50 Things to Do in Gloucester County

When it comes to amazing food, culture and fun things to do with the kids, Gloucester County in South Jersey has it all. Visit the first hot air balloon landing site, tour Rowan University’s Planetarium and Edelman’s Fossil Park, or take the kids to Creamy Acres Farm. Just a half-hour from Philadelphia, Gloucester County is also home to wineries, Revolutionary War historical battlefields, the Hollybush Mansion, scenic trails and so much more. Here are 50 fun things to do in Gloucester County:

1. Play some paintball. With more than 50 acres of fields and over 15 playing fields, Pinnacle Paintball Park is one of New Jersey’s largest paintball facilities. The paintball center has popular maps like the Valken Castle, a three-story playing field and Cabin Fever, a custom log cabin area where you can battle against your group. Pinnacle also hosts lots of events, like the new monthly airsoft night games.

   

2. Explore the parks. Washington Lake Park holds outdoor concerts with local bands at the amphitheater and is a perfect spot for photo ops for graduation and prom pictures. This is New Jersey’s largest municipal park with 330 acres and has three playground areas, athletic fields and tennis courts. Bring your dog to the leashed dog park in Grenloch Lake or fishing at Cedar Lake. Visit Scotland Run Park in Clayton, overseeing the grand 83-acre Wilson Lake used for boating, fishing and nature observation. The park has a nature center for children to see live animals.
3. Get messy making art. Located in East Greenwich Township, Pinspiration is a spot for families to create art together. The most popular activity is the Splatter Room, where you can make splatter art. There is a room for all occasions like date nights, birthday parties, or just for the kids. Wear scrubs and protective goggles provided by Pinspiration and have some fun in their DIY studio.

   

4. Escape with friends. Exit 4 Escape Room is a popular destination in Glassboro. With three different rooms, this is for those who love mysteries or a challenge. All rooms are private and you’ll have 60 minutes to escape. Think Solve Escape in Turnersville books up to ten people per room. With six rooms each ranked by difficulty level, you can pick the best match for your crew.
5. Go shopping. Cross Keys Commons is an upscale shopping center with lots of cute spots. Two new spots opened recently to get sweet treats for your family including Kung Fu Tea, which serves bubble tea; and Crumbl Cookies. The Deptford Mall is close to Philadelphia and Atlantic City and has 125 specialty stores and restaurants.
6. Explore the downtown scene. Pitman Grove is one of the best spots for dining and has Mexican, Italian, vegan and more. One of its most popular spots is Milkweed Table + Market, with has unique omelets, smoked salmon benedict and drinks like blueberry butterfly lemonade or mango matcha colada. The downtown is also known for its boutiques and thrift stores, like Gem Life + Bar, Crescent & Crow, Maxine’s Uptown Boutique, Uptown Antiques Pitman and Sorella Market. Every year there is a pop-up park on Thursdays in the summer where you can enjoy live music, games, food and pop-up shops.

   

7. Unleash your creative side. At Pitman Grove, paint a ceramic creation of your choice at Fahrenheit Ceramic Studio. Plan a party on site – where you can sit inside or outside – or take the materials to go so you can paint at home. Choose from multiple pieces of colors and pottery.

   

