Storybook Land: The Complete Guide

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Storybook Land

Address

6415 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234, USA

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Phone +1 609-646-0103

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Magical and memorable, this retro amusement park is a wonderful place that’s situated close to the Jersey shore and within a 90-minute drive of Philadelphia. When visiting this expansive and dream-like outdoor destination, you will be treated to many nursery-rhymed-themed interactive activities, junior-sized carnival rides, and amazing creations made especially for kids. This delightful park is open to visitors each year from March to December and offers an abundance of fun for the entire family.

History

Storybook Land has been entertaining children and families for more than 60 years and attracts many visitors from far and wide. It was opened in 1955 by John and Ester Fricano, a local couple who created this charming theme park in the wooded area along the Black House Pike—the main, well-traveled road that leads to Atlantic City and the New Jersey shore. The original park was only 5 acres and it has grown considerably over the years, although there are no thrill rides or anything that would be frightening to young kids.

Today, Storybook Land is still a family-owned business and the relatives of the original owners take pride in keeping this park a favorite. For many, a visit to Story Book Land has become a beloved annual pilgrimage where you can spend an entire day exploring this whimsical park that features more than 20 acres of astonishing amusement rides and exhibits all reflecting characters who appear in favorite classic children’s fairy tales, such as Mother Goose, Humpty Dumpty, the Three Little Pigs, and Alice in Wonderland.

Over the years, the park has been refurbished and invigorated and more modern amusement rides have been added, such as a small rollercoaster and a teacup ride.

Highlights of Storybook Land

Some fans might say the entire park is one big highlight and there’s certainly enough entertaining displays, statues and scenery to keep a family busy for several hours. In addition to the classic fairy tale exhibits, there is a number of other activities here. These include:

Amusement Rides: Featuring fun permanent amusement park rides that are appealing to the entire family, Storybook Land has several options that are safe for young children. Best of all, the rides here are unlimited and included with the price of admission. A few park favorites are the classic carousel, Out on a Limb (a swing ride), Tick Tock Clock Drop, Beanstalk Bounce, Happy Dragon, Rock-Spin-Roll; Whirly-bug (similar to a Ferris wheel), and Jumping Jumbos.  

Classic Attractions: Along the meandering pathways at Story Book Land, you’ll find some fascinating and entertaining attractions that have been part of the park since its inception. A few of the classic attractions that have stood the test of time are Alice in Wonderland’s Tunnel (complete with a maze), Little Red Riding Hood’s House, Moby Dick the Whale, and Cinderella’s Pumpkin Coach.

J&J Railroad: This fun and relaxing railroad ride takes visitors on a meandering tour of the entire park on a mini-locomotive and gives guests the chance to enjoy the rustic scenery and get the lay of the land without having to walk around the entire park.

Where to Eat

Storybook Land offers four fast-casual food options and snack bars throughout the entire park. They all offer counter service and include:

• The Dining Depot featuring indoor seating and a fairly full menu of kid-friendly favorites, such as pizza, hamburgers, barbecue pulled pork sandwiches, chicken tenders, salads, a roasted garlic quinoa burger, and plenty of sides
• The Gingerbread House, with a smaller menu of burgers, cheesesteaks, hot dogs, and fries
• The Caboose Café is an actual train caboose that sells hot dogs, ice cream, cold drinks and other treats.
• The Watering Can serves up water ice and funnel cakes (and popcorn and hot chocolate in the colder months).

Story Book Land is also home to a partially-shaded picnic pavilion, called Little Jack Horner’s Picnic Corner. Although food is sold here, guests are allowed to bring food from home, although commercially purchased fast food is not allowed. Alcohol is also prohibited as well.  

Tips for Visitors

• Storybook Land is open most days between March and December. In the spring and fall, the park is primarily open on weekends and in summer it’s open most days of the week as well as weekends.
• Please note that the park is almost entirely outdoors, so keep in mind when planning your trip. The only indoor areas are one restaurant and the gift shop, which has air conditioning and heat.
• Timing is everything here. Since everything is outside, the peak season is summer, so it’s best to plan your visit on weekdays and steer clear of weekends, especially if you wish to avoid crowds.
• Visit the website for details about groups and birthday parties and what types of extras are offered. The website also features a calendar of events and specific opening dates and times.
• Buy tickets in advance, online to save money. They're more expensive to purchase in person.