Fun Outdoors in Princeton

For day-by-day listings turn to http://princetoninfo.com/u s1evts.html and search on such events categories as "Outdoor Action" "For Families" "Kids Stuff" and "Sports."

Back to Nature

Institute for Advanced Study Woods, 609-734-8000. Drive down Mercer to Olden Lane, turn left, and follow it to the end. Henry Horn's pamphlet "Institute Woods Tour Guide" is available at Fuld Hall, the main Institute building, on weekdays during business hours.

Or, from Route 1, drive west into town on Alexander Road. Immediately after crossing the canal, turn left at Elizabethtown Water Company sign. Drive into the woods. Look for a parking area on the right. Walk into the woods to find the platform.

Delaware & Raritan Canal, Turning Basin Park, Alexander Road. Begin a short walk along the tow path of the historic canal here; available are picnic tables, toilets, and, in season, canoe rental (609-452-2403). Also rent canoes at the Griggstown Muledrivers' Barracks Museum (908-359-5970) on weekends. From Route 518 in Rocky Hill, drive three miles on Canal Road, make the first left over the canal. 609-924-9418.

Stony Brook Millstone Watershed Association, Titus Mill Road, Pennington. 609-737-3735. A working organic farm and weekend nature programs for all ages.

Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve, Mountain Avenue, off Route 206 North. 609-683-9022. Self-guided nature walks and programs for all ages given by the Friends of Princeton Open Space. Formerly the estate of Edgar Palmer (as in Palmer Square). Bathrooms are in the adjacent Community Park.

Marquand Park, Lover's Lane between Mercer Street and Route 206. Extensive arboretum with playground equipment and picnic tables, no public bathrooms.

Outdoor Excursions

Princeton Airport, Route 206, 609-921-3100. Watch the copters and fixed wings land, browse in the pilot store, ask to see the antique airplane.

Grounds for Sculpture, 18 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, 609-586-0616. An outdoor sculpture park, open Fridays and Saturdays, 10 to 4 p.m., and by appointment.

Howell Living History Farm, 609-737-3299. Experience 19th century agricultural life on this working and teaching farm. Closed Mondays.

Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. 609-924-2310. Pick your own fruits or vegetables or buy "Jersey fresh" foods, including cider, honey and baked goods, in the little store. There are farm animals for children to feed and pet. Open daily.

Mercer County Park Marina, Old Trenton Road, 609-448-4004. Paddle boat and row boat rental available in summer.

Point Pleasant Canoes and Tubes, Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania. 215-297-8823. In season, tube down the Delaware.

Corrections or additions?