Families throughout Hopewell Valley are invited to reconnect with nature, community and outdoor recreation during the annual “Hopewell Valley Come Outside and Play” celebration, taking place June 4-7 at locations throughout the region.
Nearing its 15th year, the community-wide event is organized by the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance in partnership with local organizations, nonprofits and businesses. The multi-day initiative is designed to encourage outdoor activity, appreciation of nature and family-friendly community engagement through dozens of free and low-cost programs. Some activities require advance registration.
Events begin Thursday, June 4, with the Sourland Conservancy’s “Sourland Explorer” challenge, running daily from dawn to dusk through June 6. Children can visit public hiking trails in the Sourlands, complete adventure-themed challenges and earn patches. Also running June 4-6 are a Story Stroll & Craft at the Pennington Public Library and self-guided tours at the Mercer County Wildlife Center in Lambertville. Both activities are available daily, with the wildlife center open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Additional June 4 activities include a 10:30-11 a.m. outdoor-themed storytime at the Hopewell Branch of the Mercer County Library; an Outdoor Art Room session hosted by Art Sparks from 4-5 p.m. at Kunkel Park in Pennington for children ages 5-10; and a Lawrence Hopewell Trail Run Club walk and run from 6-7 p.m. beginning at the Rosedale Park parking lot.
The trail event includes a guided walk, run and post-event social gathering. The Outdoor Art Room program and library storytime require advance registration. The multi-day events continue June 5 and 6.
On Friday, June 5, the Hopewell Quarry will host a community swim from 4-7 p.m. at 180 Crusher Road, Hopewell. Participants can enjoy the historic swimming hole, which recently marked its 100th anniversary as a public swimming and recreation space. Registration is available online or at the gate.
Saturday, June 6, features the largest concentration of events. The day begins with Tai Chi by the Delaware from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Washington Crossing State Park, led by teachers Lisa and Robert. Also beginning Saturday morning is the National Trails Day Service Project from 8:45 a.m. to noon at Washington Crossing Park Association’s Nature Center.
Volunteers will help clear trails and invasive plants while supporting local trail maintenance efforts.
The Pennington Farmers Market will host a Lawn Games & Food Pantry Collection from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rosedale Town & Country. During the same hours, the Hopewell Public Library will present “Chalk the Block,” inviting residents to decorate sidewalks with chalk art and encouraging community creativity.
Howell Living History Farm will host “Old Time Baseball Game & Wash Day” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can watch the Bulls and Hogs play by 19th-century baseball rules while also learning about historic laundry practices.
The baseball schedule includes the Flemington Neshanocks versus Elizabeth Resolutes at 11 a.m. and the Hopewell Farm’s Hogs versus Bulls at 1:30 p.m.
Also on June 6, Terhune Orchards will hold its annual Strawberry Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring seasonal treats, berry picking and family activities. Fairgrown Farm will host a Pick-Your-Own Herb Workshop from 10 a.m. to noon, offering participants a chance to harvest and learn about culinary herbs.
Hopewell Township will celebrate the third annual Mayor’s Awards for First Responders from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Woolsey Park, honoring local emergency service personnel. From 4-10 p.m., Hopewell Borough will commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary with “USA 250th/Hopewell Borough 135th Township Celebration” at the Hopewell Borough Train Station.
The event will include live music by Pig Roast & BBQ, a beer garden and participation from local historical and cultural organizations.
An overnight “Come Out and Play Camp Out” hosted by the Tulpehaking Nature Center and Mercer County Park Commission will begin Saturday evening at Rosedale Park and continue through the morning of June 7. Families are invited to bring tents and camping gear for an overnight outdoor experience. Registration is required. Also on June 7.
The weekend concludes Sunday, June 7, with the Hopewell Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 62 E. Broad St. in Hopewell, featuring locally grown produce and artisan vendors.
Organizers said activities are open to all ages unless otherwise noted. In the event of inclement weather, some outdoor activities may be canceled.
Community members are encouraged to share photos from the weekend on the Hopewell Valley’s Backyard Facebook page.
More information, including registration details, is available through the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance.
Online: hvalliance.org.
