It’s that time of year again—when everyone you know is chatting up spring break plans to somewhere warm or hitting the slopes and you’re still figuring it out because, you know, life gets in the way. So now, instead of paying for overpriced plane tickets to somewhere, we’ve got a better idea—pack up the kids, get on the turnpike and head south to Exit 0, where the great outdoors await in the charming Victorian seaside village of Cape May. And thanks to the amazing escape Cape Resorts has planned through April 17, there’s a ton of family fun adventures to go on when spring hits its stride (it comes earlier here than in other parts of the state).

featured image via @congresshall

The Spring Break Wilderness Adventure is perfect for kids who’ve been stuck inside all winter—it includes lots of outdoor (read: unplugged) and kid-centric activities at Congress Hall and the 62-acre Beach Plum Farm, a working farm in Cape May that supplies produce and ingredients to the local Cape Resort hotels and restaurants. At Beach Plum Farm, kids can plant a garden, make nature-inspired art, learn about farm life and archery. At Congress Hall, they’ll fill their day with cooking classes, mix up science experiments and go on scavenger hunts, as well as so much more. When your kids sign up for the programs, they’ll get an Explorer sash, and with each Wilderness Adventure they complete, they’ll earn a special pin to place on it and bring home as a souvenir. And the kids don’t get all the fun—there’s also plenty for parents to do too, including award-winning dining, shopping, antiquing and strolling through the historic town. The entire fam will also love guided hikes, renting golf carts to ride across town, roasting s’ mores and stargazing around the campfire.

WATCH SPRING BLOSSOM AT CAPE RESORTS

via @congresshall

MAKE IT YOUR OWN #NJMOM ADVENTURE

So, here’s the cool thing about Cape Resorts—their hotels are so diverse that you can make the trip tailored to your interests and family. For a classic seaside resort experience with all the amenities, check into Congress Hall. If you’re looking for a beach hotel with a fresh feel, try The Star. If you want the family to feel at home and have a full-service kitchen and living area for the week, the Virginia Cottages are centrally located in the historic district. For a spacious suite experience with a fresh, cool vibe, spend your nights at The Sandpiper Beach Club. At all of these four properties, the Spring Break stay includes hotel accommodations; an Explorers Club drawstring backpack for each kid filled with special items for their adventures; over 10 different Wilderness Adventure Activities at Congress Hall and Beach Plum Farm, including shuttle service to Beach Plum Farm; and a $25 dining credit at Congress Hall, per night. You also have the option to add premium Wilderness activities and Easter Brunch with Cape Resorts package enhancements at the time of booking.

via @congresshall

If you’re looking for farm experience where you and your kids can really get back to nature, check out the Beach Plum Farm Cottages. When you arrive, swap your keys for a golf cart and bikes, so you can easily explore the property. Each cottage or barn room has its own fireplace to make you feel at home (imagine the snuggles at night by the fire). Plus, the fridge comes stocked with all the farm-fresh ingredients for a delicious, daily breakfast you can make (we’re talking fresh sausages, eggs, yogurt, granola and seasonal veggies). Each kid will also receive the Explorer’s Club drawstring backpack filled with special items for their adventures; daily Beach Plum Farm Wilderness Activities; shuttle service to and from Congress Hall; and with booking, you’ll have the option to add premium activities and Easter Brunch with Cape Resorts package enhancements.

HOP OVER FOR A CAPE MAY EASTER CELEBRATION

Want a classic Easter of egg rolls, bunny visits and hunts? Have the kids bring their baskets and head to Congress Hall that day (you can visit if you’re staying at any of the Cape Resorts) for a fun morning of egg hunting, lawn games, rides on the Congress Hall Express train and selfies with the Bunny as he makes the rounds. After, enjoy a delicious traditional Easter Brunch in the Grand Ballroom where the whole fam will enjoy feasting on a plentiful buffet of brunch favorites like omelets and waffles, as well as holiday specialties like she-crab soup, deviled egg salad, honey-glazed ham, leg of lamb and baked trout. Oh, and did we mention the dessert bar? With everything from lemon meringue and s’mores tarts to chocolate and vanilla cupcakes to Rice Krispie treats and chocolate covered Oreos, it will surely be one of the highlights of the day (aside from meeting the Easter Bunny, of course).

Ready to make family memories in Cape May?

Book your Cape May Spring Break Wilderness Adventure now— spring will be here before you know it and you won’t want to miss out on these plans.

WIN A 2 NIGHT GETAWAY TO CONGRESS HALL + $200 DINING CREDIT

NJMOM is excited to gift one lucky mama a 2-night getaway to Congress Hall + a $200 dining credit (the value of the prize is up to $1400). To enter, follow the steps in the giveaway form below. This giveaway is open to US residents, 25 or older, and one entry allowed per household. Your stay includes a two-night stay in a town side room at Congress Hall with a $200 dining credit. Subject to availability. No cash value. Not valid for stays June 15th – Sept 5th, 2020, holidays and holiday weekends. Expires March 30, 2021. This giveaway will end on March 25th, 2020 12:00AM EST. Good luck!