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    Battleship New Jersey

    4.4 (109 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Battleship New Jersey Photos

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    Nico Samneil S.

    You need a Whole day to read and tour this massive battleship! You can buy same day ticket, there is a resto with mostly sandwich or snacks available. Restrooms are available inside the ship. It is the most decorated and longest! They have a parking space near costs $30. See images for reference.

    Spare barrel alongside the ship
    Gary B.

    Waited a long time to come here and it didnt disappoint! Great self guided tour with 3 different areas ti cover. Green, yellow and red. Highly recommended

    Miatsu K.

    This was an amazing museum to visit. A real piece of living history. An actual real world, in person, Iowa Class Battleship. I could feel the seventy years of history as I stepped on board. Battleships have always been of interest to me. So beautiful but so deadly. The Iowa Class battleships were the greatest battleships ever built by any nation. The four we built served us well in World War 2, Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf War. Sadly, the age of the battleship really ended with age of the aircraft carrier. This ship was fascinating to simply walk around on. You can take a guided tour but I opted to just walk around and explore the ship. Seeing the huge sixteen inch guns and seeing how they were loaded and fired was incredible. I could close my eyes and hear the sailors in their bunks, work stations and the main guns firing. This was a ship of war so the stairs, many hallways etc are not well suited for children or people with disabilities. I was there to see the ship and the Azur Lane convention on board and if you're familiar with Azur Lane, this battleship was a perfect host. The convention and the ship were worth every penny and the flight to Philadelphia. I highly recommend this museum if you are navel power history buff like I am.

    Mike M.

    The New Jersey recently returned from a 3 month dry dock visit to freshen her up. Last week, I visited her for inspection! Lol. Actually with this visit I have now been on 3 of the 4 Iowa's with only Wisconsin left. Parking here is $15 on a narrow street that leads to the ship. They really need to get a parking lot here. For $5 more they will let you park closer saving you about an extra 100 yard walk. There is a building where you can buy tickets, visit the head and peruse the gift shop. Not bad but I have seen better. As you board her the #2 16" turret is open and inside is very well maintained. There is a nice instructional video about firing the big guns and the space is well lit. Proceeding to the bow, I was impressed with the new wooden deck making it look factory fresh. There are 4 self guided tour routes throughout the ship. Red, Blue, Yellow and Green. The first two take about 40 minutes each and the last two are about 15 minutes each. I found the Big J to be in very good shape overall. The spaces below deck have many exhibits to view of life onboard. Just follow your colored line and you will see what they have to show. There are restrooms onboard too near the enlisted galley. Above the main deck you can climb all of the way up to the bridge including the enclosed and protected battle conn. The ladders are all safe and easy to hold on. Just always be mindful of your head. The main deck allows you to see the 3 16" turrets, 5" turrets and a few 40 mm and 20 mm AA guns. Also you can see Harpoon and Tomahawk launchers along with 2 CIWS. During my visit the fantail was covered with 2 big tents for some kind of special event taking place later so I couldn't see much back there. This ship does not appear to have any floatplane type of aircraft. My only complaint about the ship was that I found 2 small areas on the main deck that were in horrible shape regarding the deck condition. I took a pic of one area. The other non pictured area had weeds growing on it. Everything else onboard was spic n span. Another nice feature of this ship is periodically they will broadcast over the ships speakers announcements as if the ship is underway including announcing ships bells. I liked that unique touch! Across the river you can see the old cruiser Olympia and WW2 submarine Becuna on the Pennsylvania side. The Iowa's were the most attractive warships ever built. With its low silhouette and long length they are gorgeous and New Jersey represents the class well. Come visit the beautiful ship!

    The Big J

    The ship looks better that it ever did when I served on board. This is due to an incredible group of volunteers who seem to work night and day to keep the ship outfitted at its best. Not only is the appearance superb, it is a living history of its service from World War II through the end of its last deployment. It had been almost 30 years since I last saw the ship the experience took my breath away. Just standing on the bridge one last time, thinking of being officer of the deck and going down river, brought back so many memories of shipmates now gone and the wonderful times we shared. The curator, Ryan Szimanski, it's without peer and his efforts to display the ship with as many spaces as possible open to the public are just fantastic. In addition, there are so many wonderful events, go once, and you'll be a regular for all the activities offered by this fantastic Iowa class battleship.

