Spring is here, which means it’s time to start enjoying the weather and all the fun outdoor activities that come with it. Primrose Place is surrounded by all kinds of warm weather activities that can keep you occupied all summer long. The list below is only the beginning of the endless outdoor activities located close to home.

Popcorn Park Zoo

The Popcorn Park Zoo is not a zoo like you may be used to seeing, it is actually an animal rescue. Popcorn Park opened in 1977 with the goal of providing a sanctuary for injured, neglected, abused, sick, or elderly wild animals. The park is currently home to geese, lions, tigers, mountain lions, a camel, emus, rheas, and so much more! The park has dozens of other species, these are just the headliners. All of these animals were rescued from the dire situation they were in and given a new lease on life at the Popcorn Park Zoo. As you walk through the refuge you learn the stories of each of these animals and are educated about their situations. The Popcorn Park Zoo is a very different zoo experience than you might be used to and is definitely worth checking out!

Barnegat Lighthouse

Barnegat Lighthouse is located in Barnegat Lighthouse State Park in Ocean county, NJ. Lighthouses are becoming less and less popular, so Barnegat is one of the last of its kind. When the lighthouse was built in the 1800’s, it was one of the most pivotal change of course beacons on the entire east coast, ships used it to navigate through Barnegat bay. The lighthouse was deactivated at the end of World War II all the way until 2009, when a non-profit gathered some money to make it functional again. The lighthouse is now a park that is open to the public, weather permitting, for the price of just $3! There are all kinds of outdoor activities to enjoy once you are in the park, but of course the lighthouse is the main attraction.

Island Beach State Park

Chances are you’ve heard of the massive Island Beach State Park, located right near Barnegat Lighthouse. The park consists of 10 miles of beach and natural habitat home to all kinds of wildlife and plant species. There are endless activities for park goers to enjoy but the most popular are swimming, fishing, boating, and so much more. There are thick forests in the park that are great for hiking and enjoying wildlife. Long Beach is also one of the best beaches on the entire jersey shore! If you haven’t already done so, we recommend making the trip to Long Beach Island State Park at some point this summer.

These are just a few of the great warm weather activities close to home. There are countless activities to keep you occupied all spring and summer long. The only way to really enjoy them is to go out there and start experimenting yourself!