Have 2 hours on a sunny day and you have time to take a quick drive the perfect place to check out is the Camden Children’s Garden. To me the Camden Children’s Garden (3 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103
856-365-8733) is one of the best kept secrets in the area. I hop over Ben Franklin Bridge, scoot through the streets of one of the most dangerous cities in America, which I would like to say is perfectly calm and deserted during the day so I assume all the bad stuff happens after bedtime, and right there next to the expensive and over packed Adventure Aquarium is an oasis of fun.
Once you get in there it is a maze of options. You can hop on the carousel, take a short train ride or visit the butterfly house. Not enough? Be sure to check out the maze of tunnels, 
the three little pigs houses and Alice in Wonderland’s (whoever that is) giant teacups. Looking to get dirty? Stop off and dig for some dino bones and learn where the first dionosaur in NJ was found.
Mom’s Notes:
Parking:
Yes, Camden teeters between number 1 and number 2 on the America’s Deadliest Cities list. I would not plan a walking tour anytime soon but as Henry pointed out it is perfectly fine to DRIVE through. There are two parking lots for you to park in. The open lot is more for the Adventure Aquarium. The parking structure is located closer to the Children’s Garden is my preferred option.
Hours:
The Camden’s Children’s Garden has very limited hours. The first day of its Spring season is April 1st. So take advantage and get out there on a sunny day.
Open – Friday & Saturday
10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Sun & Thurs by Reservation
The Garden is closed
on Mon, Tues & Wed.
Members Only:
The staff at the ticket counter is great. I read that the garden is only open to tour groups on Thursday’s. Since Thursday’s is my day with the boys I asked if members could come. She said yes and to just make sure I had my membership card.
Cost:
You can’t beat these family friendly prices:
Admission: $6 per person and free for children two and younger. Admission per person at Aquarium/Garden Gate $4.00 per person.
Season Pass: (Family of 4) $40.00. Click here to select the right pass for your family.
Bonus:
Picnic Alert: There is no cafe at the Camden Children’s Garden so plan accordingly. You have pull up a giant teacup and have some PB&J or for a spot with a view walk right down to the Adventure Aquarium past the ticket counter and towards the Delaware River and plop your crew down for a picnic lunch on the grass and watch the boats go by.
