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Things to do with kids in the Princeton area during August

August 03, 2016 By Hilary Morris

Right around the end of July, when thoughts of August flood my mind, I go into a slight panic-mode with the prospect of having to fill 4 weeks of activities for the kids. Most camps are over after the first week, and then it’s wide open until the first day of school. I'm sure we'll spend a lot of time at the Community Park Pool, but I also want to get out and get exploring with the girls (and play some Pokemon Go). As part of my own research on what to do in August, I have compiled some ideas that might help you as well. There are still plenty of camps running through August, plus places to go, events and then some ideas for beyond Princeton.

Summer Camps

5E Academy Summer and After School Programs: https://www.5eboard.com/after-school-programs
Arts Council of Princeton: https://artscouncilofprinceton.org/classes-camps/
ESF Lawrenceville: https://www.esfcamps.com/lawrenceville/dates-rates/
International Ivy: https://www.iisummer.com/Princeton-Schedule.html
Notre Dame High School: https://www.ndnj.org/Page/Academics/Summer-Programs#
Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart: https://www.princetonacademy.org/summercamp
Princeton Tennis Program: https://www.ptp.org/summer-camps/
Princeton Sports Camps: https://www.princetonsportscamps.com
Steamworks Studio: https://www.steamworksstudio.com
Stuart Country Day School: stuartschool.org/summer
Yu’s Elite: https://yuselite.org/summer-16/

Places to Go:

Day trips out of the area: Check out what guest blogger Robin Birkel suggested for Spring Break. Her suggestions work for summer too.
Garden Tours: https://www.princetonol.com/garden_tours/
1. Recommended: A picnic at Grounds for Sculpture
Hiking and Biking: https://www.princetonol.com/hiking_biking/
1. Recommended: Biking on Lawrence-Hopewell Bike Trail
Historical Sights: https://www.princetonol.com/historical_sights/
Museums - Got a Princeton Library Card? Get free access to the best museums in the tr-state area! Click here to learn about the Museum Pass Program.
Nature Reserves: https://www.princetonol.com/nature_reserves/
Parks and Playgrounds: https://www.princetonol.com/parks_and_playgrounds/
1. Recommended: Picnic lunch from Colonial Farms to enjoy at Washington Crossing State Park
Walking Tours: https://www.princetonol.com/walking_tour/
DIY Walking Tour of Princeton with Pokemon Go. Keep these tips in mind by Stuart Country Day School.

Events:

Aug 8
The Shakespeare Scene: What's in a Name?, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, 609-924-9529, Noon., For students in grades 9 through 12 to discuss "Romeo and Juliet" and consider why we study Shakespeare's works., www.princetonlibrary.org

Monday Farmers Market, Greenwood Ave Farmers Market, 427 Greenwood Avenue, Trenton, 609-278-9677
2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Features Jersey fresh and tropical produce, meat and eggs, nutritional education, health screenings, and live music.

Kick Start the Fun!, Hamilton Area YMCA, 1315 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road, Suite 100, Hamilton, .888-897-8979
5:30 p.m., Personal trainer demonstrates new ways to warm up, improve balance, and build strength for children ages 5 to 14. Free., www.princetonhcs.org/calendar

Aug 9

Summer Movie Series, State Theater, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, 732-246-7469
10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monsters University. Free., www.StateTheatreNJ.org

Farmers' Market, Robbinsville Township, Behind New Municipal Building, Union Street
3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Fresh food, live music, food trucks.

Summer Family Nights, Lawrence Nature Center, 481 Drexel Avenue,
7 p.m., Learn about the birds that live in Lawrence and their migration., www.lawrencenaturecenter.net

Aug 10

Summer Makers Space Wednesdays, New Jersey State Museum, 205 West State Street, Trenton, 10am-3pm. Unleash your creativity and make something! Drop by the Museum every Wednesday for our free maker space program. Each week will feature a different project, and you never know what you'll find. Appropriate for all ages. Suggested admission $5 for adults, children 12 & under free. www.statemuseum.nj.gov

Origami Club for all Ages, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, 609-924-9529
6:30 p.m., www.princetonlibrary.org

