Haddon Lake Park

Location:Haddon Heights, Audubon and Mount Ephraim

Website: http://www.camdencounty.com/parks/parks/haddon-lake 

http://www.ccparks.com/events/eventsbyvenue_list.php?vnu_id=56 (special events calendar)

Bathrooms: Yes (at amphitheater during special events)

Eating area: YES

Attractions: Outdoor amphitheater, playground, bike/walking/running paths, fishing, Haddon Lake

 Fee: FREE

This summer, my kids and I discovered a new park...the Haddon Lake Park.  We have been spending quite a few mornings there because of their wonderful variety of summer programs.  We saw a reptile show, a magic show, and a theater production.  All of these were located in their amphitheater called the Mc Laughlin-Norcross Dell.  In addition to Camden County providing these special events, they also provided water and ice tea and we even had cookies at one show!  Bathroom facilities are also available at the amphitheater location but are only opened during showtime.

                                                                                                  

Close to the amphitheater is a playground area, picnic tables, fields to run or play ball and biking/running/walking/trails.  After the performances, my kids and I would take our snack and head to the playground. There are two main play areas with slides, monkey bars and lots of swings. In addition, a small creek runs in front of the playground and my son has a ball taking his shoes off and putting his toes in the water (be careful some areas of the creek are deep!). Follow the trails and you will even find a little bridge!

The whole playground is pretty much shady, which was really nice on those hot days.  There are picnic tables and tables in a covered gazebo. The only bathroom facilities, however, are port-a-pots, when a show is not going on at the amphitheater.   There is a small parking lot at the playground area but spots will fill up quickly on amphitheater show days.

Getting to the park should have been relatively simple, however if you use Google/Mapquest for directions most will tell you to find 13th Ave. I found that when driving the 13th Ave sign is covered by a tree and it was difficult to see the sign. I was able to see the sign above it saying Mc Laughlin Ave, but of course, I wasn't looking for that street. Twice going to the park, I completely missed the turn onto 13th.

On one of those days, when I missed the 13th Ave turn, I learned just how big Haddon Lake Park was (73 acres!). I located another playground in Haddon Lake Park. When asking a Mom at the park, she notified me that I WAS in Haddon Lake Park but in the Mt. Ephraim section! That park of the park also has a playground and trails around the lake.

The Mt. Ephraim Playground area

Haddon Lake Park is a wonderful park to watch a show, take a walk, and play. I wouldn't make a special trip just for the playground areas, but it is the perfect location to take the kiddos when there are shows at the amphitheater. When there are special programs, you could definitely spend a morning or an early evening at this really quaint park tucked into the town of Haddon Heights. Check out the programming calendar and we'll see you at the park!

Best Weekend Fun Events!

So much to do this weekend! Here are just a FEW of my favorites. Make sure to check the Family Penny Pincher calendar for event details and for additional events happening this weekend! 

Saturday, July 30th 

• Gloucester County 4-H and Peach Festival (Mullica Hill, NJ): Visitors can watch our equestrians lead their horses in exercises in precision, place an auction bid on a hog, lamb or goat raised by a 4-Her, watch the judging of our rabbit or goat shows, learn all about cows from dairy and beef club members, cheer for their favorite in the dog obedience class, learn how to raise a pet bird from members of the exotic bird club, slither around to the reptile club exhibit, and enjoy the hog costume contest. FREE Admission.  $10 parking/per carload (Click on link for $1 off coupon) Runs Saturday and Sunday.

• Mercer County 4-H Fair (Howell Living History Farm, Lambertville, NJ) The fair includes 4-H animal shows and exhibits; food and homemade ice cream; hay rides; pony rides; music; farm tours and demonstrations; milking demonstrations; spinning, felting, and fiber demonstrations; egg grading demonstrations; children’s crafts and activities; and displays by the Master Gardeners of Mercer County and the Mercer County Equestrian Center. FREE Admission/FREE Parking (Please bring a canned good donation in support of Rutgers Against Hunger.  Runs Saturday and Sunday.

• Wildwood Surf Fest (Wildwood, NJ): FREE surf lessons ~ surf vendors and artists ~ bbq and luau ~ after hours admissions to Raging Waters Waterpark ~ FREE concert featuring The Following, The Dan Brown Duo and more!

• Cooper River Fine Arts Festival (Cooper River Park, Cherry Hill, NJ):  New Jersey's Premier Fine Arts Festival is sponsored by the Philadelphia Inquirer and will take place along the scenic Cooper River. Cooper River Park (346.55 acres) runs through Pennsauken, Cherry Hill, Collingswood and Haddon Township. Runs Saturday 10am to 6pm and Sunday 10am to 5pm.

