As the weather warms up, we often want to head out and grab some summer rays. However, staying cool in the hot summer months can be challenging. Luckily, there are many wonderful activities you can do and businesses you can visit that will keep the entire family entertained. Cool off while having fun in Mount Laurel and see why so many people love this city. Here are our picks for the top indoor and outdoor options for families to cool off in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. 

The Funplex

CoCo Key Weekend 418 by Britt Reints is licensed with CC BY 2.0

The Funplex in Mount Laurel is a go-to spot for family fun with children of all ages and interests. The location offers over 100,000 square feet of fun and activities for young and old alike. Indoor attractions include bowling, air shot, a ride called Ocean Tide for little ones, and laser tag. Other activities range from bumper cars and go-carts to a competitive game called Foam Frenzy. In Foam Frenzy kids can shoot colorful air foam balls at each other in a two-story play arena. They’ll practice their aim with air canons and blasters while giggling. 

Kids that want a more relaxed time can enjoy the 4D interactive attraction called XD Dark Ride or take turns playing their favorite games in the arcade. Outdoor play options include miniature golf, the Happy Swing, and a pirate ship called Galleon of Fun. The ship soars over 50 feet in the air leaving riders feeling almost weightless. 

The water park, known as Splashplex, is a great place where families can cool down and relax in the summer rays. Float along Lazy River or splash your way down a fash tube slide for an adrenaline rush. Prices vary depending on the activity and date, but a Platinum armband with unlimited indoor rides, one hour of bowling, and a $10 game card for the arcade is typically the best deal. Check the website for discounts and promotions. 

• Location: 3320-24 NJ-38, Mount Laurel.  
• Hours: 4 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, from noon to 9 p.m. on Thursday, from noon to 10 p.m. on Friday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Closed on Monday and Tuesday. 
• Contact: 856-273-9666.

The Gravity Vault Voorhees Indoor Rock Climbing Gym

The Gravity Vault Voorhees Indoor Rock Climbing Gym is just a short drive from Mount Laurel and helps you work out muscles while getting in some great laughs. It offers 17,000 square feet of climbable terrain and private sessions for first-timers who want to learn the ropes and tricks before heading up the wall on their own. Kids’ classes designed for children ages 5 to 13 are available and are six weeks long, with one session per week. A qualified instructor will teach climbing techniques while helping children build strength and confidence. Classes are $270. 

Before you go, fill out the online waiver because physical copies are not available onsite. Prices vary, but a standard walk-in climbing session for two climbs begins at only $25. An introduction to rock climbing for groups of five or more is $33 per participant. A basic adult day pass begins at $28 and shoe rentals are $5. For information on discounts, special rates, and annual memberships please see the website.

• Location: 333 Preston Ave., Voorhees Township. 
• Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. 
• Contact: 856-888-2814.

Adventure Aquarium 

Adventure Aquarium is a one-of-a-kind experience that citizens of Mount Laurel are lucky to have at their disposal. This is a perfect destination for the avid shark lover or the future marine biologist. Touted as “the Northeast’s best aquarium,” Adventure Aquarium has an ample amount of activities and a cool space to help you and your family stay fresh this summer. There are fascinating animals to visit from the African penguin and bamboo shark to the Nile hippopotamus and the Vietnamese mossy frog. 

When you go, visit Shark Bridge for a can’t-miss experience. Visitors climb the longest v-shaped rope suspension bridge over a 21-foot deep shark realm exhibit. It provides a unique perspective of the sharks and is an exhilarating experience for able-bodied individuals. General admission ranges from $27.99 to $44.99 for adults and from $18.99 to $34.99 for children from 2 to 12 years old. Check the website for senior citizen discounts and specials like one kid free with a paid adult ticket. 

• Location: In Wiggins Waterfront Park at 1 Water Side Drive, Camden.
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday. 
• Contact: 844-474-3474. 

Alice Paul Institute

The Alice Paul Institute, also known as Paulsdale, is ideal for those interested in women’s rights and for the historian in your life. Getting cool in the summer doesn’t always necessitate water after all. The Alice Paul Institute offers one-hour tours for individuals or small groups. The price is $10 per participant and kids under 6 are free. The focus is on the values Alice Paul grew up with during her childhood and how those instilled in her the yearning to advocate for equality during the women’s suffrage movement. While there, stop by the permanent exhibit featuring photographs and memorabilia. 

• Location: 128 Hooton Road, Mount Laurel. 
• Hours: By appointment only from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Closed to the public on Sunday and Monday. 
• Contact: 856-231-1885.

So there you have it. Crème de la Crème of Mount Laurel has enjoyed sharing with you our list of the top indoor and outdoor options for families to cool off during a hot summer in and around Mount Laurel. Whether you have toddlers or older kids, these places are sure to entice growing minds and keep bodies from getting antsy. What do you think of our list? Did we mention a new destination for your family? 

While you consider your next outing with the kids, check out Crème de la Crème of Mount Laurel for your child care needs. Whether you need consistent care or just want a fun place for your kids’ summer camp, we have an option that fits your needs. We offer an enriching environment that teaches children that learning can be fun and exciting. Our state-of-the-art facility has an on-site tennis court, baseball diamond, koi pond, and water park to help kids cool off. Call our friendly staff at 856-437-4186 to tour our facility and see why we are right for your family.