    The battleship!
    Michael R.

    Has a ton of history and things to see! They have tours within the ship at certain times which was cool to see the behind the scenes things! Definitely would recommend for a fun activity or date! If you're in the area and want to try something different this is the place!

    Erica N.

    A lot of fun :) Plan to be there more than 2 hours to see the whole ship. Parking is $15 dollars cash.

    Ammo room

    This place is so interactive and every second you are learning something new and seeing all the wonders and aspects of the ship. Some of my favorite parts included the simulated audio and how it mimicked a drill for needing ammunition, how you can be self guided and choose which paths to go, with amazing guides to give you advice for which paths have what, and which you choose to do. Another really cool part was being INSIDE the turrets! Seeing all of the rooms makes you feel great sympathy and understanding of how life was on the USS New Jersey, some notable rooms were the medical wards, the ammo rack storage unit, Halsey theater and the main command control center.

    Jail cell
    Kendra C.

    The battleship is a unique experience. If you do not like walking or climbing this is not for you. The visitor ticket office was nice. They answered all of our questions and created a happy vibe. Once we left, we were greeted by greeter at the front which explained our next step on how to enter the ship. Once on the ship, we were greeted by 2 more greeters. They explained which colors to follow and how to begins the tour. The tour is done by Shopify, the man drags it out so we decided to explore on our own. As long as you followed the lines you won't get lost. Throughout the shop there are several tour guides to help and explain things. This was definitely worth the visit. Be sure to get the city pass, it makes it worthwhile.

    Scott P.

    The most decorated battleship in the history of the Navy that is now a floating museum practically in my own backyard?! Yes please. As a lover of history and museums in general, this is right up my alley. I've been here many times over the years with my young son, and even had my 20th high school reunion here a few years ago. First launched in 1942 and decommissioned in 1991, she is now docked permanently in Camden, NJ and serves as both a museum and memorial. You can do audio tours, or go with a tourguide, or just wander around on your own. The last time I went, there was a retired sailor in the Admiral's dining quarters who was able to answer all of my and my son's questions. There are so many levels and rooms to explore, and some really nice photo ops on the deck. There are different colored lines painted on the floor to follow around so you can make sure to see it all. Bring sturdy shoes because there is a lot of walking and A LOT of stairs. There's also a playroom for really little kids in case they need a break. The signs posted all over the shop offer a lot of information to take in. I don't have a military background and don't have any friends or family that served in the Navy, but I still find the whole thing fascinating whenever I come. They offer overnight encampments for scouts, church groups, families, etc, so I can't wait to sleep over someday with my son.

    Osula L.

    I came here on a Monday afternoon in late June 2022. I took the metro from Philly into New Jersey and walked all thr way to the Battleship - would NOT recommend it if it's hot or cold. For me, it was hot. I wish I had taken an Uber from Philly instead of getting lost for 30 minutes and taking another 45 minutes to finally get to the battleship. Don't make the same mistakes I did! This place was cover under the CityPass which was very convenient for me since I was planning to go to a bunch if Philly's other sites. One thing you MUST do before you go is download the audio guides BEFORE getting there. There was very little reception in that area and once you get below deck the reception was completely blocked. Such a shame because I love guided tours. Guide-led tours only happen on the weekend so those audio guides were all that were available to me. I've been to the other Battleships in California and Hawaii but this one was way better because it's bigger and more of it is opened to the public. In addition to the audio guided tour, there are 3 additional tours that lead further below deck to where the weapons, dining area, and the medical clinic. What's also interesting is that their toilets are actually running so there are plenty of toilets in operation if you need to go. Also, they have a play area for kids under 3 years old on the ship, which is super thoughtful of them.

    Big 'ol Guns
    Ed L.

