New Jersey Attractions

• New Jersey State Aquarium & Camden Children’s Garden
1 Riverside Drive, Camden, 800-616-JAWS or 856-365-TREE

At the New Jersey State Aquarium you can view sharks, penguins, seals and more than 5,000 fantastic fish and birds on exhibit. Visitors can take a gander at toucans, nutria, centipedes and many other animals. Other highlights include a shark touch tank and dive shows in the 760,000-gallon open ocean tank. Adjacent to the aquarium is the Camden Children’s Garden, where thousands of flowers bloom in theme gardens. Attractions include a garden train and a carousel.

• Batsto Village
4110 Nesco Road, Hammonton, 609-561-3262

Batsto Village was established in 1766 with the construction of an iron furnace and soon grew into an industrial center. Glassmaking, brickmaking, shipbuilding and other related industries flourished here from the mid-18th to the mid-19th century. Today, more than 30 structures remain from the site’s heyday, including the Batsto Mansion, sawmill, workers’ cottages and general store. On weekends, visitors can watch a volunteer blacksmith; quilters, a potter and a weaver demonstrate traditional crafts. The Visitors Center Museum exhibits a variety of artifacts, including a hand-stitched quilt made around 1865 by a Batsto Village resident.

• Haddonfield
856-216-7253

Haddonfield’s historic district and downtown shopping district include more than 400 Colonial and Victorian buildings of historical or architectural importance, including the 1750 Indian King Tavern House Museum. The area hosts a variety of activities, festivals, themed tours and events year-round. Call or visit the website for more information.

• Battleship New Jersey
62 Battleship Place, Camden, 866-877-6262

The most decorated battleship in U.S. navy history has been transformed into a floating museum that celebrates America’s rich naval history. Tours of the 11-story, 45,000-ton New Jersey showcase the combat engagement center, legendary 16-inch guns and the day-to-day life of those who served on her through four wars.

• Pomona Hall
Park Boulevard and Euclid Avenue, Camden, 856-964-3333

In 1788 businessman Marmaduke Cooper oversaw the renovation of a small 1718 wood-framed house into a luxurious mansion complete with an open-hearth kitchen and plantation office. Today, Pomona Hall stands as the finest example of a Georgian-style plantation house in New Jersey. Visitors can sample traditional food cooked over a wood fire and see a dining room table set with china and silverware from the 18th century.

• Walt Whitman House
328 Mickle Boulevard, Camden, 856-964-5383

Walt Whitman, America’s “poet of democracy”, spent the last eight years of his life at this two-story frame house. Visitors can view the author’s personal belongings, letters and other memorabilia.

• Rutgers-Camden Center for the Arts
Rutgers, The State University, Camden, 856-225-6350

The Rutgers-Camden Center for the Arts Stedman Gallery features a collection of artwork by contemporary American artists. Call for more information about changing exhibits.

• Garden State Discovery Museum
2040 Springdale Road, Cherry Hill, 856-424-1233

The Garden State Discovery Museum is a hands-on, interactive experience for infants to 10-year-olds. Fifteen exhibits invite kids to touch, explore and create as part of their tour, which includes scaling a rock-climbing wall, bandaging a wounded teddy bear and preparing an exotic meal at the Discovery Diner.

•Tweeter Center
Delaware River waterfront, near New Jersey State Aquarium, Camden
856-365-1300, Tickets: 215-336-2000

During the summer this versatile, 25,000-capacity outdoor amphitheater offers guests great music and an excellent view of the Philadelphia skyline. In the fall and winter months, the Tweeter Center transforms into an enclosed, climate-controlled theater with seating from 1,600 to 7,000.

• Walt Whitman Cultural Arts Center
2nd and Cooper Streets, Camden, 856-964-8300

Seeking to preserve the artistic legacy of its namesake, the Walt Whitman Cultural Arts Center presents concerts, theater and poetry programs that span cultures and ideology. The center supports a 187-seat theater and a 1,000-square-foot fine arts gallery.

• Haddonfield Plays & Players
957 South Atlantic Avenue, Haddonfield, 856-429-8139

This community theater has been entertaining Haddonfield since 1935. The troupe presents 10 productions each year on the Main Stage, including children’s theater, family-oriented shows, musicals and dramas. Haddonfield’s “Stage Kidz” program bolsters youth participation in performing arts through acting programs and summer camps.

• Mainstage Center for the Arts
100 South Blackhorse Pike, Blackwood
856-232-1012, Box Office: 856-589-7710

Mainstage Center for the Arts has grown from a summer-long youth theater camp into a year-round arts program that sponsors dance, voice and acting classes for children and families in South Jersey. The Courier Post recognized Mainstage as an outstanding performing arts center for five consecutive years. Call for more information.

