Explore the natural world while enjoying the educational, entertainment and horticultural activities of this interactive garden with fun for all ages.
Get creative at Camden Children’s Garden. This 4-acre (1.6-hectare) garden is an amusement and educational park geared toward children but offering activities for all ages. The mission of Camden Children’s Garden is to educate and inspire its visitors about the natural world via the science of horticulture. In association with the Camden City Garden Club, the garden is a regular exhibitor at the Philadelphia Flower Show.
Access individual attractions easily along paved trails. Marvel as various butterfly species flutter overhead and land on your hand in the butterfly house. Plaza de Aibonito is the recreation of a Puerto Rican town square, complete with brightly colored plants and tropical trees. See examples of the typical gardens of Camden and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the park from a treehouse.
Children will love exploring the underground maze, learning about different food types in the potting shed and riding the Arrow River Train. The Storybook Gardens invite interactive experiences with popular children’s stories such as Alice in Wonderland. On warm summer days, the fountains at the garden’s main square are a fun place to cool off. Bring your own food to eat at the designated picnic area.
Watch a show at the 140-person-capacity Piney Woods Amphitheatre. Check for seasonal special events at the garden. Examples include the autumn harvest celebration, Halloween activities and breakfast with Santa Claus. Some of the events incur separate fees and require advanced reservations.
The garden forms part of the Camden Waterfront area. Find it adjacent to Adventure Aquarium. Parking is available, for a fee, just east of the entrance. Get here from Downtown Camden by driving or walking about 0.5 mile (0.8 kilometer) west. If arriving from Philadelphia ride a ferry from Penn’s Landing to Wiggins Park & Marina.
Camden Children’s Garden is open from Wednesday to Sunday between April and December. There is an admission fee. Infants under age 1 have free admission. Visit the garden’s official website for more information.