Teaching kids about history doesn’t have to mean spending the day in a museum surrounded by artifacts and long explanations. At Howell Living History Farm in Hopewell Township, near Lambertville, it’s the opposite—the whole family can experience what farm life was like in the late 1800s. What makes Howell special is its calendar, which follows the rhythms of a fully functioning New Jersey farm from 1890 to 1910. The farm feels like a step back in time, and its programs invite you to see how the farm worked, meet friendly farm animals, and let kids pitch in with seasonal jobs like making cider, collecting eggs, and caring for animals. And the best part? It’s all FREE. Keep reading to learn more about visiting Howell Living History Farm. (featured photo credit: NJ MOM)
Spend The Day At Howell Living History Farm
Step back in time
As soon as you arrive at Howell Living History Farm, you’ll feel like you’ve left the modern world behind. History comes alive as you explore the working farm, meet the animals, and watch farmers use traditional tools and techniques. The farm operated for 240 years until its last private owner, Inez Howe Howell, donated it to Mercer County in 1974. Visiting the farm takes you back to a time when horse-drawn buggies traveled the roads and to the start of the Industrial Revolution, when the craftsmen had to adapt to new ways of doing things.
Take part in hands-on learning
What sets the farm apart is that learning doesn’t mean sitting still and listening to a lecture or simply walking around—it’s through every part of the farm, where there’s a chance to learn about rural history and heritage by participating in hands-on activities, meeting interpreters in historic costume, and taking tours of the farm. Kids can meet horses, sheep, cows, and chickens, watch farmers plow fields with horse-drawn equipment, and explore historic barns and farm buildings. Depending on the season, you can help collect eggs, make apple cider, learn about maple sugaring, or take part in hands-on farm chores. It’s a peek into the past that gives kids a different perspective, and the hands-on experiences make history feel real and tangible for a memorable day.
Head to one of the fun events
On Saturdays, Howell Living History Farm runs special programming that involves the whole family in chores, contests, dances, exhibitions, and even ice cream socials. Check the special events calendar to turn a regular day at the farm into something the whole family will remember. Events include an Ice Harvest in January, Maple Sugaring in February, Henhouse Visits in April, Dairy Day in June, Fall Plowing in September, an Annual Corn Maze, and Christmas On The Farm in December.
Get involved and support the farm
Howell Living History Farm runs on community support, and you can get involved in a few ways. Volunteer at the farm, whether as a family, an individual, or a group. Another way is to join the Friends of Howell Farm, which includes a membership fee and, depending on the level, offers benefits like a discount at the gift shop or tickets to the Annual Corn Maze.
FAQs About Howell Living History Farm
How much does it cost to visit Howell Living History Farm?
Nothing! The parking and admission are free. You can explore the farm, see the animals, and enjoy many demonstrations each week at no cost. The exceptions are the seasonal corn maze and some special programs, which cost extra.
When is Howell Living History Farm open?
Howell Living History Farm is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Special events may have different hours, so check the calendar before heading out. Since this is a real working farm, weather, muddy fields, and animal needs can affect openings, so check the farm website before you go.
Can kids see farm animals at Howell Living History Farm?
The farm has all the typical animals you would see then and now—horses, pigs, sheep, chickens, and cows. Kids can take part in activities like helping collect eggs, mixing animal feed, or watching farmers care for the animals.
Is Howell Living History Farm stroller-friendly?
Yes, but the paths are a mix of gravel and dirt and can be uneven or muddy, so bring a stroller that can handle the terrain.
What is the best day to visit Howell Living History Farm with kids?
Saturdays because that’s when the farm typically hosts demonstrations and family activities, including seasonal programs like sheep shearing, maple sugaring, and harvesting crops. Check the calendar to see what’s happening.
Can you visit Howell Living History Farm without a scheduled program?
Yes—families can explore the farm on a self-guided tour, walk past historic buildings, visit the barnyard, and see the animals. Maps at the Visitor Center let you follow the farm’s 0.6-mile walking tour.
Are there bathrooms at Howell Living History Farm?
Yes, restrooms are near the Visitor Center and portable ones in the barnyard area.
Can you bring food or have a picnic at Howell Living History Farm?
Picnicking isn’t permitted on the farm grounds, so plan to eat before or after your visit. Some programs offer food, like the Ice Cream Social, so plan accordingly. Also, you can’t feed the farm animals unless it’s part of a specific program.
For more information about Howell Living History Farm, visit the website, Facebook page, and Instagram.
Howell Living History Farm
70 Woodens Lane
Lambertville, NJ 08530
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