8. Take in a show. One of the most famous theaters in South Jersey is the Broadway Theatre of Pitman. With concerts, comedy shows and musicals on the schedule, there is a little bit of everything. The Grand Theatre: Home of the Road Company in Williamstown showcases more local shows, and Tohill Theater presents performances from Rowan University so you can support student actors.
9. Get your game on. Head to Round1 Bowling and Amusement in Glassboro where you and your family can have fun bowling, playing billiards, singing karaoke, and playing ping pong, arcade games and darts. After you finish getting your prize tickets, order a meal or ice cream.
10. Giddy up. If you’re looking to find new skills for your kids to learn, take them for horse riding lessons. At Okey Doke Ranch in Clarksboro, lessons are provided year-round. American Rides Stables LLC is a farm with pigs, chickens and goats, but horses are the main attraction here since there is care for the owner’s horses and riding lessons for the little ones.
11. Go skating. If you’re into roller skating, visit the Sk8 47 Skating & Fun Center in Franklinville. Each day has a different skating event like glow skating on Fridays, adult skating on Thursdays and more. This is a frequent place for families to book birthday parties and school events. If you’re more into ice skating visit the Hollydell Ice Arena with three different centers, each with different ice surfaces. Many here also book birthday parties and special events. Food is provided by Dunlop’s Bar & Grill inside the arena. Register for ice skating lessons or sign your kids up for hockey, too.
12. Jump in. Fun City Adventure Park opened last year, and the new facility is 40,000 square feet of entertainment like basketball courts, parkour, airbags, a trampoline course, a ninja course, a foam pit and more. Located in Woodbury, Launch Trampoline Park features special events for toddlers where only kids 5 and under are available to play safely. The glow night party with glow paint is for kids only. Attractions for teens and adults include a ninja course, dodgeball, laser tag, battle pits and more.
13. Happy trails. The Tall Pines State Preserve is great for birdwatching and light hiking. Activities here include running, cycling, fishing and cross-country skiing. Elephant Swamp Trail in Monroeville takes you through the beautiful woods and lakes in the area. The walking distance for this trail is 5 miles and activities such as running, mountain biking and horseback riding are permitted.
14. Have a cold one. Breweries range from family-owned to chains. Visit the 13th Child Brewery in Williamstown, which hosts listening parties, happy hours and a wide selection of craft beers. Bonesaw Brewing Company is just minutes from Rowan University and Neck of the Woods Brewing holds trivia parties and hosts events all over South Jersey.
15. Hit the target. Bring the family to challenge each other. Battle of the Axes in Williamstown is BYOB. Primitive Axe features two different sections, one for axe throwing and one for raging (smashing objects).
16. Open a book. Libraries are still a good place to bring kids so they can learn, and play with other kids when school is out. Members of the Deptford Free Public Library offer discovery programs that allow kids to visit museums, art centers and historic landmarks. Kids can sign up for the LEGO Club, where they can build with other kids or participate in summer reading.|
17. Watch a race. The Bridgeport Speedway holds events all year around, mostly on Saturdays. Often referred to as the Kingdom of Speed, kids can meet the drivers before and after each race. Families can enjoy weekly race shows featuring street stocks, and special events featuring National Sprint Cars, monster trucks and the South Jersey Holiday Light Show. Their biggest event occurs in the summer at their Bridgeport Motorsport Park where their flat track opens for their racing teams and competitors.
18. Head to a fair. Many fairs in Gloucester County are based on farms owned by families who look forward to these events as their biggest of the year. The Gloucester County 4-H Fair draws around 20,000 people each year from the tri-state. The fair hopes to keep true to its “old country time” style with all of its farm shows, livestock auctions, horticultural competitions, Jersey Fresh baking contests, live music, and food pop-ups. Kids can enjoy pony rides as well. Skelly’s Amusements hosts a fair every year in Williamstown, including lots of rides and small games to win tons of prizes. Mood’s Farm Market holds its annual blueberry festival in July for families to enjoy homemade treats and pastries made from their blueberries.

    

19. Dance to the music. For adults who want to enjoy a late-night concert, LOT 323 features an event every Friday with a deejay or band, food company, drink and art. The Music Barn is an outdoor live music venue with food and games. Investors Bank Performing Arts Center is one of South Jersey’s major entertainment venues; located in Washington Township High School, this theater holds 2,400 people.
20. Go camping. You’ll have to apply for a membership at Lake Kandle. This campground has a stunning view of the lake and a public swimming pool for members. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park^TM : South Jersey, NJ is a resort with a large campground and for families who plan to stay a weekend they can book a resort and stay at one of their cabins. Kids head to the swimming pools, jumping pillows, gem mining and water attractions.
21. See a fun show. Fun shows in Gloucester County take place at D.R.E.A.M Park, Chestnut Branch Park and Fasola Park. Bring your kids to listen to the music, join the sing-alongs and dance along. All free shows last around 45 minutes, with most shows happening in the morning during July and August.
22. Paddle along. Many parks host paddling lessons, kayak and canoe rides starting in September. Scotland Run Park has guided tours along Wilson Lake. This program is free, but for a limited time from April to June and back again for the fall season.
23. Take a swing. The Pitman Golf Course has an 18-hole regulation golf course, a putting green and a full-service restaurant and bar. If you’re new to golfing, sign up for some lessons or beginner courses. Special events are available every day for seniors and adults.

