At Howell Living History Farm, kids will experience firsthand the work and rewards of farming as it was practiced in the nineteenth century, with little mechanization. Whether or not they appreciate the specific historical aspects, they’ll enjoy the immersion in the activity.

The 130-acre farm is owned by Mercer County, operated as a living museum and educational facility. A farm has been on this site since the 1730s. Much of the Pleasant Valley landscape around the farm looks unchanged in its rural character. After a visit to the farm, you can explore trails at nearby parks and preserves.

This is a working farm, where you’ll find orchards, crop fields, barn animals, pastures, and gardens. The farmers produce crops and products using the methods employed during the period from 1890 to 1910, and raise livestock typical of that time. You can visit an eighteenth-century farmhouse, a nineteenth-century barn, a wagon house, a corn crib, an ice house, and other buildings, as well as outdoor locales such as an apple orchard, a beehive, an herb garden, and an outhouse. Although self-guided tours are available, it’s more fun to visit on a guided tour; as you proceed through the demonstrations of 25 different farm operations, kids can interact with the farm workers.

Draft horses are used for plowing; kids will be thrilled to see these huge working animals up close, and they may even get a chance to try their hand at guiding the plow. Visiting the farm in spring is a special treat for kids because they get to see all the baby animals and birds.

The farm conducts weekly programs for children to learn about farming. In return, parents are put to work, collecting eggs, shucking corn, mixing feeds, or milking.

Picnic tables are near the visitor center.

Remember: This is a teaching farm; prepare the children for this before they arrive and advise them that it is not a playground. It is a good idea to wear rubber boots to walk around.

Hike nearby trails, such as the adjacent Dry Run Creek Trail of D&R Greenway (drgreenway.org), or take a hike or bike ride at Washington Crossing State Park.

Continue north on NJ 29 to Lambertville, a lively river town with many shops and restaurants.