South Jersey day trips for under $50 are a treat for two

Summer is the time to feel free, but enjoying the season can be pricey. 

If vacations, camp, gas prices and frequent ice-cream truck visits are squeezing you like a $6 cup of lemonade, you could probably use some relief. 

Fortunately, a number of attractions in our area allow a low-cost day away from it all. 

Try one of these South Jersey-area day trips under $50 (cost is based on two people, but at these prices, more folks could tag along!).

Get schooled on college town

If you haven't been around Rowan University for a while, you probably have a lot to learn. As the school has grown exponentially over the last decade, so has the community around it, becoming a downright cool destination for date nights or just a stroll. Explore cultural offerings at Rowan Art Gallery, the Rowan College of Performing Arts or at the school's family-friendly Edelman Planetarium (older visitors might also appreciate "Laser Michael Jackson" and "Laser Beatles"). Off-campus fun includes an Escape Room and the Heritage Glass Museum, plus Chickie's and Pete's and many more restaurants.Plus, Glassboro's Summer Fest continues in Town Square Thursday nights through July, and includes a free performance of Rowan's "Interactive Alice in Wonderland."
Cost: Rowan Art Gallery, free admission; College of Performing Arts, check site for season updates; Edelman Planetarium: Tickets are $5 for adults/non-Rowan students, $3 for seniors 60-plus, kids 16 and under, and Rowan students with ID. 
Info: glassboro.org/downtown; rowan.edu/home/campus-life/arts-rowan-university, rowan.edu/planetarium

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Explore the Pine Barrens 

What do you really know about the Pine Barrens that you didn't learn on "The Sopranos?" There are many fascinating stories nestled in the vast forested region that spans seven of the state's counties and 1.1 million acres. If you're reluctant to explore the wilderness on your own, you can opt for a guided tour with Pineland Adventures. The organization, an initiative of the Pinelands Preservation Alliance based in Shamong, offers hikes, bus tours, and canoe and kayak rentals, with a range of fees. But if you're looking to keep your visit under $50, you have interesting options. One is the 2-3 hour "Exploring Fruitland" guided hike that explains how the Pine Barrens' wild cranberries and blueberries evolved into mega industries. 
Cost: "Exploring Fruitland" tour is $25 for ages 16 and up; $15 for children 6 to 15; costs of other activities vary. 
Info: pinelandsadventures.org

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Take a village tour

Can you imagine a lifestyle where your whole world — your home, your job, shopping and recreation — were all contained in one village? That was the circumstance for the residents of the Smithville and Whitesbog company towns in Burlington County. Both villages have been faithfully preserved and are major attractions for nature- and history-loving visitors. Historic Smithville Park, on the National Register of Historic Places, started as a small mill operation and evolved into a major industrial plant with hundreds of workers from the mid-1800s through the 1920s. Its grounds include a "floating walkway," wetlands and freshwater streams. Go for a hike, and stay for a tour (offered at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Thursday and Sunday) of the Smithville Mansion in Eastampton.  Whitesbog in Browns Mills is still surrounded by the acres of cranberry bogs and blueberry fields that made it an industrial powerhouse in the early 1900s. It has a general store, and its trails and gardens create a friendly environment for hummingbirds, herons, frogs and more. Both Smithville and Whitesbog host a number of special events and festivals throughout the year. 
Cost: Walking grounds is free; Smithville tours are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and students.
Info: smithvillemansion.org; www.whitesbog.org/

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Walk on the wild side

One of the cool things about living in South Jersey is wildlife watching — and can sometimes be done as close as your backyard. But if you venture out a little farther, you can see many more animals, some in their natural habitats. Palmyra Cove, right off Route 73, is filled with marked trails through unspoiled wooded areas along the river. Look closely through the trees and you'll likely see deer looking back at you. Also expect encounters with turkeys, groundhogs, vultures and clusters of butterflies. Rancocas Nature Center in Westampton and Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge in Medford both provide trails as well as guaranteed animal sightings. Rancocas is home to lots of frogs in its Dragonfly Pond. And at Woodford Cedar Run, which is also a sanctuary, visitors can see rehabilitating animals such an eagle, a hawk, a deer and a raccoon. 
Cost: Palmyra Cove, free; Rancocas Nature Center, free; Woodford Cedar Run, Admission is $7 for ages 13 and up; $5 for children 4 to 12,
Info: palmyracove.org; rancocasnaturecenter.org; cedarrun.org

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Cape May Zoo 

Hundreds of animals from all corners of the world make their home at the Cape May County Park & Zoo, which is actually in Cape May Court House, not the shore town of Cape May. A visit here is comparable to the experience at any big-city zoo — except it's free. (However, donations to support the county-owned zoo's conservation programs are appreciated.) Walk among peacocks and over bridges to see giraffes, zebras, bears and more wild creatures in sprawling habitats. There's a full aviary, reptile house and much more to make a day of it. 
Cost: No admission fee. There's a privately owned Tree to Tree Adventure Park at the zoo, with fees starting at $30 for kids and $50 for adults. 
Info: capemaycountynj.gov/1008/ParkZoo

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Howell Living History Farm

No matter where you live in New Jersey, you've probably visited a local farm or two. But how would you like to see a farm the way it appeared in the 19th century? No time travel required: Just head over to Howell Living History Farm in Hopewell Township, Mercer County. The Howell family, the last to own the farm, donated it to the county for use as a museum in 1974. Visitors can check out 19th-century buildings and artifacts dating as far back as 250 years while staff explains farming history, such as how ice was made in the 1870s. Plus, there are timeless farm favorites like horses, sheep and goats. Pack lunch or buy food at the farm (available Saturdays only) to enjoy at the picnic tables. Look for special themed events on Saturdays such as Tomato Day and Honey Harvest. 
Cost: Free admission; fee for some children's crafts and other select activities.
Info: howellfarm.org

