The temps are rising and yes, we want to go outside! Here are some South Jersey spots that offer outside fun for the whole family.
Smithville
Feel the small town hospitality of a historic village that started as a stagecoach stop over 50 years ago when you hop on and off the carousel in the square, stroll by the waterwheel and visit the shops and restaurants that line the village square. Plus, take a turn on the paddleboats or climb aboard the train for a tour around Smithville.
Atsion
There’s so much to explore – from the beach at Atsion Lake to the mansion near Atsion’s cranberry bogs – that it can be hard to decide where to start. Luckily, you can choose what works best for your family. Maybe you start with a swim and some sunbathing at Atsion Recreation Area, where there is also a concession stand during summer months. Or maybe you wander Atsion village and tour the 1826 mansion that looks just like it did back in the 19th Century. And if you want to turn your day trip into a weekend trip, cabins are available for rent at Atsion Campground.
Climb the 229 steps of Absecon Lighthouse to discover unique views of the South Jersey Shoreline and bustling Atlantic City. Before or after your climb, be sure to wander the grounds to learn the lighthouse’s history (it’s one of the oldest in the country!) and if the weather is warm enough, pack a lunch to enjoy on one of the nearby picnic tables.
Hamilton
Make art interactive for the whole family as you take in some fresh air and explore the expansive and eye-catching works of art at Grounds For Sculpture. Plus, the park hosts monthly events for the whole family, like open family studio time (you can make art with beeswax on April 12) and Tots for Sculpture, a workshop exclusively for toddlers to create different kinds of art and learn along the way (pendulum painting comes to GFS on April 26).
Hamilton
Spend a morning or afternoon taking in the stunning beauty of Sayen House & Gardens’ 250,000 flowers, rolling streams, walking paths and fields. Wander the grounds looking for beautiful flowers, crossing the picturesque bridge and keeping your eyes peeled for local wildlife. If you’re feeling particularly motivated, make a list of things you can find in nature and have your kids look for them on your walk – like a scavenger hunt.
Fight imaginary pirates aboard a wooden ship. Swing to new heights. Make music. Have all of this fun and much more at your local playground and let your little ones get all of that energy out while their imagination (and feet) run wild. Plus, many South Jersey playgrounds are accessible for children of all abilities and feature sensory activities.
Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge
Medford
Redtail hawks, skunks and deer, oh my! Stop by Cedar Run for a choose-your-own adventure of wildlife fun and learning. With winding trails through the Pinelands, animal ambassadors and an educational nature center, the refuge has enough fun to last days. We recommend checking the calendar before your visit to see if there are any upcoming events like night hikes (April 26), educational programs (Science Rocks! on April 21) or other fun events (Raptor Photography Session on April 6). And if you do plan to stay the day, you can pack a lunch to enjoy at the refuge’s picnic and play area.
Cape May Court House
The Cape May County Park & Zoo is open year-round, but it’s extra fun when the sun is shining and the temps start climbing – just like many of the animals that call the zoo home. Walk the paved paths to visit bears, zebra, giraffe, red panda, lion, cheetah, reptiles, a giant tortoise and flamingo – just to name a few. For an extra special trip, sign up for one of the zoo’s encounters, like feeding giraffe or meeting capybara. Plus, when the family starts getting peckish, stop by one of the zoo’s restaurants or head across the street to the park and enjoy a packed lunch (pavilions can be rented for a fee).
