As part of the Go Outside & Play Challenge and the Treasure in Travel Series, we will be posting favorite local spots for kids to explore the outdoors in your neck of the woods (Greater Philadelphia Area)!
First, we will share a resource: Keeping Kids Connected‘s awesome guide for Montgomery & Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
Then we will cross the river into to jump into New Jersey!
OUTDOOR OASIS PICK #1 – CAMDEN CHILDREN’S GARDEN
Right across the river from Philadelphia, PA, is one of my ultimate favorite environmental education places for families! This urban oasis can be found in the rough concrete jungle of Camden, NJ. It is lush with vegetation and horticulture, proudly serving as the hub of all Camden City Garden Club operations. You can read all about Tracy’s love of this special place in Why the Camden Children’s Garden Has A Piece of My Heart.
One of the best parts about visiting this facility is that you are supporting the Camden youth who work there. These are the same kids building community/school gardens throughout their “food desert” of a city. The Garden is “a safe haven” in the midst of a chaotic circle of life. Here, they are growing avid gardeners, beliefs in healthy lifestyles and community builders through their all-encompassing programs.
The Camden Children’s Garden was built in 1989 and is designed for children and families. The Camden Children’s Garden is operated by the Camden City Garden Club. Their Mission inspires and educates people of all ages by providing opportunities to improve their quality of life, health and community through horticulture.
This 4.5-acre garden features a variety of themed educational exhibits for children’s creative and imaginative play. It is a special place to explore and discover the natural world. The huge attraction on the Camden Waterfront is in walking distance to the Aquarium, public transit (Riverlink) and a ferry ride away from downtown Philadelphia! They have a Dinosaur Garden, a Giant Picnic Garden, Storybook Gardens, Red Oak Run and Tree House, Cityscapes Garden and more! Enjoy indoor attractions including the Philadelphia Eagles Four Seasons Butterfly House, Plaza de Aibonito, a KaBOOM! Fitness Playground, and Benjamin Franklin’s Workshop (MY FAV gardener/scientist). Enjoy the Carousel, Train Ride and Spring Butterfly Ride for a modest fee.
How “Outdoors” Are We Talking About?
This nature-filled educational playground is mostly outdoors; however, there are a bunch of buildings and a large covered tent that can also be rented for birthday parties and events! So don’t be afraid to get out there on an cloudy day!
Admission is Reasonable and Goes to a Great Cause:
General Admission: $9,
Camden City Residents with Valid I.D.: $6
Guests 1 & Under: Free
Hours and Ages
For kids of all ages. Beginning in April, hours are Thursday and Friday – 10am to 3pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am to 4pm. They usually close in November.
Plants Power Purpose 