Explore the farmers' market at the RFK parking lot as part of a fun-filled, outdoor day.

One of the longest-standing farmers' markets in the city, the RFK Stadium Open Air Market is open Thursdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., including during the pandemic. Just off the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail in a large parking lot at RFK Stadium, the market is along Benning Road NE. Since the market is in a parking lot, there is always free parking just outside of the stands. 

Entrance to the market is free. Once you're inside, walk the pathfinding vendors selling produce, clothes, home goods and other oddities. During the summer, spend $12 on a massive watermelon that will last all week. On Saturdays, follow the smoke to Koite Grill, a top-rated Senegalese food stand selling lamb and chicken kebabs and jollof rice. Koite Grill doesn't take credit cards; they are cash-only or accept payment through the Cash App. (Download it before you go.) 

The market itself isn't shaded so bring sunscreen and hats. If you want shade, walk a few feet away to The Fields at RFK, a recreational area full of soccer fields, plazas and a large playground. The playground is popular among neighbors and kids love watching the Metro emerge aboveground nearby. There's a shaded area with tables and chairs and two vending machines with water, juice and soda. There's hand sanitizer at the playground's entrance. 

Behind the playground is the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail that leads to Kingman Island, a man-made island that's now a nature preserve with more than 100 different species of birds, mammals and other wildlife.Trails weave throughout the island with shaded picnic tables along the Anacostia River. There are free canoes on weekends if you promise to pick up trash from the river, a welcomed opportunity to teach kids about taking care of the earth. 

With fresh produce, Koite grill, a playground and a nature preserve, it makes for the perfect day!