Top Things to Do with Kids in South Jersey This Summer (2026)

Summer in South Jersey runs hot, long, and loud if you have kids at home. The school year ends in mid-June, and you've got roughly 10 weeks to fill before September. The good news is that Burlington, Camden, and Mercer Counties have more to offer families than most people realize.

South Jersey's park systems are underrated. Before you drive to the shore, check what's in your own backyard.

Challenge Grove Park in Cherry Hill is home to Jake's Place, one of the best inclusive playgrounds in the state. It's free, well-maintained, and has enough equipment to keep kids of different ages engaged for hours.

Laurel Acres Park in Mount Laurel has a great playground, a one-mile walking loop, and pavilion space you can reserve for parties and gatherings.

Mirror Lake Beach in Browns Mills (Burlington County) is one of the few free lakes in South Jersey. You can swim, use free kayak and paddleboard rentals, and there's a playground on site. It's a full day trip for under $20.

If you're hosting a birthday party, end-of-school celebration, or just want to give the neighborhood kids something to talk about, a foam cannon party turns any backyard into a summer event. An operator brings the equipment, runs the cannon, and handles cleanup. The foam is hypoallergenic and biodegradable, and it works for ages 2 through adult.

Foam parties are especially popular for summer birthdays in Moorestown, Delran, Marlton, and Haddonfield. If you're considering one, book early. Summer weekends fill up fast. Check our foam cannon party page for pricing and details.

South Jersey's farming roots show up every summer in the form of pick-your-own farms. Blueberry season starts in late June and runs through July. Peaches follow in August.

Johnson's Corner Farm in Medford offers pick-your-own plus a farm store and seasonal events. Indian Acres Tree Farm in Medford and several farms along the Burlington County farm belt are worth the short drive.

Farm visits work well for younger kids (ages 2 to 7) who are fascinated by animals, open fields, and the concept of eating something they just picked off a bush.

You live in South Jersey. The beach is close enough for a day trip, and it should be on your summer list at least a few times.

Ocean City is the go-to for families with younger kids. No alcohol on the boardwalk, a clean beach, and a reasonable number of attractions without the chaos of Wildwood. Wildwood is the move for older kids who want bigger rides and more boardwalk energy. Both are about an hour from the Burlington County area.

Go before the Fourth of July if you can. The beaches and boardwalks get significantly more crowded once summer tourism peaks.

Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton is one of the few free zoos in the country. It's small enough for a half-day trip and manageable for families with toddlers. Over 100 animals, quiet paths, and no admission fee.

Edelman Fossil Park in Mantua (Gloucester County, but close enough) lets kids dig for real fossils. The outdoor area and playground are free. The quarry dig requires a reservation and a small fee, but it's a unique experience that kids remember.

For families in Mercer County, Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton is a 42-acre outdoor sculpture park. It's not a zoo, but it's visually engaging for kids and a welcome change from playgrounds and screens.

Nearly every township in Burlington, Camden, and Mercer Counties runs summer recreation programs for kids. These range from half-day sports camps to full-day supervised programs with field trips and activities. Check your town's recreation department early. Registration for popular programs opens in April and May.

If you're in Willingboro, Burlington, Maple Shade, or Voorhees, your municipal recreation programs are a solid starting point for filling summer weeks.

The Kids Bowl Free program runs at participating bowling alleys across South Jersey every summer. Kids get two free games per day during set hours. It's an easy weekday activity when it's too hot to be outside.

The Trenton Thunder play at Trenton Thunder Ballpark. Games are affordable, family-friendly, and a good excuse to get out of the house on a weeknight. It's roughly 30 to 40 minutes from most of Burlington County.

The common thread with all of these is timing. The best summer experiences in South Jersey go to families who plan in advance. Book your entertainment early, register for rec programs in April, and get your beach trips in before the Fourth of July crowds.

If a foam party fits into your summer plans, whether for a birthday, a school event, or a block party, we're booking summer 2026 dates now.

Call us at (856) 372-5556 to reserve your date.