By Angela Hazen

There’s something about flea markets that bring shoppers back to the art of the barter. Vintage enthusiasts, designers and families with children shopping for daily items all turn out for these market days. There is an excitement in seeing customers finding treasures, making deals, and going home happy with their discoveries. With these Chicago area flea markets, there is a hustle and bustle of activity, with deals hard to find anywhere else.

(credit: Kane County Flea Market’s Facebook)

Kane County Flea Market
525 Randall Road
St. Charles, IL 60174
(630) 377-2252
kanecountyfleamarket.com

Shoppers make a day of browsing the Kane County Flea Market. This sprawling market is located at the Kane County Fairgrounds, and really has something for everyone. If your are into vintage merchandise or looking for something brand new, you will find those items and everything in between here. Usually, the market is held twice a month, so be sure to visit the website before visiting for event dates. Admission is $5 for adults, and children under 12 are free.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Wolff’s Flea Markets
Allstate Arena Parking Lot
6920 N. Mannheim
Rosemont, IL 60018
(847) 524-9590
wolffs.com

Wolff’s Flea Market in Rosemont takes up almost the entire parking lot with vendors and merchandise. You can tell right away why hundreds of vendors turn out to sell their merchandise here. Decorators, stylists and fashion lovers see many of these pieces as being one-of-a-kind. Shoppers will even see Ebay store owners shopping for these items here and selling them later. Admission is $1 for adults, $.50 for seniors and children between 6-12, and children under 6 are free.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Randolph Street Market
1340 W. Washington
Chicago, IL 60607
(877) 319-2643
www.randolphstreetmarket.com

If you would like some new finds for your home or closet, but want to have a look at more than what’s available at the local mall, consider enjoying a day of shopping for fashion and antique treasures at Randolph Street Market. Near the Windshield Repair Houston autobody shop, not only can you buy ethnic food and collectibles, you can even get appraisals and art restoration services. This market is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $10 at the gate, and there are a variety of online admission specials so be sure to check them out before heading down to the market.

Related: Guide to Randolph Street Market

Photo Credit: The Vintage Bazaar via Facebook

Vintage Bazaar
1106 W. Lawrence
(773) 276-1235
thevintagebazaar.com

Typewriters, projectors and pictures are some of the finds available at the Vintage Bazaar. This pop-up style flea market has moved from venue to venue in the recent years. For the avid flea market searcher, it’s worth the trip. If you have pieces that no longer suit you, bring them in and you’re sure to see someone grabbing up your finds after you put them back on the market. This market takes place at the Aragon Ballroom the second Sunday of the month in the summertime from Noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $5, and children under 12 are free.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

New Maxwell Street Market
500 W. Roosevelt
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 922-3100

This flea market has a different location and flavor from its famous Chicago blues past, but the crowds still keep coming. Tourists and locals alike shop for household items like toothbrushes and soap, not to mention auto parts, vintage shoes and hats. And when shoppers get tired, they eat from some of the best taco stands in the city while listening to live performers that venture through. Everyone who visits New Maxwell Street Market gets to experience this special piece of Chicago. This market is open Sundays between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Related: Best Shops for Discounted Designer Purses in Chicago