The top things to do in Cherry Hill include shopping at the Cherry Hill Mall, exploring more than 50 parks like Challenge Grove and Laurel Acres, dining at diverse restaurants along Route 38, visiting family attractions like the Garden State Discovery Museum and Funplex, and enjoying seasonal events at Croft Farm and Barclay Farmstead. Cherry Hill is the largest municipality in Camden County, and it offers an impressive variety of activities that draw visitors from across the region.
This guide covers all the best activities, entertainment, shopping, dining, and events in Cherry Hill. Whether you are a new resident looking to explore your new hometown, a long-time local seeking something new, or a visitor considering a move, here is everything you need to know about what Cherry Hill has to offer.
For a deeper look at specific categories, check out our Hidden Gems guide and Best Restaurants guide. For broader context on the community, visit the Cherry Hill Community Guide.
What Is There to Do in Cherry Hill for Shopping?
Cherry Hill is a premier shopping destination in South Jersey. The Cherry Hill Mall, which opened in 1961 as one of the first enclosed shopping malls on the East Coast, remains the anchor of the retail scene. The mall features major department stores including Macy's and JCPenney, plus dozens of specialty retailers, a food court, and a recently renovated dining area.
Beyond the mall, the Route 38 corridor is lined with big-box retailers, home improvement stores, and specialty shops. The Marketplace at Garden State Park, built on the site of the former Garden State Park racetrack, offers additional retail and dining in a modern, walkable setting. The Ellisburg Shopping Center and other local plazas provide convenient everyday shopping options for residents.
For unique finds, the boutiques at the Garden State Park development and the independent shops scattered throughout town offer alternatives to the chain store experience. For a complete look at the local food scene, see our Best Restaurants in Cherry Hill guide.
What Are the Best Dining Options in Cherry Hill?
Cherry Hill has one of the most diverse dining scenes in South Jersey. The town's restaurant offerings range from classic Italian red-sauce joints to authentic Vietnamese, sushi, steakhouses, and innovative fusion concepts. The Route 38 corridor is packed with options, but some of the best meals are tucked away in strip malls and side streets.
For special occasions, the upscale steakhouses and seafood restaurants on Route 73 and Route 38 provide a fine-dining experience. For casual weeknight dinners, the family-friendly Italian and American restaurants throughout town are reliable favorites. And for quick bites, the Cherry Hill Mall food court and the fast-casual options along Route 38 offer plenty of choices.
One of the best things about Cherry Hill's dining scene is its diversity. You can find authentic Mexican, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisine within a few miles of each other. For a deeper dive, read our Best Restaurants in Cherry Hill and Hidden Gems and Unique Places guides.
What Parks and Outdoor Activities Are Available in Cherry Hill?
Cherry Hill maintains more than 50 parks, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The crown jewel of the parks system is Challenge Grove Park, which features playgrounds, sports fields, walking trails, and the beloved Jake's Place inclusive playground. Laurel Acres Park is a community favorite with a fishing lake, a large playground, and walking paths that are popular with families and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Croft Farm, a historic property dating to 1753, offers not just outdoor space but also arts and cultural programming. The Barclay Farmstead, built in 1816, provides walking trails and a working garden on its historic grounds. For more active recreation, the township maintains athletic fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, and community gardens throughout the town.
For water activities, the nearby Cooper River Park offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and rowing. The park also features miles of paved trails that are perfect for biking, running, and walking.
What Are the Best Weekend Activities for Families in Cherry Hill?
Cherry Hill is an excellent place for families, with attractions designed for children of all ages. The Garden State Discovery Museum on Springdale Road has been a staple for over 25 years, offering interactive exhibits that blend education and play. The Funplex on Route 38 provides family entertainment with bowling, arcade games, go-karts, and rides.
Jake's Place at Challenge Grove Park is a standout attraction: an inclusive playground designed so children of all abilities can play together. It features accessible play structures, sensory-friendly equipment, and a welcoming atmosphere that has made it one of the most beloved community spaces in Cherry Hill.
For movie lovers, the Cinemark at the Marketplace at Garden State Park offers a modern multiplex experience with reserved seating and premium formats. The township also has bowling alleys, trampoline parks, and fitness centers throughout the community.
What Seasonal Events Does Cherry Hill Host?
Cherry Hill has a strong sense of community, and that is reflected in the events held throughout the year. The township organizes seasonal celebrations, concerts in the park, holiday parades, and community programs that bring residents together.
The Cherry Hill Farmers Market runs during the growing season, offering fresh produce, prepared foods, and crafts. Croft Farm and Barclay Farmstead host seasonal events including art shows, craft fairs, and educational programs. The township's recreation department offers sports leagues, fitness classes, and youth programs year-round.
For entertainment options beyond Cherry Hill, the nearby city of Philadelphia offers world-class museums, professional sports, concerts, and cultural attractions just 15 to 20 minutes away via PATCO or car.
How Do You Get Around Cherry Hill?
Cherry Hill is a car-friendly town, and most residents drive to their destinations. However, the PATCO Speedline provides excellent public transit access to Philadelphia, with stations at Cherry Hill and Ashland. The town is also served by NJ Transit buses, providing additional transit options.
For commuters, the combination of PATCO rail service and easy highway access (I-295, Route 38, Route 70) makes Cherry Hill one of the most convenient communities for accessing Philadelphia and other employment centers in the region.
How Do You Start Exploring Cherry Hill?
Whether you are moving to Cherry Hill or just visiting, there is always something new to discover. The town's combination of shopping, dining, parks, entertainment, and community events means you will never run out of things to do.
For more information about life in Cherry Hill, read the Complete Guide to Living in Cherry Hill, explore the Best Neighborhoods, or check out the Pros and Cons of Living in Cherry Hill.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best shopping in Cherry Hill?
The Cherry Hill Mall is the premier shopping destination, with Macy's, JCPenney, and dozens of specialty retailers. The Route 38 corridor and Marketplace at Garden State Park offer additional retail and dining options. Local plazas like Ellisburg Shopping Center provide everyday convenience shopping.
What are the best parks in Cherry Hill?
Challenge Grove Park (with Jake's Place inclusive playground), Laurel Acres Park (fishing lake and walking paths), Croft Farm (historic property turned arts center), and Barclay Farmstead (1816 museum with trails) are among the best parks in Cherry Hill. The township maintains more than 50 parks total.
What family attractions are in Cherry Hill?
The Garden State Discovery Museum (interactive children's museum), the Funplex (bowling, arcade, go-karts), Jake's Place (inclusive playground), and the Cinemark movie theater are popular family attractions. The township also offers extensive recreation programs.
What seasonal events does Cherry Hill have?
Cherry Hill hosts seasonal celebrations, concerts in the park, a farmers market during the growing season, holiday parades, and art shows at Croft Farm and Barclay Farmstead. The recreation department offers sports leagues and community programs year-round.
What is there to do in Cherry Hill at night?
Cherry Hill has a vibrant evening dining scene with restaurants ranging from casual to upscale. The Cinemark theater offers evening shows, and the bars and pubs in the area provide nightlife options. Philadelphia, with its world-class dining, nightlife, and entertainment, is only 15-20 minutes away via PATCO or car.
Bob Millaway
Redfin Senior Agent · AI Certified Agent™ · 636+ homes sold across South Jersey. I know Cherry Hill inside and out. Let me help you find the right home in this amazing community.
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