Camden Children's Garden

Camden Children’s Garden - 2009 Calendar of Events

Month of December and Jan 2  (Closed Dec 25 and Jan 1)
Friday and Saturday Evenings - 5:30pm-8:00pm
Holiday Festival of Lights
Enjoy a magical holiday tradition on the Camden Waterfront. In the evening, stroll through the 4.5 acres of gardens that include over 100,000 beautiful holiday lights and animated light sculptures. See live butterflies in the Philadelphia Eagles Four Seasons Butterfly House. Meet Santa Claus, his elves and Garden Mascot Mum Bear. Enjoy Plaza de Aibonito, a heated Tropical Holiday exhibit, and learn about the Hispanic tradition of Three Kings Day.  Guests can ride the Carousel, Butterfly Spring Ride or the Arrow River Express Train Ride for an additional fee. Enjoy the Enchanted Wonderland with animated scenes and model trains. Separate admission after 5pm, $4 per person.  Free Parking in the Waterfront Garage for those arriving between 5:30 pm and 7 pm.

For more information, please contact the Camden Children's Garden at 856-365-8733 or info@camdenchildrensgarden.org.

Camden Children’s Garden - 2010 Calendar of Events

January 2
Saturday - Three Kings Day, “Día de Los Reyes”
Celebrate Three Kings Day, “Día de Los Reyes,” in the Camden Children’s Garden Plaza de Aibonito, a Puerto Rico attraction. Guests will receive treats, enjoy cultural crafts and have their pictures taken with the Three Kings.  Event takes place 1:00-3:00pm.

January 4
Monday - Garden closes until March 20 for the winter season.
The Garden office will be open during regular business hours.

February
Garden closed to the public for the winter season.
The Garden office will be open during regular business hours.

February 28 – March 7
Sunday – Sunday Philadelphia Flower Show:  Come visit our exhibit!  Volunteer for four hours and receive free admission.  Call 856.365.8733 for details and a schedule.

March 15
Monday - Meeting of the Camden City Garden Club, 5:30 pm Club members only.

March 20
Saturday - Garden reopens to the Public at 10 am.  Happy Spring!

March 27
Saturday – Free Gardening Workshop for Camden City Garden Club Members, 2 pm.
Topics:  Adopting a City Lot and Getting Your Garden Started.

April 10 & 11
Saturday & Sunday ~ Dino Day & Bug Bonanza Family Festival.
Celebrate Dinosaurs and our popular Dino Garden. This festival includes educational activities, a fun planting activity, crafts, and a "fossil find" New for 2010, this festival will also include educational and craft activities about bugs. 
Camden Children’s Garden Second Weekend Series, held 12:00-4:00pm.

April 16
Friday - Spring is Here! Festival for Schools.
A great opportunity for teachers to book an educational field trip! School festivals are designed for grades 3-6 and aligned to NJ Standards.  This festival includes four interactive lessons about soil, the water cycle, composting and each student will plant a seed to take home.  School Festivals require reservations, cost is $8.00 a student (includes 2 ride tokens) and are held 9:30am-1:30pm. To reserve your space, call 856-365-8733.

April 19
Monday - Meeting of the Camden City Garden Club, 5:30 pm.
(Club members only)

April 21 
Wednesday - Adult Workshop.  “Getting Started in the Garden” – Whether you have never gardened before, or you’re an old hand starting a new season, learn how to get the most out of your garden, whether you’re growing vegetables or flowers. 
This workshop is held 10:00-11:30am. $10.00 for members and $15.00 for non-members. Reservations are required. Call 856.365.8733.

April 23
Friday - Earth & Arbor Day Festival for Schools.
A great opportunity for teachers to book an educational field trip! School festivals are designed for grades 3-6 and aligned to NJ Standards. 2010 is the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day!  This festival includes four interactive lessons about making recycled paper, wacky planters made of recycled materials, water education, and each student can plant a seed to take home.  School Festivals require reservations, cost is $8.00 a student (includes 2 ride tokens) and are held 9:30am-1:30pm. To reserve your space, call 856-365-8733.

