Princeton has a number of nice activities on weekends for kids and their families. There are fewer choices on Sunday mornings, but Saturdays and Sunday afternoons definitely offer more options. Here are some places to go with kids in Princeton and the the tri-state area, plus one spot in Connecticut, during different times of the year.
Hungry for lunch? There are several pizzerias, 30 Burgers, Mamoun’s Falafel, Jammin’ Crepes, Subway, and Q’doba for quick eats. Try Winberie’s, Triumph Brewery, Yankee Doodle Tap Room, or Alchemist & Barrister for a serviced meal.
After lunch, make your way over to the youth section on the third floor of the Princeton Public Library. There’s a world of wonder there, including a fish tank, an enclosed furnished doll house, computers for playing games and learning, and of course, plenty of books and reading areas. The Cotsen’s Children’s Library is unique. Their Bookscape offers a wonderland experience, filled with whimsical over-sized objects and hidden reading nooks.
Next stop… JaZams! An exploratory toy shop right in the middle of town. Even teens and adults love coming here. It’s like a slice of FAO Schwartz, featuring some European brands, and toys made of wood instead of plastic.
How about a frozen dessert? There are plenty of places to choose from. Bent Spoon (artisan), Dolceria (gelato), Halo Pub (from Halo Farm), and Thomas Sweet (blend-ins) offer ice cream. Frozen yogurt can be bought at Fruity Yogurt and Princeton Pi.
If they still have energy and the weather is fine, bring them over to Community Park Pool for a swim, or Marquand Park on Lover’s Lane to play for a bit while you get to relax on a bench. Another option is Maggie’s Park on Spruce Street. Check out some other things you can do in and around town.
Looking forward to getting out of town? Here are some places to bring the little ones.
- Bowcraft Amusement Park – Caters to younger kids, no admission fee – tickets or POP, free parking
- Bronx Zoo – One of the largest zoos in U.S. with over 4,000 animals
- Adventure Aquarium – Nearby in Camden, shark tunnel allows you to see them swimming all around you
- Camelback Mountain Adventures – Mountain coaster, tree tops course, and zip lining
- Camelback Snowtubing – Biggest snowtubing park in U.S. with 42 lanes and two surface lifts
- Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark – Surfing simulator, wave pool, tube and mat slides, funnels
- CoCo Key – Indoor waterpark
- Crayola Experience – Let’s kids get creative
- Delaware River Tubing – Tube down the Delaware, eat a hot dog lunch in the water, and bus ride back to car
- Cape May Whale Watcher – Whale and dolphin watching
- Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom – Amusement park and water park, shorter wait times than Great Adventure
- Duke Farms – Bike riding, children’s programs, wildlife
- The Franklin Institute – Exhibitions, science activities, planetarium, and IMAX theater
- Funplex – Indoor activities(arcade, bumper cars, laser tag, etc) and outdoor activities (amusements rides, mini golf, etc.)
- Great Wolf Lodge – They have an indoor waterpark, 4D theater, ropes course, and kid spa
- Grounds for Sculpture – Sculpture garden
- Hayden Planetarium – Neil deGrasse Tyson directs the premiere planetarium of the country, IMAX theater
- Hershey Park – Amusement park with chocolate theme
- Howell Living History Farm – Exhibiting farming from 1890 – 1910, offering children’s programs, corn mazes, and more
- iPlay America – Indoor arcades, go karts, laser tag, bumper cars, 4D theater, and other indoor fun
- Jenkinson’s Aquarium – Small privately owned aquarium on the boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach
- Jenkinson’s Boardwalk – Arcades and amusement rides on boardwalk, plus beach
- Jersey Shore Pirates – Ahoy mateys! Before you set sail, get dressed as a pirate and have your face painted
- Kelsey Theatre – Select performances for kids
- The Land of Make Believe – Amusement and water park for younger kids, arcade games on boardwalk, free parking
- Liberty Science Center – Exhibitions, science activities, climbing wall, IMAX & 3D theater
- Medieval Times – Watch jousting tournaments while feasting on a 4-course “medieval” meal including beverage
- American Museum of Natural History – Exhibitions (featuring Fossil Hall) and tours (including Night at the Museum)
- Mystic Seaport – Top maritime museum in country
- New Hope & Ivyland Railroad – Steam engine rides – hourly and themed, featuring North Pole Express with Santa
- Ocean City Boardwalk – Arcades and amusement rides
- Philadelphia Zoo – First zoo in U.S., home to over 1,300 animals
- Rockville Climbing Center – Climbing wall with auto-belay system and belay lessons
- Safari Sam’s Oasis – Indoor and outdoor waterpark
- Sesame Place – Sesame Street themed amusement park catering to younger kids
- Six Flags Great Adventure – Amusement park, water park, and safari park – largest in area
- South Street Seaport Museum – Learn about foundation of NYC, board Ambrose and Peking ships at Pier 16
- Stony Brook Millstone Watershed – The Kid Zone is a fun way to educate kids about water usage
- Trenton Thunder – Minor league baseball, arcade section, occasional fireworks