Family Fun Activities in NJ
Plan the Perfect Day to Play
Hunterdon County is a family-fun destination in every season, offering over 50 family-friendly activities for visitors of all ages. Located just 60 miles west of New York City, itโs an ideal destination for a family day trip from NYC, Philadelphia, and North Jersey.
From scenic train rides and U-pick farms to ice cream shops, pumpkin patches, and Christmas tree farms, there is always something to do with your family. Meet baby farm animals, interact with goats and alpacas, pick your own berries, fruits, or vegetables, or get lost in a corn maze. In the fall, enjoy a hayride to the pumpkin patch, and in winter, head to the fields to find the perfect Christmas tree.
Start your day watching vintage airplanes land at Sky Cafe while enjoying a hot plate of pancakes, then have lunch on a train. Take a ride on a historic steam engine through the countryside and explore the other side of Jersey with family activities throughout the year. End your day riverside with smooth, creamy ice cream topped with whipped cream.
No matter the season, Hunterdon County is filled with authentic countryside experiences and family adventures waiting to be discovered.
Top Family Activities at a Glance:
- ๐ Train Rides: Steam engine excursions & world's largest model railroad
- ๐ U-Pick Farms: Berries, apples, pumpkins & vegetables
- ๐ Animal Interactions: Goats, alpacas, buffalo & farm animals
- ๐ฆ Ice Cream Shops: 15+ local creameries and sweet treat spots
- ๐ Fall Fun: Pumpkin picking, corn mazes & hayrides
- ๐ Winter: 20+ Christmas tree farms & holiday shopping
Explore Family Fun and Activities in Hunterdon County
Want to experience Fall in Hunterdon? Start exploring now! Hunterdon County is โthe other side of Jersey,โ offering vineyards, u-pick...
Crisp apples, colorful pumpkins, and fresh produce are all part of fall in Hunterdon County. Spend the day exploring local...
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Water has shaped Hunterdon County’s landscape for centuries. From the mighty Delaware River to peaceful reservoirs, winding streams, and scenic...
Ride a Train Home to the worldโs largest miniature train display, Northlandz is a magical indoor attraction kids love exploring....
Family Fun on the Farm! Hunterdonโs farms offer visitors a variety of experiences from wineries, to farm stands, to u-pick,...
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Ice cream is a classic almost everyone loves, especially on a warm day. In Hunterdon County, thereโs no shortage of...
Come and experience Hunterdon’s historic sites. Hunterdon County traces its roots to 1714, long before the start of the American...
Train Rides & Railroad Attractions in Hunterdon County
Hunterdon County is home to two must-visit train attractions for families. The Black River & Western Railroad offers authentic steam engine rides through scenic countryside, with special themed events throughout the year. Northlandz features the world's largest miniature railroad display with over 8 miles of trackโperfect for train-loving kids of all ages.
Black River & Western Railroad
- 33-39 Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ, USA
- (908) 782-6622
Northlandz Model Railroad Museum
- 495 U.S. 202, Flemington, NJ, USA
- (908) 782-4022
U-Pick Farms: Pick Your Own Berries, Apples, & Pumpkins
Hunterdon County is home to 6+ U-pick farms where families can harvest their own fresh fruits and vegetables straight from the field. From spring strawberries and summer blueberries to fall apples and pumpkins, these working farms offer hands-on experiences that connect kids with where their food comes from. Popular U-pick destinations include Phillips Farms in Milford, Schaefer Farms in Flemington, and the historic Melick OrchardsโNew Jersey's oldest family-owned apple orchard, operating since 1728.