April 24 & April 25
Saturday & Sunday - Earth and Arbor Day Family Festival.
Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day amid the beauty of 4.5-acres of children's themed gardens and the Philadelphia Eagles Four Seasons Butterfly House.  This festival includes planting activities, a ladybug release and crafts and educational activities to learn about and to help celebrate Mother Earth. 
Camden Children’s Garden Fourth Weekend Series, held 12:00-4:00pm.

April 24	
Saturday – Free workshop for Community Gardeners:  Topics include Water Conservation, Composting & Mulching, 2 pm.  This workshop is held during the Earth and Arbor Day Family Festival.

April 30 
Friday - Going Green in the Garden Festival for Schools.
A great opportunity for teachers to book an educational field trip! School festivals are designed for grades 3-6 and aligned to NJ Standards. This festival includes four interactive lessons about Conservation in Your Own Back Yard, Get Growing, Too Much Trash:  Recycling Relay and Alternative Energy.  School Festivals require reservations, cost is $8.00 a student (includes 2 ride tokens) and are held 9:30am-1:30pm. THIS FESTIVAL IS FULLY BOOKED.

May 7
Friday - Beautiful Butterflies, Birds & Cinco de Mayo Festival for Schools.
A great opportunity for teachers to book an educational field trip! School festivals are designed for grades 3-6 and aligned to NJ Standards. This festival includes four interactive lessons about bird adaptations, monarch butterfly migration, butterfly gardening, and Cinco de Mayo inspirations.  School Festivals require reservations, cost is $8.00 a student (includes 2 ride tokens) and are held 9:30am-1:30pm. To reserve your space, call 856-365-8733.

May 8 & 9
Saturday & Sunday - Beautiful Butterflies, Birds & Cinco de Mayo Family Festival.
From crawling caterpillars and fluttering butterflies to lovely local birds, celebrate the Garden's most beautiful and important inhabitants. Visit and learn about the live butterflies inside the Philadelphia Eagles Four Seasons Butterfly House. Celebrate the return of Monarchs from Mexico and the Mexican traditional holiday Cinco de Mayo. This event includes crafts, education, a planting activity and a colorful cultural celebration.   Be sure to visit the concession stand.  
Camden Children’s Garden Second Weekend Series, held 12:00-4:00pm.

May 9
Sunday – Happy Mother’s Day.  Moms ride free today! ~ Take a spin on the Garden Carousel or a ride through our enchanted Train Garden and save! Just our little way to say, Thanks Mom, for all you do!

May 14
Friday - Going Green in the Garden Festival for Schools.
A great opportunity for teachers to book an educational field trip! School festivals are designed for grades 3-6 and aligned to NJ Standards. This festival includes four interactive lessons about Conservation in Your Own Back Yard, Get Growing, Too Much Trash:  Recycling Relay and Alternative Energy.  School Festivals require reservations, cost is $8.00 a student (includes 2 ride tokens) and are held 9:30am-1:30pm. To reserve your space, call 856-365-8733

May 15
Saturday - Plants Try-It Brownie Girl Scout Workshop.
Complete the “Plants” Try-it during a visit to the Garden. Girls will learn about seeds and trees while having fun, and even get to transplant a plant to take home! Workshops require reservations, cost is $8.00 a Girl Scout (includes 2 ride tokens) and are held 9:30am-1:30pm. To reserve your space, call 856-365-8733.

May 17
Monday - Meeting of the Camden City Garden Club, 5:30 pm.
(Club members only)

May 19
Wednesday - Adult Workshop “Getting Potted”.  Learn how to combine plants for a dramatic effect.  Pot some plants and take them home.  
This workshop is held 10:00-11:30am. $10.00 for members and $15.00 for non-members. To reserve your space, call 856-365-8733.

May 21
Friday - Fit and Fun Festival for Schools.
A great opportunity for teachers to book an educational field trip! School festivals are designed for grades 3-6 and aligned to NJ Standards. This festival includes four interactive lessons about easy ways of keeping fit and making healthy choices, including planting your own garden. School Festivals require reservations, cost is $8.00 a student (includes 2 ride tokens) and are held 9:30am-1:30pm. To reserve your space, call 856-365-8733.