• Philadelphia Dance Day 2011: All dance enthusiasts–regardless of experience or even coordination–are invited to take part in this citywide celebration of dance. There will be something for everyone, from creative movement for preschoolers to absolute beginner adult ballet to hip-hop for all ages. Participants can pick and choose as many workshops as they like. All the venues are located within three miles of each other; several within walking distance. ALL FREE

• Kids in Center City Playdate: Come to the Comcast Center for some family-friendly fun. Join Music Monkey Jungle, a live interactive musical and movement educational class for little music monkeys and their parents who love them. Don't forget to bring sturdy shoes for participation as well as a camera to capture the fun.Market merchants will offer kid-friendly treats and crafts, including fun and educational activities from the Pennsylvania Ballet. FREE from 11:30am to 1:30pm

 

 

• ART/GAGE by Magic Gardens (South Street, Philadelphia): The 1000 block of South Street will be closed off to traffic, with the festival spilling into the streets featuring more 30 art and food vendors. From noon to 6pm.  To attend the performances within Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, the cost is $15 for an all-day pass, $10 for a day (1:00-5:30) or evening (5:30-10:00) pass. Visitors can purchase a Family Pass that accommodates two adults and up to three children for $25, or tickets for kids are $5. Click here for more information:

Sunday, July 31st

• Franklin Square's Birthday Party (Philadelphia): Celebrate five seasons of fun at Franklin Square this Sunday, July 31, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at a special birthday celebration. Bring the whole family to sign a giant birthday card, eat Birthday Bonanza Sundaes at SquareBurger, enjoy face painting, birthday “craftivities” and more. The first 55 children get free rides on the carousel and free sundaes!

•  2nd Street Festival (Northern Liberties, Philadelphia): The neighborhood is closing off N. 2nd Street between Germantown and Fairmount for a (free!) supersized block party filled with six blocks of beer gardens, workshops, art, food, music and other merchandise vendors. Noon to 10pm

  Have a great weekend!

Mann Music Center: Young People's Concert Series

Young People's Concert Series
2013 Season - "Capture the Culture"
  Mon. July 8:  Cirque Zuma Zuma
Mon. July 15: The Rock School for Dance Education
Mon. July 29: Rising Stars of Tomorrow
Mon. August 5: Black Violin 
Cost/Parking: Free

"From 2011". My family and I have visited the Mann several times for many free events, but we recently went to a performance called "Global Passages" which was part of the Young People's Concert Series. The performance was an hour and 15 minutes and my 3 and 4 yr old were glued to the stage for every minute!

This annual FREE series makes "high-quality and culturally diverse performing arts programs accessible to all children in an informal atmosphere. Performances by professional and emerging artists offer our young people a chance to experience and be inspired by the talents of others their age!"

Every week for 5 weeks the Mann presents a different cultural exploration through dance and music. On July 17th, the culture of South America was explored through "Inca Son" and on July 20th "The Rock School For Dance Education" presented a new fusion of dance.

The more recent program, "Global Passages" featured the music, songs, and dance of China from the Philadelphia Chinese Opera Society, Latin America from Saboricua: The Roots of Salsa Music and Dance, and Africa with the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble.  

My 3 year old son was dancing to the music, while my 4 year old daughter was fascinated by all of the colorful costumes!  It really was a very exciting and entertaining performance.  Not once did my kids whine for food, the potty, or to leave! For Moms of little ones, you know that is a sign of a successful show!

The Family Penny Pincher's Experiences, Tips, and Suggestions

• Location: I love the location of the Mann because it is so easy for this suburban Mom to get there!  I simply get off the Philadelphia Zoo exit.  Turn right at the stop sign, go through the light at the zoo and continue going straight! It is very close to the Please Touch Museum. It is also not far from the Smith Kids Play Place so this is a great place for the kids to get out their energy before or after events at the Mann and nice place for lunch or snack.
• Parking: For free events it has been the case that Parking is free as well and there always seem to be plenty of it!  If parking is full or there is a charge, you can find parking along Parkside Ave. directly parallel to the Mann.
• Bathrooms/Food: The bathrooms are located right inside the entrance gates to the right and concession stands sell food and water right inside the gate as well.
• Seating: Tickets are not required for free concerts. Seating is general admission and first come, first serve. You only need to register for free concerts if you are in a group of 30 or more. If you want good seats, get there EARLY!!
• Weather: The Mann is an outdoor venue, but the concert area is covered.  So make sure to get a seat inside the covered area not on the lawn.
• HAVE FUN!