Mercer County is where New Jersey history, politics, and college life converge—and within this trifecta, there are lots of kid-friendly ways to explore it. Check out  Revolutionary War history in our state capital, walk the grounds of one of the country’s most famous universities, spend the day at Mercer County Park, or see farm life g century at Howell Living History Farm. Read on for kid-friendly things to do in Mercer County. (featured photo credit: NJ MOM)

20 Things To Do In Mercer County With Kids 

BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Mercer County is a one-of-a-kind place in the Garden State. Photo Credit: NJ MOM

BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham
 Tucked away in Mercer County, one of the more unique things to do is to explore this structure of Hindu Art, culture, and architecture. The BAPS took over a decade to build and is the largest Hindu temple in the United States, boasting the biggest elliptical dome of traditional stone architecture ever constructed. Sign up for a guided tour or plan to visit during one of their many events and celebrations at this stunning, one-of-a-kind site in New Jersey
112 N. Main Street, Robbinsville Township, NJ 08561

Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park
Hike or bike over 70 miles of trails stretching across three counties. The park’s segments include a trail from New Brunswick to Trenton, a canal towpath from Trenton to Bull’s Island, and a rail trail from Bull’s Island to Frenchtown.
Main Office: 145 Mapleton Road, Princeton, NJ 08540

Drumthwacket
The official residence of the Governor of New Jersey is a stately mansion and historic landmark that also houses a museum. The free museum is open on a limited schedule and offers guided tours of the six public rooms used by the Governor, along with fine art and antiques. And don’t miss the beautiful gardens, weather permitting.
354 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ 08540

Grounds For Sculpture
Introducing kids to art at a young age can help them develop a lifelong interest, and Grounds For Sculpture, located in Hamilton, is the kind of place where you can kick-start that passion. Families love Grounds for Sculpture because it’s not your typical museum—white-walled gallery spaces give way to the great outdoors, where contemporary artworks, installations, and sculptures are amid gorgeous gardens, trees, and shrubbery. The 42-acre property lets you get close to the art, and kids of all ages can feel like they stepped into a masterpiece.
80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, NJ 08619

Hopewell
Get all small-town vibes in this Mercer County town. Kids will want to make a pit stop at The Bear and the Books bookstore, with a sweet corner for reading the latest picture books, and check out twine for toys and gifts. Swing by Art Sparks, an art studio with classes, camps, workshops, and events, and then take a brunch break at Aunt Chubby’s Luncheonette, with buttermilk pancakes served at the counter. Beyond downtown is the Hopewell Quarry, a protected open space with a public swimming hole, and Hopewell Borough Gazebo Park, which has trails, a playground, and concerts. Up for a walk? Sourland Mountain Preserve and St. Michael’s Farm Preserve are ideal hiking spots. 

Howell Living History Farm
When you want to give your kids a peek into the 19th century, head to this Mercer County farm for a hands-on look at a working farm in action. The calendar follows the rhythms of farm life from 1890 to 1910, where you can see real farming up close, chat with farmers and interpreters, and sometimes even roll up your sleeves and lend a hand. Sign up for experiences like the Honey Harvest, Cider Pressing, and Tapping the Sugar Maples. 
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530

McCarter Theatre 
Watch a show at this nationally renowned, independent performing arts center located on the campus of Princeton University. McCarter has provided a home for artists since its incorporation as an independent nonprofit theatre in 1963, carrying on a legacy of artistic excellence dating back to the building’s opening in 1930. Take the kids to see a show any time of year, and you won’t want to miss America Repretory Ballet’s The Nutcracker during the holiday season.
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540

Mercer County Park
This park has 17 athletic fields, an ice skating center, a tennis center, festival grounds, and a boathouse/marina, including the Finn Caspersen Rowing Center. The park also has hiking trails, a bike trail and inline skating, picnic areas, small and large dog parks, and even sand volleyball courts. The grounds also include a Vietnam Memorial, 9/11 Memorial, and a Grandparents Grove. They also have a Mercer County Park Picnic Area Catering with Buzzetta’s Foods.
1638 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor Township, NJ 08550

Mercer County Wildlife Center
At this sanctuary in Lambertville, volunteers treat and rehabilitate sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife. The sanctuary cares for 15 permanent and transient residents, including local birds and NJ’s native animals, which you can see at the center, and lets you see what happens behind the scenes to help them return to the wild.
1748 River Road, Lambertville, NJ 08530

Morven Museum and Gardens
Visit the former home of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and five NJ governors, offering a peek into the past. Stroll the gardens, see the museum exhibits, and join the cultural and educational programs at this Mercer County museum. The Morven also hosts family events throughout the year, like the Fourth of July Jubilee, Festival of Trees, and various dance and art presentations.
55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ 08540

New Jersey State Museum
Visiting the New Jersey State Museum in the state capital feels like visiting four museums in one, with each area exploring a different part of New Jersey’s history. And the best part? It’s free to enter. Travel back in time with 2 million prehistoric and historical pieces in Archaeology & Ethnography. The Fine Art collection displays stunning works about New Jersey’s history and scenery in the latter 20th century. Discover everyday objects from the 17th century through the present in the Cultural History area. And finally, the museum’s Natural History exhibit features fascinating collections of native fossils, bones, minerals, and animal studies.
205 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608

