Photo: Mau Mau
Photo: Mau Mau
Photo: Mau Mau
D&R Greenway Land Trust, Inc.
★4.8(58 reviews)FreeAdventure
🕑 1.5-3 hours depending on trail choice👶 Best for ages 4 and up. Younger children can handle the easier, shorter trail loops with parents, while older kids and teens will enjoy longer hikes and the challenge of exploring the more extensive trail networks. Toddlers can manage some paths in sturdy strollers or baby carriers.
About
D&R Greenway Land Trust manages an extensive network of preserved lands and trails throughout central New Jersey, offering families endless opportunities for hiking, nature exploration, and outdoor adventures. With scenic trails winding through forests, meadows, and along waterways, it's an ideal destination for families looking to unplug and connect with nature right in the Princeton area.
Highlights
- ✓Multiple preserves to choose from, each with unique landscapes and trail features
- ✓Wildlife spotting opportunities including birds, deer, and turtles
- ✓Educational signage along many trails teaching about local ecology
- ✓Stream crossings and bridges that kids find exciting
- ✓Wide variety of trail lengths and difficulties to match any family's ability level
Pro Tips
- 1.Stop by the office weekdays to pick up trail maps and get recommendations for family-friendly trails based on your kids' ages and abilities
- 2.The Johnson Education Center at their main office sometimes hosts family-friendly environmental education programs - call ahead to check the schedule
- 3.Bring a nature journal and binoculars for kids to document wildlife sightings and make the hike more engaging
- 4.Download trail maps from their website before visiting since cell service can be spotty on some preserves
- 5.Start with shorter loops like those at Cottage Farm or Mapleton Preserve if you're new to hiking with kids
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures and stunning scenery (wildflowers or foliage). Weekday mornings are quietest, while weekend mornings are popular with families. Visit early in the day during summer to avoid heat and humidity.
What to Know
All trails are free to access and open dawn to dusk. The office is open weekdays 10 AM-5 PM for maps and information. Trails vary in difficulty and amenities, so research which preserve best fits your family's needs before heading out.
Seasonal Notes
Trails are accessible year-round, though some may be muddy in spring or require winter gear. Fall foliage (October) and spring wildflowers (April-May) offer spectacular scenery. Summer can be buggy, so bring insect repellent. Winter hiking is possible but check trail conditions first.
Nearby Eats
Head to Hoagie Haven on Princeton's campus for famous oversized sandwiches perfect for refueling after a hike, or visit Jammin' Crepes for sweet and savory crepes that kids love.
More Activities Near Princeton
Park
Johnson Park School
❤️8
Johnson Park School is an active elementary school in Princeton, not a public park despite some confusion in listings. While the grounds aren't open for general public recreation during school hours, the school occasionally hosts community events and after-school programs that families may attend. This is a neighborhood school serving local students with typical elementary school facilities.
Bowling
Brunswick Bowling
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Brunswick Bowling in Princeton offers classic family fun with kid-friendly features that make bowling accessible for all ages. With bumper lanes to keep balls out of the gutters, an exciting arcade area, and on-site food options, it's a one-stop destination for family game nights that combines active play with entertainment.
Restaurant
Omeletry
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Omeletry is a welcoming breakfast and brunch spot in Princeton that has earned a reputation as a go-to destination for families with young children. The restaurant's friendly, accommodating staff understand the needs of parents, offering a relaxed atmosphere where kids can be kids while everyone enjoys hearty breakfast favorites and creative omelets.
Museum
Art Museum
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The Princeton University Art Museum offers an enriching cultural experience for families with free admission and engaging art programs designed specifically for young visitors. Kids can explore world-renowned collections spanning ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces through interactive family guides, hands-on activities, and special weekend programs that make art accessible and fun for all ages.