Town Wide Yard Sales

2016

Yard Sale/Garage Sale Season is upon us!  For bargain hunters, Saturday becomes one of the most anticipated days of the week.  While area and individual homes are great places to find deals and usually take only the morning, town wide yard sales are a treasure hunters dream and can usually take all morning and afternoon to comb through the goodies.  With the price of gas constantly rising, town wide yard sales are becoming more popular as you can just park it and walk it!  So check out this list of town wide yard sales, if one is not listed please comment below and I will add it to the list!

APRIL

Audubon Town Wide Yard Sale: April 16  from 8am to 2pm
Raindate: April 23

Haddon Heights Town Wide Yard Sale (Spring): April 30th
Raindate: May 7

Delanco Town Wide Yard Sale: April 30th  9am. Stop by Washington Fire house on Burlington Ave to pick up a map!
Raindate: None

Wenonah Town Wide Yard Sale: April 30th at 8am
Raindate: Unknown

MAY

Laurel Springs: May  beginning at 8:30am 

Riverside: May  from 8am to 2pm
Raindate: May 10

Riverton's Treasure Day: May 7th  from 8am to 3pm
Raindate:   Food and drinks are available from town restaurants and many homes sell drinks, pretzels, and hot dogs.  Bathroom facilities, food, and tables are available at the Church (whose name escapes me at the moment!). Great small town to park it and walk it.

Haddon Township Town Wide Yard Sale: May 7 from 8am to 2pm
Raindate: May 14

Westville Lions Club Community Yard Sale: May 3  from 8am to 2pm  Thomas West Park
Somerdale Town Wide Yard Sale: May 
Raindate:  May 20


JUNE 

Collingswood Town Wide Yard Sale: June   from 8am to 2pm
Raindate: June 13

Oaklyn Town Wide Yard Sale: June  from 8am to 2pm
Raindate: June 20th

SEPTEMBER

Edgewater Park Town Wide Yard Sale : September  beginning at 8am.

Merchantville Town Wide Yard Sale: September th  beginning at 9am. Maps will be available at the following locations the morning of the sale: Borough Hall, News Nook, McFarlan’s Market and the Merchantville Diner. 

Delran Town Wide Yard Sale: September  beginning at 8 am. 

Delanco Fall Town Wide Yard Sale: September beginning at 9am.

OCTOBER

Haddon Heights Town Wide Yard Sale (Fall): October 
Raindate: October 

Penny Wise Shopping: The Best Dressed for Less Consignment Sale

Spring Sale: March 27-29th
The Life Center at Fountain of Life Church
2035 Burlington-Columbus Rd.
Burlington Township, NJ (click here for directions)

Parking: Yes, lots of it and free

http://www.bestdressedsale.com/

I have been to a lot of consignment sales since my kiddies were born, but the Best Dressed For Less Consignment Sale is top notch!  As with other consignment sales, the Best Dressed For Less sells gently used children's clothes, toys, shoes, equipment, furniture, and so much more! I saw many brand names lining the very organized ranks such as Gymboree, Gap, Children's Place, Old Navy and many boutique clothiers as well. But what sets the Best Dressed For Less Consignment sale apart from the others is the organization, neatness, and helpfulness from volunteer staff. 

From the moment I walked through the doors, several volunteer workers walked right up to me to ask if they could assist me. They explained how the sale worked, described the layout of the room, demonstrated how to grab tickets for larger items, and walked me to the holding area where I can put my bags down so I could go back and do more shopping.  You can tell that this is a well oiled machine!

Right away you will notice how all the aisles and items are clearly tagged and labeled.  Boys items are on the right hand side of the room and girls clothes are on the left hand side of the room. Both areas are clearly labeled by size and the aisles are wide for lots of shoppers. Most importantly, the prices were amazing! All the items I picked up cost $10 or less!

You will find tons of seasonal items such as jackets, hats, scarves, snow suits, boots and even sports equipment like cleats and bike helmets for kids of all ages and sizes! My kids needed winter jammies and I scoped up several pairs all under $5.00, one set was just $2.50!! I picked up a fall pink GAP jacket for my daughter for only $10. In addition, I bought shoes for my son that were only $8.  I LOVED finding the sets of the clothes, like a carters long sleeved shirt with sweatpants for $3 and a Levi's long sleeved shirt with jeans for $6.00.  You really can't beat prices like these!

