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South Jersey is a wonderful place to raise a family. From amazing schools to pristine parks, it is a fantastic location to settle down. If you live in the South Jersey area, or are thinking of moving your family there, here is a list of my top 10 family-friendly destinations!
Written by Jeremy Cohen
10. Capt. Mike’s Marina – Captain Mike’s Marina and Kayaking is located in historic Tuckerton, NJ, which lies just a few miles north of Atlantic City. They are a seasonal operation, which is open from May 1st-October 15th. It is a great destination for boating, fishing, and crabbing. They also have a bait and tackle store, on property, for all of your fishing and crabbing needs. So if you are looking for a fun activity on the Jersey shoreline, be sure to check them out!
9. Sahara Sam’s Oasis Indoor & Outdoor Water Park – Sahara Sam’s is the largest indoor water park in New Jersey, with a retractable roof which encloses 58,000 square feet of indoor aquatic attractions. The facility is located in West Berlin, NJ and is also equipped with a 3,000 square foot arcade, which will be sure to keep the kids entertained. During the summer season, they also have a 2-acre Outdoor Beach Club, which includes a 10,000 square foot wave pool! So if you are searching for some summer fun and don’t feel like driving to the shore, check out this awesome location!
8. Storybook Land – Storybook Land has been around for over 60 years and has always been a great destination for children. Located in Egg Harbor Township, NJ, the facility is a mini-amusement park filled with exciting rides and attractions. Classic children’s stories and nursery rhymes are scattered throughout the park, which will help fill your children with memories for years to come. The park is open primarily on weekends from mid-March to the beginning of May, and is then open daily from early May through Labor Day. After Labor Day, the park is open primarily on weekends until December when they are open daily for the Christmas Season.
7. The Funplex – The Funplex features 25 acres of indoor and outdoor attractions and is located in Mount Laurel, NJ. The indoor park includes attractions like Bumper Cars, Bowling, Go-Karts, Laser Tag, an Arcade, and a 4-D Theater. The outdoor park, where attractions start opening at the end of March and April, includes a Roller Coaster, Bumper Boats, Free Fall, and Miniature Golf. There is also a water park, which is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. So if you are in the mood for some local fun, get on down to The Funplex!
6. Wetlands Wildlife Safari – Climb aboard the Osprey on a trek through Cape May’s natural wetlands, with Captain Bob. Known for its abundance of marine and bird life, the beauty of Cape May can be explored in a way you may have never imagined. This kid-friendly voyage goes from the Cape Island Creek Natural Preserve through Cape May Harbor, and finally into the Coastal Salt Marsh. This is one trip you won’t want to forget, so make sure you bring your camera!
5. Johnson’s Corner Farm – Located in Medford, NJ, Johnson’s Corner Farm has many fun family activities throughout the year. In the spring, they have such fun as Egg Hunt Hayrides to Strawberry Picking Tours. In the summer, you can enjoy picking Blueberries, Sweet Corn, and Peaches. Also, you can’t forget about the fall, with their wonderful Apple and Pumpkin Picking Hayrides. Don’t miss out on their amazing Farmer’s Market, also! So make a trip to Johnson’s Corner Farm and enjoy some of the best fresh produce of New Jersey!
4. Cowtown Rodeo – A secret jewel in the heart of Southern Jersey, Cowtown Rodeo will bring you face-to-face with the lifestyle of the Old West. Located in Pilesgrove, NJ, this is a professional Rodeo with real Cowboys and Cowgirls from across the United States. There aren’t many Rodeo stops on the East Coast, so take the opportunity to have a truly unique experience in New Jersey! The show is great for both kids and adults and is open every Saturday night during the season from May through September.
3. Diggerland USA – Diggerland is currently the only construction-themed park in all of North America, where children can ride and operate actual construction machinery. There are over 25 attractions in this park, which is located on about 14 acres in West Berlin, NJ. The machinery has undergone unique modifications by advanced engineers, which makes them safe for children as small as 36 inches to operate with very little need for instruction. So if your child has an affinity with trucks, this is an optimal place to go visit!
2. Garden State Discovery Museum – This museum is jam-packed with family fun and discovery, and is geared towards younger children, ranging from infants to around 10 years of age. The museum is located in Cherry Hill, NJ, and has over 20 kid-powered exhibits. From exploring science to having fun with arts and crafts, this facility will unleash the imagination of your children! So bring the little kids and be prepared for a day of fun for all!
1. Adventure Aquarium – This list would be incomplete if it didn’t include one of the most exciting and family-friendly destinations in all of New Jersey. Adventure Aquarium, which is located in Camden, NJ, is open 365 days a year and continuously offers new and exciting exhibits for children and their parents to explore. The aquarium is home to a hippo exhibit, which is the only one in the world. It also is the only aquarium in the country to house a Great Hammerhead Shark, one of the rarest sharks in the world! This amazing aquarium will leave you with amazing memories for you and your entire family!