Old Barracks Museum
Kids can travel back in time to this original military structure, built in 1758 as housing for British soldiers during the Colonial Wars and later used as a hospital during the American Revolution. History buffs will appreciate the collection of over 2,000 artifacts, ranging from fine art to militia, and exhibits spanning centuries of military history, the World’s Fair, and the Women’s Anti-Suffrage Movement. Check out their unique lineup, including reenactments, a park cleanup day, and a Sunday Tea.
101 Barrack Street, Trenton, NJ 08608

Princeton
With a rich history, Ivy League status, and family-friendly vibes, Princeton offers plenty to do for a day trip or staycation. Of course, there’s the renowned Princeton University, but downtown is worth a visit. If you’ve got a crew of multi-age kids, the Princeton Public Library in the heart of town has events for all ages, like storytime. Shopping in Palmer Square with stone and brick buildings and large windows feels like a movie set—each storefront oozes charm. Step into JaZams for some indoor fun with unique kids’ toys and books. Or dine where Paul Revere and Thomas Paine indulged over 250 years ago and enjoy a meal under the oak-timbered ceiling at the Yankee Doodle Tap Room in The Nassau Inn. 

Princeton Battlefield State Park
See the famous Mercer Oak, which once stood in the middle of the battlefield, near where General Hugh Mercer fell during the Battle of Princeton. In one of the fiercest battles of the American Revolution, the Battle of Princeton capped 10 days of maneuvering and fighting, including three battles, which began with Washington’s famous December 25, 1776 crossing of the Delaware. Today, from sunrise to sunset, you can visit the park for free and glimpse where history happened. 
500 Mercer Road, Princeton, NJ 08540

Princeton Canoe & Kayak Rental
Rent a kayak or canoe and paddle directly from the dock to the D&R Canal or take a short trip to the Stony Brook and Carnegie Lake. Picnic tables are on site, and hiking and bike-riding paths are available. You can choose from a variety of paddle options, and you and the family can paddle for an hour or stay out all day; it is a fun thing to do in Mercer County with the fam.
483 Alexander Street, Princeton, NJ 085240

Princeton University
Princeton University is one of the country’s oldest universities, and a walk on campus is a must. Visit Nassau Hall, damaged during the American Revolution, where British troops surrendered to General George Washington after the Battle of Princeton; it later served as the nation’s capital. Kids can see the United States’ largest cast-bronze sculpture at the Fountain of Freedom in Scudder Plaza. The free Cotsen Children’s Library includes Bookscape, a whimsical gallery with a two-story bonsai tree and cozy reading spots. For an insider’s view, join the Princeton Tour Company’s guided or self-guided tours.
1 Nassau Hall, Princeton, NJ 08544

Princeton University Art Museum
This free museum on the Princeton University campus is open to children of all ages. They also hold art-making special events, tours, and lots to see throughout the museum. On the third floor, you can visit the Mosaic Restaurant and grab a bite while taking in views of the Princeton University campus.
Elm Drive, Princeton University Campus, Princeton, NJ 08544

Terhune Orchards
Pick some fresh produce, keep kids busy with farm activities, and indulge in a wine tasting (yes, please) as Terhune Orchards checks off all the boxes. This family-owned and operated 250-acre, sustainable farm in Princeton, NJ, is an all-season favorite, especially with their family-friendly events like Fall Fun Family Weekends and a Firefly Festival in June. And no matter what time of year, you can stop by the farm store for fresh fruits, vegetables, apple cider, pies, and cookies.
330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, NJ 08540

Trenton Thunder Ballpark
Catch Trenton Thunder, a minor league (collegiate summer) baseball team in NJ, and their mascot, Boomer the Blue Thunderbird, at Trenton Thunder Ballpark. Boomer races kiddos across the field, sings “Happy Birthday” to those celebrating birthdays, and encourages fans to cheer loudly for Trenton Thunder at this Mercer County attraction. Keep your eyes peeled for bat dog Rookie, who makes an appearance during the first inning.
1 Thunder Road, Trenton, NJ 08611

Washington Crossing State Park
At this famous site where General George Washington crossed the Delaware River on Christmas Night in 1776, check out the Washington Crossing Visitor Center Museum, which features the Swan Historical Foundation’s collection of over 500 artifacts from the American Revolution, or see the original Johnson Ferry House, where General Washington is said to have spent the night. The site also has a nature interpretive center with preserved wildlife specimens, nature dioramas, terrariums, lightboard identification games, coloring pages, Native American artifacts, children’s books, outdoor bird feeders, and a diverse pollinator garden.
355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville, NJ 08560-1517

Become an NJ MOM Insider—sign up for the NJ MOM newsletter to get the lowdown on everything for your family, filled with in-the-know tips for NJ moms. And be sure to follow @NJMOM on social for all the latest info and family fun. 

(Includes material Copyright 2026 NJ MOM LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)