Cherry Hill is weird. I mean that in the best way possible, but it’s definitely a place that defies a simple label. If you’re driving down Route 70 or Route 38, it looks like a never-ending sprawl of neon signs, car dealerships, and enough retail space to cover a small European country. But honestly, if you think things to do Cherry Hill starts and ends at the mall, you’re missing the actual soul of the place. It’s a massive suburb with a population pushing 75,000, yet it somehow feels like a collection of tiny, distinct neighborhoods held together by incredible food and surprisingly deep history.
People usually end up here because they're shopping. It's the "Edge City" archetype. But the real magic happens when you get off the main drags. You find 2,000-year-old trees and trails that make you forget the Ben Franklin Bridge is just a few miles away.
The Mall isn't just a Mall anymore
Let’s get the obvious thing out of the way. The Cherry Hill Mall. It was the first enclosed shopping center in the eastern United States back in 1961. That’s a big deal. Most malls are dying slow, painful deaths, but this one is thriving. Why? Because it’s basically the town square. You go there for the Apple Store, sure, but you stay because the dining scene there—places like The Capital Grille or Maggiano's Little Italy—actually pulls in people who aren't even shopping.
It's crowded. Always. If you hate crowds, stay away on Saturdays.
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But if you want to see the heartbeat of South Jersey commerce, this is it. It’s also where you’ll find the AMC Cherry Hill 24. It’s one of those massive theaters where the seats recline so far you might actually fall asleep during the trailers. It’s a staple. If you’re looking for things to do Cherry Hill that involve air conditioning and a big screen, this is your home base.
Finding quiet at the Croft Farm Trails
Most people don't realize that Cherry Hill has a massive commitment to open space. It sounds fake when you’re sitting in traffic on Haddonfield Road, but it’s true. Croft Farm is the crown jewel here. It’s a historic site—the farmhouse dates back to the 1700s—but the real draw is the trail system.
There are about 80 acres of land here.
The trails aren't exactly "hiking" in the sense of scaling a mountain, but they are peaceful. You’ve got the Evans Pond Trail which is an easy loop. You’ll see birdwatchers, local runners, and families with dogs that are definitely too big for their leashes. The Cherry Hill Recreation Department does a great job maintaining these. It’s a genuine breath of fresh air in a town that can sometimes feel like one giant parking lot. Honestly, if you need to clear your head, go to Croft Farm at sunrise. The way the light hits the old barn is something else.
The Barclay Farmstead experience
A few minutes away is the Barclay Farmstead. It’s another 18th-century gem. They do these "Living History" events that aren't nearly as cheesy as they sound. You can tour the house, see the forge, and walk the interpretive trails. It’s a reminder that before this was a retail mecca, it was all farmland. The Quaker influence is still visible in the architecture if you know what to look for.
The food scene is basically a world tour
You cannot talk about things to do Cherry Hill without talking about eating. It is a sport here. Forget the chains for a second.
If you want the real experience, you go to Ponzio’s Diner. It’s an institution. In New Jersey, diners are sacred, and Ponzio’s is the high cathedral. The cheesecake is legendary. The menu is forty pages long. You’ll see local politicians, teenagers on dates, and seniors who have been sitting in the same booth since 1978. It’s the kind of place where the waitresses call you "hon" and actually mean it.
Then there's the international stuff.
- Nan Kin: For old-school Chinese that just hits right.
- Han Dynasty: If you want your mouth to go numb from Sichuan peppercorns.
- Lilo’s Tomato Pies: Technically just over the border in some spots, but it’s a staple of the local diet.
The sheer variety is staggering. You can get authentic pho, high-end sushi, or a cheesesteak that rivals anything across the river in Philly, all within a five-minute drive. The competition is so fierce that bad restaurants simply don't survive here.
Forgotten history and the "Space Age" vibe
Cherry Hill used to be called Delaware Township. They changed the name in 1961 to match the name of a local farm and a famous inn. It was a marketing move. A successful one.
