry Museum lawn where there's inflatables in one direction and food, craft and toy vendors in the other. But that's not all: There's also live music, donation-based balloon sculptures and all the food trucks.
When: Every 3rd Fri. of the month (Jun.-Oct.)
Where: Autry Museum of the American West
4700 Western Heritage Wy
Griffith Park
Online: theoddmarket.com/autry
-Shannan Rouss
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