Parks
22 parks, playgrounds and dog parks in the city.
- Community Park South0 mi from downtown
- Mary Moss Park0.3 mi from downtown
- Quarry Park1 mi from downtown
On a budget
Free things to do in Princeton
5 kinds of free outings in and around Princeton.
Good days out in Princeton don’t have to cost anything. These ideas come from the city’s parks, libraries, historic landmarks and nearby public lands. For free concerts, markets and festivals this week, see the free events calendar.
Libraries
Borrow books, movies and museum passes, and join free programs.
- Princeton Public Library65 Witherspoon Street
Historic places
21 landmarks on the National Register, many easy to see on a walk.
- Albert Einstein House
- Nassau Hall
- Joseph Henry House
Hiking
Trails on public land; some areas charge a parking or day-use fee.
- Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River17 mi west
- Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge26 mi north
- Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook36 mi east
Wildlife viewing
Birding and nature watching on public land.
- Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge26 mi north
- Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook36 mi east
- Camp Gateway - Staten Island36 mi northeast
Around town
Get a feel for the city
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Princeton University, NJ!
A local activity Short shared by Elizabeth Walk.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Things to do in New Jersey | Explore Princeton
A local activity Short shared by Papali Dash.
Watch on YouTube ↗Questions
What are free things to do in Princeton?
Parks, Libraries, Historic places, Hiking, Wildlife viewing. City parks and libraries are free; some outdoor areas on federal land charge a parking or day-use fee, noted on each listing.
Are there free events in Princeton this weekend?
Check the free events calendar, updated daily from local organizations, libraries and the city.
Do I need a library card to use the library?
No card is needed to visit or attend most programs; a free card from the local library lets you borrow books, movies and often museum passes.