Story time is a win-win for busy moms—it not only sparks your child’s imagination, but also boosts their vocabulary (a great pre-reading skill) and lets you relax while they sit and listen. While most local libraries host storytimes, we found a bunch of off-the-radar spots (hello farms!) in South Jersey where kids can listen, connect, and grow—offering fun learning experiences and a chance to meet other kids and moms. Scroll down for storytimes in South Jersey. (feature photo credit: istock/FatCamera)

Story Time Spots In South Jersey 

Adventure Aquarium
Come for the hippos and sharks and stay for the story time on the Blue Mile Stage. Check the event calendar for reading times with a guest experience staff member.
1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103

Barnes & Noble Story Time
Kids of all ages and parents are welcome in the Children’s Department for storytime. Your kiddos will be reading new titles or favorite selections; it’s best to check ahead for dates and times. 
Locations throughout New Jersey

Creative Playtime and Muddy Paws Farm Rescue
Creative Playtime and Muddy Paws Farm Rescue come together every Wednesday through the spring and summer seasons. Littles can enjoy story time, hands-on activities, and time to explore the play area and visit the farm animals. Each family will receive a container of feed for the animals. 
17 Retreat Road, Southampton Township, NJ 08088

Duffield’s Storytime on the Farm 
Be sure to register for Storytime on the Farm where you and your kiddo can engage in a themed story and song time, take a hayride around the farm, and get creative with craft and play time in the Learning Barn. Each child must be accompanied by an adult, and there is a fee for this program.  
280 Chapel Heights Road, Sewell, NJ 08080

Edelman Fossil Park and Museum Storytime
After fossil hunting and learning about all the dinosaurs, sit down for some special story time events at the museum. Your littles can listen to Hatchling Storytime or Junior Explorer Storytime. Check ahead to find out dates and times. 
66 Million Mosasaur Way,
 Mantua, NJ 08080

Lots of Love Farm
If you have a toddler that loves animals, Farm Friends and The Adventures of Willow is the storytime for your kiddos. Listen to a story, learn fun things about the animals, and get some fresh air.
1928 Corkery Lane, Williamstown, NJ 08094