July 11, 2016
Enjoying the great outdoors doesn’t mean you have to drag your family to a faraway destination; just a simple day trip can connect your family with nature. Situated conveniently between Philadelphia and New York, Burlington County is a lush paradise perfect for enjoying the outdoors! Here are five ways to do just that this summer:
The county is home to a handful of lovely parks and is bordered by the beautiful Delaware River. Jointly managed by the county and the state of New Jersey, Rancocas State Park has more than eight miles of hiking and biking trails to explore, perfect for a weekend day trip or leisurely afternoon stroll. If you brought the kids along, visit the Rancocas Nature Center to discover an entire suite of fun-filled activities that bring the classroom outside. Likewise, the Rancocas Summer Camp is the perfect opportunity to immerse your kids in the wonders of nature.
Explore Amico Island Park, a peninsula situated at the confluence of the Rancocas Creek and Delaware River. With more than 55 acres, this is a unique spot where birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts can see over 130 species of birds and 27 species of butterflies. If this is something your kids would enjoy, Amico Island Park is just one stop on the Junior Ranger Program. This free summer program provides children with a variety of outdoor exploration activities to participate in -- from an introduction of rocks and minerals to learning how to camouflage to observing different kinds of dragonflies.
Have no fear, parents -- Burlington County has a big community of nature lovers young and old that support simple outdoor exercise. Local Freeholder, Mary Ann O’Brien, holds Sneaker Sundays, encouraging outdoor fitness across the county all while enjoying nature trails and expansive scenery. Walks are held once a month throughout the summer. The next walk will take place on July 17 at Long Bridge Park.
If that’s not your style, there are many other ways to get outside and join the community – without breaking a sweat. All summer long, the Burlington County Amphitheater is home to free outdoor concerts, offering the chance to relax, kick back, and take in the music. Don’t miss local favorites April Mae & The June Bugs on August 5 and The Young Dubliners on August 27.
Up for a camping trip? It’s easy to camp at sites like the Wharton State Forest in Shamong to the Wading Pines Camping Resort in Chatsworth. If camping isn’t your forte, pick delicious produce from Strawberry Hill Farm in Chesterfield or Haines Berry Farm in Pemberton.
If you’re a history buff, Burlington County also offers a plethora of local history to explore. Whitesbog Village is a historic village that once was a nationally recognized leader in the cranberry industry and was where blueberries were first successfully cultivated in New Jersey. Today, the village and surrounding 3,000 acres is a nationally registered historic site and is yours to explore. Plan ahead to August and prepare for the Red Moonlight Walk to be held on August 20 at 6 p.m. You’ll go into the bogs with an experienced leader on a three to five-mile hike!
Whether you enjoy long hikes on nature trails, picking produce at local farms or local outdoor concerts, Burlington County has countless reasons to get outside. Visit it today and find out what’s in store for your family.
