Community Corner

Kid-Friendly (And Cheap!) Weekend Adventures in New Jersey

Pack up the kids and get ready for an awesome, affordable adventure.

Written by Brianna Gunter

Sometimes all it takes is a little planning to have a great family outing. When routine exploits just aren’t cutting it anymore, shake things up by exploring new terrain, taking in an exhibition, or visiting a landmark and learning a little something about our local history. Here are awesome events to attend and places to visit around town before fall ends. Best part? All of them can be done on the cheap and on one tank of gas—or less!

Johnson’s Corner Farm

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133 Church Road, Medford

This farm began in the 1960s as a cart filled with corn for sale at the corner of Church and Hartford roads, but it has since grown into a year-round working farm open to visitors. Owned and operated by the Johnson family, it remains particularly popular for apple picking during the fall months.

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Why Go: The “Fall Festival Weekends” go until Oct. 31 and include live music, a moon bounce, corn maze and food tent. It’s also all about apples and other fresh produce this fall season at Johnson’s, and for an affordable price you and your family members will get the experience of picking apples and more during your visit. “Honestly, the farm is good for all ages,” says family member Gilbert Johnson. “Not many people get the experience of going out and picking fresh … produce right off the tree.”

Insider Tip: Call ahead to see what varieties of apples you can pick.

Must Do: It’s not all about apple picking here. If you have smaller children, visit the Discovery Barnyard, an attraction not seen at most apple-picking orchards in the area. The barnyard features rock climbing, kid-friendly go-cart tracks, a pretend farm and more.

The Fine Print: You have to pay for entrance to Discovery Barnyard, but the deal is actually pretty good considering everything it offers. The barnyard even comes with its own bathroom and food facilities.

Battleship New Jersey

100 Clinton St., Camden

866-877-6262

While a lot of fall family activities revolve around festivals and apple picking, a trip to the Battleship New Jersey is a unique, unforgettable experience that also teaches your kids a thing or two about U.S. history. Located on the Delaware River in Camden, this is the most decorated battleship in the nation.

Why Go: Children of all ages will enjoy this break from your usual family activities, and your little ones can climb around the ship’s ladders, try out the bunks and just generally experience sailor life.

Insider Tip: If you have a baby or a toddler, bring them along in a carry-on. Strollers are not allowed onboard the ship. Also, be sure that you and your kids wear comfortable shoes with non-skid soles, because many surfaces are metal and are meant to be walked on with military boots. It can get pretty cold aboard the ship during the fall season, so bring a jacket even if the sun is out.

Must Do: You and your children can take turns sitting in the Admiral’s Chair and get a great view of the ship, the river and the skyline of nearby Philadelphia.

The Fine Print: Hours of operation through Nov. 3 are 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day. Check the website for ticket prices and dates and hours of operation after Nov. 3. Parking is available in the Waterfront Garage located on Delaware Avenue.

New Jersey State Museum and Planetarium

205 West State St., Trenton

609-292-6464

Take a break from apple picking and fall festivals with a trip to the state capital. New Jersey’s State Museum and Planetarium in downtown Trenton is considered by many to be one of the city’s best attractions, and its Trip Advisor and Facebook pages are filled with comments such as “Educational and enjoyable” and “Great for kids.”

Why Go? This multi-purpose museum of art, science and archaeology is a way to get out of the house while still spending a day inside where it’s warm rather than out in the brisk fall weather.

Insider Tip: Don’t be fooled by the seemingly low rates of the local parking garages or even the metered parking on West State Street. Drive around to the back of the museum (alongside Route 29), where you’ll find a free parking lot. It’s used by museum staff and workers in the state house (right next door), but it’s open to the public as well.

Must Do! According to museum curators, the natural history exhibit now contains some “never before seen specimens.” Dinosaurs, anyone?

The Fine Print: Teachers, veterans, and military members and their families always get free admission.


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