Fourth of July Riverton Parade and Evesham Fireworks

Location: Riverton, NJ

http://www.riverton4thofjuly.com/ (For complete list of events and times)

Click here for a map of the town of Riverton

Beginning to plan for your July 4th celebration? Well, if you are pinching pennies like our household and a week vacation at the Shore is not in the budget for your July 4th weekend, consider attending ....the Riverton, NJ 4th of July parade. This parade is by far the BEST 4th of July parade!  Riverton is well known for their love of this patriotic holiday and it sure shows!

First, the old Victorian houses participate in a house decorating contest! Before or after the parade, it is just fun to take a walk around this small town and see the houses decked out for the 4th!

A great way to start the day is with the Bill Oliver 5K and 1 Mile Run for Fun. The 5K race begins at 8:30 and is only $10 if you pre-register or $15 at the day of the race.  If a 1 mile run for fun is more to your liking, it begins at 9:30 and is only $5 to register. You can even pay online.  Check the link listed above for more information.

Next, beginning at 10 am is the 114th annual 4th of July parade featuring floats, parade of decorated bikes (and kids!), classic cars, fire trucks, marching bands, and so much more!  Make sure to bring a bag...candy is thrown!  Following the parade (around 11:45), everyone heads to the park for more July 4th festivities.  There are tons of free fun activities such as games, face painting, clowns, puppets, moon bounces, pony rides, carriage rides, live music, a petting zoo, and the greased pool!

For all you pet lovers, head back to the park for the Pet Parade at 3:30pm.  Check out the assortment of decked out pets.  Lastly,the final event of the day is the Raft Race (5:30pm) on Bank Ave. near the iverton Yacht Club.  Again, see the creative side of Riverton residents as they race their handmade rafts to compete for prizes.  Great fun to watch!

By this time you will probably be hungry, so time to get some burgers and hot dogs!  Have a barbeque and relax for a little while before....the fireworks!  Our family heads to Evesham Township for wonderful fireworks that can be viewed on the grounds of Cherokee High School.  They really put on a great show!  Bring a blanket, some snacks, light sticks, and hang out on the field. Parking is a nightmare and so is the traffic after the fireworks, but for this special night, it should be expected. The spectacular fireworks begin at 9:45pm. Click here for more information.

So, what will you be doing this July 4th? How will you be celebrating this holiday? Whatever you decide to do, have fun! The July 4th holiday is such a great day. So, from my family to yours, Have a happy and safe July 4th! 

Marlton Playground

Marlton Playground at the Memorial Sports Complex

Location: 1040 Tuckerton Rd, Marlton NJ 08055

Bathrooms: Yes (Large bathroom with table for changing babies!)

Eating area: YES (covered pavilion, and picnic tables)

Attractions:  "Treasure Island" themed playground in Sports Complex

Parking: Yes

Fee: FREE

Click on the pictures for a large image

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Trying to beat the raindrops, the kids and I ventured out to the newly constructed Marlton Playground for some outdoor play!  IMMEDIATELY, the kids were drawn to the main attraction....that awesome two story, 4 slide complex with a rock wall and a bridge to faux boulders for more climbing! The slide structure reminded me of the dual slide complex at the Manderach Playground in Limerick which was also the focal point and the "star of the show".

The kids couldn't get enough of the tube slides!  Climbing the two stories to the very top was also part of the draw....which I had to try myself...and it was pretty cool! It felt almost like you had a private fort high above the ground..complete with some seating and a lookout window below.

From the top, you get a nice view of the many boulders to climb, log tunnels to go through, a great number of swings, and a pirate ship themed structure for the wee little ones! Follow the path and you will find that "X" marks the spot and a treasure chest is found!

I loved how the whole complex was surround by a fence with only one entrance and exit! That really helps to ease anxiety while trying to watch the kids. The soft ground helps reduce cuts and scraps and makes pushing strollers and/or wheelchairs a breeze! The complex is a nice size, with a lot of open space, so there is plenty of room to run around without running into someone.

One thing I did notice was the lack of trees.  We did not go on a sunny day, so I can't say for sure, but I wonder if it gets really hot? There wasn't a shady area to be found. We'll have to make another trip to find out! I'm sure my kids would not mind being "forced" to investigate the playground even further! See you at the playground!

Make sure to take a look at the complete list of playgrounds/parks and their reviews!

Enjoy!

Fore the Planet! Indoor Minature Golf

Location: Linvilla Orchards

Website: http://www.linvilla.com/

Bathrooms: Yes

Eating area: Yes (indoor and out) and food for purchase at Linvilla Grill

Parking: Yes and free

Attractions: 300-acre farm, Christmas tree maze ($5), playground ($1), animals for feeding, hayrides in fall, pick your own fruit

Hours: Open Everyday until March 17

Sunday through Thursday 9am to 5pm

Friday and Saturday 9am to 8pm

 Price: $6.95 (ages 11 & over)
$4.95 (ages 10 & under)

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A recent birthday party brought us to Linvilla Orchards and its latest special event, "Fore the Planet" indoor miniature golf. I was really excited to get the opportunity to visit the 300 acre farm after hearing great things about it. We made the trip on a Saturday morning leaving our home at around 10am and arriving at 10:30.  I understand that it is usually a 45 minute to an hour drive, so I guess that is not typical.  There was no traffic on 95....I swear it was not my heavy foot!!

Early February is probably not the best time to take advantage of the farm, due to the dark, damp, chilly, and unpredictable weather, but on this particular day it was not too cold, so we were able to enjoy all the farm's attractions. Our first stop was to head indoors to the indoor market and play some miniature golf. It was bright, colorful and inviting. This my kids first time playing, so I didn't know what to expect. My oldest had no problems getting right in there and was speeding right along.  My youngest got a little frustrated on some of the harder holes, but overall they both proclaimed that they wanted to play golf again.  We even went home and set up a golf course in the house. So this definitely left a mark on the kiddos.  

However, I think the educational message of "Save the Planet" was lost on just one round of the golf. The kids were so excited and overwhelmed that the meaning went right over their head. It would have been nice to go a second round, slow down and read the information that went with each hole. 

After golfing, we explored the Christmas tree maze.  That was quite an experience! A little frighting for me as my daughter kept running ahead. But we all made it out alive.

Next, we went to the playground area to feed the turkeys, chickens, and peacocks and play on the large playground.  This area also has a maze.  Donation to the playground is $1 and you place it in a bucket as part of the honor system.

We finally left the farm at around 2pm, so weather permitting, you could spend quite a while exploring the farm and you will get a lot for the money. My kids also fell asleep in the car on the way home, so I would say this day was hole in one!

Click for a larger image

Tips:

• I would not suggest getting off Exit 6 from 95.  It dropped us off in a seedy area that had me locking my doors. Okay, I admit, I am a suburban mom, but I am not used to seeing drug transactions occur right before my eyes.  Next time,  I will go a little further on 95 and get off at the 452 exit. Hopefully that exit will not have me gripping my wheel and locking my doors.
• Bring your own food and drinks to save money! Have a picnic at the farm.
• Save more money by skipping the Christmas tree maze and have fun with the maze at the playground that comes with your dollar donation
• Play golf on a nice day, even though it is indoors, so that you can take advantage of the playground, maze and animal feedings, especially if you are driving an hour to get  to the farm. You will get more for your money and could make a day of it.

Have a "ball" a Linvilla Orchards!