Shopping at the state farmers' market off Lake Wheeler Road in Raleigh isn't always a leisurely experience. If I end up getting there at peak time on a weekend, which is about the only time I can manage, I just want to grab my peaches and beans and run. 

The Carrboro Farmers' Market was a completely different experience when my mom, daughter and I visited one Saturday morning several weeks ago.

While there might not have been the same amount of produce, there was a lot more variety - from conventionally grown produce to organics to lots of homemade baked goods. including a blueberry muffin we picked up for less than $2 and some refreshing herbal iced tea for a $1 or so. I wish I brought a big cooler for all the meat at the market. The crafts were fun to look at. And the whole experience just seemed less institutional.

Sure that was all great for me. But what really made it stand out for my four-year-old was the small playground for kids. Shaded with a tarp, it's completely fenced in and off to the side toward the back of the market. It's not huge, but enough for an antsy kid to play especially after a longer than usual car trip from Raleigh.

Definitely worth the drive if you're in Wake County for a visit.

The market is open 7 a.m. to noon Saturdays and 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Click here for more information and maps. 

Looking for something new to do with your kids? Go to www.trianglemom2mom.com/play and check back here every Thursday.