 

I spent a lot of time in the costume rank because my kids love to dress up and I was looking for Halloween costumes.  I scored big time!!  I got a pirate costume for just $3, a fireman costume complete with hat and accessories for $8, and an Ariel wedding dress with the veil for $10.

For those in the market, you will find lots of strollers to choose from as well as pack and plays, bassinets, bumbo seats, and various baby and toddler items! You can even decorate the baby's room with the available lamps and other decorative item! For the expecting mom...check out the maternity clothes section.

So, if you can, clear you schedule for Friday! Doors open at 9am and stay open until 7pm. On Saturday, you can shop from 9am to 5pm and on Sunday from 11am to 3pm.  I have also heard that on Sunday, many items are discounted by 50%!  Another thing that sets this sale apart from other consignment sales is the option for consignors to pick up unsold items or to donate them to the Family Service of Burlington County. Everyone wins at the Best Dressed for Less Consignment sale!

Get shopping!

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!

Morris Arboretum

Click on the pictures for a larger view

Location: 100 E. Northwestern Avenue, Phialdelphia PA

Website: http://www.business-services.upenn.edu/arboretum/index.shtml

Bathrooms: Yes, some with changing tables

Eating area: Yes, Compton Cafe on site, and vending machines, 

Attractions: 92 acres of lush gardens and sculptures, Out on a limb tree canopy walk, miniature village and Garden Railway, various historical buildings, and refreshing fountains

Around the Area: Quaint town of Chesnut Hill and Wissahickon Valley Park (Forbidden Drive)

Fee: Kids under 3: Free, Kids 3-17: $7.00, Adults: $16.00

 Or get FREE passes for the whole family with your Library Card with their Museum Pass Program

The kids and I took advantage of this gorgeous summer day to check out the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania.  We scored FREE passes for 2 adults and 4 children for FOUR days by checking out the passes through our local library's Museum Pass program.  That is a savings of $184 for our family!! I LOVE the Museum Pass!  

                

We were most excited to explore the "Out on a Limb" exhibit and to climb 50 feet above the ground into the trees! The kids had a great time pretending to be birds sitting on the eggs, and  jumping on the rope netting and seeing how far they were from the forest floor! The kids also had a great time putting the huge megaphones on their ears to listen to the sounds of the forest! 

Our next stop was to see the miniature Garden railway exhibit. This seasonal exhibit features renditions of storybook and historic buildings made of natural materials set in the garden complete with naturally made tunnels and overhead trestles.  The kids had a blast following all the trains and watching them appear over their heads,  moving under trees, and crossing over small waterways.  Of course...there is a Thomas train for fans! 

Our next favorite stop was the Log Cabin.  This exhibit provides some much needed cool shade, a refreshing dip in the stream and a splash of water from a old fashioned water pump! Parents will find some much needed R&R on the chairs while the kids tidy up the cabin, play school, build with Lincoln logs, or splash around and explore the stream! The kids LOVED this historic building.

Throughout the arboretum you will discover various species of trees and flowers, interesting works of art and sculpture, cool insects, and refreshing fountains and streams! 

Tips:

• Check the weather before planning your trip.  It's all outdoors!
• Check the event calendar for lots of fun activities!
• Wear comfortable shoes, there is a lot of walking!
• Strollers and wheelchairs are fine! Most of the walkways are paved.
• Visit the Visitors Center and get your "passport".  The kids get them stamped at various exhibits. The passport also has great educational information and activities related to the exhibits. Also, pick up some Family Fun cards for extension activities!
• If you kids are anything like mine, you might need to dress them in bathing suit trunks!  Or at the very least bring a change of clothes and maybe some towels...in case someone gets wet!
• Wear sunscreen!
• Two words....insect repellent!
• Pack snacks and lunches and eat at the dining behind behind the Visitors Center. There is a cafe on site and drinking and snack vending areas scattered throughout the arboretum if you are in a pinch.
• Before or after your trip, head down to the quaint town of Chestnut Hill! The kids can eat and play at the Little Treehouse Cafe, and enjoy ice Cream from Brendenbecks! Bruno's is another great spot for food (right on the corner of Germantown Ave.and Northwestern Ave.) with easy access to  Wissahickon Valley Trail (Forbidden Drive). 

Have fun exploring The Morris Arboretum!

