We took the most expensive part of family weekends and made it free.
Free Family Market is a recurring community market built around one rule: a family should be able to show up with nothing but a stroller and still have a great morning.
One anniversary party got out of hand
In August 2026 a Mission Valley preschool threw a one-year anniversary party on its parking lot. A hundred and fifty families RSVP'd on almost no advertising, the bounce houses never emptied, and local vendors sold out of things they'd brought "just in case."
The obvious question was why that only happens once a year. So we turned it into a standing appointment: every other Saturday, same lot, free to walk in — and then did it in a second town.
Today Free Family Market runs in Mission Valley and Ramona, with room for more lots and more towns.
Free for families, funded by the people who want to meet them
Three groups make each market pay for itself — and none of them are the families walking in.
Sponsors
Local businesses underwrite the attractions in exchange for real face time with local parents. Our title sponsor covers the base cost of the market.
Vendors
Up to 30 makers and small businesses pay a modest booth fee for three hours in front of a buying crowd.
Host sites
Schools, businesses and centers with empty weekend lots host the market. They get a full lot and a neighborhood full of goodwill.
Four promises
Free means free
Walking in, the bounce zones, the crafts, the music. No wristband upsell at the gate.
Local first
Independent makers and neighborhood businesses over national brands and direct-sales reps.
Dependable
Every other Saturday, rain or shine, so it can become a habit instead of an event.
Actually for kids
If a three-year-old wouldn't have fun, it doesn't go on the schedule.
Nese Kids Care keeps this market free
Early education centers in Mission Valley and Ramona. Nese Kids Care underwrites the market so every family gets in free. Visit Nese Kids Care →
Got an empty Saturday lot?
If you run a school, church, business park or shopping center, we bring the vendors, attractions, advertising and crowd. You bring the pavement.