The Camden Children’s Garden is located on the Camden Waterfront, across from downtown Philadelphia, it offers a vibrant, fascinating experience for children and families, featuring themed gardens, educational exhibits, and fun activities along Camden’s scenic waterfront.
So You should visit Camden Children’s Garden if you are looking for a fun, affordable, and educational destination, especially for families with young children. One of the top attraction here is the Dinosaur Garden and it is a themed outdoor play and educational area designed especially for children. They have the opportunity to learn about dinosaurs while engaging in physical activity and social play with others.
Camden Children’s Garden
This four-acre horticultural wonderland is specially designed for children and families, with imaginative areas like Dinosaur Garden, Storybook Gardens, and a Giant Picnic Garden, plus unique experiences such as the Eagles Four Seasons Butterfly House and themed amusement rides. Its blend of outdoor play, hands-on learning, and seasonal festivals makes it a beloved local attraction. The garden hosts family-oriented special events including Garden Festivals from April to November and an Annual Holiday Festival of Lights in December.
The History of Camden Children’s Garden
The Camden Children’s Garden, located on the Camden Waterfront, initially opened to the public in 1999, the 4.5-acre space served as an outdoor center focused on recreation and environmental education for local youth. It was operated by the Camden City Garden Club, Inc., which also managed community gardening initiatives throughout the city. Its creation was part of a broader movement in Camden to revitalize the local community and waterfront area and to provide a safe, educational, and recreational haven for young residents.
Since its opening, Camden Children’s Garden has offered themed educational exhibits, horticultural experiences, amusement rides, and community programs. It has also acted as the headquarters for the Camden City Garden Club’s broader urban agriculture initiatives, supporting community and school gardens and providing resources for city residents. The Garden continues to play a crucial role in addressing food security and providing green space and educational opportunities for Camden’s youth.
Main Attractions at Camden Children’s Garden
The main attractions at Camden Children’s Garden include:
- Themed outdoor gardens such as the Dinosaur Garden, Storybook Gardens, Giant Picnic Garden, Cityscapes Garden, Red Oak Run, Tree House, and Fitness Garden.
- There is a big Picnic Garden, a space designed for imaginative play centered around a picnic theme.
- Family-oriented craft events, entertainment, and seasonal festivals on weekends.
- There is a storybook gardens, inspired by popular children’s stories and fairy tales.
- Kids can also enjoy water play at the Plaza Water Jets during summer months.
- The garden offers a mix of creative and educational experiences designed for imaginative play and nature exploration on a 4.5-acre site on the Camden Waterfront.
- This garden provide a rich mix of outdoor garden exploration, interactive learning, imaginative play, and gentle amusement rides, making Camden Children’s Garden a unique destination for families with young children
Camden Children’s Garden- Timing, Location, Ticket Price
| Location | 3 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103 |
| Timing | April to December, Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| Ticket Price | $6–$8 per person (children under 2 free); Rides: $2 each |
Events & More
The Camden Children’s Garden regularly hosts special events, family activities, and themed experiences, especially during the spring, summer, and fall months.
Regular and Special Events
- Special Event Weekends: From April to December, the second and fourth weekends of each month include special themed events that include entertainment, crafts, and hands-on activities. Each visit is unique and engaging since these activities are designed for families and often have seasonal or educational themes.
- Summer Fun: During the summer months, children can enjoy water play at the Plaza Water Jets, so bringing a towel and clothes to change is recommended.
- Educational Activities: The garden often offers interactive lessons about nature and sustainability, as well as experiences like butterfly house tours and greenhouse visits.
Seasonal Events
- Kid’s Summer Gardening Course: Camden County Certified Gardeners hosts these week-long series, which usually takes place in July, and include daily activities centered around soil, composting, bees, butterflies, and more. Children ages 5 to 10 can attend these seminars, but under supervision of there parents and prior registration.
- Seasonal and annual festivals: Peach Parties and fall harvest celebrations with games, performances, and garden-related activities have been held in the past.
What to Expect
At Camden Children’s Garden, visitors can expect a unique, interactive, four-acre attraction designed primarily for children and families. Here’s what you can typically find and do at the Camden Children’s Garden, based on recent information and reviews:
- Themed Gardens and Play Areas: The garden has a number of themed areas, such as the Giant Picnic Garden, Storybook Gardens, Dinosaur Garden, Red Oak Run and Tree House, and Cityscapes Garden. These areas are packed with creative landscaping and imaginative play opportunities for children, think giant ants to climb on, a Jack and the Beanstalk chair, rock walls, and more.
- Interactive and Educational Exhibits: This is the permanent home of several exhibits that were first on show at the Philadelphia Flower Show. There is an emphasis on interactive, hands-on learning and horticultural experiences that encourage kids’ creativity and imaginative play..
- Butterfly House and Greenhouse: One of the biggest in New Jersey, the Philadelphia Eagles Four Seasons Butterfly House is a popular destination for many visitors.
- Amusement Rides: There are a few classic small amusement rides are there so young kids can enjoy this garden more.
- Splash Pad: There is a splash pad with water sprays and towers, making it popular in the summer months.
- Nearby Attractions: The Garden is very accessible, located on the Camden Waterfront across from Philadelphia and next to attractions like the Adventure Aquarium. It’s close to public transit and ferry services.
- Picnicking & Facilities: There is a picnic garden area for families to enjoy snacks or lunch, with general amenities like restrooms available.
Best Time to Visit Camden Children’s Garden
Due to its open season and special events, Camden Children’s Garden has traditionally been best visited during the warmer months. The garden is typically open from April to December and visiting during this period offers access to all themed gardens, the butterfly house, indoor exhibits, and outdoor play areas, ensuring the full experience for families and children.