    Big Larry loves war stuff that serves as a reminder for ordinary folk not to kill people. We have not learned this lesson as a species but must keep trying. At least Larry bees thinkin' so. This battleship is worth seeing, but plan on a day here. Warning: low overheads. Wear a bike helmet! Seriously. There is so much to see, and Larry has been to many war memorials on many continents, but this one has so many nooks and crannies, and each one is filled with such history that you will need a long time to see and digest it all. If you can afford it, get a private docent tour, you will see parts of the ship and get a really in-depth understanding of its history and travails. Oh, and the further down you go towards the engine room, the hotter it gets. HOT. But fascinating stuff, though, the engine room, steering the UUGGGGE guns which, to the disappointment of the Larry, he was not allowed to fire once, even with his Eagle Scout creds. Dang it, another bucket list item left unfulfilled. They have an audio tour which is also good, but if you bring small kids, they will get fidgety climbing up and down the ladders. Larry found the huge Machine shop amazing, as well as the mechanisms they used to move the bombs around. The infirmary was cool and the kitchen and mess hall was epic. Climb onto the main gun turret on the deck if it is open and imagine sitting in that thing during battle. The courage of those sailors is simply unimaginable to Larry and he gots some serious imagination. Oh, and a shoutout to all the volunteers who do everything from painting to managing the 480 volt electrical system. Zap, anyone. Those people are amazing and they possess skills that are slowly vanishing in our instant everything culture. Larry likes the latter, but admires greatly the former. Keep it up people and thank you from the bottom of my heart. Signing off now.

    The Critical J.

    PROS: this was the most impressive battleship I have ever been on. Everything was authentic, many rooms to tour, large decks and insides to view, every profession (barber, doctor, etc) rooms were displayed. Easy to navigate and the staff was friendly CONS: I think $30 is a high price for this. I know it's a good experience but it shouldn't be more than $20 a person. Also you have to pay for parking which is $10. The gift shop also didn't have prices on any of the food and drinks forcing me to ask for each price OVERALL: I think this was An amazing ship and I will definitely come back. I suggest if these prices are good with you, you should come too

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    Battleship New Jersey Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Battleship New Jersey

    Is there air conditioning in the battleship?

    There is a ventilation system, but no air conditioning. Temperatures vary throughout out the ship. Unfortunately, the coolest areas have the strongest odors

    Kid friendly for 3 year old?

    Steep stairwells are a concern for any parent. Even if you carried your toddler, it would be tough. I would say no!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Battleship New Jersey

    Built in an era where battles at sea were common, the USS New Jersey has been upgraded over the years.

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

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    Academy of Natural Sciences

    Academy of Natural Sciences

    4.1(164 reviews)
    2.4 miLogan Square, Penn Center, Art Museum District

    I have had this review started for many months and now I'm so sad to report that this incredible…read moremuseum will be closing at the end of the month. Hopefully everyone that sees this review will show their support prior to the museum's closing since it is rumored to be opening in a different location at a later date. This is one of the best museums in the city and it is definitely forgotten based on outside appearances. This museum not only has a good/manageable dinosaur section but the taxidermy section is set up in such a well-displayed fashion. I love coming here since it doesn't feel overwhelming compared to some of the larger museums and it is good for a wide range of ages. I'll be sad to see it go but hoping the new location will be just as great!

    We came here as a family after hearing that the museum would be closing at the end of the month. It…read moreis incredibly sad to see it close, especially since I had always hoped to bring my children back for a sleepover with the dinosaurs once they were old enough. Unfortunately, between decisions surrounding the museum's management and reductions in government funding, that is an experience we will no longer have the opportunity to enjoy. That being said, the museum was definitely showing its age and would have benefited from a significant renovation if it were to remain open. Many of the carpets, exhibits, and displays felt outdated, and the animal exhibits on the top floor seemed somewhat disconnected from the rest of the museum and more like an attempt to make use of the available space. Despite those shortcomings, there is a lot of history here, and it is genuinely sad to see the museum close. I'm glad we had the opportunity to bring our children one last time and experience it together as a family.

