6 Places You Can Visit for Free in New Jersey’s Heartland
Pictured above: Batsto Village, Hammonton.
Want to explore New Jersey’s Heartland without breaking the bank? Here are six places you can visit for absolutely free!
For the kids…
Cohanzick Zoo
45 Mayor Aitken Drive, Bridgeton
Cumberland
Open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
First opened in 1934, Cohanzick Zoo is New Jersey’s first zoo. It is home to over one hundred animals and numerous educational programs for children. As a past visitor wrote in her review, the Zoo offers “…free family fun and learning in a clean and safe environment.” What more could you ask for?
For the sports enthusiasts…
Southern New Jersey All Sports Museum and Hall of Fame
Burt Avenue Recreation Center, Bridgeton
Cumberland
Open Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12noon/1:00 PM to 3:00 PM/or by appointment
This South Jersey museum is dedicated to individuals and teams of all sports hailing from in and around Cumberland County. Photos, equipment, scrapbooks, and other memorabilia of many well-known men and women of national fame and regional renown are on display in this modern and spacious facility. Great for kids and adults!
For the family…
Batsto Village
31 Batsto Road, Hammonton
Western Atlantic
Visitor Center open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Written by a visitor: “Batsto Village is a perfect place to take the family for a few hours or the day. There are lots of historic buildings to tour, wide open space for kids to run and play, and water with turtles and fish. We relaxed and enjoyed the beauty of nature. Maybe next time we’ll take a little picnic along. We loved all the history and the expansive grounds to walk around. The fish ladder was very interesting. I recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful and beautiful place to visit.”
For the animal lovers…
Funny Farm Rescue Animal Sanctuary
6908 Railroad Boulevard, Mays Landing
Western Atlantic
Open Sundays and Tuesdays from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Over one-hundred and fifty animals call this Heartland sanctuary home. Under the care of Laurie Zaleski and her staff, unwanted, sick, elderly, injured, and abused animals can live out their lives in a peaceful and safe environment. Guests are welcome to feed, interact with, and learn about the animals during visiting hours. Good for all ages.
For the historians…
Heritage Glass Museum
25 High Street East, Glassboro
Gloucester
Open Wednesday from 12:00 to 3:00 PM, Saturday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Take a tour guided by local volunteers at this special (and free) museum! During your visit, you will partake in a hands-on demonstration, learn about the glassmaking process, and get a history lesson on Glassboro, which was the first center of American glassmaking. After the tour has concluded, you will have the opportunity to view and/or purchase unique pieces!
For the explorers…
Alloway Creek Watershed
Money Island Road, Elsinboro
Salem
Open daily from dawn to dusk
Take a hike down two trails with magnificent views of the Delaware River and the surrounding area. In the summertime you can spot colorful Yellow Warblers and other birds singing and feeding their young! The perfect day trip for young and old adventurers alike.