What You Can Pick:
๐ Spring: Strawberries (MayโJune)
๐ซ Summer: Blueberries, peaches, vegetables (JuneโAugust)
๐ Fall: Apples, pumpkins, corn (SeptemberโNovember)
Schaefer Farm Store
- 1051 County Road 523, Flemington, NJ, USA
- (908) 782-2705
Melick Orchards and Cider Mill
- 19 King Street, Oldwick, NJ, USA
- (908) 439-2318
Melick Califon Orchard and Store
- 472 County Rd 513, Califon, NJ, USA
- (908) 832-2905
Bonacorsi Family Farm
- 1137 Croton Road, Flemington, NJ, USA
Cervenka Farm Store
- 179 Klinesville Road, Flemington, NJ, USA
- 908-782-3671
Phillips Farm Store
- 564 Milford Warren Glen Rd, Milford, NJ, USA
- (908) 628-9251
Guided Farm Tours & Agricultural Experiences
Get up close with friendly farm animals at Hunterdon County's family farms, where kids can pet, feed, and learn about goats, alpacas, buffalo, and more. Emelise Alpacas in Lebanon offers alpaca walks and farm tours, while The Bubbly Goat in Stockton is known for goat yoga and interactive farm visits. For a unique experience, Readington River Buffalo Farm lets families see American bison up close, and Gorgeous Goat Creamery combines goat interactions with artisan soap-making demonstrations.
Animal Experiences Include:
๐ Goats: The Bubbly Goat, Gorgeous Goat Creamery, Twin Goat Farms
๐ฆ Alpacas: Emelise Alpacas (farm tours & alpaca walks)
๐ฆฌ Buffalo: Readington River Buffalo Farm
๐ Farm Animals: WoodsEdge Farm, Deer Run Hay Company
Deer Run Hay Company
- 110 Amwell Road, Flemington, NJ, USA
- 732-904-5137
Emelise Alpacas
- 73 Mackenzie Road, Lebanon Township, NJ, USA
- (908) 938-3113
The Bubbly Goat
- 240 Locktown Sergeantsville Rd, Stockton, NJ, USA
- 908-468-2540
WoodsEdge Farm
- 78 Bowne Station Rd, Stockton, NJ, USA
- (609) 397-2212
Gorgeous Goat Creamery & Soap
- 71 Featherbed Ln, Kingwood, NJ, USA
- 808-561-7915
Readington River Buffalo Farm
- 937 County Road 523, Flemington, NJ, USA
- 908-806-0030
Ice Cream Shops & Sweet Treats for Families
Cool down after a day of farm adventures at one of Hunterdon County's 15+ ice cream shops and sweet treat destinations. From old-fashioned roadside stands like Polar Cub and Jimmy's Ice Cream to artisan spots like Sandy's Scoops in Frenchtown, families will find homemade ice cream, frozen yogurt, fudge, and baked goods throughout the county.
Local Favorites: Gronsky's Milk House (High Bridge), Thee Ice Cream Parlor (Raritan Township), Sweet Scoops (Clinton)
Mr. Pops
- 110 Main St, Flemington, NJ 08822, USA
- (908) 996-5033
Piazzi
- 48 Bridge St, Frenchtown, NJ 08825, USA
- (908) 505-5905
Cookie Maven Baking
- 233 Main Street, Lebanon, NJ 08833, USA
- (646) 641-7322
Good Days Cafe
- 136 Main Street, Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA
- (908) 380-1850
Maddalena’s Cheesecake and Catering
- 415 New Jersey 31, Ringoes, NJ, USA
- (609) 466-7510
Sandy’s Scoops
- 10 Bridge Street, Frenchtown, NJ 08825, United States
- (908) 442-5586
Gaby’s
- 941 New Jersey 12, Frenchtown, NJ 08825, USA
- (908) 996-1000
Jimmy’s Ice Cream
- 525 Milford Warren Glen Rd # RT, Milford, NJ, United States, New Jersey
- (908) 995-0095
Thee Ice Cream Parlor
- 463 US Highway 202, Flemington, NJ, United States, New Jersey
- (908) 284-1233
Polar Cub
- 380 U.S. 22, Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA
- (908) 534-4401
The Fudge Shoppe
- 461 U.S. 202, Flemington, NJ, USA
- (908) 782-7123
Sweet Scoops
- 1 Main Street, Clinton, NJ, USA
- (908) 730-0988
Humdoo Ice Cream
- 20 Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ, USA
- (908) 824-7275
Chocolate in the Oven
- 53 Bridge Street, Milford, NJ, USA
- (908) 268-5571
Gronsky’s Milk House
- 125 West Main Street, High Bridge, NJ, USA
- 908-638-6030
Clinton Station Diner
- 2 Bank Street, Clinton, NJ, USA
- (908) 713-0012
Sky cafe
- 48 Sky Manor Rd, Pittstown, NJ 08867, USA
- (908) 996-3442
Seasonal Family Activities by Season
Hunterdon County offers unique family adventures every season, making it a perfect destination for repeat visits throughout the year. Summer brings U-pick berries, river tubing, and hot air balloon rides. Fall transforms local farms into pumpkin patches with corn mazes, hayrides, and apple picking. Winter is magical with 20+ choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms, holiday festivals like Dickens Days in Clinton, and cozy farm store shopping. Spring welcomes baby farm animals, flower blooms, and the reopening of outdoor trails and cycling paths.
