Now that the weather is warming up – and it’s officially spring – it’s time to get outside and have fun. Try some of these South Jersey activities to cure your kids’ spring fever.
Tots on Tour
April 22
Grounds For Sculpture
80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton
609-586-0616
Take the art experience outside on the grounds of this 42-acre sculpture park. Grounds For Sculpture’s Tots on Tour invites children ages 3 to 5 to a story time, followed by a tour of the park and hands-on workshops where they can make their own art. April’s installment will include a visit to the bridge inspired by the work of Claude Monet and a mixed-media art workshop. The program runs from 11 am to 1 pm and is included with park admission.
Hang Out with the Butterflies
Camden Children’s Garden
3 Riverside Drive, Camden
856-365-8733
Bring the kids to this 1,200-square-foot butterfly sanctuary, where they can spot several species of beautiful butterflies. You can watch these winged insects flying, basking and enjoying nectar. The butterfly garden is included in admission, which costs $9 or $6 for Camden city residents with ID. Kids 1 and under are free. For more information, visit the website.
Play Around
Nothing beats running around on the playground during a beautiful spring day. Luckily, South Jersey is packed with plenty of jungle gyms, slides and monkey bars for the kids to enjoy. Check out our list of playgrounds to get a jump-start on that spring fun.
Go Back in Time
Batsto Village
31 Batsto Road, Hammonton
609-561-0024
Howell Living History Farm
70 Woodens Lane, Lambertville
609-737-3299
You don’t need a time machine to get a taste of South Jersey history. Visit one of these historic farms for tours, hikes and more historic activities. At Batsto Village, explore the mansion Wednesday through Sunday. Visit the website for times and ticket prices. Or, meet the animals at Howell Living History Farm. Learn what farming was like in the early 1900s, with special weekend programs like sawmilling, beekeeping and potato planting. Visit the website for event schedules.
Visit a Ship
April 8
Battleship New Jersey
100 Clinton Street, Camden
856-877-6262
Battleship New Jersey is already packed with artifacts and inside information from the ship’s history, but on April 8 it gets a 1960s makeover for its annual Vietnam War Living History Day. From 10 am to 3 pm , browse Vietnam War artifacts, watch re-enactors and hear from veterans who served there. Tickets range from $17 to $21.95. Artifact owners who bring an artifact and re-enactors who attend in uniform get a complimentary tour and lunch. For more information and tickets, visit the website.
Experience the Great Outdoors
Bring the whole family to enjoy a day of nature and wildlife. From advanced trails to easy beginner walks, South Jersey has a hike for everyone. Check out our South Jersey hiking guide to find out where to go and what to watch for.
Play in the Hay
Johnson’s Farm
133 Church Road, Medford
609-654-8643
Spend the day in the hay with egg hunt hayrides at Johnson’s Farm. The kids will love riding behind the tractor on their way to the egg field. There, they can scour the farm for hidden eggs – five per child – and then return to meet the Easter bunny and collect a celebratory candy bag. The hayrides are open from March 31 to April 15. Tickets for the egg hunt cost $9 or $4.50 for just the hayride.
