Just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia is the newly rennovated New Jersey State Aquarium in Camden. After being closed for renovation for most of the months since last summer, it reopens this month in time for summer visitors. This is a fun adventure for families eager to learn. This aquarium is on several levels with wonderful exhibits that do not seem dark and scary to timid children. If you have been to this aquarium before it is certainly time to come again to see all the new exhibits and expansion.
Aquarium Re-Opens May 2005
The huge tank of many large ocean fish has a grand viewing area in which children can view up close and feel they are getting to commune with the fish and sea mammals.
One room is devoted to birds and local river fish and underwater life. Families can learn to identify species they may encounter in local reserves and state parks.
The large touch tanks are very popular with children of all ages. Have you ever felt the sand-papery, rubber-like skin of a sting-ray? Or looked close into their eyes? Seals and otters are playful and ready to entertain your family and seem so close, through the protective glass. These are experiences of wonder your child will never forget.
In the back garden area of New Jersey State Aquarium you’ll find a lovely garden walk area and small theme park and carousel where you can have a picnic, or snacks in fresh air.
River Link Ferry Dock
Whether or not it is necessary for your transportation, we also highly recommend that you extend your day’s fun by walking down to the River Link Ferry Dock just behind the Aquarium and cross the Delaware River to Penn’s Landing of Philadelphia, where you could spend another half day enjoying all the historic events and tours with your family… a lot of walking, learning, and fun for one full day into evening for this double-state excursion. Crossing the Delaware River is really fun and a good photo op between the two states. This season the Freedom Ferry has a new mate to handle the traffic: Independence Ferry was inaugurated in April 2005. The ferry will operate seven days a week from May 1 – September 30. In October, it will operate Friday – Sunday. Service will begin each morning from Camden at 9:20 a.m. and from Penn’s Landing at 9:40 a.m. and will continue every 40 minutes from each dock. Last runs of the day, Monday – Thursday, will be from Camden at 5:20 p.m. and from Penn’s Landing at 5:40 p.m., while last runs Friday – Sunday will be from Camden at 6:00 p.m. and from Penn’s Landing at 6:20 p.m. The ferry also provides extended evening service for Tweeter Center concerts. You can also arrange for charter and group rentals.
Six Flags Great Adventure and Wild Animal Safari
Nearby, on NJ Route 537 at Jackson is another great place to spend a day or a week-end. you can even go on a real safari at Six Flags Great Adventure, which is the largest theme park in the country and includes Hurricane Harbor Water Park, and drive-through Wild Animal Safari. ( Phone Number: (732) 928-1821) There are more than 200 rides and attractions among these three parks. You can purchase tickets for each individually or for the whole package.
The Safari theme park is free with tickets to Six Flags, or if you have only a half-day and prefer not to walk, you can do as we did and just get tickets for the drive through Wild Animal Safari. Of course, this is a delightful twist on a Zoo concept, since people are in the “cages” and the animals roam freely. How exciting for a giraffe to lick at the top of your car or for an emu to stare you in the eye or to watch rhinos bathe in their lake at a safe distance. It was a wonderful half-day of intrigue and fascination as we watched from our car windows the exotic animals from Africa, Australia, and other places. The park is very clean and the animals well cared-for. This was very thrilling for all of us, and I think the adults enjoyed it even more than the children.
Real Travel Adventures 