Located on the banks of the Delaware River in Hunterdon County, Lambertville, New Jersey, is the kind of town that belongs on a movie set, and we’re not the only ones who think that. Thanks to its small-town charm, historic row houses, natural beauty, and friendly vibe, Lambertville has earned a place on the Forbes List of the prettiest towns in America. But there’s more than just beauty—Lambertville offers a fun day of adventure, unique food spots, and even a farm you can visit with the kids. Read on for what to do in Lambertville and find more great places to visit in our NJ MOM downtown guide. (featured photo credit: istock/aimintang)
6 Things To Do In Lambertville With The Kids
Explore the charming streets of downtown
Affectionately known as the “Antiques Capital of New Jersey,” you’ll want to explore Lambertville’s downtown, which brings you back to another era with its charming Victorian homes, art galleries, cafes, and beautiful scenery. Kids will want to check out La Chocolate Box for delish homemade candies like pop tart truffles, and for history buffs, take a walking tour given by the Historical Society before you leave.
Bring your appetite
Lambertville may be a small town, but there are plenty of spots for a meal that covers the formal to the family-friendly. If you’re looking for someplace different that your kids will love, the Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn is housed in a historic 19th-century station that overlooks the river and offers a more fine dining experience with lunch, brunch, and dinner with steak frites and seafood specialties (and a kids menu). Another option is Liv & Charlie’s Real Food, which is for breakfast and lunch with comfort good favorites like Challah French Toast with maple syrup, Mac and Cheese, or Chicken Salad.
Soak up the arts
Long known as a hub for creators, Lambertville’s streets are filled with galleries for browsing and buying. If you’re looking, start along W. Bridge Street, where Jim’s of Lambertville, Haas Gallery, and Artists’ Gallery have oil paintings, watercolors, sculptures, and classic and contemporary prints. For those who like the arts live, down the road, the Music Mountain Theatre offers theater productions, including Beauty and the Beast, Clue, and other shows for children.
Learn about our nation’s history at the Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead Museum
Want to bring the kids to learn about our nation’s beginnings? A visit to the Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead Museum is a must. John Holcombe was one of the first settlers in Lambertville, and in 1705, he began acquiring land along the Delaware River, some of which included half of the town. The biggest claim to fame for the farmstead dates back to 1777, when General George Washington and his aides, including Alexander Hamilton, stopped and stayed at the Holcombe House on the property. Today, the museum hosts special events throughout the year, and visits inside the museum are by appointment only.
Grab a sweet treat
Did someone say dessert? When you want to take a break and dive into the sweet stuff, there are plenty of places in Lambertville. At Chez Alice, you can sit at the cozy cafe and enjoy beautiful pastries, sip on dark chocolate cocoa, or bite into a sugar-dusted beignet with a coffee. Or, if you’re feeling like a traditional ice cream cone, stop into Owowcow, where you will find locally sourced ice cream made from scratch in delish and unique flavors like Blueberry Lemon and Honey Lavender.
Find adventure on the Delaware & Raritan Canal
With over 70 miles along the historical canal spanning multiple counties, exploring the picturesque scenery along the Delaware & Raritan Canal can make the day more like an adventure. Take a walk on the towpath that follows the canal’s shore, or rent a bike at Pure Energy Cycling on Main Street to cruise along the river, which comes alive in spring, summer, and fall.
Cross the border
One of the most fun attractions for kids in Lambertville is crossing the state border on the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge, which spans the Delaware River and connects Lambertville to New Hope, Pennsylvania. This steel bridge, built in 1904, has a concrete walking path with lighting, allowing you to take the entire town into a different state. As you walk along the bridge, look for the lines on the ground that indicate when you are leaving New Jersey and entering Pennsylvania. Pro tip: Stop here for a photo op.
Learn about the past at Howell Living History Farm
If your kids are curious about how things were done in the past, visiting Howell Living History Farm should be at the top of your list. This farm is rich in history, bringing you back to 1900 when horses and buggies were the only means of transportation and crops were harvested using simple tools. Depending on the season, you can watch and take part in helping the farmers plant and harvest crops, care for the animals, try maple sugaring, or learn about ice harvesting. Admission is free, and Saturday is the best day to stop by the farm, see the work in action, and have fun at one of the many events.
What to know before you go
Lambertville is an old city and can sometimes be challenging to navigate on foot, but there are narrow sidewalks throughout the town, though they are narrow and hard to navigate with a stroller. There is metered parking around most of the town except for residential areas, where you can park for free. There are two metered lots near town—one at the library and another by the municipal court. Whether you are into antiques, family fun, or festivals, there’s likely an event happening all seasons. Check out the events page before you go and take part in what’s going on.
Become an NJMOM Insider! For all the best things to do with your family around New Jersey, sign up for our weekly newsletter, delivered right to your inbox. Don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured on our social media.
