Trenton, New Jersey

Trenton is the capital of the state of New Jersey. It's located 33 miles (53 kilometers) northeast of Philadelphia and 66 miles (106 kilometers) southwest of downtown New York City.

Trenton has a long history. The area was first settled by Europeans in 1679, when a group of Quakers established a town along the Delaware River. It was the site of the Battle of Trenton, which followed Washington's famous crossing of the Delaware, on December 25, 1776, to attack the garrison stationed in Trenton. And it was the site of the Second Battle of Trenton, which occurred January 2, 1777.

There are plenty of places to explore area history in and around Trenton. What a better way to start, than by visiting the New Jersey State House? Well, perhaps by a visit to William Trent House, which dates to 1719, and is the oldest building in the capital, and was home to the man for whom the city is named! Or maybe the Old Barracks Museum, which dates to 1758, or Howell Living History Farm, which can show you how farmers lived at the turn of the 20th century? And there are the New Jersey State Museum or the Trenton City Museum, to visit too!

Those who enjoy the performing arts can take in the shows presented by the Passage Theatre, Trenton's oldest professional theater company. And there are regular performances of music and dance in the Patriots Theater, located in the Trenton War Memorial. And a short drive north to Princeton, the McCarter Theatre Center for the Performing Arts offers theatrical, dance, and music performances.

When you want to get outside, you can head to locations like Brendan T. Byrne State Forest and Rancocas State Park, both about 25 miles (40 kilometers) southeast, Wharton State Forest, about 43 miles (69 kilometers) south, or Bass River State Forest, 55 miles (90 kilometers) southeast. But back to the Wharton State Forest, if your kids love a bit of a scare, they won't want to miss experiencing one of the twice-monthly Friday night Jersey Devil Hunts!

And if you're looking for a few more things to keep the kids occupied, places like Six Flags Great Adventure about 42 miles (68 kilometers) south in Jackson, Clementon Amusement Park and Splash World Waterpark, about 38 miles (61 kilometers) south in Clementon, and The Funplex, about 28 miles (45 kilometers) south in Mount Laurel, are sure to please. And of course, it's an easy day trip to fun at the Jersey Shore!

See our 5 Jobs in Trenton, New Jersey