Weekends with little ones don’t have to mean long drives or major planning. Sometimes, the best memories are made close to home. Whether you live in Camden, Gloucester, or Burlington County, here are the top family-friendly destinations—all under an hour away—that are perfect for a fun and low-stress day trip.
Camden County
1. Adventure Aquarium & Camden Children's Garden
📍 Location: Camden Waterfront
🚗 Drive Time: Under 30 minutes from most Camden County towns
🐠 Why It’s Great:
The Adventure Aquarium is a magical underwater world your kids will love. With sharks, hippos, stingrays you can touch, and the only Great Hammerhead Shark on exhibit in the U.S., it’s both educational and exciting. The layout is stroller-friendly, and there are plenty of interactive zones to keep even toddlers engaged.
🌿 Right next door is the Camden Children’s Garden, a whimsical outdoor space designed just for kids. With themed gardens, storybook sculptures, a mini train, and a carousel—it’s a peaceful but fun spot to run around and explore.
👶 Best for ages: 1–10
🥪 Tip: Pack a lunch and eat at one of the shaded picnic areas by the river.
2. Jake’s Place at Challenge Grove Park
📍 Location: Cherry Hill
🚗 Drive Time: 15–25 minutes from most towns in Camden County
🛝 Why It’s Great:
This inclusive playground is designed for children of all abilities, making it one of the most thoughtful and engaging play spaces around. The playground is spacious, fenced in, and packed with slides, swings, climbing features, and even a zip line.
The surrounding park has paved walking trails, picnic tables, and open fields—great for a full morning or afternoon of outdoor fun.
👶 Best for ages: All ages
🎒 Tip: Bring scooters or bikes for the adjacent trails, and snacks for an easy picnic.
3. Garden State Discovery Museum (Pop-Up Events)
📍 Location: Events around Camden County (check their site for pop-ups)
🚗 Drive Time: Varies (usually 10–30 minutes)
🧩 Why It’s Great:
Though the original museum space closed, Garden State Discovery Museum now hosts frequent pop-up events, mobile exhibits, and interactive play days across the region. Activities often include science experiments, sensory play, and mini performances—all designed with early childhood development in mind.
👶 Best for ages: 1–8
📅 Tip: Check their event calendar or social media for the next pop-up near you.
Gloucester County
4. Scotland Run Park
📍 Location: Clayton
🚗 Drive Time: 30–40 minutes from most Gloucester County towns
🌳 Why It’s Great:
Gloucester County’s largest park offers a beach area with summer swimming, kid-friendly hiking trails, a fun playground, and even boat rentals. There’s also a nature center with fish tanks, turtles, and kid-level educational exhibits.
Whether you want to splash, hike, or picnic—this is an easy win for outdoor family time.
👶 Best for ages: 2–10
🧺 Tip: Arrive early in summer months to grab a shady picnic table near the water.
5. Dream Park Equestrian Center
📍 Location: Logan Township
🚗 Drive Time: 25–35 minutes
🐴 Why It’s Great:
Kids love watching the horses at this massive indoor/outdoor equestrian center, and many weekends offer free horse shows open to the public. It’s a calming but fascinating outing, especially for animal lovers.
Bring a blanket and watch from the sidelines, or explore the open spaces around the property.
👶 Best for ages: 3+
📸 Tip: Follow their social media for horse show schedules and kid-friendly event days (sometimes with pony rides!).
6. Duffield’s Farm Market
📍 Location: Sewell
🚗 Drive Time: 20–30 minutes
🌾 Why It’s Great:
A seasonal favorite, Duffield’s Farm offers hayrides, pick-your-own fruit and pumpkins, and an adorable petting area. The farm store is packed with fresh pies, apple cider donuts, and kid-approved snacks.
During fall, it transforms into a harvest wonderland with corn mazes and festivals.
👶 Best for ages: 1–10
🍩 Tip: Go in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy a donut breakfast on the picnic benches.
Burlington County
7. Historic Smithville Park & Village
📍 Location: Eastampton
🚗 Drive Time: 25–35 minutes
🏞️ Why It’s Great:
This scenic county park offers a great mix of natural beauty, play, and a touch of history. There are multiple playgrounds, wide paved trails for bikes and scooters, a floating bridge kids love to run across, and a peaceful lake for duck watching.
The historic buildings make a fun backdrop and host occasional family-friendly festivals and events.
👶 Best for ages: All ages
📷 Tip: Bring your camera—this is a great spot for spontaneous family photos.
8. Johnson’s Corner Farm
📍 Location: Medford
🚗 Drive Time: 30–40 minutes
🚜 Why It’s Great:
A go-to family destination, Johnson’s Farm has it all: wagon rides, a discovery barnyard, a splash pad in summer, and tons of space to play and explore. Seasonal activities include strawberry and pumpkin picking, and Santa visits in winter.
👶 Best for ages: 1–10
🌽 Tip: Don’t miss the farm stand for fresh produce and kid-approved treats like apple cider slushies.
9. The Funplex
📍 Location: Mount Laurel
🚗 Drive Time: 20–30 minutes
🎢 Why It’s Great:
Rain or shine, The Funplex delivers thrills for kids of all ages. With an indoor arcade, mini bowling, foam ball zone, go-karts, and a splash-filled outdoor water park in the summer, this spot keeps energy high and boredom low.
👶 Best for ages: 4+
🛟 Tip: Go early to avoid lines and look for weekday deals or toddler-time sessions for younger guests.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to travel far to make magical memories. These day trips offer just the right mix of fun, learning, and relaxation without pushing nap schedules or breaking the bank. Whether it’s sea creatures, sandy beaches, or historical charm, there’s something special for every family right here in South Jersey.