The Burlington County Parks System and Burlington County Library System have several free events and programs planned over the next few weeks.
Here are a few ideas for Winter Break activities:
Check out some art at Burlington County’s galleries
Currently on display at the Smithville Mansion Annex Gallery through Saturday, Jan. 4, is the Burlington County Juried Art Show featuring 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 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.
Learn about Burlington County history at the Lyceum of History and Natural Sciences
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 is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free. The next board games gathering is Saturday, Dec. 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants should bring their own board games.
Spend some time outdoors
Don’t miss out on the upcoming Moonlit Trail Walk through Smithville Park and Smith’s Woods with a parks naturalist on Thursday, Jan. 9, starting at 5:30 p.m.
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 parks by sight and sound. Three counting sessions remain on Thursday, Jan. 2, at Amico Island in Delran, at Boundary Creek in Moorestown on Jan. 3 and Monday, 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 on Friday, Dec. 27, at the Burlington County Library in Westampton. From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., 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 p.m. on Dec. 27 at the Pemberton Community Library. It’s recommended for children three 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 Saturday, Dec. 28, from 11 a.m. to noon. Register at https://www.bcls.lib.nj.us/events/14357.
For a complete list of all upcoming parks events and programs, visit https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/235/Parks.
For all library events, visit https://www.bcls.lib.nj.us/.