Tiny Weekends
Newark Natural Foods Co-Op
Photo: Peggy S (via Google)
market

Newark Natural Foods Co-Op

Groceries, Café 67, a Sunday market, and library music mornings — pick a reason to go, then keep the outing small.

209 Newark Shopping Center, Newark, DE 19711

Hours

Closed today

Show the week
Fri Closed
Sat Closed
Sun 9:30 AM – 2 PM
Mon Closed
Tue Closed
Wed Closed
Thu Closed
  • Cafe 67: 8 AM – 7 PM

Last checked 2026-10-19

Cost
Free
Best for
Ages 2+ for Jitterbugs; all ages for shopping
Indoor / outdoor
Indoor & outdoor
Typical visit
30 minutes for Jitterbugs; we suggest a short browse afterward
Not stroller friendlyBathroomsLittle shadeNot fencedFood on siteEasy parking

4 upcoming events here →

The Quick Version

  • • A grocery co-op in the Newark Shopping Center, not a play space. Families come for one of three things: a library music class, the Sunday market, or a café stop.
  • • Newark Free Library runs Jitterbugs Music & Movement here on Wednesdays, 10:30–11:00 AM, best for ages 2+. Register for each date separately.
  • • The Co-op Farmers Market runs Sundays 9:30 AM–2:00 PM, May through November, rain or shine. SNAP/EBT is accepted at the market.
  • • Café 67 has breakfast sandwiches until noon, ready-made lunches, smoothies and coffee.

Best Ages

Ages 2+ for Jitterbugs; all ages for shopping

Plan For

30 minutes for Jitterbugs; we suggest a short browse afterward

Adults

Free to walk in

Kids

Free to walk in

What to Expect

Think of this as an errand with a family activity attached. Newark Natural Foods is a member-owned grocery co-op that began in 1967 as a neighborhood food-buying club, with its own café, Café 67, and a Sunday farmers market. Anyone can shop; you don't have to join.

Jitterbugs is the main draw for little kids. It's Newark Free Library's music-and-movement time, held at the co-op: stories, singing, dancing and games, 30 minutes on Wednesday mornings. Register each date with an email address, enter one child's name, and count only the children in your party. Spots are limited, so register ahead rather than walking in.

On Sundays from May through November the Co-op Farmers Market is a chance to buy straight from local growers and makers. Keep it a browse: it's a market, not entertainment, so a short loop and a café treat is a good outing with a toddler.

Who It's Best For

The library recommends Jitterbugs for ages 2+. For babies, our suggestion is a short food stop rather than expecting an activity designed for them.

Highlights

Jitterbugs Music & Movement

Ages 2+

Wednesdays 10:30–11:00 AM. Fall 2026 dates run October 14 to December 16 (no session November 11). Each date needs its own registration.

Sunday Co-op Farmers Market

Families who want a shopping outing

Sundays 9:30 AM–2:00 PM from the first weekend in May through the Sunday after Thanksgiving, rain or shine. SNAP/EBT accepted.

Café 67

Breakfast sandwiches until noon, then ready-made sandwiches, wraps and salads, plus smoothies, juice and coffee. Vegan desserts, with gluten-free options.

What to Skip with Little Ones

  • • Showing up for Jitterbugs without registering for that date.
  • • Expecting a play area: it's a grocery store.

Logistics

Admission

Adults

Free to walk in

Kids

Free to walk in

Under

Free to walk in

You don't need to be a member to shop. Jitterbugs is a library program and needs a registration for each date.

Membership tip: Membership is $10 (household, senior or student). Members who receive SNAP/EBT, WIC, SSI, TANF or Medicaid can apply for the free Food For All program, a 5% everyday discount renewed yearly.

Getting There

Parking

Park in the Newark Shopping Center lot; the co-op is at 209 Newark Shopping Center, off East Main Street.

Entrance

Jitterbugs meets at the co-op, not at the Newark Free Library building, so head to the shopping center.

Parent Logistics

Strollers Partial

The co-op doesn't post anything about strollers. It's a regular grocery store, so plan on normal aisles; the market is outdoors.

Bathrooms

Not listed on the co-op's site. Ask at customer care when you arrive.

Changing Tables

Not listed on the co-op's site.

Shade

The market is outdoors and runs rain or shine; dress for the weather.

Food & Snacks

Café 67 offers breakfast sandwiches until noon, plus ready-made sandwiches, wraps, salads, and sides. Smoothies, juice, and coffee are also listed.

Snack strategy: Café 67 is the easy snack: a breakfast sandwich before noon, or a smoothie after Jitterbugs. There's no posted kids' menu.

Pro Tips

  • ✓ Register for Jitterbugs as soon as dates post, and check your confirmation email for the details.
  • ✓ The market's last day is the Sunday after Thanksgiving (November 29 in 2026).
  • ✓ Store hours are Monday–Saturday 8 AM–8 PM and Sunday 9 AM–7 PM. The co-op's site lists two different closing times for Café 67, so call ahead if you're counting on a late café stop.

When to Go

Best Time to Visit

Choose a registered Wednesday program or Sunday market. Store hours: Monday–Saturday 8 AM–8 PM; Sunday 9 AM–7 PM.

Seasonal Notes

The market ends on the Sunday after Thanksgiving: November 29 in 2026, under the published season rule. Confirm before the final trip. The store is a separate option outside market season.

Rainy Day?

The market runs rain or shine. On a wet Sunday the café is the easier half of the trip.

Upcoming Events

Co-op Farmers Market — Newark Natural Foods

Sundays · next Sun, Oct 25 at 9:30 AM (5 dates)

Free All ages

This outdoor farmers market offers local produce, prepared foods, and artisan goods from various vendors. Families can support local businesses and connect with the people who make the products.

More info

Jitterbugs Music & Movement at Newark Natural Foods

Wednesdays · next Wed, Oct 28 at 10:30 AM (4 dates)

Free Ages 2+ indoor
RSVP

Families can expect a lively and interactive music and movement session designed for young children. Kids will get to sing, dance, and play engaging games, fostering a love for music and helping them burn off some energy in a fun, structured environment. Parents can enjoy watching their little ones participate and connect with other families.

More info

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