Get Out: Skipping Arbor Day (Sort Of)

Last Friday was Earth Day and this Friday is Arbor Day.

As much as we love earth and trees, we at Patch realize there are fun activities to be had after your long week of work.

This weekend, let's celebrate ... the weekend! You can find steals at the library's book sale, attend a hippo's birthday bash, see Bill Cosby live and more.

If you feel any guilt for attending one of these fun events and not focusing on Arbor Day, please plant a tree (or at least hug one). Check out the article  to help with the "going green" process.

Once you've finished the yard work, clean yourself up and have a great weekend. We've picked seven events (and given a few suggestions) for you and your family to enjoy.

Gloucester Township Library Book Sale

• Where/When: , 15 S. Black Horse Pike, Blackwood; today, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• What’s Going On: For three days, the Gloucester Township library will hold its annual book sale, filled with goods at bargain prices. Today is opening day and refreshments will be served. Items on sale will include a large variety of books, music CDs, audio books and VHS tapes. A brown bag special will be offered Saturday, the sale's closing day. Stock up on entertainment because your donations help fund programs for customers of the Camden County Library System.
• Pricing: Free to attend

Button’s Birthday Bash

• Where/When: Camden Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Dr., Camden; today through Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• What’s Going On: Some people may hear the word aquarium and think kids. Although the Camden Adventure Aquarium is a fish fantasy for children, don’t rule out this venue as a laid-back date location or solo spot to stroll. This weekend marks the end of the resident hippo’s birthday celebration. Fisher Price’s Little People will make daily appearances during the birthday bonanza. Come out and enjoy the many aquatic exhibits and say a final "happy birthday" to Buttons the Hippo. Kids or no kids, there is something for everyone at the Adventure Aquarium.
• Pricing: $22.95 for Adults; $17.95 for children (ages 2-12); Children under 2 are free

Bill Cosby

• Where/When: , 315 White Horse Pike, Collingswood; Friday at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.)
• What’s Going On: Enjoy “A Very Special Evening with Bill Cosby.” Listen to the stand-up comedy of this famous actor, comedian and philanthropist. Expect to laugh at current events and reflections on life with the legendary Cosby. You are sure to leave with sore cheeks and something (funny) to think about.
• Pricing: $48 to $88 per ticket, plus any applicable fees

Pajama Party

• Where/When: Color Me Mine, 910 Haddonfield Berlin Rd., Unit 2, Voorhees; Friday, 7-9 p.m.
• What’s Going On: The true title for this event should be pajama, pizza and pottery party at Color Me Mine. Drop the kids off for two hours and let them play games and decorate clay creations while in their PJs. This event is great for kids ages 6 and up and requires reservations. Side note: If you are looking for something to do while the kids play, located in the same shopping center you’ll find many restaurants like Coriander (Indian cuisine), Ritz Seafood and Chez Elena Wu (Asian fusion). If you want to see a movie during your kid-free window, walk over to the Rave movie theater. There’s a 7:30 p.m. showing of the new documentary I Am, with a running time of just 76 minutes.  
• Pricing: $30, plus tax

Washington Township Carnival

• Where/When: The Dump (parking lot), 5700 Route 42; tonight, 6-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 2-11 p.m.
  What’s Going On: This is a family-friendly event everyone can enjoy. Whether you have decided to have a fun date night, night out with friends or fun with the kids, attending the carnival is a great option. Enjoy the thrill of the rides, carnival food and live entertainment. Proceeds from this event support Washington Township High School's 5th Quarter Club.
• Pricing: Varies per ticket selection, $30 all-you-can ride option available Saturday, 2-6 p.m., plus any applicable fees

Altar Boys

• Where/When: The Broadway Theatre of Pitman, 43 S. Broadway, Pitman; Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m., Sunday, 2 p.m.
• What’s Going On: If you like musical comedies, make sure to catch Altar Boys. Friday night is opening night for this show about a fictional five-member Christian boy band. Watch as the band finishes up the last leg of its tour and questions friendships and faith.
• Pricing: $25, plus any applicable fees 

Flea Market (& Arbor Day Celebration) 

• Where/When: Garden State Discovery Museum, 2040 Springdale Rd., #100, Cherry Hill; Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• What’s Going On: Yes, this flea market is being held at the Garden State Discovery Museum. No, you don’t have to have kids (or kids in tow) to attend this event. Come out to find treasures for your home, clothing and more. If you do have little ones at your side, enter the museum for their Arbor Day Celebration. There will be fun games and cool crafts for the kids.
• Pricing: Flea market is free to attend; Museum admission, $10.95 for adults and children 1 year old and up; $9.95 for seniors, plus any applicable fees