There’s this weird mid-century modern vibe that still lingers if you look closely. The Garden State Discovery Museum used to be a big draw for kids, though that's shifted over the years. Now, families tend to flock to places like Monster Mini Golf. It’s indoor, it’s glowing in the dark, and it’s loud. It’s perfect for a Tuesday night when the kids are bouncing off the walls.
Forgotten nature at the Maria Barnaby Greenwald Park
This park is part of the Camden County Park System, and it’s huge. It borders the Cooper River. If you like rowing or watching people row, this is the spot. The Cooper River Park area (which Cherry Hill shares with Pennsauken and Haddon Township) is world-class for regattas.
Walking the 3.7-mile loop around the river is a local rite of passage.
It’s paved, flat, and offers some of the best views of the Philadelphia skyline in the distance. During the summer, they have twilight concerts and beer gardens. It’s one of those things to do Cherry Hill residents actually use every single day. It isn't just for tourists; it’s the community's backyard.
What most people get wrong about Cherry Hill
A lot of people think it's just a "bedroom community" for Philly. That’s a mistake. While a lot of people do commute, Cherry Hill has its own gravity. It’s a destination. People from all over South Jersey and even North Delaware come here because it has everything you could possibly need.
It’s not "charming" in the way a small town like Haddonfield is. It’s bold, it’s busy, and it’s unapologetically suburban.
But there’s a nuance to it. There’s the Challenger Learning Center for space nerds. There are incredible libraries. The Cherry Hill Public Library is actually one of the biggest municipal libraries in the state. It’s three floors of books, tech labs, and quiet corners. If you're a freelancer or a student, it’s basically the best "office" in the county.
The logistical reality
Look, if you're planning on doing these things, you need a car. Public transit exists—the NJ Transit buses run up and down the main pikes—but Cherry Hill was built for the automobile. Parking is usually free and plentiful, which is the trade-off for the traffic.
Avoid the intersection of Haddonfield Road and Route 38 during rush hour if you value your sanity.
Actually, avoid it on Saturday afternoons too. But once you get past the gridlock, the rewards are worth it. Whether it's a hidden sushi spot in a strip mall or a quiet trail behind an old farmhouse, the variety is what makes the list of things to do Cherry Hill so long.
Practical steps for your visit
If you are actually going to head out this weekend, don't try to do it all. Pick a "vibe."
- The "Nature & History" Day: Start with coffee at a local cafe, spend two hours at Croft Farm, then head to the Barclay Farmstead. Finish with a massive meal at Ponzio’s.
- The "Retail & Entertainment" Day: Hit the mall early before the crowds peak. Catch a matinee at the AMC. Spend the evening at one of the high-end spots like Season’s 52 or Eddie V's.
- The "Family Chaos" Day: Morning at the Cooper River Park playground, lunch at a diner, and afternoon glow-in-the-dark mini-golf.
Check the local community calendars too. The township is big on seasonal events—food truck festivals in the spring and holiday light displays in the winter. It’s a place that’s always moving. It’s not a museum piece; it’s a living, breathing, slightly frantic, but ultimately rewarding part of the Garden State.
Actionable Insights for Navigating Cherry Hill
- Timing is Everything: To avoid the worst traffic, visit the major retail hubs on weekday mornings. If you're heading to the parks, Sunday mornings are usually the most peaceful.
- Look for the Strips: Some of the best food in Cherry Hill is hidden in unassuming strip malls. Don't judge a restaurant by the exterior of the building; if the parking lot is full, the food is probably incredible.
- Use the Backroads: Learn the "cut-throughs" like Kresson Road or Evesham Road to bypass the main highway congestion. Your GPS will try to keep you on the highways, but the side roads are often faster and much prettier.
- Stay Updated: Follow the Cherry Hill Township official social media pages. They are surprisingly active and will alert you to pop-up farmers' markets or road closures that could ruin your plans.