May 22 & 23
Saturday & Sunday - Fit and Fun Family Festival.
The Camden Children’s Garden wants you to be healthy! This festival will highlight easy and fun ideas for a healthy lifestyle, with a focus on simple physical activities and nutritious eating. Join us for crafts, a veggie make-n-take planting activity and educational activities that support healthy living.  Check out the concession stand.
Camden Children’s Garden Fourth Weekend Series, held 12:00-4:00pm.

May 22
Saturday – Free Workshop for Community Gardeners, 2 pm.

May 29
Saturday - Agent of Change Journey Detour Junior Girl Scout Workshop.
Workshops require reservations, cost is $8.00 a Girl Scout (includes 2 ride tokens) and are held 9:30am-1:30pm. To reserve your space, call 856-365-8733.

June 5
Saturday - Flower Garden Journey Detour Daisies Girl Scout Workshop.
Workshop requires reservations, cost is $8.00 a Girl Scout (includes 2 ride tokens) and is from 9:30am-12:30pm. To reserve your space, call 856-365-8733.

June 11
Friday Evening - Annual Camden Children’s Garden Fundraiser and Champions of Children Award Ceremony.  Call 856.365.8733 for information, sponsorship opportunities, ad placement and tickets. Event catered by The Tortilla Press, Collingswood, NJ.

June 12 & 13
Saturday & Sunday - StrawBEARy Surprise & Nature in Art Day Family Festival.
This is a celebration of one of summer’s sweetest fruits with a special twist to honor Mum Bear, the Garden’s mascot, on her 6th birthday. This event will include nature crafts and a planting activity. Families can cool off at the Very Berry Strawberry concession stand.  
Camden Children’s Garden Second Weekend Series, held 12:00-4:00pm.

June 16 
Wednesday - Adult Workshop:  “Cooking From the Garden”. Now that your garden is growing, what are you going to do with all those veggies? Longtime gardener Jeff Clarke will show you how to harvest this bounty, how to store it, and how to use it in tasty meals – even on the barbecue. Pick up some tips on healthy eating, then join Jeff for a barbecue lunch from the garden.  Take home recipes so you can make the dishes yourself.   
This workshop is held 10:00-11:30am. $10.00 for members and $15.00 for non-members. To reserve your space, call 856-365-8733.

June 20
Sunday – Happy Father’s Day.  Dads ride free today! ~ Take a spin on the Garden Carousel or a ride through our enchanted Train Garden and save! Just our little way to say, Thanks Dad, for all you do!

June 21
Monday - Meeting of the Camden City Garden Club, 5:30 pm.
(Club members only)

June 26 & 27
Saturday & Sunday - Festival de Aibonito, Puerto Rico Family Festival.
Enjoy the beauty of tropical plants inside the Plaza de Aibonito, Puerto Rico. This colorful cultural celebration includes Hispanic arts and crafts, games, Puerto Rican activities and delicious tropical fruit. This festival is a part of Camden’s Parada San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist parade).  Don’t miss the Tropical concession stand.
Camden Children’s Garden Fourth Weekend Series, held 12:00-4:00pm.

July
Member’s Night.  Held each year on the evening of the July Fireworks on the Delaware River.  Check newspaper for fireworks date or call 856.365.8733 late June.

July 10 & 11
Saturday & Sunday - BlueBEARy Blast and Celebrate NJ Day Family Festival.
Join Mum Bear and Garden staff for crafts and a planting activity, celebrating this delicious and nutritious fruit as well as the great state of New Jersey. Families can get their fill of NJ’s official State Fruit at the Very Berry Blueberry concession stand.  
Camden Children’s Garden Second Weekend Series, held 12:00-4:00pm.

July 19
Monday - Meeting of the Camden City Garden Club, 5:30 pm.
(Club members only)

July 21
Wednesday - Adult & Child Workshop: “A Taste of Peter Rabbit’s Garden” – Almost every child knows about Peter Rabbit and his garden! At this workshop, children and their parents will try some tasty tidbits from Peter’s garden as they listen to the much-loved story by Beatrix Potter about Peter and his pals. How about cucumber tea sandwiches, or watermelon squares on a stick? They’ll learn from herbal expert Lorraine Kiefer how they can grow Peter’s plants at home, too. Children will take home a chamomile plant to help get their gardens growing. Chamomile tea, anyone?
This workshop is held 10:00-11:30am. $10.00 for members and $15.00 for non-members. To reserve your space, call 856-365-8733!