    

24. Discover revolutionary history. Red Bank Battlefield is a destination for those who want to learn more about the Revolutionary War. Overseeing the Delaware River you’ll find the Whitall House built in 1748 where tours and programs are available throughout the year. The Gloucester County Certified Gardeners give tours here and explain how they keep their garden maintained. Learn about how the owner of the Whitall House used plants to treat coughs or heal a wound during the battle.
25. Reel in some fish. Located in Clayton, Scotland Run Park hosts an annual Kids Fishing Contest. This event is free, open to kids 18 years and younger. Make sure you bring your own rods and reels.
26. Shop Jersey fresh. Local farm markets are the best way to purchase fresh produce at affordable prices. Wm Schober Sons is an orchard and farm market in Monroeville growing peaches, apples and nectarines. At the 350-acre Duffield’s Farm Market you can host a birthday party, buy goods from their bakery and deli, and sample some pastries made at the farm.
27. Look high in the sky. Hot air balloons are very prominent in Deptford Twp. because the first manned hot air balloon landing happened here on Jan. 9, 1793. Witnessed by President George Washington and Thomas Jefferson in Philadelphia, the 15-mile flight was the first in the entire country. The landmark is still available for visitors to see from afar, but on the anniversary Deptford hosts the “Come Fly With Us” event where kids get to enjoy hot air balloon coloring.
28. Feel presidential. The significant Hollybush Mansion that was built in 1849 has been a staple for Glassboro’s glassworking industry. In 1967 it served as a meeting facility for President Lyndon B. Johnson, who during the Cold War would meet in the mansion with other officials to discuss the tensions. The building is still used for meetings but by Rowan administrators only. Artifacts from the 1967 Summit are still on display and visitors can take guided tours.
29. Experience an equestrian park. DREAM Park hosts horse breed shows, equine sports shows, dog breed and agility shows as well. This park is open year-round for equestrians and also for kids who want to begin learning. There are shopping centers and hotels nearby if you’re looking to make a weekend of it.
30. Get your adrenaline going. Skydive Cross Keys offers tandem skydiving if you are a first timer, or learn to jump solo. If you’re really into skydiving, ask about how to get your own skydiving license.
31. Head to a winery. With up to 8 acres of vineyards and a great selection of wines, Cedarvale Winery is the place to bring families and friends. Monthly events include Christmas in July and live music. For photos of the picturesque lake at Autumn Lake Winery, book a private date and taste from their selection of dry to semi-sweet wines.
32. Dive in. Lake Garrison is a popular destination known as “The Family Playground,” with new renovations this year to the park. Your kids will run to the basketball courts, swimming, playground, boating, and a snack stand with an arcade inside. Several facilities are available to host parties. Get some photo-ops of the sunset on the lake without fighting the shore traffic.

    

33. Dig for fossils. Rowan University will be opening its new Edelman Fossil Park on campus in spring 2024. This 65-acre museum brings a modern design to the ancient past by featuring full-scale reconstructions of extinct creatures, hands-on learning experiences, live animal attraction, and more.

    

