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

---

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!