Nestled in the heart of Hunterdon County, New Jersey, Stockton is a charming town that offers a perfect blend of family-friendly activities and craft beer. During our recent visit, we explored its idyllic countryside, visited a local goat farm where we got to feed, play, and snuggle with the cutest baby goats, and savored some delicious craft brews.
We will take you on a tour of our day in Stockton, highlighting the best family-fun and craft beer spots in the area.
Gorgeous Goat Creamery & Soap
Visiting Gorgeous Goat Creamery and Soap was an unforgettable experience for our family. Not only did we get to see the beautiful goats up close, but we also had the opportunity to bottle-feed and snuggle with a slew of adorable baby goats. The creamery is off the main road, surrounded by a stunning wooded area. The serene and peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal place to relax and unwind.
As soon as we arrived, the friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming staff greeted us and gave us a tour while answering any initial questions we had about the goats and our visit. Thanks to their helpful guidance, we learned a lot about holding and caring for the goats.
Our boys were thrilled to discover that each baby goat had a gentle “name tag” so they could address each one by name. (Our four-year-old son’s favorite was Jim.) While the other guests arrived, we held and played with the baby goats, which was a delightful experience.
However, the highlight of our visit was when we could feed the baby goats. Before we started, the staff provided an excellent instructional lesson on feeding the goats and other useful information about their digestive systems. They also helped us troubleshoot any issues that may come up during the feeding.
Next, each family or group was assigned a designated area with an enclosed pen where they could feed their chosen goat. While in our area, the staff handed us bottles filled with warm milk, and we watched as the adorable little goats eagerly latched onto them. Seeing our sons’ faces light up as they interacted with these playful animals was heartwarming. After the feeding, we could spend more time with the baby goats and leave at our leisure.
In addition to the goat-feeding experience, we also had the opportunity to purchase goat milk products. The creamery offers cheese, milk, yogurt, and soap, all made with their goat milk. They also offer farm tours, goat hikes, and picnic events throughout the year.
Our visit to Gorgeous Goat Creamery and Soap was a fun and educational experience for our family. We left with a newfound appreciation for sustainable farming and the adorable goats that call the creamery home. If you ever have the chance to visit, be sure to bottle-feed a baby goat – it’s an experience you won’t forget!
Hoppy Parent Tips- We recommend bringing water bottles with you, especially on warmer days, as the farm is a bit of a walk from their parking area. Also, the trail is very stroller accessible for little ones who may have a tough time walking to where the goats are located.
Cravings
After feeding the baby goats, our bellies also felt a little grumbly. So we quickly stopped at Cravings, a cozy eatery that offered breakfast and lunch and a selection of hand-dipped and soft-serve ice cream. There were many family-friendly options, making it easy for us to have a quick bite before heading to our next stop. Our boys enjoyed their Chicken Tenders meal from the kids’ menu while we shared the Chicken Tender Sandwich. The staff was extremely friendly, and our meals came out hot and quickly. We opted to sit inside, but they also had outdoor seating available.
Odd Bird Brewing
We decided to top off our Stockton adventure with a stop at Odd Bird Brewing, part of the Hunterdon Beer Trail. Our boys loved that the brewery shared its area with a cool gas station.
Odd Bird Brewing provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a perfect place to end a fun-filled family day. Their cozy taproom exudes an inviting ambiance, and they serve craft beer brewed with passion and attention to detail in a family-friendly environment. With its rustic charm, friendly staff, and an impressive array of delectable brews, it has quickly become a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Our beer selections for the day included Joe’s Garage, a crisp and clear Kölsch (5.2%) with a delicate hop aroma and a subtle fruitiness, a rare find among local breweries. Meanwhile, All Neon Like (5.5%), an apricot sour ale, bursts with a juicy apricot flavor and a well-balanced acidity that delivers a bright and lively character to the palate.
Other Brewery Highlights
- An outdoor seating area to enjoy a beer with friends and family while enjoying the fresh air.
- Kettle corn chips and seltzer are available for purchase if you get hungry or prefer a non-alcoholic drink option.
- 32 oz crowlers available for takeout of select beer selections.
- Parking is available on the brewery side of the gas station and an overflow lot across the street.
- The bathroom was clean and equipped with a changing table.
Hoppy Parent Tip- Odd Bird Brewery welcomes all outside food. Maybe consider grabbing some ice cream from Cravings for the little ones before heading over, as it is sure to keep their bellies happy.
Looking for more?!
If you’re looking for more to do during your fun family day in Stockton, consider exploring the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park. Take a scenic stroll or bike ride down the canal trail and discover various plants and wildlife.
Another fun stop would be visiting the grounds of one of the several Prallsville Mills locations. Within the 10-building complex, you can find a range of historic structures, such as a grist mill, linseed oil mill, sawmill, and granary.
Keep crafting family memories, one hop at a time!
We’d love to hear about your local recommendations! Please share them with us below!