Fall NJ Road Trip
Road Tripping: Storybook Land
By Brie Latini
In times when it seems like most amusements parks are going for fast, slick, and modern, there is something to be said for an amusement park that speaks to our own childhood. I have a five year old son, and while he certainly has a penchant for fast, slick, and modern there is something to be said for an experience that highlights sweet, adventurous family fun.
Located in Egg Harbor Township, NJ, Storybook Land offers an old-fashioned amusement park experience with all of the modern conveniences families look for in a day out. This year, Storybook Land celebrates its 60th birthday and is proud to boast fun, story and nursery-rhyme themed rides and hands-on playhouses based on the timeless classics of our childhoods.
Children who grew up in southern NJ instantly recognize the iconic castled walls of the main entrance of its Black Horse Pike location. Giant nutcrackers flank the entrance, giving the impression that they are the keepers of the magic behind the gates.
Inside, families are treated to a colorful, life-size realization of storybooks come to life. Kids can ride on the Bubbles the Dragon roller coaster, swirl in spinning tea cups on the Tea Time ride, or climb as high as a giant on the Beanstalk Bounce! The J & J Railroad gives families a chance to tour the park on open-air passenger cars, pulled along by a red and blue engine.
One of the newer attractions at Storybook Land is The Seaport, a splash-pad that offers cooling, wet-and-wild fun during the hot summer months! With free parking just a few steps from the entrance, you can switch from dry ride clothes to bathing suits and back again with ease, not having to worry about finding a locker or dragging bags of clothes and towels around all day. The Seaport is appropriate for the very young and up, allowing every member of the family a chance to splash and play!
The rides are a blast, of course, but the real show-stopper of Storybook Land are the tiny, classic houses that re-create the storybook tales of hundreds of years of children. Young ones can peer into beautiful windows and see Little Red Riding Hood, the Three Little Bears, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and the Little Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe. Literary characters are sprinkled all over, giving the feeling of being inside a story book!
Storybook Land is located at 6415 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234. Just 10 miles north of Atlantic City, Storybook Land is easily accessible from the Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway. Storybook Land is open year-round but hours can vary- check the Storybook Land website for the most current operating hours.
Author Note: Brie is a local blogger who like to write about her life's adventure on her blog - http://www.abreezylife.com. You can visit her there or follow her on her Facebook page!