When most people think about Cape May they think about summer vacations. Sandy beaches, dolphin watching, and Wildwood’s famous amusement park on the boardwalk. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize Cape May County is a historical town with many winter activities. Here are a few I think you will enjoy.
Tours
*Take a self-guided audio tour of Cape May’s Historic District which is available in the Hill House office at the Physick Estate located at 1048 Washington Street. Tour hours are from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm.
*Take a tour of Cape May’s famous Lighthouse located at Cape May Point’s State Park. Hours of operation are from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm.
*For all other winter tours contact Cape May’s Welcome Center at the transportation center where you can receive maps and information. The Welcome Center is located at Lafayette Street. Hours of operation are from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Activities
*Cape May Family Treasure Hunt-You can get your activity packet at the Hill House office at the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street. The Information Booth is open from 11:45 am-1:30 pm.
*Visit the Naval Air Station Aviation Museum located at the Cape May County airport. Hours of operation are from 9:00 am-4:00pm. You can call 609-886-8787 for further information.
Zoo
The Cape May County Zoo is open every day of the year with the exception of Christmas. The zoo is open from 10:00 am to 4:45pm. Visit over 200 species of animals. You can walk through the bird sanctuary and enter the reptile house. If you prefer to remain outdoors, travel through the African Safari. Located next to the zoo you will find a beautiful park. In the park you can enjoy nature trails, playground equipment, picnic area’s, and a cute lake with a gazebo. There is also a big field available for any sports you might like to play with your friends (maybe a little game of touch football to celebrate the up and coming Superbowl).
The Nature Center
The Nature Center of Cape May is located at 1600 Delaware Avenue, Cape May 08204. Hours of operation during the months of September through February are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00am to 3:00pm. The Nature Center focuses on hands on activities to educate the public. They have 3 classrooms, exhibit aquaria, a small gift shop, and a gardens display. The following are free activities provided by the nature center during the winter for the public: Three story observation tower, birding from the deck, children’s garden, wildlife habitat meadows, theme gardens, beachcombing the harbor, educational resource center, picnic tables, and spectacular sunsets.
The Wetlands Institute
The Wetlands Institute is open year round and located on Stone Harbor Blvd. on your way in to Stone Harbor, New Jersey. Here are some things you can enjoy at the Wetlands this winter:
Critters and Crafts: Available Saturdays from January 6th through March 31st. This program is free and open from 1 to 2 pm. Get to see live animals and make a different corresponding craft each week.
Lunch and Learn: Bring a bag lunch and listen to speaker of the week. Available Saturdays from January 9th through March 31st for a fee of $3 for members and $5 for nonmembers. Program begins at 11:45 am. and ends at 1:00 pm.
Aquarium Feedings: Help the Wetlands Institute feed the animals on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Feeding time begins promptly at 3:30 pm. There is no charge and feeding is open to all age groups.