Manderach Memorial Playground

 

Location: Swamp Pike & Ziegler Rd., Limerick, PA 19468

Bathrooms: Two Restroom Facilities (Porta Potty near the playground)

Eating area: Yes, under covered pavilions

Attractions: 70 acre park with castle themed playground with two long tunnel slides, baseball field, basketball, 2 sand volleyball courts, 1.1 mile paved walking/running track (see aerial map)

Around the Area:  Philadelphia Premium Outlets (approx. 10 minutes from park)

Fee: Free

This weekend's Sunday drive took us to Limerick, PA to check out Limerick Community Park and its famous Manderach Memorial Playground. In just about an hour, we reached our destination. Squeals of excitement erupted from the backseat when the kids saw the 30 foot high castle named "Lisa's Lookout" with two loooong tunnel slides protruding from the top floor of the castle.

The kids ran straight for the stairs to climb the castle and attempt the tunnel slides. Believe me, half the fun of the slide is the climb to the top! Little ones will need assistance as it is quite a hike!  The steps to the top are roomy enough for adults to climb and the slide is big enough to allow adults to ride down with kids. Yes, I couldn't resist and I had to ride the slides too! When my son reached the bottom of the slide, he exclaimed, "That is the best slide ever!" and I completely agree!

As my kids repeatedly climbed the tower, rode the slide, and then ran to get back in line, I was able to sit back and truly look at "Lisa's Lookout." It is quite an impressive structure dedicated to Lisa Manderach and her 19 month old baby, Devon, who were horribly murdered in 1995. The two long tunnel slides look like two long arms reaching out to the children in a symbolic hug; welcoming all who enter and encouraging smiles and laughter amongst such a painful past.   It is a beautiful, and fitting, tribute to a mother and child whose memory will be forever remembered.

Surrounding the castle tower slides are saucer swings, a tire swing, and a large castle themed playground equipment with lots of climbing equipment.  This side seems to be dedicated to the older kids, while on the other side of the tower is the area for younger children.  This side has more traditional swings, and a smaller castle-themed playground, just the right height for little ones!

What I really liked was that the entire playground complex was completely surrounded by a large fence and allowed for only one way in and out.  That makes monitoring the kiddos a lot easier!

Take a break from all the fun by eating your lunch in the covered pavilions, or using the vending machines to grab a drink. There is also a concession stand, that wasn't open when we were there, but purchasing food might be possible on special days. There are two bathroom facilities available, but the one closest to the playground had a porta potty...not my favorite.  However, you could take a little walk and use the facilities a little further away from the playground.  Either way, bring some wipes, and sanitizer!

This park was given the title of Best of Philly 2006: Best Playground (Montgomery County) and it is a well deserved title! We will definitely be visiting again. It was clean, well kept, and made the kids (and adults) really happy!

Tips: 

• The playground is CLOSED the first Monday of every month from 7am to 2pm for inspections and maintenance. 
• Bring a towel for the tunnel slides, the older kids say it makes the slide really fast
• Bring bikes, scooters, etc to ride the trail
• Bring sporting equipment to play in the surrounding fields
• There were a lot of people there and  I felt comfortable having my husband and grandparents with me to help monitor the kids.  Even though there is only one way in and out, I think you need to bring at least two people, at least for younger ones, to help monitor the kids.
• Pack a lunch and make a day out of it!
• Plan this visit combined with some shopping at the Limerick outlets and you can definitely make this a day trip! 

 Enjoy!

Stellwag's Hidden Acres Farm

Location:116 Hartford Rd. Delran, NJ

Website: http://www.stellwagshiddenacresfarm.com/

Bathrooms: Yes

Eating area: Yes

Attractions: Rose Garden, animals for viewing, short hiking trail, garden center

Fee: $5 per person for the hayride to pick a small pumpkin.

Cost of the pumpkin is included in the $5 price.

Click HERE for the price guide to other pumpkin picking farms !

This past weekend the family and I took advantage of the nice weather and finally went pumpkin picking.  This year, we tried the much talked about Stellwag's Farm not far from our home. This was our first time on their hayride, although we have visited the garden center several times to purchase plants. We couldn't beat the price of only $5 per person,  including the cost of the pumpkin! Oh...and did I mention there was hot cider when we returned? Sweet!