Seasonal Highlights:
โ๏ธ Summer: U-pick berries, river tubing, ballooning, ice cream trails
๐ Fall: Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, apple picking, Halloween events
โ๏ธ Winter: Christmas tree farms, Dickens Days, Festival of Trees, holiday shopping
๐ธ Spring: Baby animal visits, lavender blooms, cycling trails, ShadFest
SUMMER
Northlandz Model Railroad Museum
- 495 U.S. 202, Flemington, NJ, USA
- (908) 782-4022
Black River & Western Railroad
- 33-39 Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ, USA
- (908) 782-6622
Red Mill Museum Village
- 56 Main Street, Clinton, NJ, USA
- 908-735-4101
Phillips Farm Store
- 564 Milford Warren Glen Rd, Milford, NJ, USA
- (908) 628-9251
Cervenka Farm Store
- 179 Klinesville Road, Flemington, NJ, USA
- 908-782-3671
Bonacorsi Family Farm
- 1137 Croton Road, Flemington, NJ, USA
Melick Califon Orchard and Store
- 472 County Rd 513, Califon, NJ, USA
- (908) 832-2905
Melick Orchards and Cider Mill
- 19 King Street, Oldwick, NJ, USA
- (908) 439-2318
Mad Lavender Farm
- 452 Co Rd 579, Milford, NJ, USA
- (908) 310-5973
Schaefer Farm Store
- 1051 County Road 523, Flemington, NJ, USA
- (908) 782-2705
Yellow Dog Paddle
- 27 Center Street, Clinton, NJ, USA
- 908-310-3742
Big Bear Gear
- 1874 River Rd, Lambertville, NJ, USA
- 609-460-4784
Lauber’s Country Market
- 300 County Road 513, Frenchtown, NJ, USA
- 908-505-5420
Peterson Family farm
- 438 Quakertown Road, Flemington, NJ, USA
- 908-782-1682
Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead
- 1605 Daniel Bray Highway, Lambertville, NJ, USA
- 609-397-2752
Balloons Over Clinton
- 48 Sky Manor Rd, Pittstown, NJ, USA
- 908-996-3333
Balloons in Flight Over NJ
- 1045 State Highway 173, Asbury, NJ, USA
- 888-301-2383
Big Bear Gear River Tubing Center
- 2876 River Drive, Kingwood, NJ, USA
- 609-460-4784
Melicks Farm Store
- 170 Oldwick Road, Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA
- (908) 439-2955
Fall
Black River & Western Railroad
- 33-39 Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ, USA
- (908) 782-6622
Red Mill Museum Village
- 56 Main Street, Clinton, NJ, USA
- 908-735-4101
Phillips Farm Store
- 564 Milford Warren Glen Rd, Milford, NJ, USA
- (908) 628-9251
Cervenka Farm Store
- 179 Klinesville Road, Flemington, NJ, USA
- 908-782-3671
Bonacorsi Family Farm
- 1137 Croton Road, Flemington, NJ, USA
Melick Califon Orchard and Store
- 472 County Rd 513, Califon, NJ, USA
- (908) 832-2905
Melick Orchards and Cider Mill
- 19 King Street, Oldwick, NJ, USA
- (908) 439-2318
Mad Lavender Farm
- 452 Co Rd 579, Milford, NJ, USA
- (908) 310-5973
Schaefer Farm Store
- 1051 County Road 523, Flemington, NJ, USA
- (908) 782-2705
Readington River Buffalo Farm
- 937 County Road 523, Flemington, NJ, USA
- 908-806-0030
WoodsEdge Farm
- 78 Bowne Station Rd, Stockton, NJ, USA
- (609) 397-2212
Bobolink Dairy & Bakehouse
- 369 Stamets Road, Milford, NJ, USA
- 908-864-7277
The Bubbly Goat
