Best Attractions in Princeton for Families

There are activities for kids all year at Terhune Orchards. Photo courtesy of Terhune Orchards.

1. Terhune Orchards 

This MP fave is a beautiful pick-your-own farm that offers all the usual fare: pumpkins, apples, strawberries, cherries, and more. Don't miss the “read and pick” program, where children are read a story pertaining to a certain fruit (or flower) and then they go off to pick it. And every year in May is Terhune's annual spring festival, Kite Day.

The Morven Museum is a great place to enjoy indoor and outdoor events. Photo courtesy of the museum

2. Morven Museum and Garden

Families can enjoy storytime, crafts, and other events for children at the Moren Museum and Garden.

3. Pi Day Princeton (3/14)

It's said to be the planet's biggest celebration of Pi Day and Einstein's birthday with pie eating, an Einstein lookalike contest, a Pi recitation contest for pre-teens, performances, and more.

4. Go canoeing

From March through November, rent a canoe and paddle down the D&R Canal, Stony Brook, or Carnegie Lake.

5. See a show

Princeton has great places to see live performances such as the renowned McCarter Theatre or Paul Robeson Center for the Arts.

RELATED: A Dozen Museums for Kids and Families in Central and Southern NJ

6. Princeton University Art Museum

Enjoy self-guided tours at Princeton University Art Museum and drop-in Saturday morning Family Time, which includes an activity followed by a related art project. Note that the main museum is under construction and will reopen in 2025.

Best Things to Do in Princeton with Kids

The enormous Princeton Playspace will keep your kids entertained for an entire day! Photo courtesy of the playspace.

7. Princeton Playspace 

Princeton Playspace is a 5,000-square-foot indoor playground featuring a jungle gym, construction area, train table, tree, pretend town, and other attractions.

Enjoy kid-friendly activities at the Communiversity Arts Festival. Photo courtesy of the Princeton Arts Council

8. Communiversity ArtsFest

This spring arts festival features 225+ artists, crafters, merchants, continuous live entertainment on six stages, kid-friendly activities, food, and more.

9. Take a tour

Join up with Princeton Tour Company and take a weekend walking tour of Princeton, or a ghost tour...if you dare!

10. Princeton Festival

Introduce kids to opera and classical music at the Princeton Festival, a performing arts summer festival featuring workshops, choral music, musical theater, jazz, opera, and chamber music.

11. Go shopping

Shop and grab a bite at the park-like Princeton Shopping Center or Palmer Square. Look for events at Palmer Square like the annual kids block party sponsored by jaZams (an independent toy and book shop), storytime at Homestead, and the annual Christmas tree and Menorah lighting in December.

A performance of the opera Peter Grimes at the Princeton Festival.

12. Princeton Festival

Introduce kids to opera and classical music at the Princeton Festival, a performing arts summer festival featuring workshops, choral music, musical theater, jazz, opera, and chamber music.

RELATED: Play Spaces with Drop-in Hours for Central New Jersey Kids

Keep the whole family entertained in the Tumble Zone. Photo courtesy of Tumbles Princeton

13. Tumbles Princeton

Enjoy open gym (ages 4 months to 10 years) or the Tumble Zone (ages 3 and up) at Tumbles Princeton, where kids can slide, crawl, bounce, and tumble. Open for parties and classes, too.

14. See Einstein's house.

Take a tour of Einstein's home and see some of his personal belongings and furniture.

Fun Free Things to Do in Princeton with Kids

15. Head to the Library

Read a book in the whimsical Cotsen Children's Library, where Bookscape's adorable reading nooks, trees, and animal statues will charm children of all ages. 

16. See Princeton University

Wander Princeton University's gorgeous leafy campus and take in the beautiful buildings and landscape.

17. Take a Hike

Walk a trail at Herrontown Woods Arboretum and see beautiful flowers along the way in the spring, summer, and early fall.

18. Experience the Annual Book Festival

Take the kids to the annual Children's Book Festival, held every fall and sponsored by the Princeton Public Library.

Best Restaurants for Kids in Princeton

RELATED: 20+ Things To Do with Kids in Somerville, New Jersey 

Treat the family to delectable ice cream and baked goods at The Bent Spoon. Photo courtesy of the shop

19. The Bent Spoon

Grab a cone at The Bent Spoon, an artisan ice cream shop that also features delectable baked goods.

Dig into a stack of pancakes at Pj's Pancake House. Photo courtesy of the restaurant

20. Pj's Pancake House

Have an amazing meal at the legendary Pj's Pancake House, which features more than 15 types of pancakes.

21. Nomad Pizza Company

Enjoy artisanal wood-fired pizza made with fresh, local ingredients at this rustic pizzeria.

Where to Stay in Princeton with Kids

22. Nassau Inn

This beautiful hotel is located in downtown Princeton and has a modern, sophisticated feel. Dine at the Yankee Doodle Tap Room, a great gastropub with indoor and outdoor dining.

23. Chauncey Hotel and Conference Center

This hotel offers accommodations in both the well-appointed main building and in the historic Laurie House, which now serves as a bed and breakfast. There's a heated indoor pool and a breakfast room with panoramic views of the lake.

Top photo of Palmer Square. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square