By Liz Johnson

As we head into the dog days of summer, there’s no end of ways to stay cool in Hunterdon County. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Canoe or Kayak Hunterdon Waterways

There are plenty of canoe and kayak outfitters in the county, but if you’re unsure where to start, check out the county’s own program at www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/depts/parks/programs.html#canoeing where all the equipment and transportation is provided for a small fee.

Visit a Reservoir

Both Round Valley in Lebanon Township and Spruce Run in Clinton Township offer swimming, boating, fishing, camping, picnicking, playgrounds and food concession stands. There are also trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Round Valley offers sunset paddling.  For more information, including costs, visit www.njparksandforests.org.

River Tubing

Grab a rubber inner tube from a local auto parts store or purchase one that’s specifically made for a river run along with a cooler filled with picnic supplies and park along one of the many lots along the Delaware River from Lambertville to Frenchtown (you’ll need two cars, of course, one for the drop-off and one for the pick up). Or, go to Delaware River Tubing just north of Frenchtown, which will provide tubes, transportation and a free hot dog as you float down the river.

 

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Go to a Museum

On those really hot days, sometimes air condition is the best place to be. Why not while away the time looking at interesting artifacts or artwork? Check out Hunterdon Happening List Finalist The Red Mill Museum or its next door neighbor Hunterdon Art Museum, both in Clinton.

Riegel Ridge Community Center (Photo from Facebook)

Make a Splash

Water is the best way to cool down on a hot day. Local pools, such as the Hunterdon YMCA, a Hunterdon Happening List winner for Best Pool, offer daily rates for nonmembers. Plus, it has a fun water park. For outdoor pool fun, check out Holland Township Pool at Riegel Ridge just north of Milford, a Hunterdon Happening List finalist. It, too, has a water park, plus food concessions.

Play Indoors

From bowling to roller or ice skating, there are plenty of indoor recreation haunts in Hunterdon County. Edge Sports in Flemington, a Hunterdon Happening List Amusement Winner offers American Ninja Warrior courses and archery laser tag.

Eat Ice Cream

No summer is complete without at least one trip to a local ice cream stand.  Check out Hunterdon Happening List Winner for Best Ice Cream Jimmy’s Ice Cream just north of Milford, and Hunterdon Happening List finalists Gronsky’s Milk House in High Bridge and Owowcow Creamery in Lambertville.

Take in a Movie

For interesting documentaries and independent films, try the Acme Screening Room in Lambertville, a Hunterdon Happening List finalist.  There are also plenty of movie nights sprinkled throughout the county, some hosted by local municipalities, others hosted by the Hunterdon County Library. Chirp Workshop in Flemington, a Hunterdon Happening List winner for Best Children’s Party Place, offers a “drive-in” movie night for kids. All you need to do is bring a box large enough for your child to sit in.

Listen to Music Under the Stars

As temperatures cool off in the early evening, it can be a perfect time to listen to music. Hunterdon County Parks and Recreation hosts a free concert series at Deer Path Park on Thursday nights from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The annual summer event is a Hunterdon Happening List winner. Hunterdon County Library also hosts outdoor concerts throughout the county. Visit www.hclibrary.us for more information

 

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Make Something

Spend the day creating at The Paint Party Studio in Flemington or the Paint Party Farm in Ringoes,  both Hunterdon Happening List finalist for Best Children’s Party. Or check out the Hunterdon County Library which hosts arts and crafts days, as well as opportunities to learn chess, magic, improv acting or trade pokemon cards.

 

 

 

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