- 240 Locktown Sergeantsville Rd, Stockton, NJ, USA
- 908-468-2540
Lauber’s Country Market
- 300 County Road 513, Frenchtown, NJ, USA
- 908-505-5420
Peterson Family farm
- 438 Quakertown Road, Flemington, NJ, USA
- 908-782-1682
Readington Brewery & Hop Farm
- 937 U.S Highway 202, Neshanic Station, NJ, USA
- (908) 237-3867
Emelise Alpacas
- 73 Mackenzie Road, Lebanon Township, NJ, USA
- (908) 938-3113
Everitt farms at Pumpkin Junction
- 34 Toad Lane, Ringoes, NJ, USA
- 908-406-1090
West Portal Pumpkin Patch
- 274 Asbury West Portal Rd, Asbury, NJ, USA
- 908-479-1487
Deer Run Hay Company
- 110 Amwell Road, Flemington, NJ, USA
- 732-904-5137
Winter
WoodsEdge Farm
- 78 Bowne Station Rd, Stockton, NJ, USA
- (609) 397-2212
The Bubbly Goat
- 240 Locktown Sergeantsville Rd, Stockton, NJ, USA
- 908-468-2540
Peterson Family farm
- 438 Quakertown Road, Flemington, NJ, USA
- 908-782-1682
Cherryville Farms
- 352 Quakertown Road, Flemington, NJ, USA
Fir Brothers
- 258 County Road 579, Ringoes, NJ, USA
- 908-782-5083
Martin Family Tree Farm
- 70 Manners Rd, Ringoes, NJ, USA
- 973-796-4899
Hall Tree Farm
- 93 Red Mill Rd, Glen Gardner, NJ, USA
- 908-537-2056
Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree Farm
- 231 Adamic Hill Rd, Milford, NJ, USA
- 908-995-4365
Grefe’s Tree Farm
- 446 Mechlin Corner Rd, Pittstown, NJ, USA
- 908-328-1987
Cole’s Country Tree Farm
- 478 County Road 579, Milford, NJ, USA
- 908-735-4658
Holly Bough Farm
- 88 Cole Road, Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA
- 908-782-1807
Deerfield Farm
- 14 Pulaski Road, Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA
- (908) 534-2523
Wood Turtle Crossing
- 7 Chambers Brook Road, Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA
- 908-442-4057
Just A Little Farm
- 310 Oak Grove Road, Pittstown, NJ, USA
- 908-268-9175
Murray Christmas Farm
- 37 Philhower Road, Lebanon, NJ, USA
Red Mill Village Festival of Trees
- Red Mill Museum Village, Main Street, Clinton, NJ, USA
Spring
Readington River Buffalo Farm
- 937 County Road 523, Flemington, NJ, USA
- 908-806-0030
Gorgeous Goat Creamery & Soap
- 71 Featherbed Ln, Kingwood, NJ, USA
- 808-561-7915
WoodsEdge Farm
- 78 Bowne Station Rd, Stockton, NJ, USA
- (609) 397-2212
Yellow Dog Paddle
- 27 Center Street, Clinton, NJ, USA
- 908-310-3742
Big Bear Gear
- 1874 River Rd, Lambertville, NJ, USA
- 609-460-4784
The Cycle Corner
- 52 Bridge Street, Frenchtown, NJ, USA
- 908-996-7712
Pure Energy Cycling
- 99 South Main Street, Lambertville, NJ, USA
- 609-397-7008
The Bubbly Goat
- 240 Locktown Sergeantsville Rd, Stockton, NJ, USA
- 908-468-2540
Deer Run Hay Company
- 110 Amwell Road, Flemington, NJ, USA
- 732-904-5137
Zega-Lockatong Preserve
- 119 Raven Rock Rosemont Rd, Stockton, NJ 08559, USA
South Branch Outfitters
- 74 Main St, Califon, NJ, United States, 07830
- (908) 867-8067
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Fun in Hunterdon County
Where can families take train rides in Hunterdon County, NJ?
