Lisa Warden

Latest posts by Lisa

Visiting the New Jersey Renaissance Faire: Tips for a Family-Friendly Outing

Submitted by Lisa Warden on Thu, 06/02/2022 - 6:34pm

Performers fill six stages during the New Jersey Renaissance Faire in Bordentown, New Jersey.

If your family is a fan of theater, costumes, and drama, then consider a trip to the New Jersey Renaissance Faire, which celebrates its 13th season this spring. Held in Bordentown, New Jersey, on the shores of the scenic Liberty Lake, it's about a 30-minute drive from Philadelphia.

Each season has a theme, and 2022 was dubbed the Return of Robinhood, who has come to help his nephew, Will Scarlet, an accused murderer. While the storyline sounds deep, what ensued was a day of comedy, tricks, and excitement as we watched the story unfold through action-packed live shows, including a human chess match, comedic fighting, dueling, and even a joust.

Read on for more details on our visit to New Jersey Renaissance Faire and tips for planning your visit to the show, which runs weekends through Sunday, June 5.

Storybook Land's Christmas Fantasy Transforms the Park into a Holiday Lights Wonderland

Submitted by Lisa Warden on Mon, 12/13/2021 - 12:40pm

Storybook Land's Christmas Fantasy provides a charming holiday season destination.

As the mother of a 3- and 5-year-old, we've visited Storybook Land in the past, and both our children were enamored with the little kid-friendly theme park, but a recent visit to Storybook Land’s Christmas Fantasy with Lights proved to be truly spectacular, and it's an excellent way to get into the Christmas spirit!

The theme park is bedazzled in holiday lights annually from mid-November through the end of December and a visit is truly one of the top holiday events for little ones in New Jersey. Read on for our full review and start planning your holiday outing.

Hit the Trails With Revolution Rail Company for Bike Riding Along Train Tracks in Cape May

Submitted by Lisa Warden on Thu, 11/04/2021 - 4:49pm

Settle into the reciled seats of a rail bike for a bike riding adventure with Revolution Rail Co.

Active families looking for a new way to enjoy the great outdoors take note: Rail biking with Revolution Rail Company in charming Cape May, New Jersey, is an exhilarating, family-friendly experience! Gather your brood for a bike riding adventure along a deserted railroad track, passing abandoned train cars and winding through scenic marshland before stopping at a quaint overlook. Adding to the fun: On the way back to the station, you can stop at a nature preserve for a short walk along the trail.

Read on for our review of this fun family outing that's perfect for fall, and find more fun things to do outdoors in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds.

8 Family-Friendly Hikes in South Jersey

Submitted by Lisa Warden on Tue, 06/15/2021 - 7:23pm

Climb up steep embankments at Crows Woods during a family-friendly South Jersey hike.

There is nothing like a walk in the woods to clear your mind, and the sights will undoubtedly excite your children. When you're ready for an outdoor adventure, consider one of these South Jersey hikes, where you can spot everything from beavers and fish in a creek to songbirds flittering about and the occasional quail or deer. In addition to wildlife, you can find manmade structures to hide in, wooden bridges to traverse, and a rope swing to glide on if you’re daring enough.

Find more great green spaces and hiking spots to explore in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds, and we'll look forward to seeing you on the trails!

Destination Playgrounds in South Jersey

Submitted by Lisa Warden on Thu, 05/27/2021 - 4:41pm

Enjoy the climbing structures Laurel Acres Park. Photo courtesy of Mt. Laurel Township

When you—and your kids—are tired of the local playground, it's time to branch out and try something new. We've found 10 destination playgrounds in South Jersey with fun features like a refreshing sprayground, all-inclusive equipment, trains, challenging climbing structures, and even a dragon maze. Read on for all the details and find more places to play in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds.

10 Things to Love About South Jersey's Cohanzick Zoo

Submitted by Lisa Warden on Tue, 04/13/2021 - 1:55pm

Playful tigers are so close, you feel like you're in the cage with them at the family-friendly Cohanzick Zoo.

Spring is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy some animal encounters, and one of my favorite spots is the Cohanzick Zoo.

Located in rural Bridgeton, about 50 minutes south of Philadelphia, the Cohanzick Zoo is ideal for children—and adults!—of all ages. It is New Jersey’s first zoo, having opened in 1934, and despite its small size, it is home to more than 100 animals and almost 50 different species. A visit to the Cohanzick Zoo takes about half a day and feels as if it's open just for you.

Read on for all the reasons my family loves this zoo and find more fun animal encounters at these New Jersey zoos and aquariums.