We went to the farm at about 11am on a Sunday and found it to be very quiet. There was hardly any one there, and no lines to wait in. We paid our $5 for our hayride and pumpkins, and off we went. However, the ride to the pumpkin patch was a very different when compared to previous pumpkin patch trips.  You don't take a ride around a farm, but instead you ride through a heavily shaded wooded area.  It was so cool! The kids kept saying, "We're off to find the witch's house, which house? The witch's house!"  It wasn't scary by any means but it was shaded, making it darker and a retreat from the bright sun. Along the way, you will find various decorative scarecrows in the woods for some visual entertainment. I never knew that Stellwag's had that much property! I could imagine a hayride at night would be pretty awesome through the woods and I wonder why they haven't ventured into that market?

After the ride through the woods, the tractor stops at the pumpkin patch where loads of pumpkins are waiting to be picked.  I liked the fenced in area...perfect for little ones! So easy to watch them, they could run free and I didn't have to worry! The pumpkins were small, but again it was the perfect sized for my 3 and 4 year old to carry themselves. That was real nice! I imagine that these small pumpkins would not satisfy older children who hunt for the "great pumpkin," but I think it should satisfy most kids about 10 and under. Within the patch, there was even a setup to take pictures of your kids with their chosen pumpkin.

When you are finished picking, the tractor will take you back to the garden center/gift shop and you are free to explore the rest of the farm...for FREE!!  Yes, viewing the animals, the nature trail, and rose garden are all free! You will find goats, various pheasants, sheep, wild turkey, and more! Make sure to stop and smell the roses in the rose garden maze, and enjoy a nature trail that will take you over the a bridge and through the woods leading to the animal pens. There is also a covered area with picnic tables for eating. Make sure to call ahead if you need those tables, because that is also where the birthday parties are held.  You may be out of luck if there is a party. Also, the garden center does not sell food, so you do need to bring your own. Inside the garden center/gift shop you will find the restrooms.

If you are looking to pick pumpkins without breaking the bank, have little ones, and don't want to spend all day looking through a huge pumpkin field for pumpkins, then Stellwags is for you. Your kids will enjoy it, they will get a pumpkin, a hayride, see some animals, run through the woods....and you can just take it all in and relax. Everyone wins!

Happy Fall!

Just My 2 Cents: The Weekend's Best Picks (Aug. 27 and 28)

So much to do this weekend (Saturday August 27 and Sunday August 28) ! 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! Also, with the impending storm, these events are subject to cancellation.

Saturday, August 27th

Farmer's Markets 

• Collingswood Farmer's Market
• Begins at 8am
• Kids — wear your PJ’s to The Pop Shop on Saturday mornings and your breakfast is free from 7:30 am to 10:30am.
• Burlington County Farmer's Market
• Begins at 8:30am   
• National Honey Bee Awareness Day! Visit Toni at Busy Bee
• Haddonfield Farmers' Market
• Begins at 8:00am 

•  Hurricane Party at Nest 1301 Locust St. (Philadelphia) Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 6pm. FREE. Flock to Nest  for a Hurricane Party and take shelter in the 3,000 sq ft playspace. Free to all. Jam with musician, Jay Sands as he preforms Calypso with steel drums in the playspace starting at 1pm, create your own lei in the art studio, dance the "Hoola" in the dance studio, and enjoy free food and beverages provided by Plenty. UPDATED: Due to the severity #Irene our party is today (Sat. Aug. 27th) only. So "hurri" over & get 15% off all Fall classes, music, dance, arts & crafts and our 3000sf playspace!
• Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic Local Lowe's Stores. Saturday at 10am. FREE. This weekend build and decorate a school locker with stickers, chalkboard and chalk.

• Princess Royal Craft Event: Local Disney Stores. 10:30 to 1pm. FREE. Visit Disney Store for an enchanting craft activity. The story begins with you... dress up your favorite Disney Princess or create a new Disney Princess, then write her "happily ever after" story.
  
• Lakeshore Learning Craft: Local Lakeshore Learning Stores.  11am to 3pm. FREE. Make a honeybee hive.Guaranteed to make a buzz among kids, this made-to-hang honeybee hive is swarming with worker bees.

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Sunday, August 28th
Most attractions are closing on Sunday due to the impending Hurricane.

Hurricane Party at Nest 1301 Locust St. (Philadelphia) Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 6pm. FREE. Flock to Nest  for a Hurricane Party and take shelter in the 3,000 sq ft playspace. Free to all. Jam with musician, Jay Sands as he preforms Calypso with steel drums in the playspace starting at 1pm, create your own lei in the art studio, dance the "Hoola" in the dance studio, and enjoy free food and beverages provided by Plenty.
UPDATED: Due to the severity #Irene our party is today (Sat. Aug. 27th) only. So "hurri" over & get 15% off all Fall classes, music, dance, arts & crafts and our 3000sf playspace!




