ReCreate Our Adventure Day– Start with the Dinos & End with the Sharks!

Want to plan a full adventure day here in NJ with your family?  Recreate our awesome day with these TWO really fun family friendly activities.  We hit up both of these fantastic spots to fill a great day of fun.  

Both of these adventures are fun by themselves, but if you are looking for a full day for your family, consider pairing them together.  You are guaranteed to head home with a tired group and a ton of memories.  Have older kids in the group?  Toting the baby?  Grandma and Grandpa want to come along?  These locations are enjoyable by ALL AGES so bring the different generations along for your day of fun!

PART 1: The Edelman Fossil Park and Museum of Rowan University in Mantua

This place only recently got on my radar and I was so impressed!  The location is brimming with great things for families— a very modern dinosaur themed playground, a HUGE rock quarry, an impressive museum exhibit featuring huge dinosaurs, and even a cafe that could rival Starbucks.  Your kids will love the ability to play and learn and you’ll love being able to grab an iced coffee before walking over to the playground.  I was especially impressed to see the team downstairs working on fossil discoveries behind a window where all visitors can get a glimpse of the work behind the scenes.  The fossil board downstairs that educates kids on the chances of us finding fossils was also a hit with my little one.  He wanted to watch it for forever!

PART 2: The Adventure Aquarium in Camden

Only a short drive from the Fossil Park is my favorite aquarium– Camden’s Adventure Aquarium.  Use the drive between destinations as a nap time for the littles and park in the big lot across from the Aquarium (we only paid $10 to park there– it’s very affordable).  This aquarium is fantastic.  My favorite exhibit are the two hippos but the two different groups of penguins are also right up there.  You can touch sting rays, enjoy HUGE turtles and find “nemo” and “dory” fish in the expertly maintained tanks.  Our last visit, we even got a wave from one of the divers at work and that was very cool!  This aquarium is also noted for sharks!  There’s a shark tunnel where they literally swim around you and a shark bridge where you can walk just on above their tank!  So much fun!  We have been to this venue several times and honestly, it never gets old for us!  

Pro-Tips: 

1. Both venues have gift shops and my little guy loves to shop!  You may want to budget for little treats and souvenirs.  

2. Both venues have food available and plenty of seating.  The aquarium has pizza, burgers, chicken fingers, fries, and some pre-made sandwiches and salads.  The cafe at the museum has items similar to what you would find at your neighborhood Starbucks with grab and go options and a few things that are made to order.

3. Buying tickets online is more convenient at both venues and saves time as you are entering

4. Strollers welcome in both locations.