Camden Children’s Garden | Camden

Camden Children’s Garden was a unique and interactive horticultural attraction situated on the Camden Waterfront in New Jersey, directly facing Philadelphia across the Delaware River. Spanning approximately 4.5 acres, it was designed primarily as a family-friendly space where children could engage hands-on with nature, plants, and imaginative themed environments. Established in 1999 by the Camden City Garden Club, the garden became a beloved local destination that combined education, play, and environmental awareness.

Design and Themed Areas

The garden was thoughtfully divided into several distinctive zones, each with its own character and activities designed to spark curiosity and learning among children and families:

Dinosaur Garden: This area featured life-sized dinosaur sculptures that allowed children to visualize prehistoric creatures in a natural setting. It included fossil dig sites where kids could simulate paleontological excavations, engaging directly with science and history in a playful manner.

Storybook Gardens: Inspired by beloved classic children’s literature, this section brought stories to life through themed garden settings. Visitors could wander through scenes based on tales such as Alice in Wonderland, The Three Little Pigs, The Secret Garden, and The Frog Prince. These immersive environments combined natural elements with artistic landscaping to encourage storytelling and imagination.

Tree House & Red Oak Run: A large, elevated treehouse structure offered panoramic views of the entire garden and served as a central play feature. Connected to it was Red Oak Run, an above-ground maze equipped with tunnels and slides, providing both adventure and a physical challenge that encouraged exploration and active play.

Philadelphia Eagles Four Seasons Butterfly House: This indoor tropical exhibit was home to a variety of butterfly species, providing an educational experience about butterfly life cycles, habitats, and biodiversity. It created a sensory-rich environment with lush plants and vibrant butterflies flying freely, enhancing visitors’ connection to nature.

Plaza de Aibonito: Reflecting cultural diversity, this garden highlighted Puerto Rican heritage through tropical plants and artistic elements, offering visitors a chance to appreciate cultural and botanical variety in a dedicated space.

KaBOOM! Fitness Garden: Designed to promote physical activity, this area included play structures such as balance beams and climbing apparatus. It aimed to combine fun with fitness, helping children develop motor skills while enjoying outdoor exercise.

Amusement Rides: Beyond the garden’s natural and thematic attractions, several rides added an extra layer of entertainment. These included a carousel, the Arrow River Express Train Ride that looped around the garden, and the Spring Butterfly Ride, providing gentle amusement rides tailored for young children.

Educational Programs and Community Engagement

Camden Children’s Garden was not only a place for recreation but also a hub for environmental education. The garden developed and offered more than 30 educational lessons aligned with New Jersey state learning standards. These lessons were designed to be conducted both on-site and through distance learning, making them accessible to schools and families beyond the immediate area.

The garden also hosted family festivals twice a month, on the second and fourth weekends from April through November. These events featured hands-on activities, crafts, live entertainment, and seasonal celebrations, encouraging community participation and fostering a sense of connection to nature and the local environment.

Additionally, the Annual Holiday Festival of Lights was a popular winter event, transforming the garden into a festive illuminated wonderland. This seasonal celebration attracted visitors with decorative light displays, holiday-themed activities, and a joyful atmosphere.

Accessibility and Location

Located at 3 Riverside Drive in Camden, the garden was easily accessible to residents and tourists alike. Visitors could reach it via several convenient transit options, including the RiverLink Ferry from Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia, the PATCO High-Speedline, and the River Line Train. This accessibility made it a popular destination for families in the Philadelphia metropolitan area looking for outdoor educational activities.

Closure and Current Status

Despite its popularity and significance as a community resource, Camden Children’s Garden permanently closed sometime after 2020. The closure was linked to financial difficulties and challenges in maintaining the garden’s infrastructure and programming. Over time, the garden fell into disuse, and efforts to revive or reopen it have not materialized as of 2025.

The closure marks a significant loss for the community, as the garden provided a unique blend of nature, education, culture, and play that was not easily replicated elsewhere in the region. Its permanent shutdown has left a gap in family-oriented green spaces along the Camden Waterfront.

Summary

Camden Children’s Garden was a vibrant, multi-faceted horticultural and educational attraction focused on engaging children with nature through interactive exhibits, themed gardens, and educational programs. It offered diverse experiences—from exploring dinosaurs and classic stories to observing butterflies and enjoying physical play—all within an accessible urban waterfront setting. The garden’s closure ended its role as a cherished venue for learning and family recreation, with its future remaining uncertain.