kids outdoors playground

Knowing what to do when you visit Mount Laurel, New Jersey, can be the difference between having an unforgettable or a mediocre vacation. Whether you're a water baby, an outdoor enthusiast, an animal lover or a game fanatic, Mount Laurel won't disappoint. Although it's only 22-square miles, there are exciting attractions nestled between the homes and businesses that make up this township. Most are easily reached due to the well-developed highway and Interstate system.

Enjoy Laurel Acres Park

• Of the many parks that call Mount Laurel home, Laurel Acres Park, on Church Street, is the award-winning centerpiece with the most amenities. For the active visitor, the park's trails and paths are ideal for walking and jogging. Visitors with kids will appreciate the three playgrounds, and dog lovers can enjoy watching their pet companion explore the dog run. When hunger strikes, the park has a picnic area with grills for you to use. A fishing lake and a war memorial round out the park's main features.

Explore Paws Farm Nature Center

• Paws Farm Nature Center, on Hainesport Mount Laurel Road, aspires to make learning fun. It does this by providing three buildings with interactive exhibits, and hosts interactions with more than 80 animals, including rabbits, turtles, sheep, goats, turtles, snakes and chinchillas. The center, which can also host birthday parties, organizes various activities, such as story time and craft-making sessions. An additional fee is required to participate in these. There are also holiday activities, where kids can participate in egg hunts and take pictures with Santa.Commercial playground

Visit The Funplex

• The Funplex, which is less than a 10-minute drive from the center of Mount Laurel, provides 25 acres of family entertainment. Visit rain or shine, since this facility has indoor and outdoor attractions. Outside, you'll find a water playground, go-karts, a miniature golf course and a roller coaster among the activities. Inside, you can enjoy more than 100 games in the arcade, bumper cars, bowling and laser tag. Some rides have height restrictions, and the outdoor attractions are closed during the winter. There's also an on-site cafe that serves goodies like salads, hot sandwiches and pizza.

Splash Around in Coco Key Water Resort

• Less than 1 mile off the New Jersey Turnpike and 12 miles from Philadelphia's downtown area, you'll find the 55,000-square-foot Coco Key Water Resort. Bad weather is not an excuse for not visiting this adventurous water paradise -- the entire facility is indoors, and part of The Hotel ML. While the kids enjoy the many water slides, water cannons and the lazy river, adults can relax in the spa area with its giant whirlpools. Access to the water park is granted to hotel guests, but individual day passes are also available.Commercial playground

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