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    Academy of Natural Sciences - Dinosaurs

    Dinosaurs

    Academy of Natural Sciences
    Academy of Natural Sciences

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    Walt Whitman House - The only house Walt Whitman ever owned

    Walt Whitman House

    4.9(8 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    If you're a history or literature buff, this is truly a hidden gem in New Jersey. I can't believe…read moreI'm the first person to review this place in four years! My 9-year-old son and I came here on a Saturday afternoon in November. They are only open for two hours, from 11-12 and 2-3. I called ahead and scheduled a tour for 2 o'clock. There is only street parking available, but we were able to park directly outside and pay at the meter. The tour starts in the house next door where you watch a ten minute video on Walt Whitman's life, then you go next door to his house where they have painstakingly recreated most of the rooms based on old photographs. The tour includes his upstairs bedroom where he passed away, and finishes in the backyard. Our tourguide was very friendly and knowledgeable and humored my son's millions of questions, many of which were somewhat off topic ("do you think Walt Whitman could do a cartwheel?!" *does cartwheel in the backyard*). The best part is that the tour is completely free, though donations are of course accepted. After the tour we drove to the Harleigh Cemetery to see his gravesite, which is only a mile or two from his house.

    Whitman's house is so full of history; visiting it was a great experience. There is a short film…read morethat sets the stage. Beyond that, the guide had interesting things to reveal in every room. I was especially intrigued by the bedroom, but I won't give the surprise away.

    Photos
    Walt Whitman House - My son outside of Walt Whitman's house in Camden.

    My son outside of Walt Whitman's house in Camden.

    Walt Whitman House - Walt Whitman's gravesite in Harleigh Cemetery in Haddon Avenue, only a mile or two from his house.

    Walt Whitman's gravesite in Harleigh Cemetery in Haddon Avenue, only a mile or two from his house.

    Walt Whitman House - Walt Whitman House

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    The Franklin Institute   - September 6, 2026.

    The Franklin Institute

    3.9(800 reviews)
    2.5 miLogan Square, Art Museum District, Penn Center

    I wanna say that the staff is very helpful and very welcoming…read more I really enjoyed my short time here. This is one of the many wonderful Treasures of Philadelphia

    During a recent trip to Philadelphia for Labor Day Weekend, we visited The Franklin Institute after…read morehearing about it for years, and we loved it. We spent close to four hours there and still didn't see everything - this place is huge! What stood out to me was how well they balance the "wow factor" with true interactive experiences, to provide a real educational depth. Walking through the Giant Heart is one of those experiences that sticks with you no matter your age, and touching an actual meteorite in the space exhibit was a unique, thrilling experience. A few highlights: - The Train Factory: seeing the Baldwin 60000 locomotive up close is genuinely impressive. - Your Brain: way more interactive than I expected; lots to see, do, and learn here. The neural network climbing maze that lights up is a lot of fun for kids, and I loved the massive Self Reflected art installation by Greg Dunn[1]. - SportsZone: great for burning off energy between exhibits. - The four-story Foucault's Pendulum at the center of the staircase. If you can, budget extra time (and a few extra dollars) for the Fels Planetarium. We didn't get to it this trip, so that's next on the list. There's also a solid cafeteria on site if you don't want to break for lunch elsewhere, which is a nice perk when you're trying to maximize your time inside, particularly with kids. One tip: we visited over Labor Day weekend and the AC inside was cranked way up. It felt great at first coming in from the heat, but after several hours of walking around in it, we were all pretty cold by the end. Bring a light sweater or jacket, even if it's hot outside. The museum is clean, well staffed, and everything actually works, which isn't always a given at older institutions. It's easy to spend a full day here and still leave wanting more. Highly recommend for families, couples, or solo visitors who just love learning something new. We'll definitely be back, and check out the planetarium next time. ---------------------------- [1] https://fi.edu/en/science-and-education/collection/self-reflected

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    The Franklin Institute   - Saturday, July 25, 2026

    Saturday, July 25, 2026

    The Franklin Institute
    The Franklin Institute   - The art of LEGO

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    The art of LEGO

    Edgar Allan Poe House

    Edgar Allan Poe House

    4.3(96 reviews)
    1.8 miSpring Garden

    Small, easy, short touristy trip. Another great free thing to do in the city when you have friends…read moreor family from out of town. I live in Nolibs, so this is an easy walk from my house. Parking is plentiful nearby, too!

    Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site - Philadelphia, PA…read more Boomsauce Score: BS +++ (Amazing location! now that's boomsauce!) Even mid-renovation, this place hits different. Stepping into Poe's former home is like walking through the pages of Gothic literature. The art installations and that surreal raven sculpture outside? Straight out of a dream--or a fevered poem. It's eerie, poetic, and deeply moving. Though the house is currently closed for a utilities improvement project, you can still feel the weight of history pressing through the walls. Poe lived here during one of his most prolific periods, penning classics like The Black Cat and The Tell-Tale Heart. The cellar even resembles the one described in The Black Cat, adding a deliciously creepy layer to the visit. If you're in Philly, this is a must-visit. It's not just a museum--it's a tribute to the tortured brilliance of one of America's greatest literary minds. And when renovations wrap, it'll be even more hauntingly beautiful. --- Boomsauce Scale | Rating | Meaning |---------|----------------------------------| | B | basura (trash) | | BS | basic (come on! Try harder) | | BS + | better (Yo! That's better) | | BS ++ | best (alright! Alright! Alrightttt!) | | BS +++ | Amazing location! now that's boomsauce! |

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    Edgar Allan Poe House
    Edgar Allan Poe House
    Edgar Allan Poe House

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    The Masonic Temple in Philadelphia

    The Masonic Temple in Philadelphia

    4.3(47 reviews)
    1.9 miMarket East, Penn Center, Avenue of the Arts North
    Large group friendly
    Available by appointment

    What a fabulous tour and place. The only reason why I knew about this temple was because of the…read moremovie national treasure. when I was looking up things to do in Philadelphia, this populated. From the outside, it looks like a church a small church but on the inside, it is immaculate, ginormous and just all in all beautiful. You do have to do a tour that's the only way to see the facility which we did. We got there around 10:30 and then we just booked a tour for the 11 o'clock. They gave the history, they talked about the architectural, their charity work, and the facilities also used for weddings, photo shoots, etc... but so fun we really enjoyed it. This is probably one of our favorite highlights of our Philadelphia trip.

    After having it on my list for a while, I finally took a tour of the Masonic Temple with my husband…read moreand some friends yesterday. It was worth waiting for. Right across from the Philadelphia City Hall, the Masonic Temple serves as the headquarters of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. It's a huge building and - wow - is it maximalist! Our tour was a little over an hour, and I recommend booking ahead (a group walked in just in front of us and hoped to buy tickets for the tour about to start, only to learn that it was sold out). Our tour guide was knowledgable (but told us when she didn't know the answer to a question because the Masons are secretive and keep a lot of facts about what occurs in the Lodge to themselves). The architecture is really stunning and there's so much to see: incredible plasterwork, grand staircases, murals, and more! Photography without flash is allowed throughout the tour, and I took about a million photographs. The Temple has a fascinating history, and the architecture and decor made my jaw drop a few times. Definitely worth visiting if you live in or are visiting Philadelphia.

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    The Masonic Temple in Philadelphia
    The Masonic Temple in Philadelphia
    The Masonic Temple in Philadelphia

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    Eastern State Penitentiary - Cell block

    Eastern State Penitentiary

    4.6(974 reviews)
    2.9 miFairmount, Art Museum District

    It was definitely a unique experience, and well worth the admission fee. I found it to be…read moreeducational and creepy, yet in a highly photogenic and artsy kind of way. I couldn't stop taking pictures. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. Besides, I don't think I can add anything to this review about its history that hasn't already been said. I'll just give you a few tips before your visit. Bring ear buds so that you can listen to the self-guided audio tour that is narrated by Steve Buscemi. It's 45 minutes long and is included with admission. Otherwise, just do as we did and go through each cell block at your own pace. You can always listen to the audio tour later. There's also a guided tour that can be booked for a higher fee. The best time to go is in the morning. It didn't feel quite as hot inside as I thought it would be. There are a few exhibits that have air-conditioned rooms if needed. One of them is the "Worship Behind Walls" exhibit that was closed off when we we there. Only the outer room was open in that exhibit. One of the cell blocks was closed off for the "Halloween Nights" event that starts in October. We were told that it's an amazing night experience. They even set up a speakeasy at Al Capone's cell for VIP ticket holders. It's just something to think about when planning your visit. It took us about 2 hours to go through it all. It's easy to navigate through each cell block due to the wheel design of the building from it's central hub. It's on the top 10 list of things to do in Philadelphia for a reason. It also gives you a chance to check out the Fairmount neighborhood while you're there. It was a great experience overall!