July 16, 17, 18
Friday through Sunday - WXPN’s XPoNential Music Festival on the Camden Waterfront. Camden Children’s Garden hosts WXPN’s KIDS CORNER July 17 & 18.

July 24 & 25
Saturday & Sunday - Storybook Celebration Family Festival.
The Storybook Gardens come alive inside the many fairytale-themed exhibits at the Camden Children’s Garden. Join us for book crafts and of course a reading of children’s classics. Visit the Giant’s Garden and plant your own magic beans to take home.   Cool off at the concession stand.
Camden Children’s Garden Fourth Weekend Series, held 12:00-4:00pm.

August 14 & 15
Saturday & Sunday – Peach, Princess and Pirate Party Family Festival.
Join the party for NJ’s favorite summer fruit with crafts, a planting activity, and a treasure hunt. Children are encouraged to dress in their favorite Princess or Pirate costume and some themed crafts.  Enjoy Jersey Peaches and peach products at the Peachy Concession Stand. 
Camden Children’s Garden Second Weekend Series, held 12:00-4:00pm.

August 16
Monday - Meeting of the Camden City Garden Club, 5:30 pm.
(Club members only)

August 18
Wednesday - Parent & Child Workshop – “Add Zing With Healthy Herbs” – Too much salt and sugar are bad for your health. But that doesn’t mean you have to eat tasteless food. Start an herb garden. Grow your own Stevia!  Using herbs as seasonings will delight your palate – and your doctor! We’ll show you how to substitute versatile herbs for tastier and healthier eating. Workshop includes a How-To portion and finishes with something to take home.  
This workshop is held 10:00-11:30am. $10.00 for members and $15.00 for non-members. To reserve your space, call 856-365-8733.

August 28 & 29
Saturday & Sunday- Chocolate & Vanilla Family Festival.
A delicious daytime event dedicated to two of nature’s most flavorful plants. Vote for you favorite flavor, and take a tropical smell test.  Join us for crafts, educational activities, and our Flavors of the Forest concession stand.  Enjoy chocolate and vanilla treats as you learn about these tropical flavors. 
Camden Children’s Garden Fourth Weekend Series, held 12:00-4:00pm.

September 11 & 12
Saturday & Sunday - Hefty Harvest and Scary Scarecrows Family Festival.
The Garden’s annual celebration of the bountiful harvest includes games, crafts and more. For a small fee, you can make your own full-sized scarecrow to take home (while supplies last). Bring your Bounty….display a plate of vegetables from your garden. The Bountiful Harvest concession stand will feature the rich fall flavors of pumpkin, cranberries and apples.  
Camden Children’s Garden Second Weekend Series, held 12:00-4:00pm.

September 11
Saturday - Free Gardening Workshop for Camden City Garden Club Members, 2 pm.
Topic:  Composting.

September 12
Sunday – Happy Grandparents Day!  Grandparents ride free! ~ Take a spin on the Garden Carousel or a ride through our enchanted Train Garden and save! Just our little way to say, Thanks Nana & Papa, for all you do!

September 20
Monday - Meeting of the Camden City Garden Club, 5:30 pm.
(Club members only)

September 25 & 26
Saturday & Sunday - Faeries and Wizards Family Festival. 
Celebrate these magical creatures with games, crafts and more. Children will make their own wizard hat or fairy wings. Children also make fairy wands and their own fairy garden to take home.  Come to the Garden dressed in your favorite Faerie or Wizard Costume. Listen to an enchanted storybook reading by a fabulous fairy and enjoy a magical treat at the Faerie Fixings concession stand.  
Camden Children’s Garden Fourth Weekend Series, held 12:00-4:00pm.

October 9 & 10
Saturday & Sunday - Mum Madness and Pumpkin Parade Family Festival.
Camden Children’s Garden’s salute to Autumn and our mascot Mum Bear with pumpkin crafts, a pumpkin story and pumpkin activities, all set in the blazing colors of the Garden’s beautiful chrysanthemums. For a small fee, you can purchase and paint a pumpkin to take home (while supplies last). Stop by the Fall Flavors Concession Stand.
Camden Children’s Garden Second Weekend Series, held 12:00-4:00pm.