Aug 11

The Capital City Farmers Market, Mill Hill Park, 165 East Front Street, Trenton
11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Every Thursday through October., www.destinationtrenton.com

Perseid Meteor Shower Watch Party, D&R Greenway Land Trust, St. Michaels Farm Preserve, Hopewell, 11:30 p.m. The Perseid Meteor Shower occurs every year in mid-July and early August when the Earth passes through the stream of debris called the "Perseid Cloud," which consists of particles ejected by the comet Swift-Tuttle. Volunteers from Amateur Astronomers Association will set up telescopes to view the moon, Saturn, Mars and other night sky objects and provide meteor viewing assistance.

Please arrive at or before 11:30 p.m. to avoid a stream of headlights that would compromise night vision. Bring binoculars or telescope if you have; not required. Park in the gravel lot on Princeton Avenue—carpooling is highly recommended. Rsvp@drgreenway.org, subject line "Perseids," including your contact info so you can be reached in the event of bad weather or poor viewing conditions. Information: 609-924-4646; www.drgreenway.org.

Aug 14

Free Intro - Mindfulness for Kids, Princeton Center for Yoga & Health, Orchard Hill Center, Skillman, 6pm-7pm. Our children face a busy world, with many things demanding their attention. The 8-week Mindfulness for Kids program invites children from 3rd through 5th grade to strengthen their ability to be present, learn how to respond rather than react and generate compassion for themselves and others. We invite you to come and learn about this 8-week program and meet Michelle Moorhead. Open to all kids and parents! Princetonyoga.com

Aug 16-21

Hillsborough Rotary Fair, Hillsborough Promenade, 315 Route 206. Tuesday - Thursday: 6pm-10pm, Friday - Saturday: 6pm-11pm, Sunday: 2pm-7pm. Food, rides, games, events and vendors. Click here for details.

Aug 17

Aug 18

The Capital City Farmers Market, Mill Hill Park, 165 East Front Street, Trenton
11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Every Thursday through October., www.destinationtrenton.com

Gravity Hill Band will perform an outdoor concert - come early and eat, shop - local eateries will be on site to purchase food. Don't forget chair and blanket!

Aug 19

TLE Princeton's 4 Year Anniversary with Bubbles' Big Bash, The Learning Experience Princeton, 4447 Route 27, Princeton, 6pm. There will be plenty of fun activities such as a bounce house and face painting for you and your entire family to enjoy! https://thelearningexperience.com/our-centers/nj/princeton/princeton

Aug 24

6th Annual McCarter Block Party, McCarter Theatre, 91 University Place, Princeton, 5pm-8pm. Join us on the front lawn of the Matthews Theatre as we kick off our 2016-2017 season with a FREE community-wide event! Dance under the stars to live music of the Philadelphia Jazz Orchestra, enjoy scavenger hunts, spin art, activities, and more for the kids. Beer Garden featuring local brews, food and drink from a wide variety of vendors. mccarter.org.

Aug 25

The Capital City Farmers Market, Mill Hill Park, 165 East Front Street, Trenton
11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Every Thursday through October., www.destinationtrenton.com

Beyond Princeton - Recommended by our sister-site NewtownYardley.com

Pick your own berries and veggies at Shady Brook Farm.com
Skyzone Levittown, trampoline park, has open bounce times. skyzone.com
Dynamix Gymnastics Langhorne has summer camp and open gym on Fridays.
Newtown Parks and Rec has a wonderful array of one time or ongoing classes/workshops for kids, teens and adults. Residents and non-Newtown residents welcome. Newtownfun.com
Free music outdoors in Yardley on Saturday nights, Langhorne on Wednesday nights and Bristol Borough at Lions Park on Sunday nights!
Round Valley Resevoire in Hunterdon County. Hiking, mountain biking, dogs, etc. Click here for more info.

What do you have planned with your kids? Where do you love to go? Tell us in the comments below!

Hilary Morris is the community manager for Princeton Online. Get a peek into her life as a marketer, NJ influencer, girls fashion blogger and mom of 3 girls at @mrsmonj