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Trenton Thunder

Many South Jersey families still miss the Camden Riversharks, the minor-league team that played in the shadow of the Ben Franklin Bridge for 15 seasons. But a little drive up I-295 will take you to another baseball stadium along the Delaware River: The Trenton Thunder, Double A affiliate of the New York Yankees, offers the chance to see big-league prospects without a big price. And of course, there are plenty of fun amenities, including a picnic area and Family Fun Zone with inflatables and more to keep kids occupied. Check the schedule for fireworks nights all summer and other promotions and giveaways. 
Cost: Tickets for seats in the 100 and 200 levels range $12 to $14 for adults; $11 for children 4 to 12 and seniors 60-plus. Be sure to check for weekly food-combo promotions such as Feeding Frenzy Monday, when a $14 ticket includes admission and all-you-can-eat select concession items. 
More info: milb.com/trenton

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Go birding

New Jersey bird watching is a flight of fancy sights, thanks to the stunning variety of winged creatures that fly through and reside in the state. If you enjoy seeing unusual birds, it might worth a drive to the Cape May Bird Observatory or the Nature Center of Cape May, both run by New Jersey Audubon. The bird observatory is widely known for its World Series of Birding in the spring. But it also draws plenty of migrating birds in the fall, and summer visitors report seeing hawks, osprey, swans and much more. The nature center offers a three-story observation tower and indoor observation lounge (look out for nests — previous visitors have described active osprey nests). Kids will enjoy an aquarium exhibit and displays that invite them to identify shells and animals. 
Cost: Free
Info: njaudubon.org

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Grounds for Sculpture 

Do you love art, but balk at spending a summer day inside a museum? Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, Mercer County, near the NJ Transit train station off I-295, is a perfect place to take in culture without interrupting your outdoor vibe. The family-friendly gardens, founded by famed sculptor Seward Johnson, invite visitors to explore at their own pace in meticulously landscaped areas. Look for special events such as First Friday happy hours for ages 21-plus and monthly Tots on Tour activities for kids ages 3 to 5.
Cost: Timed tickets are required and are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors 65-plus, and $10 for kids 6 to 17. 
Info: groundsforsculpture.org/

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WheatonArts 

Like few other places in South Jersey, WheatonArts and Cultural Center in Millville  seamlessly blends history, industry and art. The sand found in interior South Jersey gave rise to a robust glass-making business, kept alive by artists who regularly demonstrate their skills at the center. The museum's collection of American glass is considered one of the most comprehensive in the world. Check out the regular collection, as well as special exhibits such as "Beauty Beyond Nature: The Glass  Art of Paul Stankard." Special events, such as the fire muster on Aug. 19, appeal to all ages.
Cost: Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for ages 62-plus; and $7 for children over 5.
Info: wheatonarts.org

Paddle on the Cooper River

You've driven past it, and walked or jogged alongside it. But have you ever paddled or kayaked on the Cooper River? Camden County now offers boat rentals Thursday through Sundays. One caveat: If you want to keep it under $50, you'll have to keep your trip short. Boaters who work up an appetite can check out the concession stand at the corner of Cuthbert Boulevard and North Park Drive in Cherry Hill. 
Cost: Paddle boat rentals are $20 an hour, kayak rentals $30 per hour.
Info: camdencounty.com/freeholders-now-offer-boat-rentals-cooper-river-park/

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Climb aboard Battleship NJ 

South Jersey's most famous boat will take you on an interesting journey, even though it's permanently docked on the Camden Waterfront. The Battleship New Jersey, the decorated ship that served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, brings stature to the city's skyline. The interior is even more impressive, with a museum that tells stories from the ship's 48 years of service, and a steep passage through multiple levels above and below deck, including a look at sailors' living quarters. For an additional $4, you can rent an audio device featuring narration from a former crew member and sound effects. 
Cost: Self-guided Fire Power Tour is $21.95 for adults, $17 for veterans, seniors 62-plus and children 5 to 11. Active military and former crew members of BB-62 are admitted free.
Info: battleshipnewjersey.org/

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Sheri Berkery: @SheriBerkery; 856-486-2673; sberkery@gannettnj.com

BONUS TIPS 

• Off-peak hours: You often can take advantage of lighter crowds and lower prices if you visit attractions during the week or at other less popular times. Grounds for Sculpture, for example, is open until 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 7, and if you buy tickets online, you'll pay $12 for after-5 admission, a $6 discount off full price.  
   
• Library passes: Many South Jersey libraries now rent out much more than books. Cherry Hill Public Library lends free passes on a first-come, first-served basis to 16 museums and other attractions in Philadelphia and South Jersey, including the National Constitution Center, Museum of the American Revolution and Garden State Discovery Museum. Check with your local library to find out if similar loaners are available.  
   
• Cash in on memberships: Whether you realize it or not, you probably are a member of a club that entitles you to discounts on travel, entertainment and more. These discounts are generally available through credit card companies, travel services such as AAA, and wholesale clubs like BJ's. And if you're a Courier-Post subscriber, you have automatic access to Insider deals, including savings on water parks, movie tickets, museums and much more. 
   
• Township tickets: If you want to get out of town, check in with your town first — you might just be able to save some money. A number of South Jersey municipal offices sell amusement park and other entertainment tickets at a reduced rate. Washington Township Parks and Recreation Department, sells tickets to Six Flags for $48, a steep discount off the gate price of $79.99; and Hershey Park passes for $54 instead of $66.95. Others offering discount tickets this summer include Pemberton Township, Gloucester Township, Deptford, Glassboro, Harrison Township and Westville.