34. Gaze at the stars. The Ric and Jean Edelman Planetarium located on Rowan’s campus is a place for stargazing and an immersive 360-degree video on the ceiling. Check out the calendar for the shows playing on the day you visit. If you’d like to host a private showing, book online. On some dates throughout the year, the planetarium offers an observatory open house to see through a 16-inch telescope.
35. Pick your favorite fruits. Dalton Farms is a 99-acre farm that opens during the fall season. If you’re looking to pick the perfect sunflowers, tulips or zinnias, take a stroll through their fields. They are known to host multiple festivals with one of their best being the sunflower festival filled with fun for the whole family. Hill Creek Farms opens again for the 2023 U-Pick season where families can pick through three huge apple orchards and vegetables. Walk around the pumpkin patch and take the kids to the playground or on a barrel train ride.
36. Take a look at American history. The Museum of American History at Deptford is one to book for those who want to see special exhibits available only at this location. During the summer season, kids can take a student archaeology class to learn about ancient artifacts. Look through the farm equipment used in the past eras, glasses, ceramics and Pre-Columbian tools discovering 15,000 years of its evolution. Enroll your kids in special programs that give them access to art shows and train rides as well.
37. Aim for a strike. Bowlero in Turnersville features 40 bowling lanes, soft lounge seats and HD video walls playing any film, or sports for all the sports fans. Shop at its pro shop to get the latest bowling gear, bags, shoes and more.
38. Catch a film. Head to one of the county’s most well-known spots to watch a movie at United Artists Washington Township 14, where you can sit in comfy reclining seats and watch your actor in IMAX or 3D. Regal Cross Keys Stadium 12 is an old-time theater with a retro interior and exterior; you’ll feel like you’re going back in time. This cinema features an arcade as well to enjoy a game or two after your movie ends. Explore AMC Deptford with their dine in feature and cinema all in one, perfect for dates or a night out with friends.
39. Take a scenic walk. If you’re into wildlife and want to discover something different than an ordinary trail, the Glassboro Wildlife Management Area is a 19-acre trail in the mature oak forest, good for hiking. The Wheelabrator Wildlife Refuge is a scenic trail and a long trail for expert hikers. This refuge takes very good care of its butterfly garden, on sight for any visitor passing by. The enclosed butterfly garden features lots of hummingbird vines and a small pond.
40. Go for a swim. Have your little fish go to the Newfield Swim Club Inc. and try out for the Barracuda Swim Team. Plus, the club has a public pool with regulations to ensure the guest’s safety. The Whitman Swim Club designs a program dedicated to teaching your child to swim and keep them protected while in the water, and when they’re confident enough, they can join the swim team.
41. Plan a staycation. If you’re looking to spend several days in Gloucester County, make sure to stay at the best spots in the area. The Inn on Holly is in the center of Pitman, styled as an old Victorian home. The atmosphere is known to be relaxing and their gourmet breakfast is served every day from the local community. The Hampton Inn Turnersville is just 20 minutes from downtown Philadelphia if you want something with a location that is more convenient. Courtyard by Marriott Deptford is another stunning hotel featuring a bistro restaurant.
42. Beat the heat. Toni’s Treats creates its own ice cream treats, parfaits, ice cream sandwiches and hamburgers. Dippy’s Ice Cream has indoor and outdoor seating at a newly built pavilion. Across the street, every Monday night, you can watch the car show while getting some ice cream.
43. See the light. Go sightseeing at the Tinicum Rear Range Lighthouse overlooking the Delaware River. The lighthouse has history dating back to the 1600s when it was part of the capital of New Sweden. Today it is surrounded by a sports complex consisting of three baseball diamonds and a soccer field, but you can still visit.
44. Dine in. Gloucester County is the best spot for old-fashioned diners. Monarch Diner and Restaurant in Glassboro is where many love to get the Monarch Burgers and their Fat Cowboy Sub. Geets Diner & Bar has a full-service bakery and a western-themed bar hosting live music, trivia night and more. Angelo’s Glassboro Diner makes you feel like you’re in the ’80s again.
45. Embrace the holiday spirit. Creamy Acres in Mullica Hill is the coolest spot for a holiday destination. During the spooky season, the Night of Terror is South Jersey’s largest and scariest haunted attraction. Check out their large corn maze, challenge each other in the Haunted Paintball Hayride Zombie Hunts, and the ride of terror. During Christmas, the Night of Lights has the farm lit up for a fun drive-thru. The farm is transformed into a Christmas Wonderland where you can take pictures with Santa or sip on hot cocoa.
46. Head into the woods. Gloucester County houses one of the U.S’s oldest log cabins in the country. The C. A. Nothnagle Log House can be viewed by the public from the outside since it is registered as a historic site. The log cabin has been around for around 300 years and by the current owners has been preserved as a museum.

    

47. Appreciate art. Rowan Art Gallery, located minutes from the main campus, is displayed by the art educators of New Jersey. Every couple of months they display certain exhibitions, so if you come back again, you’ll be seeing completely new art. If you’re looking for more history on Glassboro, stop by the Heritage Glass Museum which displays the glass works of the small town. This museum has historic glass bottles, animal glass art, and an extensive library on glass blowing.
48. Spend the summer right. Glassboro’s Summer Fest is held every Thursday during the season after 5 pm. Families can enjoy live music, food trucks, children’s activities and more at Glassboro Town Square. Soak up the sun by laying on the grass, enjoy the summer breeze and take your kids for face painting.

    

49. Embrace your inner artist. Bring your kids to art studios to learn about the history of art and to show off their painting skills. The Art Aesthetic in Mullica Hill hosts intro painting classes for kids 10-15, and they have afterschool art programs as well. In Turnersville, bring your family to AR Workshop to learn how to make DIY craft projects or wood signs. Learn how to make your own home decor to make your living space comfortable.

    

50. Have an amazing dinner. With an eclectic mix of restaurants, you won’t be disappointed.  The Franklinville Inn is known for its exceptional dining and its warm interior. Patrons rave about the crab cakes and the prime rib. J G Cook’s Caroline Blue is a smokehouse and taproom known for its New American cuisine. Taste their BBQ chicken and order from their selection of cocktails. Oliver’s Twist is a new and upcoming restaurant serving cuisines from Soul to Caribbean to Italian. Each of the entrees comes with a notable twist and a rotating menu to keep customers coming back for more. The restaurant features two sides, one for vegans and one for non-vegans, perfect for everyone. Other great places to dine are Thai Thai with their numerous selections of traditional Thai dishes, Ramen Spot and its 14 types of ramen, and Spicy Affair Indian Cuisine in Swedesboro for traditional Indian dishes.

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