You’ve got one month before it all ends: the lazy weekends, the hot nights, the fun-in-the-blazing-sun afternoons. If you’re trying to soak up the remaining glory days of summer, try these activities that work best when you leave the phone at home, or at least, turned off in your beach bag. It’s going to be September before you know it, so unplug – squeeze the fun out of what’s left of summer.
Wildwood’s Navy Seal Challenge
1. Take the Navy Seal Challenge
wildwoodseal.com
Think you’ve got what it takes to be a Navy Seal? Head to Lincoln Avenue Beach in Wildwood on Aug. 11 and put yourself to the test. Participants compete in teams of four and swim a half mile in the ocean followed by a three-mile beach run obstacle course carrying a PVC pipe. You can also compete alone, swimming a half mile in the ocean followed by a three-mile beach run obstacle course. Both competitions start at 6:30 am, but you must register online in advance.
2. Visit a county fair
salemcountyfair.com
rutgers-atlantic.org
Both Salem County and Atlantic County 4H host their annual fairs this month. Visit Salem County’s fair on Route 40 (just past Cowtown Rodeo) from Aug. 7 to 10, and Atlantic County’s on Route 50 in Mays Landing from Aug. 9 to 11. Enjoy the old-time country fair feel while watching tractor pulls (for adults and kids), skillet throws, baby parades and talent shows. Both fairs are free, but there is a fee for parking.
3. Take a history walk – with a few ghosts thrown in
hcsv.org
Every Thursday in August, Historic Cold Spring Village in Cape May offers a walking ghost tour highlighting paranormal activities that have been experienced by village staff for years. The walk is 45 minutes long and begins at 8 pm at Cold Spring Brewery. Cost is $15 per adult and $12 for children ages 3 to 12.
4. Lay on the grass and watch a movie
Sure your couch is comfy, but what’s better than a favorite old movie under the stars? Collingswood is showing “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” on Aug. 9 and “A Dog’s Purpose” on Aug. 16 at Knight’s Park. See “Coco” outside Riverwinds Community Center on Aug. 15 and “Aladdin” at Bryne Plaza in Wildwood. Movies start at dusk. Bring a beach chair or blanket – and, of course, popcorn.
5. Ride the ferry
delawareriverwaterfront.com
It doesn’t even matter where you’re going – just enjoy the ride across the Delaware aboard the RiverLink Ferry. Catch the ferry right next to Camden’s Adventure Aquarium and take the breezy ride to Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia. You can bring your bike on board for an especially fun day. The ferry runs seven days a week, on the half hour, from 9:30 am to 6 pm. You can also catch a ferry at 6:30 and 7 pm on Saturday and Sundays. Round-trip tickets cost $9 for adults, $7 for seniors over age 65 and $7 for kids ages 3 to 12.
6. Check out the buzz in Atlantic City
theborgata.com
hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com
There’s lots of excitement happening in Atlantic City: The Borgata is celebrating its 15 years at the Shore town with special guest packages and plenty of fresh entertainment. And the new kid on the Shore block – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – just opened with new restaurants, a beach bar and nightclubs.
7. Conquer a monster truck
wildwoodmotoreventsnj.com
Check out ZombieCRUSHER and AmeriCRUSH on the beach just outside Adventure Pier in Wildwood. For $10, you can experience the thrill (wait till you feel the power of the engine in your chest!) of riding across the sand and over a few small hills.
8. Tour, Hike or Bike a Nearby Park
Pick a park and a trail, and enjoy how much beauty we have so close to where we live. Check out Rancocas State Park in Hainesport, Wenonah Woods or Maurice River Bluffs Preserve in Millville. Wherever you go, you’ll find stunning views, plenty of wildlife (don’t forget to look up) and lots of creaky bridges and walkable riverbanks.
9. Visit a military encampment
historicsmithvillenj.com
The Civil War re-enactment organization Company K will set up a military and civilian camp at Historic Smithville and the Village Greene on Aug. 11 and 12. See marching drills and musket demonstrations, and be sure to ask questions when you see the costumed participants.