Have a great weekend and keep safe!

Just My 2 Cents: The Weekend's Best Picks!

So much to do this weekend (Saturday August 20 and Sunday August 21st) ! 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, August 20th

• American Indian Corn Roasting Festival: Briar Brush Nature Center (Abington, PA ) 9:30am to 3:30pm. FREE. Experience traditional American Indian dancing, signing, and   drumming during the 31st annual Roasting Ears of Corn Festival at  the Museum of Indian Culture. The day is yours to peruse the  marketplace for handmade arts and crafts, watch flint knapping and traditional cooking demonstrations and even learn to throw a tomahawk. Briar Bush educator and Lenape expert Ehren Gross recants his own personal stories, further immersing you in the culture of the first Pennsylvanians. Bring a lunch or buy traditional American Indian foods like corn soup and Kiowa fry bread. 

• Collingswood Crafts and Fine Art Festival (Collingswood, NJ) 10am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm. FREE. Haddon Avenue in downtown Collingswood will host nearly 200 craft and fine artists from throughout the United States. Respected artists will present juried contemporary works in wood, clay, glass, metal and fiber: the newest in hand crafts and exciting visual art. 

•  National Geographic Little Explorers Lions (Local Pottery Barn Kids Stores) 10 am. FREE. Pottery Barn Kids is bringing the science museum experience to their stores!  Kids ages 3 & up will learn about lions, tigers, and other big cats through hands-on activities, songs, and more!  Children will receive a badge for every event they attend and kids who attend both events this season will get a special prize while supplies last.

• Riverfront FamilyFest (Wilmington, DE) 11am to 4pm. FREE. Horizon Services' Riverfront FamilyFest is a free, fun event for families with kids of all ages that turns Riverfront Wilmington into a playground for the day.  

•  Hawaiian Luau at Franklin Square (Philadelphia, PA) Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 3pm. FREE. Kids crafts, Hula contest, and Limbo contests!

• FREE Ticket to Camden Riversharks Game! (Campbell's Field, Camden) Saturday at 5:35pm and Sunday at 1:05pm. FREE. The Rivershaks will be hosting a book drive all weekend. Any fan who brings three new or gently used books to the box office from August 19th to August 21st will receive free admission to a Riversharks game. Fireworks at the Saturday Game and kids can run the bases. Sunday is Sundae Sunday!

Sunday, August 21st

•  Phillies Blood Drive (Citizen's Bank Park, Philadelphia) 6am to 2pm. FREE.
  The event, held in partnership with the American Red Cross, is being held to meet the critical need for blood this summer and offers presenting donors some rare opportunities such as all presenting blood donors will receive a Special Event Shane Victorino Jersey Style T-Shirt, several lucky donors will be randomly selected to be a Phillies VIP Fan at an upcoming home game, featuring a photo on the field during batting practice, tickets, among others, opportunity to take photos with the 2008 World Series Trophy (please bring a camera) and the chance to mingle with the Phillie Phanatic and more! Fans are asked to pre-register to donate blood at www.redcrossblood.org/phillies or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. Great cause!

• Living History Sundays at Pottsgrove Manor (Pottstown, PA) 1pm to 4pm. $2 per person. On Sunday afternoons during the month of August, Pottsgrove Manor’s living history volunteers will demonstrate 18th century trades, crafts, and pastimes. You may even get to join in!Featured activities will include drilling with Revolutionary War soldiers, learning about their gear, and helping them roll cartridges; learning how to "make your mark" with ink and a quill pen; and churning butter.

• Brandywine River Museum (Chadds Ford, PA) FREE Admission from 9:30am to 12pm. Exhibiting American art in a 19th-century grist mill, the Brandywine River Museum is internationally known for its unparalleled collection of works by three generations of Wyeths and its fine collection of American illustration, still life and landscape painting.

• Bucks County Zoo (Warminster, PA) Kids (13 yrs and younger) FREE Admission for kids from 11am to 4pm. Adults $9.  The facility is a 5,000 sq. ft. indoor zoological exhibit housing over 60 animals, including tropical birds, raptors, primates, exotic cats, mammals from around the world, arachnids, reptiles including crocodiles, alligators, giant pythons, lizards and tortoises, and amphibians.

Have a great weekend!