Eating makes us pretty happy. Eating outside makes it even better. Eating in a beautiful scenic location shared with friends and family without worrying about calculating the tip? Perfection. We’ve put together the best spots in Mercer to make the most of this summer weather and enjoy a great picnic out and about. And if you want to pack your own lunch, consider this outing not only fun but FREE!

Grounds for Sculpture

80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township, NJ

What better scenery for a picnic than at Grounds for Sculpture? It’s a painting come to life, and Rat’s Restaurant, the outstanding restaurant located next to Grounds for Sculpture has everything you need for the perfect picnic! Go for the day and enjoy their Picnic in the Park, which comes with an insulated tote, a bottle of wine, tumblers, flatware and napkins for two. Check their website here for full details and the menu available!

Picnic with a Bottle of Wine

 

Rosedale Park

424 Federal City Road, Pennington, NJ

Why not pack up a tote and take your picnic to one of our beautiful parks? Miles of trails here that connect to Pole Farm so you can walk off your food afterwards, if you wish. Two small lakes to walk around and enjoy as well! And of course you can take your meal to one of their clean and shaded picnic tables.

Sun Shining on a pond

Photo via https://www.instagram.com/aaron_traveling/

 

Sayen House & Gardens

155 Hughes Drive, Hamilton Square

If you enjoy being surrounded by beauty, picnic here. Plenty of great trails to enjoy that take you throughout varying blooms and waterfalls. We enjoy sitting near the lake or on the grounds next to the stunning gazebo. You’ll think you’re picnicking in a painting.

A large fountain sprays water over a flower bed. A path behind the flowers leads up to a sculpture.

Mercer Lake

334 S Post Road, West Windsor (Located within Mercer County Park)

There’s certainly a sense of calmness that comes over us when we’re near water, and this lake is full of serenity. If you’re up for it you can enjoy some kayaking on the water to work off your meal. Rentals available, along with a covered picnic area if you prefer to sit at a table for eating. There’s also a romantic gazebo overlooking the lake if you’re hanging out there with someone special.

A path leads up to a gazebo with an American flag flying next to the gazebo. The gazebo looks out onto the lake.

Princeton Battlefield State Park

500 Mercer Road, Princeton

It was here that the American troops had their first victory over the British under commander George Washington. A fantastic spot for great American Revolution history and being there you’ll feel apart of it all. There’s much more to learn about this site, and you can find it all out by visiting. Just note that there’s limited shade here, but if it’s too hot during the day the evening is simply perfect.

A large structure of columns sits in a field of grass at the Princeton Battlefield State Park

Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park

145 Mapleton Road, Princeton

The trails here are perfect for biking, hiking, walking and strollers. Kayak rentals along the canal as well. And of course a great spot for a picnic and the nature-lover. There are picnic tables located here as well as plenty of shade.

The canal cuts through two paths where people can walk

Princeton University Forbes Backyard

115 Alexander St, Princeton

A true hidden gem inside the university. Decked out with red lawn chairs, hammocks and plenty of space to lay out a blanket for a picnic. It also happened to once be a world-class resort so you’ll get to eat while feeling super classy.

A young woman sits outside at a table with chairs and the Princeton University tower in the background

 

 

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Want to see more hidden gems in Princeton University? Check out our Insider Guide here. And don’t forget to share your experiences with us! Tag us in your photos and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

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