    My wife and I were in Philly for a long weekend and saw that this was a cool spot to checkout…read more I am glad we did. It is an old prison set in a neighborhood, kind of like Wrigley Field is in the middle of a neighborhood. The structure is huge and has a hub and spoke type of detention with 8 cell clocks around a center location. The cells were small, but they did have Al Capone's cell, which was decked out! He was there for a year for an illegal weapon. Nice narration and a great way to spend an hour or two in Philly!

    Photos
    Eastern State Penitentiary - Cell block

    Cell block

    Eastern State Penitentiary - Cell Block 7 from the 2nd floor

    Cell Block 7 from the 2nd floor

    Eastern State Penitentiary - Memorial of prisoners who lost lives in WWI, listed by inmate number

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    Memorial of prisoners who lost lives in WWI, listed by inmate number

    Briar Bush Nature Center - Oliver the dove

    Briar Bush Nature Center

    4.6(11 reviews)
    12.7 mi

    I take my 2 y. o. granddaughter nearly every week. There are so many wonderful things to explore…read moreand learn from. They have a walking path through the woods with a natural playground and sandbox, a bird house building to watch and interactive displays, a mini zoo inside a house with small animals and activities including a treehouse. They also have weekly activities and seasonal events for elementary school kids. My granddaughter calls Briar Bush "The Animal House" and loves to put a donation in the collection box before we leave.

    I wish I could rate this more than 5 stars! A nature center/museum and I don't have to do the…read moredrive downtown/pay for parking...and admission is free for Abington residents/friends of Briar Bush? Amazing. (Admission otherwise is only $3 for adults and $2 for kids 2-17). There's animals/insects inside such as owls, huge cockroaches, giant turtle, snakes. And a cute reading corner full of nature books. There's also a discovery den AKA play area indoors for $1. There's animals/insects outdoors such as turkey vultures, turtles, a butterfly house and a bird observatory (cute on the inside with toys for the kiddos - be sure to read the story about the couple who opened the center). And a natural playscape outdoors. There's also a bunch of fairy houses throughout the property that girl scouts donated. And lots of trails through the forest. They also have Magic Mornings for ages 2-4 Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays - but register ahead as they only have a certain amount of spots each day (it's seasonal - they have in fall and spring but not summer - see website). It's an hour class for $10 and includes a snack, craft, nature walk etc. They usually pull out an animal each class. It's great to get some time in nature with other kids. In summer, they have a full week of Magic Mornings in their Itty Bitty Briar Camp. Ms. Heidi teaches it and she is just great. They have a different theme every day such as sun, water, clouds etc and there's an activity each day (visit pond and catch tadpoles, water play, craft pertaining to theme). They have preschool pioneers for ages 4-5 and summer camp for older kids for a week in late June. *Just beware in June that parking is limited due to school field trips and you may not fit in either of the lots; you may have to park out front of the house to the left (which is fine - she just doesn't want buses idling there) They also have field trips to gardens and to the shore, classes for seniors, family nature nights, hot smores nights... Only negative (besides parking, which they can't really control), is the "snacks" for kids at Magic Mornings aren't the healthiest. One was cinnamon sugar graham crackers with whipped cream- regular would have been fine. 2 days were cheddar gold fish. Another day was blue jello with whipped cream. And some red licorice - the kind that whips. Fruit Loops were used for colors. So, if you don't like your child eating sugar, let them know you have a dietary restriction or bring your own snack (snack time is ~10 min and probably not needed but the kids always love snack time!). Some options that would be healthier and just as easy would be pretzel sticks, fruit, crackers, popcorn, veggies, string cheese...but I guess those all cost more besides pretzels/crackers/popcorn.

    Photos
    Briar Bush Nature Center - Briar Bush Nature Center.

    Briar Bush Nature Center.

    Briar Bush Nature Center - Briar Bush Nature Center.

    Briar Bush Nature Center.

    Briar Bush Nature Center - A skunk

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    A skunk

    Battleship New Jersey - museums - Updated September 2026

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