Not all family travel adventures need to be long treks to faraway places or exotic destinations. Sometimes, the best adventures can be found right in your backyard with a little creativity and an open mind. This past weekend, our family decided to take a short day trip to Princeton, New Jersey, for a college basketball game, and it turned out to be a perfect way to spend the day together.

Starting the Day with a Hidden Gem: Saturn Pizza

Located just about an hour to an hour and a half from our home, Princeton was the ideal destination for a quick getaway. We left mid-morning and arrived around noon, kicking off our day with a delicious lunch at Saturn Pizza, a hidden gem tucked away in the Ivy Inn building.

If you didn’t know to look for it, you might walk right by it! The Ivy Inn is set back from the sidewalk and doesn’t resemble a pizza shop at all—in fact, even when you step inside, it feels more like a bar or pub than a traditional pizzeria.

But don’t let the setting fool you. The pizza at Saturn is fantastic, with an ultra-thin, cracker-like crust that’s often referred to as “bar pizza.” It’s the kind of pizza that Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports would describe as perfect for his One Bite Pizza Reviews. For those who aren’t familiar, Portnoy is known for traveling across the country reviewing pizzas, taking one bite (or a few!) before offering his rating. Although he hasn’t reviewed Saturn Pizza yet, our kids, who’ve recently started watching his reviews, immediately associated Saturn’s style with the familiar “bar pizza” category Portnoy often talks about. It’s always fun when something like this resonates with them in a way that ties into their interests.

The Main Event: College Basketball at Princeton University

Next up was the main event: a women’s basketball game between Princeton and Dartmouth. Princeton University’s campus is beautiful, and their sports facilities are equally impressive. Seating at the game was unassigned, so we were able to pick great seats close to the court.

While the audience was filled with alumni proudly cheering for their team, the atmosphere was inviting and vibrant, with plenty of activities designed specifically for kids.

The game featured a “Little Tigers” program for younger attendees, a halftime show with a hip-hop routine performed by local kids, and even a layup competition for children. It was wonderful to see so many families engaging with the game, whether sitting in the stands or enjoying the sidelines. The Princeton Tigers won their game against Dartmouth 63 to 39.

Why College Sports Make for Great Family Outings

Compared to professional games, college basketball games like this are much more affordable, and the smaller crowd made the experience feel less overwhelming—especially if you’re traveling with younger kids and strollers. Women’s games, in particular, are often a bit less expensive and more relaxed than men’s games, making them an excellent choice for a family outing.

A bonus tip for parents: The low-cost, low-stakes nature of these events means the focus can truly be on spending time together as a family. If your kids lose interest or decide they’re not into it, you can leave early without feeling like you’ve wasted the day. It’s a great way to introduce younger kids to sports in an accessible and pressure-free way, and if it doesn’t click right away, you can always try again when they’re older.

A Sweet Ending at Halo Pub

After the game, we wrapped up the day with a visit to Halo Pub, a well-known local ice cream shop with an old-school vibe and a wide variety of delicious flavors. The seating area was cozy, and the atmosphere was perfect for capping off a fun day.

Why We’ll Be Back to Princeton

While the weather wasn’t ideal (unexpected drizzle and cold kept us from exploring more), the town itself is charming and very walkable. The area around Halo Pub is particularly quaint, with little shops and streets that invite leisurely strolling. We’re already looking forward to returning in warmer weather to soak up the sun and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.

Takeaway: Simple Adventures, Lasting Memories

This day trip reminded us that family adventures don’t have to be grand or complex to be meaningful. Whether it’s exploring a local college town, attending a nearby game, or just finding a new favorite pizza or ice cream spot, the key is spending time together and making memories along the way.

So if you’re looking for a simple, low-cost way to get out and do something fun as a family, consider checking out a local college sporting event. You might just discover a new favorite family tradition.