Hunterdon County is one of those places where you can still find what New Jersey was like a century ago, with rolling hills, historic farms, and charming villages that look as if time has never passed. Of course, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly activities to explore our state’s history and keep everyone entertained. Take a ride on the vintage Black River & Western Railroad, experience the world’s largest miniature wonderland at Northlandz, or walk around the Red Mill Museum Village, which includes the Red Mill dating back to 1810. Keep reading for our top kid-friendly things to do in Hunterdon County. (featured photo credit: istock/KenWiedemann)

Kid-Friendly Spots To Visit In Hunterdon County

Black and River Railroad Hunterdon County nj mom — *Take a train ride on the Black River & Western Railroad any time of the year. Photo Credit: Black River & Western Railroad*

Black River & Western Railroad
Looking for a scenic train ride in NJ where you can view gorgeous scenery and enjoy a themed train ride? This Hunterdon County railroad has a Pumpkin Train that takes a trip to Pumpkin Junction, where the whole family can pick pumpkins, get lost in a giant corn maze, grab a wagon ride, and more before hopping back on the train to Flemington Station. Or stop by for the holidays and take the Santa Express. Other trains include the Festival Hopper, Easter Bunny Express, the Historic Tour & Train Ride, and the Car Show Cruiser.
80 Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ 08822

Delaware & Raritan Canal
With over 70 miles of historic canal spanning multiple counties, exploring the picturesque scenery along the Delaware & Raritan Canal can feel like an adventure. Take a walk on the towpath that follows the canal’s shore, or rent a bike to cruise along the river, which comes alive in spring, summer, and fall.

Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead Museum
John Holcombe was one of the first settlers in Lambertville, and in 1705, he began acquiring land along the Delaware River, including 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 are by appointment only.
1605 Daniel Bray Highway, Lambertville, NJ 08530

Howell Living History Farm
This farm is rich in history, taking you back to 1900, when horses and buggies were the only means of transportation and crops were harvested with simple tools. Depending on the season, you can watch and help 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 enjoy one of the many events.
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530

Hunterdon Art Museum
This museum, in a nineteenth-century stone mill listed on the National Historic Register, is a center for contemporary art, craft, and design, with rotating exhibits that focus on the 1930s to the present by internationally recognized artists as well as artists from the region. Take a painting class, drawing class, or even a material magic class where your kids can learn about color, texture, and form. Or visit the Toshiko Takaezu Terrace with sculptures by Tom Otterness and Takaezu.
7 Lower Center Street, Clinton, NJ 08809

Hunterdon County Arboretum
This living museum has a variety of trails including the Dogwood Trail, the Boardwalk/Wetland Study area, and the Bridge Trail. Kids will also want to go on the Wizard Walk, which includes animal hiding spots, a discovery box, and even a castle. While you are there, you can enjoy the display gardens, and don’t miss the wedding gazebos, including the 1893 two-story gazebo surrounded by rose bushes.
1020 Highway 31, Lebanon, NJ 08833

Lambertville Hunterdon nj mom — *If you are looking for things to do in Hunterdon County, visiting Lambertville is always a good idea. Photo Credit: NJ MOM*

Lambertville
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-Tarts truffles, and history buffs can take a walking tour led by the Historical Society before you leave. Or grab a bite to eat at the Lambertville Station Restaurant, a historic 19th-century station.

Mad Lavender Farm
This Hunterdon County lavender farm pays homage to Lewis Carroll, the creator of Alice in Wonderland, by adding a touch of fun to its creations at this lavender oasis. Once you get to the farm, you can shop for artisan products, take goat yoga classes, sip on lavender lemonade, and take in the aroma of seven varieties of lavender, all grown organically without chemicals or pesticides. The farm offers lavender picking with a staff tutorial on how best to pick lavender stems, plus workshops on how to use lavender.
452 County Road 579, Milford, NJ 08848

New Hope-Lambertville Bridge
Cross 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, features a concrete walking path with lighting, allowing you to take in the entire town in a different light. 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.
W. Bridge Street, New Hope, PA 18939

Northlandz bridge Hunterdon County nj mom — *Northlandz is a miniature wonderland in Hunterdon County. Photo Credit: NJ MOM*

Northlandz
Enter the world’s largest miniature wonderland, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. From the second your kids set foot inside the museum, they’ll be whisked into a dreamlike world far away—the tiny trains zipping through mountains, crossing sky-high bridges, weaving through bustling little towns, and disappearing into tunnels that seem to go on forever. Plus, kids can ride a real locomotive outside, see a vintage doll collection, or attend a seasonal event like Thomas the Train Day.
495 Route 202, Flemington, NJ 08822

Red Mill Museum Village
The Red Mill Museum Village is a historic museum complex located in Clinton, part of the Lenapehoking, the traditional territory of the Lenni-Lenape people. The centerpiece of the museum is the 1810 Red Mill, and it includes the mill, a quarry with an office and stone crusher and sorter, a schoolhouse, a log cabin, and an operational blacksmith shop. Explore 12 buildings and their exhibitions (which include both permanent and rotating) of its collection of 40,000 artifacts. Throughout the year, the museum hosts a variety of events and programs, including craft fairs, art shows, music festivals, and historical reenactments.
56 Main Street, Clinton, NJ 08809

Spruce Run Recreation Area
This Hunterdon County Recreation Area is ideal for picnicking, camping, boating, fishing, swimming, and many year-round outdoor activities. It is also one of the first water supply facilities to be constructed and operated by the state, and it’s the third-largest reservoir in the state after Round Valley and Wanaque reservoirs.
68 Van Syckles Road, Clinton, NJ 08809

Stangl Factory Market
Housed in the original Stangl pottery factory, this unique atmosphere makes it fun to browse through purveyors with locally sourced vegetables, grass-fed meats, bread, cheeses, pasture-raised eggs, specialty prepared foods, and desserts. The market also has many beautiful artisan goods, including handmade baskets, turned wood, soaps and bath products, and handspun yarn.
Mine Street & Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ 08822

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