The kids are off from school, but we’re not stressing (even if the week feels more like a month). We’ve got plenty of fun ideas for the whole family – that even come with a little learning!
Battleship New Jersey
Walk the halls of America’s most decorated Battleship, just like the sailors used to. Explore at your own pace with a guided tour five levels up and two decks below – including the plotting room, used to fire the big guns. Or sign up for a 90-minute guided tour featuring the Admiral’s and Captain’s cabins, the navigational bridge and more. And if you’re really feeling adventurous, the Battleship provides overnight stays for groups, where you can eat and sleep where the crew did in the ship’s prime.
Burlington County Prison Museum
Once you explore the Burlington County Prison Museum’s new makeover – with either a self-guided or audio tour – and learn the stories of the criminals who spent some time in those historic cells, test out your escape skills with the museum’s new escape game. Each group gets a case of clues that will take you throughout the jail to solve your escape!
NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum
Take a hands-on trip back in time inside a real WWII hangar packed with military vehicles, helicopters, jets and more artifacts from decades past. Visitors can even climb to the top of an air traffic control tower and sit in the cockpit of a military jet.
Indian King Tavern
See the rooms where our founding fathers discussed freedom and taxes at Haddonfield’s Indian King Tavern. Explore the rooms – including the bar – of the nearly 300-year-old tavern and chat with one of the site’s volunteer reenactors to find out some of the history of the building and its historic visitors. The museum is free to visit, but donations are suggested.
Absecon Lighthouse
Feel like the kids have a little too much energy? See how they feel after climbing the 228 steps of the Absecon Lighthouse. The view from the top makes the climb completely worth it, with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. The lighthouse also offers Family Field Trip programs, where the whole family can learn about science, math, arts, technology and engineering through the lens of the lighthouse. More information on the programs, which cost $12 per adult, $8 per child and require registration, is available on the website.
Historic Smithville
It’s right there in the name – this South Jersey town has a storied history, featuring a nearly 300-year-old inn and origins that include a historic stagecoach stop. Visitors to the town can browse 50 shops, eat at a handful of restaurants and enjoy family-friendly activities like the carousel, all while learning about the town’s past.