Hunterdon County offers two family-friendly train experiences. The Black River & Western Railroad in Flemington provides scenic steam engine rides through the countryside with special seasonal events like the Easter Bunny Express and Polar Express. Northlandz, also in Flemington, features the world’s largest miniature railroad museum with over 8 miles of model train tracks, 400+ bridges, and detailed miniature landscapesโperfect for train enthusiasts of all ages.
Are train rides in Hunterdon County suitable for toddlers?
Yes! Both train attractions welcome young children. The Black River & Western Railroad offers gentle 45-minute rides ideal for toddlers, while Northlandz is stroller-friendly and allows families to explore at their own pace. The model trains at Northlandz are particularly engaging for children ages 2-6.
Where can kids meet farm animals in Hunterdon County?
Several Hunterdon County farms offer hands-on animal experiences. Visit Emelise Alpacas in Lebanon to meet and feed friendly alpacas. The Bubbly Goat in Stockton and Gorgeous Goat Creamery in Kingwood Township offer goat interactions and farm tours. WoodsEdge Farm in Stockton and Readington River Buffalo Farm provide unique opportunities to see buffalo and other farm animals up close.
Can we pet goats and alpacas at Hunterdon County farms?
Yes! Goat and alpaca interactions are popular family activities in Hunterdon County. The Bubbly Goat offers goat yoga and farm visits, Gorgeous Goat Creamery combines goat interactions with artisan soap-making demonstrations, and Emelise Alpacas provides alpaca walks and farm tours. Many farms offer seasonal baby animal visits in spring.
What are some of the ice cream shops in Hunterdon County that are good for families?
Hunterdon County has over 15 ice cream shops perfect for families. Top picks include Gronsky’s Milk House in High Bridge (known for homemade flavors), Polar Cub in Whitehouse Station (classic roadside stand), Sandy’s Scoops in Frenchtown (artisan ice cream), Jimmy’s Ice Cream in Holland Township, and Thee Ice Cream Parlor in Raritan Township. Many are seasonal, so check hours before visiting.
Are there ice cream shops near the train attractions?
Yes! After visiting Black River & Western Railroad or Northlandz in Flemington, families can walk to Humdoo Ice Cream on Stangl Road or drive to nearby Thee Ice Cream Parlor and The Fudge Shoppe on Route 202.
Where are the pumpkin patches in Hunterdon County?
Hunterdon County’s top pumpkin patches include Schaefer Farms in Flemington (also features a corn maze and hayrides), Phillips Farms in Milford, Everitt Farms at Pumpkin Junction in Ringoes, and West Portal Pumpkin Patch in Asbury. Most farms offer the full fall experience with pumpkin picking, corn mazes, hayrides, and farm animals.
Which farms have corn mazes in Hunterdon County?
Schaefer Farms in Flemington is known for its elaborate corn maze, which changes design each year. Several other farms including Phillips Farms and local seasonal operations offer corn mazes during September and October. Combine your corn maze visit with pumpkin picking and hayrides for a complete fall family adventure.
Where can we cut our own Christmas tree in Hunterdon County?
Hunterdon County has over 20 choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms. Popular options include Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree Farm in Milford, Cherryville Farms in Flemington, Cole’s Country Tree Farm in Milford, Holly Bough Farm in Whitehouse Station, and The Evergreen Farm in Lebanon. Most farms open the day after Thanksgiving and offer saws, tree wrapping, and hot cocoa.
What holiday shopping and events are available in Hunterdon County?
Hunterdon County offers charming holiday shopping in historic Main Street towns like Clinton, Flemington, Frenchtown, and Lambertville. Don’t miss Dickens Days in Clinton for Victorian-themed holiday festivities, the Red Mill Village Festival of Trees, and the many farm stores offering local gifts, wreaths, and holiday treats. Combine tree cutting with a visit to local shops for a full holiday experience.
Are there farmers markets in Hunterdon County?
What's the best season to visit Hunterdon County with kids?
How far is Hunterdon County from New York City and Philadelphia?
Hunterdon County is approximately 60 miles (about 1.5 hours) west of New York City and 45 miles (about 1 hour) north of Philadelphia, making it an ideal day trip destination for families from both metro areas.