A Guide to Trenton’s Parks and Recreation

For a small, dense city, Trenton has a surprising amount of green space, including one park designed by the same landscape architect who created New York’s Central Park. Whether you want a quiet walk by the river or a playground for the kids, here is a guide to the city’s parks and how to reach its recreation department.

Cadwalader Park, the crown jewel

Trenton’s oldest and grandest park, Cadwalader Park sits in the hills of West Trenton and covers roughly 100 acres. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the visionary behind Central Park, and it shows in the winding paths, open lawns, and mature trees. At its center is the Ellarslie Mansion, which houses the Trenton City Museum. It is the closest thing the capital has to a central park, and it has been a gathering place for generations.

Riverfront and downtown green space

Along the Delaware, Waterfront Park and the South Riverwalk give you open views of the river and an easy place to walk or jog. Downtown, Mill Hill Park anchors one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods and hosts community events and concerts. Stacy Park, Columbus Park, and Millyard Park round out a network of smaller green spaces spread across the city’s neighborhoods. Several of these appear in our roundup of things to do in Trenton.

Recreation programs

Beyond the parks themselves, the city runs recreation programming through its Department of Recreation, Natural Resources, and Culture. That office is the place to ask about seasonal programs, facilities, and permits, and the city lists its number as 609-989-3635. Programs and hours shift with the seasons, so a quick call or a look at the city website is the best way to see what is running now.

The county park next door

Just outside the city, Mercer County Park adds another 2,500-plus acres of recreation, with fields, courts, trails, a marina, and room for festivals. It is open sunrise to sunset every day of the year, and general use is free. For families who want bigger facilities, it is a short trip and pairs naturally with what the city offers. We break down the athletic side of both in our guide to youth sports and recreation.

Getting to any of these is easy once you know the city’s layout; see getting around Trenton. More coverage is in our Community section.

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest park in Trenton?

Cadwalader Park, at roughly 100 acres, is the city’s largest and oldest park. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and is home to the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion.

Who runs recreation programs in Trenton?

The city’s Department of Recreation, Natural Resources, and Culture. The city lists its contact number as 609-989-3635 for questions about programs and facilities.

Is Mercer County Park free to use?

Yes. There is no fee for general use of Mercer County Park during regular hours, and it is open sunrise to sunset every day of the year. Some special events may charge a nominal fee.

Programs, hours, and contacts can change by season. Confirm current details with the city or the Mercer County Park Commission.