Scouting out new places to go with preschoolers for a daytrip or even a few hours can be tricky. A little like the story of Goldilocks and the 3 bears, the activities have to be just right – they can’t be too babyish but also not over their heads (literally and figuratively). Luckily there are tons of fun places in South Jersey that are just right for preschoolers. Check out 9 of them here.
Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Drive, Camden
adventureaquarium.com
Some kids could spend hours simply staring at the aquatic animals, but there’s so much more for active kids to explore. Try starting at the KidZone, packed with interactive and please-touch exhibits. Then there’s Penguin Park, which recently added a new soft play area for preschoolers to get close to the penguins. And don’t forget to visit Sand Castle Island, an interactive play area within Stingray Beach Club featuring a moat, a drawbridge, a water wheel, waterfall and of course a sand castle.
Burlington County Library
5 Pioneer Blvd., Westampton
bcls.lib.nj.us
StoryWalk is a free outdoor experience that truly makes reading fun. Laminated pages from a children’s book are attached to wooden stakes, which are installed along an outdoor path. As you stroll down the trail, you’re directed to the next page in the story. You can keep coming back to “read” different books that celebrate nature, diversity and community.
Cape May County Park & Zoo
707 N. Rt. 9, Cape May Court House
capemaycountynj.gov
There’s so much to love about this zoo. It’s free, open year-round from 10 am to 3:30 pm and is perfectly sized for family fun. There’s also a 3-week class designed especially for young children ages 2 – 4 called Littlest Explorers. Children, along with a caregiver, meet new animal friends and take part in activities. Each 1-hour session starts with a song and a story, and ends in the zoo.
Funny Farm Animal Sanctuary
6908 Railroad Blvd., Mays Landing
funnyfarmrescue.org
Get kisses from a 2,500-pound cow, nuzzles from a goat and play Frisbee with a turkey right here in South Jersey. Admission is free, but any donations help owner Laurie Zaleski care for and feed the more than 150 injured, abused and abandoned animals that call Funny Farm home.
Jean and Ric Edelman Planetarium at Rowan University
201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro
rowan.edu
Every Sunday at 2 pm, families with small children can watch a special show designed just for them. Shows are 30 minutes long and $2 per person. The movies vary in theme, sometimes they’re strictly about stars and planets, and others are history-themed – the sky’s the limit! March’s show is “Secret of the Cardboard Rocket.” It’s best to get tickets in advance as these shows often sell out.
Johnson’s Corner Farm
133 Church Road, Medford
johnsonsfarm.com
The Discovery Barnyard and Animal Farm features climbing walls, go-kart tracks, a tractor trailer sand castle and more. Opening Day is March 24 and day passes are $12 for children 1 – 12 and $6 for adults. Visit the website for themed hayrides and to see what pick-your-own produce is in season.
Marine Mammal Stranding Station
3625 Atlantic Brigantine Boulevard, Brigantine
mmsc.org
Take a tour of this center dedicated to saving and healing our injured or stranded marine animals. Kids will love the life-sized replicas of marine mammals, sea turtles and fish that were found in New Jersey waters or stranded on the beach. See the outdoor bone garden and, in summer months, an observation tank featuring several species of local fish and invertebrates. The free museum is open Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm.
Scotland Run Park Nature Center
980 East Academy Street, Clayton
gloucestercountynj.gov
Learn about the snakes, frogs and other animals native to South Jersey in Nature Tots. These free weekly lessons always include visits by the animals and a craft activity. Lessons are held on Tuesdays from January through March and September through November at 9:30 am. Due to limited space, pre-registration is required.
Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center
1501 Glasstown Road, Millville
wheatonarts.org
Little kids can get creative at Wheaton Arts. Sidewalk chalk and creation stations are scattered among the grounds. Fun games include jumbo checkers, a 4-foot tumble tower, giant garden dominos, jumbo bubbles and croquet. And visitors of all ages can participate!
