Camden Children's Garden: A

I had heard about the Camden Children's Garden but didn't really know much about it. It is right next to the Adventure Aquarium. After looking it up, I decided to head over with my son, Brandon, to check it out. It was awesome!

First, the entrance is through the gift shop. In there they have a Thomas train table which is always a plus. Up along the ceiling is a large scale Thomas train running along a track and a mock up of the Ben Franklin Bridge. Equally cool.

Walking outside, the first thing to see is the fountains. These are the sculptures and holes in the ground that "spit" water every now and then. Kids were running through it, holding their hands over the holes, and getting water shot at them. Brandon could have stayed in this part forever.

Next was the train ride. They have a very nice 3 car train that goes around a very nice track. Throughout are small train tracks in village settings, one through a mountain, a waterfall, etc. Very cool. The ride is $1.50 for each passenger and goes around the track twice. Maybe 3 minutes. It was great.

They have a large covered picnic area which a school group was using. Next is a small butterfly greenhouse with dozens of butterflies and plants. Additional donations taken at the door.

There is a nice "tree house" which is really just a platform overlooking a maze. Kind of neat. The maze is pretty good. Lots of plants and flowers and paths. Some of the paths go through tunnels.

Other rides include a carousel that was unfortunately out of order. Another was a row of seats that shot up in the air and back down. That was off as well. Don't know why.

There is a storybook section which has some "scenes" from Alice in Wonderland, Jack and Beanstalk, and Three Little Pigs. There is also a secret garden to sit in.

The dinosaur section was neat. They have a large brontosaurus metal sculpture. A stone dinosaur with some empty eggs next to it that kids can stand in. And a sand pit with fake bones to discover.

There is also a stage area. There were no shows that day but it was a nice area that could easily hold 100+ people.

Throughout the Gardens are of course plants and flowers. Signs abound on what they are and perhaps some information about them. So, if you looking for garden ideas this would be a good place to take a look.

Overall, the place was awesome. It could use a food court. It is an excellent place to take toddlers through grade school children. Getting there and out are a bit difficult as Camden has no direct route to the riverfront. But, parking is plenty with a garage and ground lot right next to the gardens and aquarium. Also, the price is right. $6 a person. Children 2 and under are free. And a year long family membership is a paltry $40. (All prices from 2007). So, head on over. It's well worth it.