October 16
Saturday - Outdoors in the City Badge Junior Girl Scout Workshop.
Complete the “Outdoors in the City” Badge during a visit to the Garden. Girls will learn about urban wildlife and easy outdoor games while having fun, and even get to plant a window box to take home! Workshops require reservations, cost is $8.00 a Girl Scout (includes 2 ride tokens) and are held 9:30am-1:30pm.  To reserve your space, call 856-365-8733.

October 18
Monday - Meeting of the Camden City Garden Club, 5:30 pm.
(Club members only)

October 23 & 24
Saturday & Sunday - Goblins in the Garden Family Festival.
Come in costume and have howling good time. Take a Haunted Train Ride; dodge costumed characters in our Haunted Maze, meet the bumbling burglars and have your fortune told. Trick or Treat during the Costume Parade.  Celebrate the Mexican tradition of “Día de los Muertos,” a fun and educational activity for the whole family. Stop by the Creepy concession stand to purchase some fall goodies.  
Camden Children’s Garden Fourth Weekend Series, held 12:00-4:00pm.

October 31
Sunday - Safe Trick or Treating at the BOOtiful Camden Children’s Garden.
Have a howling good time at the Camden Children’s Garden by using the Garden to do your trick or treating. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Trick or treat parade at 2:00 pm. This event will take place 12:00 - 4pm.  Stop by the Creepy concession stand to purchase some fall goodies.

November 6
Saturday - Follow the Trails Journey Detour Brownie Girl Scout Workshop.
Workshop requires reservations, costs is $8.00 per Girl Scout (includes 2 ride tokens) and is held 9:30am-1:30pm. To reserve your space, call 856-365-8733.

November 11
Thursday – Veterans Day.  Veterans admitted free with military ID.

November 13 & 14
Saturday & Sunday - Train Festival.
The Camden Children’s Garden salutes a nostalgic favorite – Trains! The festival will feature our own permanent G-Scale display and Arrow River 1/3-scale Train Ride. Join us for train crafts, games, and a reading of The Polar Express. The Garden also invites train vendors and exhibitors to celebrate America’s favorite transportation.  Stop by the concession stand and check out the snacks and produce.
Camden Children’s Garden Second Weekend Series, held 12:00-4:00pm.

November 15
Monday - Meeting of the Camden City Garden Club, 5:30 pm.
(Club members only)

November 25
Thursday – Happy Thanksgiving.  Garden is Closed!

November 27
Saturday - Tree Decorating, Santa’s Arrival, and Holiday Lights Begins! 
Always a festive day at the Camden Children’s Garden, this is the kick-off event for our  Annual Holiday Festival of Lights. The day includes a sponsor tree-decorating activity, Santa’s afternoon arrival, crafts, and a reading of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Tree Decorating 12:00pm – 4:00pm. At night, we light the Garden for the first time this year, including animated light sculptures and the Enchanted Wonderland. Garden premieres its lights at 5:30pm and is open until 8:00pm for the first night of the Festival of Lights. Separate admission after 5pm.

Month of December 
Friday & Saturday Evenings Dec 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18 - 5:30-8:00pm 
Holiday Festival of Lights
Enjoy a magical holiday tradition on the Camden Waterfront. In the evening, stroll through the 4.5 acres of gardens that include over 100,000 beautiful holiday lights and animated light sculptures. See live butterflies in the Philadelphia Eagles Four Seasons Butterfly House. Meet Santa Claus, his elves and Garden Mascot Mum Bear. Enjoy Plaza de Aibonito, a heated Tropical Holiday exhibit, and learn about the Hispanic tradition of Three Kings Day.  Guests can ride the Carousel, Butterfly Spring Ride or the Arrow River Express Train Ride for an additional fee. Enjoy the Enchanted Wonderland with animated scenes and model trains. Separate admission after 5pm.

For more information, please contact the Camden Children's Garden at 856-365-8733 or info@camdenchildrensgarden.org.

December 20
Monday -  Meeting of the Camden City Garden Club, 5:30 pm.
(Club members only)

Happy Holidays!  Garden Closed December 24 (evening), December 25, December 31 (evening), and Jan 1, 2011