Soupy Island

A blast from the past, this is the most unique children’s play place in South Jersey in terms of history & sheer longevity. Open just 3 days a week for 6 weeks in the summer, it’s completely free for kids 12 and under only. (8 and under on Tuesdays). It used to be a sanitarium & still serves as a place for kids to play, relax and eat free soup at noon. Seriously.
It’s been open for basically ever & is kind of a local secret. Unless you are a carousel expert, then you would know about their famous Ferrari carousel that is still operating and worth a trip just to experience alone. Look up the history online for an interesting story.
The grounds are large enough for some soccer games etc. & I saw what looks like a volleyball court there too. There are old trees scattered around, so you can set yourself up with a blanket & camp chairs in the shade if you’d like. Or there are 3 large pavilions and multitudes of picnic tables all over the place. I also saw people with coolers of their own food.
A huge slide, swimming and wading pools, free lunch at noon, plus snacks at 10 & 2, a playground, tons of swing sets and even old-​school wooden see-​saws = happy kids.