Harlem Globetrotters pictured above
It may be cold outside, but that doesn’t mean our only option is to bundle up under a blanket and hibernate for the rest of winter. South Jersey has plenty of fun to be had inside – so you can stay warm while having a great time. Check out these spots you can visit with the whole family to have some cool (and we don’t mean the temperature) experiences.
See a performance
All across South Jersey, local performers and national tours are gearing up to make you laugh, cry and smile with all kinds of performances. Visit Broadway Theatre of Pitman on Feb. 2, 3 & 4 for their production of Rodger’s & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.” The Harlem Globetrotters are stopping by Atlantic City’s Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall on Feb. 19 for their national tour. And Ritz Theatre Co. presents “Fiddler on the Roof” from Feb. 16 to March 3.
Camden County Historical Society
cchsnj.org
Want to know more about the Lenape community’s history? Ever wonder which of your favorite musicians are from the next town over? Looking to dive into your own family’s South Jersey history? You can find all of this – and a lot more – at the Camden County Historical Society. Whether it’s the African American history room, the Made in Camden exhibit or the American Revolution exhibit, there’s plenty of history to explore. Self-guided tours are available Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm.
Your local library
There is so much more than books to borrow at your local library – which is why it’s no surprise we can easily spend hours there. Through Burlington County Library System, you can get hand-picked recommendations from librarians after completing a survey. You can also access Ancestry Library Edition to do some family research. Most Sundays at Riverton Free Library, the org hosts a used book sale open to the public. And library locations throughout South Jersey offer regular story times and special events – like making DIY Valentine’s crafts at Cinnaminson Library on Feb. 13 or the toddler dance party at Haddonfield Library on Feb 29.
Millville Army Air Field Museum
p47millville.org
This former airport in Millville will introduce you to the high-flying world of aviation and its history.
Explore exhibits including The Navajo Code Talkers, Women with Wings and The Tuskegee Airmen featuring artifacts like replicas of warplanes and vintage uniforms. Tours are available by reservation on Mondays, and the museum is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.
Burlington County Prison Museum
co.burlington.nj.us
If you’ve already been to the Burlington County Prison Museum, get ready for a second visit because after several months of renovations, the museum got a makeover. Much of the work was to the outside of the building, and all inside floors were painted (the graffiti was preserved). Visitors can learn about the fascinating history of the prison and its inmates while it was in use from 1811 to 1965. Check website for visiting hours and available tours.
Symphony in C
symphonyinc.org
Watch – and listen – as classical music comes to life during one of Symphony in C’s performances this month. Hear a collection of Mozart and Halvorsen String Trios at Haddonfield United Methodist Church on Feb. 4 and “Romantic Harp” at the Gordon Theater at Rutgers-Camden on Feb. 17.
See a 24 hour show
bcfootlighters.com
No, you won’t be in your seat for 24 hours – but that is how long the writers, actors and crew have to create and rehearse the show. It’s a challenge the Burlington County Footlighters take on each year. Creators are given random themes, tasks, props and characters, and then 24 hours later, spectators can watch the original plays they have created. Tickets cost $10, and the shows premiere on Feb. 17 at 8 pm.
Battleship New Jersey
battleshipnewjersey.org
You can find out what life was like aboard the most-decorated U.S. battleship when you board the Battleship New Jersey at the Camden Waterfront. Venture below deck for a tour of the former crews’ quarters, the room where the ship was steered, the mess and more. You can even go through the motions and “fire” one of the Battleship’s guns. The ship is open to the public every day (except Christmas) from 10 am to 5:30 pm, with a guided tour available at noon.
Alice Paul Institute
alicepaul.org
Walk the same halls that famous suffragette Alice Paul did when she was growing up in her Mt. Laurel home. A 1-hour tour is available for $10 per person (kids under 6 are free) and highlights the values Alice learned in childhood, and how those led her to become a major player in the movement for women’s rights.
The Wetlands Institute
wetlandsinstitute.org
Bring the whole family to get your hands on science with weekly science experiments at The Wetlands Institute. They’ll provide the materials and instructions for lots of learning. All you have to do is bring a good attitude. Each week, the topic changes, covering things like migration, geology, outdoor exploration, nature crafts and more. The activity is included with admission and available each Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.
Perkins Center for the Arts
perkinsarts.org
From fine-tuning your skills to discovering a passion for art, Perkins Center for the Arts has plenty of programs to get the whole family in touch with their creative side. This month, the center is presenting programs including pottery for veterans, an Irish tune workshop, fused glass studio sessions, art time for preschoolers and much more. Plus, if you’d rather leave the art to the professionals, Perkins has exhibits on display at both its Collingswood and Moorestown locations.