• Ritz Theatre
915 White Horse Pike, Oaklyn, 856-858-5230

This 1927 vaudeville theater retains much of the grandeur of yesteryear. The intimate stage, framed by gilt trim and marbleized columns, plays host to professional theatrical productions year-round. In addition to its main stage and children’s performances, the Ritz also sponsors an array of outreach and educational programs. Call for a detailed schedule of performances.

• New Jersey Pinelands
15 Springfield Road, New Lisbon, 609-894-7300

The New Jersey Pinelands is distinguished as the country’s first National Reserve. Encompassing 1.1 million acres, the Pinelands is known for its forest or pygmy and pitch pines and the aquifers that contain some of the country’s purest water. Perhaps the best way to explore this area is by canoe or kayak – the Batsto, Mullica, Oswego and the Wading rivers are all excellent destinations.

• Clementon Amusement Park & Splash World Waterpark
144 Berlin Road, Clementon, 856-783-0263

High-tech thrills mix with turn-of-the-century charm at 95-year-old Clementon Amusement Park. Adult rides like the Thunderbolt, Sea Dragon, Falling Star and Chaos deliver first-rate, high-speed thrills, while the Classic Carousel, Giant Ferris Wheel and Clementon Belle showboat offer a nostalgic look back at the early years of amusement parks. You’ll find top-notch entertainment here, including the Big Cat Encounter, where fifth-generation animal trainer Kay Rosarie cleverly manipulates African lions and Royal Bengal tigers. Just add water to Clementon Amusement Park and you’ve got Splash World, home to the 700-foot Black Viper slide, Caribbean Cove and the Endless River.

• Haddon Lake Park
Just off Kings Highway in Audubon, Mount Ephraim and Haddon Heights
856-795-7275

This nearly 80-acre Haddon Lake Park offers a softball field, basketball court, sand volleyball courts, an in-line hockey court, playgrounds, picnic areas and bike paths. The Norcross-McLaughlin Memorial Dell outdoor amphitheater at the park features family and children’s programming.

• Berlin Park
White Horse Pike and Park Drive, Berlin, 856-767-7275

You’ll find a wide range of recreational opportunities at Berlin Park. Facilities include nature trails, playgrounds, softball fields, lighted tennis courts, an in-line hockey rink and a basketball court. Camden County’s Environmental Studies Center, located in Berlin Park, offers a variety of educational programs and information services.

• Cooper River Park
South and North Park Drives
Cherry Hill, Pennsauken, Camden, Collingswood and Haddon Township

Cooper River Park is the home of many prestigious rowing events. Ideal rowing conditions exist on the Cooper, which boasts a 2,000-meter narrow and sheltered straightaway. The park’s other amenities include the Jack Curtis Stadium (host to a summer concert series), a miniature golf course, a driving range, a dog park, a quarter-mile track, bike paths, picnic areas and much more.

• Dr. Ulysses S. Wiggins Waterfront Park and Marina
Mickle Boulevard on the Delaware River, Camden
856-795-7275

The Riverstage at Wiggins Waterfront Park is host to summer jazz concerts and special events. The waterfront promenade offers a spectacular view of the Philadelphia skyline. Boat rentals are available at the 50-slip marina from April through October. Wiggins Park and Marina are conveniently located among major waterfront attractions, including the USS New Jersey, Tweeter Center, Aquarium and Children’s Garden, and Cambell’s Field.

• Cambell’s Field
401 North Delaware Avenue, Camden, 856-963-2600

Cambell’s Field opened in May 2001 as home of the Camden Riversharks, a new member of professional baseball’s Atlantic League. The 6,425-seat field offers breathtaking views of the Ben Franklin Bridge and Philadelphia’s skyline. With a 5,000-square-foot play area for kids, Cambell’s Field is a great spot for a family outing.

• Mercer County Waterfront Park
1 Thunder Road, Trenton
Eastern League, April to September
Tickets: 609-394-TEAM

The Trenton Thunder, a Class AA affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, celebrated their ninth season in 2002. They became the fastest Class AA team to reach three million fans in the history of Minor League Baseball in 2001. The Thunder is #1 in affordable family fun.

• Atco Raceway
1000 Jackson Road, Atco
856-768-0900 or 856-768-2167

Atco Raceway has a solid reputation as one of the hottest drag-racing venues in the United States, regularly hosting top competitions in jet cars, match races and street racing. You’ll also find custom car shows here throughout the year.

• Sovereign Bank Arena
81 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton, 609-656-3200

Sovereign Bank Arena opened in 1999 as home of the Trenton Titans, a professional team of the East Coast Hockey League. When the Titans aren’t on the ice, the arena hosts concerts, conventions, ice shows and occasional exhibition games of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers. The venue seats 8,600 for basketball and up to 10,500 for concerts and special events.

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