Keep the Kids Busy During Spring Break

Spring break is days away. What are you planning? I’ve got some ideas that will keep the kids busy while school is out. Some "must dos" on my family’s list include sleeping in, shopping, movies, and going out to dinner. We’re easy to please.

Here are some more interesting ideas you might enjoy.

Local Holiday Jaunts

Stay close and head to the Moorestown Mall for its eighth annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 7, sponsored by 98.1 WOGL. This free event starts at 11 a.m. in the Lord & Taylor Court. Go online for a Bunny Photo Fast Pass; you won’t have to stand in line and wait. 

Johnson’s Farm boasts egg hunt hayrides and Easter Bunny visits on April 6 and 7. Hayrides run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Also enjoy Easter cookie decorating on April 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for $7 a child.

Springdale Farms is also having hayride egg hunts April 2 through April 13 at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. Note that on April 6 and 7, hayrides will run continuously from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your own basket to collect eggs. All egg hunters will receive a spring plant and will be able to trade eggs for goodie bags. Adults will receive a pack of spring flowers. How nice is that?

Camden Children’s Garden is hosting a buffet brunch with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, April 7. Lunch will be catered by the Tortilla Press of Collingswood. Call 856-365-8733 for reservations. 

On April 8th, the Discovery Museum in Cherry Hill is having a Discovery Egg Hunt. Everyone wins from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Easter Sunday. The egg hunt is included in admission price of $10.95.

In the mood for something a little different or off the bunny path this weekend? You may have to travel a bit for this.

How about an old-fashioned train ride with the Easter Bunny on the West Chester Railroad Easter Bunny Express? Enjoy a 90-minute ride along the Chester Creek. Treats, photos and live music will add to this festive experience. Climb aboard on Saturday, April 7, at noon or 2 p.m. For more information, visit West Chester Railroad’s website.

The Easter Bunny must like traveling by train because you can also join him for a 45-minute antique train ride on the Easter Bunny Express at New Hope & Ivyland Railroad. Trains run April 6, 7, and 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Egg Harbor’s Storybook Land is one of my favorite places to visit with kids, especially little ones. Your itty bitties can ride some perfectly sized rides and see Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny on April 6, 7, and 8 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. 

On April 7, take a trip to Howell Farm in Lambertville and your children can meet and greet newly hatched chicks, gather eggs from nest boxes, and learn how to candle and grade eggs. This unique event takes place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Bring $3 so your kids can also enjoy a make-and-take craft. No registration needed.

The Long Week Off From School

Here are some ideas to keep your children from uttering those two words we don’t want to hear, "I'm bored." There are many ways to keep them busy.

Six Flags opens Thursday, April 5, for the season. They open at 10:30 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. What a great way to get a jump on summer.

Revel in some history over the break—just because your kids aren’t in school doesn’t mean they can’t learn something new. The Constitution Center is running their Freedom of Expression series highlighting musicians and artists.

Why not spend the whole day in the city checking out all of those sights we forget are so close to us?

After visiting The Constitution Center, take a brief walk down the street to the Betsy Ross House. There, your little ones can enjoy a Springtime Scavenger Hunt. They become colonial doctors and search Betsy’s house for items that will heal her daughter’s sickness. After they cure the patient, stroll over to Franklin Square and hop a ride on Smarty Jones, one of the intricately detailed Liberty Carousel animals. Children under 2 ride for free. Take a nice break while the kids play and run around.

Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and the Lights of Liberty Show are all minutes away from Franklin Square. You can really make it a memorable day, especially if you have friends or relatives visiting. Check out Historic Philadelphia online for more information and ideas.

Philadelphia has so much to offer, we often forget how close some of the best family day trips are.

Do your boys or girls love dinosaurs? The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Check out their bicentennial exhibit, The Academy at 200: The Nature of Discovery.

Kids need to move a little more. The Funplex in Mt. Laurel has special hours just for our spring breakers. They will be open from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. April 9-12; and from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. April 6-8 and on April 13. As always, at the Funplex, you pay per activity.

Johnson’s Farm offers lots of springtime fun for moms/dads and kids of all ages. Try out the Mom’s and Tot’s Hayride and Garden Planting Lesson. This will be happening from April 9 to May 18, Monday through Friday, at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. only.     

The Camden Children’s Garden offers many workshops and events for parents and children to explore gardening together. Check their website for details and registration information.

Living Social has a great local deal going on at My Little Adventures Learn & Play Café on Marne Highway in Mount Laurel. Mom or dad can relax a bit while the kids play and run around in a safe environment.

If you want to do something unique over your break, take a trip back in time to Batsto Village, or visit with displaced wildlife who have taken refuge at Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Center.

Nature lovers, Paws Farm is open Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for your daily dose of nature in the springtime.

Like flowers? Want to see them blooming like crazy? For a beautiful day in the garden, visit Longwood Gardens. We took our girls there a few weeks ago and had a magnificent day. It was well worth the drive. 

I'm sure there are many more local activities planned. If you know of any, please fill us in! Thanks and Happy Spring Break!