Golden Kids World Moving Into Former Tilton Fitness Building in Egg Harbor Twp., NJ

It appears that something new is moving into the former Tilton Fitness building just off of Tilton Road in Egg Harbor Township.

And if you have kids, you'll really like this news.

Tilton Fitness Was a South Jersey Institution

Back in the day, Tilton Fitness was the premier local chain of fitness centers down the shore. They had several locations- one was on Harding Highway in Mays Landing (near the old Cousin Mario's), Jimmie Leeds Road in Galloway, several in Ocean County, and their flagship gym at Tilton and Hingston in EHT.

At one point, they had an estimated 20,000 members. In fact, I was one of them for quite a long time. I even had a personal trainer there (shoutout to Joe!) and dropped 70 pounds with his help.

And to illustrate just how popular they were, this Google Maps image from 2015 shows a packed parking lot in the middle of the day.

• MORE NEWS: Here's What It Took to Find Missing Egg Harbor Township Teenager Joel Medina

COVID Ended it All in the Summer of 2020

But then COVID hit, and businesses were forced to close; that was the end of it.

Right at the beginning of the summer of 2020, Tilton Fitness announced it would be closing on July 1st of that year:

Unfortunately, like other fitness centers across the country, our facilities have been hit hard by the mandatory closures due to the coronavirus pandemic and we were forced to make this difficult decision.

For the past five years, that huge Tilton Fitness center has sat vacant, but not for much longer.

Building Has Sat Empty for Five Years Until Now

A check of that address reveals that Golden Kids World, a "playtime paradise" for kids, is setting up shop there.

I drove by the other day and a lot is happening inside, as suggested by the large dumpster by the front door and all kinds of materials being brought in and out.

Their website suggests they will be offering school outings, open play, birthday party packages, and more.

We have not yet heard when Golden Kids World might be opening, but as soon as we find out, we'll update this story.

In the meantime, spring is here which means you can check out all kinds of family-friendly street fairs across New Jersey. Check out this growing list...

Chris Coleman is a South Jersey native and has been a cornerstone of the Atlantic City radio market since 1998. He serves as Brand Manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and afternoon on-air personality for Cat Country 107.3. A five-time President's Circle award winner and Townsquare Media's 2024 Content Creator of the Year, Chris covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com