The Winter Break is here and for most students that means a welcome hiatus from classes, tests and homework. But residents may be looking for something to keep their families active.
The Burlington County Parks System and Burlington County Library System have several free events and programs planned over the next few weeks that may offer the perfect solution.
“Winter break is the perfect time for families to spend time together, and both the Burlington County Parks System and the Burlington County Library System have upcoming activities and programs that will keep families engaged and entertained,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “From art exhibits and history lessons, to birding, boardgames and dance parties, Burlington County officers programs for all ages and interests, and they won’t cost a cent.”
Here are a few ideas for Winter Break activities:
Check out some art at Burlington County’s galleries.
Burlington County has three different art galleries that are home to both permanent collections of art and special exhibits. Currently on display at the Smithville Mansion Annex Gallery through Jan. 4, is the Burlington County Juried Art Show featuring outstanding paintings, photographs, drawings and more from artists from Burlington County and beyond.
There’s also a special exhibit at the Workers’ House Gallery featuring handmade ceramics, wearable textiles, jewelry, prints and other crafts created by artists from the Peters Valley Gallery and School of Crafts.
Burlington County holds the largest collection of artwork from Hugh Campbell, a renown painter, sketcher and writer who was dubbed the “Van Gogh of Mount Holly” because of his love for painting the town’s scenery and countryside. Many of his works are on display at the Warden’s House Gallery on Grant Street in Mount Holly.
All three galleries are open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM and Sundays from noon to 4 PM.
Learn about Burlington County history at the Lyceum of History and Natural Sciences.
Located inside the restored Langstaff Mansion at 307 High Street, the Lyceum features a series of exhibits about Burlington County’s geology, people, industries and historic events. Artifacts ranging from mastodon and giant sloth bones to Native American tools and 18th century furnishings can be viewed, and visitors can learn about subjects like fashion, local history and more during the history presentations held there.
The Lyceum frequently hosts free, family-friendly entertainment, like board game gatherings, for residents of all ages.
The Lyceum is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM and Sundays from noon to 4 PM. Admission is free. The next board games gathering is Saturday, Dec. 28, from 11 AM to 3 PM. Participants should bring their own board games.
Spend some time outdoors
The temperature may have turned colder and the days shorter, but the winter months are still a great time to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife in Burlington County parks and trails. There are1,000 acres of parkland and more than 50 miles of trails to explore.
Don’t miss out on the upcoming Moonlit Trail Walk through Smithville Park and Smith’s Woods with a Parks naturalist on Jan. 9, starting at 5:30 PM.
Experienced birders are also wanted for the County’s Winter Bird Counts. During the counts, birders work with park naturalists to identify different species of birds in different County park by sight and sound. Counts have already been completed in Long Bridge Park, Pennington Park, Smithville, Willingboro Lakes, and Crystal Lake Park. Three counting sessions remain on Jan. 2, at Amico Island in Delran, Jan. 3, at Boundary Creek in Moorestown and Jan. 6 at Arney’s Mount Park in Springfield.
Registration for the Moonlit Walk and Bird Count events is required. Find the registration link in the Burlington County Parks System Winter Program Guide at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/DocumentCenter/View/20393/2024--2025-Winter-Program-Guide
Rock out at the Burlington County Library
Burlington County libraries are great places to visit during Winter Break and the Burlington County Library System has some exciting events planned over the next two weeks.
One for families to consider is Holiday Karaoke at the Library on Dec. 27 at the Burlington County Library in Westampton. From 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, sing your favorite holiday tunes. Space is limited, so be sure to register soon at https://www.bcls.lib.nj.us/events/14282 .
There’s also a special Dining Car Mystery Magic Show for children and families at 2 PM on Dec. 27 at the Pemberton Community Library. It’s recommended for children 3 and older. Register at https://www.bcls.lib.nj.us/events/14129 .
And the new year will be celebrated a few days early at the Evesham Branch Library, where a special New Year’s Eve Dance Party for children and tweens (5 to 12 years-old suggested) will be held on Dec. 28 from 11 AM to Noon. Register at https://www.bcls.lib.nj.us/events/14357 .
For a complete list of all upcoming Parks events and programs, visit the Burlington County Parks page at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/235/Parks .
For all library events, go to https://www.bcls.lib.nj.us/.