New Jersey’s state capital may not be the first town you think about bringing kids. However, the city has some fun and even FREE ways to spend time with kids there. From its revolutionary history to the fun on the Delaware River waterfront, we share five fun things to do in Trenton with kids below!
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Some History About Trenton
You may recall Trenton if you are a fan of history. During the American Revolution, one of the more pivotal battles took place there. George Washington famously crossed the Delaware River on Christmas night in 1777, surprising the Hessian troops stationed in Trenton. The Continental Army won the Battle of Trenton, and although the win was small, it made a significant impact on other revolutionists and inspired them to join the fight.
Not just a revolutionary city, Trenton was also an industrial city, thanks to its proximity to the Delaware River and its access to railroads and canals. Trenton was the home to manufacturers like Lenox, American Standard, and even the John A. Roebling Company, who built the Brooklyn Bridge. Sadly, manufacturing has left the city, and, in addition to abandoned buildings, the main reminder of Trenton’s heyday is the famous “Trenton Makes” bridge.
Historical Things to Do With Kids in Trenton
The New Jersey State Museum
Did you know that the first, nearly-complete dinosaur skeleton was discovered in New Jersey? You can learn more about New Jersey’s natural history, as well as the history of its native peoples, in the New Jersey State Museum.
Located along the Delaware River, at 205 West State Street, this FREE museum has some fun and interesting exhibits that kids will love to explore. The museum also contains a planetarium. While the museum is FREE, the planetarium charges admission of $5-$7 depending on age. However, active-duty military and up to four family members can visit the planetarium for FREE.
Parking is available in the lot next to and behind the museum for FREE on the weekends. Should you choose to visit the museum during the week, there is metered parking and limited paid parking in the State House garage adjacent to the museum.
The Old Barracks Museum
Not too far from the New Jersey State Museum is the Old Barracks Museum. This building is full of British and American History! Initially built to house British Troops during the French and Indian War, the Old Barracks have seen many changes over the last two and half centuries!
A tour at the Old Barracks lasts about an hour. The tours are filled with tons of fascinating, and even disgusting, information about what life was during the mid to late-eighteenth century. Kids will enjoy trying on the uniform of a British soldier, handling a musket, or even guessing what type of smallpox is the deadliest.
After your tour, kids can visit the museum on the top floor and learn more about the French and Indian War. The museum contains life-size statues of both Native Americans and British soldiers, as well as many artifacts, including a cannon!
Another exhibit at the Old Barracks is on the main floor, next to the gift shop. The exhibit contains a model of the Battle of Trenton, and even has some of George Washington’s personal belongings. A short video about the time also plays in this area.
The Old Barracks, located at Barrack Street, is open Monday-Saturday from 10 am until 5 pm, with tours leaving on the hour. Admission ranges from $8-$10 based on age. However, children 5 and under are FREE. We visited for FREE using a pass we obtained from our local library. You can learn more about that program here.
William Trent House
You can’t visit Trenton without visiting the home of William Trent, who Trenton is named for! In 1719, William Trent built his large estate. And by 1720, he incorporated a settlement and named it after himself. Like its namesake city, the Trent House has seen its fair share of American history! Occupiers and dwellers in the house range from Hessian troops to governors.
Tours include both the main house, as well as the outer gardens. Kids can learn what a typical 18th century kitchen garden looked like, including the raised beds and symmetrical style.
The William Trent House is located at 15 Market Street in Trenton. The estate is open Wednesdays through Sundays, from 12:30 – 4:00 pm. Admission ranges from $4-$5, depending on age. Parking is available on the premises.
Outside Fun For Kids in Trenton
Watch a Trenton Thunder Game
If you are visiting Trenton between in the spring or summer months, then you should head to the Arm & Hammer Park for a ballgame. The Trenton Thunder, a minor league baseball team, and their mascots do a great job creating a fun, family-friendly atmosphere at each game.
One of the best parts about the Arm & Hammer ballpark is there is no bad seat! Every seat has a great view and is close to the action. Special events, including free ice cream games or fireworks games, occur almost every game! And, in addition to all of the fun in the stands and on the ball field, the ballpark has a playground by the first baseline.
Play at Lalor Street Park
Right next to Arm & Hammer Park is the entrance to Lalor Street Park. This half-mile, waterfront park features a playground and other places for kids to explore and play. It is a perfect place to spend a sunny day in New Jersey’s capital while enjoying a view of the Delaware River.
Some Other Fun Things to Do in Trenton With Kids
New Jersey State House
The New Jersey State House offers daily tours of the capitol building. Tours are offered on the hour between 10 am until 3 pm. They are also provided on the first and third Saturday of each month from noon until 3 pm. The tours last about an hour.
Grounds for Sculpture
This unique sculpture park is located right outside of Trenton in Hamilton, New Jersey. Kids will love to explore the unique features of the park, while parents will enjoy the statue versions of some famous paintings.
Have You Visited Trenton With Kids?
Are there other attractions in the capital of New Jersey that you would recommend? We love learning about more kid-friendly attraction in Trenton. Let us know in the comments!
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