Camden New Jersey is one of the oldest cities in the United States and is situated on the banks of the Delaware River, including its borders with Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Camden has a significant meaning since it is the county seat of Camden County and stands in the Delaware Valley metropolitan area.
The height of the summer reaches 80 F, 30 Celsius, while winters are very cold, with the temperature falling to 40 F, 7 Celsius. This is the most favorable time to visit because summer draws so many people, especially tourists, making it crowded.
Here are 20 fun things to do in Camden.
1. Explore Marine Life With Over 8,000 Aquatic Species
Adventure Aquarium is a well-known attraction for tourists and occupies a central place among the attractions of Camden. Each visitor to this city will find something interesting to visit among the list of stuffs to do in Camden.
The aquarium has total throughput, which is the number of animals; there are over 8000 animals at the facility, including sharks, sea turtles, penguins, hippos, etc. It also has the famous Shark Bridge, where visitors can only walk a few inches above an aquarium holding sharks.
This venue also contains various informative classes and tours of the backstage, which is why the aquarium visitors will be families and everyone interested in marine life.
2. Attend Entertainment Events At Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
Formerly renamed the BB&T Pavilion and Tweeter Center, Camden’s Freedom Mortgage Pavilion is an amphitheater. This venue is characterized by a relatively vast audience capacity, holding up to twenty-five thousand fans, where fan zones and standing areas are also provided in addition to the worst areas.
For visitors, concerts and events held at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion are always entertaining and amusing, depending on their theme, given the lively atmosphere of the place and the magnificent view of the surrounding environment.
It offers services such as the availability of food and drinks; it is easily accessible by public transport.
3. Pay A Visit To The Liberty Bell Center In Nearby Philadelphia
The Liberty Bell Center that is in the Independence National Historical Park within the city of Philadelphia houses the famous Liberty Bell. This particular bell was made in 1752, hence it developed the crack, which has now become quite iconic.
The bell was also rung to signal the start of the American Revolution. This single feature offered at the center explains the history of the bell, its role in American history, and the revolutions that gravitate towards social justice.
The center is located about 10 miles from Camden, and it can easily be reached in a 10 to 15-minute drive via the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Camden is served by the PATCO Speedline that links to the downtown Philadelphia and the central business district is actually within walking distance.
4. Discover The Natural World In Camden Children's Garden
This one is a concept garden that commenced in 1999 with the goal of helping children develop an affection for nature as well as learning. The gardens are basically thematic gardens, with various shows and lots of playscapes with regards to gardening and gardening education.
They include the Butterfly House, which is an enclosure that houses free flying butterflies that children can observe in their natural built environment, and the Planetarium, which provides shows and programs that are informative on space and the cosmos, respectively.
Interested families in Camden things to do will be able to learn and have fun with their kids in the Garden, which is one of the best places to visit in the region.
5. Stop By Wiggins Park Marina
In the past, this region has been associated with water through the marines due to their expertise in the water frontages. Initially, this place was utilized for commercial objectives, but now it serves as an active zone for communities.
Today, Wiggins Park Marina has a beautiful view of the Philadelphia skyline, and it is now the perfect place to rest. It is also ideal for tourism since one can engage in activities like boating, fishing, and even taking a walk along the seaside.
Thus, the marina plays a social function, hosting various events in the community in addition to the use of its facilities. Among the landmarks and popular things to do at Camden, it falls under those that offer fun waterside leisure and recreation.
6. Learn About The Local History At Camden County Historical Society
When looking for the things to do in Camden County NJ this weekend, you should visit the Camden County Historical Society, as it will be productive as far as both entertainment and learning are concerned.
The society has its roots from 1921 and its main objective is the promotion and documentation of Camden County history. Sitting in 1776’s Pomona Hall mansion, the Society provides people with an opportunity to learn about the area’s history using numerous exhibits, documents, and relics.
These include items associated with the Revolutionary War and industrial items that exemplify Camden’s history as a shipping point for manufactured goods.
7. Visit Cherry Hill Mall
As one of the popular attractions in Camden NJ, this mall is one of the oldest shopping malls around. Completed in 1961, it is the first fully enclosed shopping mall in the eastern region and has witnessed tremendous development in commercial activities.
The mall has over 160 stores, ranging from luxury brands to the most famous chain stores, and different restaurants. It also features a food court and several restaurants, making it one of the best places to shop while enjoying some delicious meals and snacks.
Depending on the time one is hungry and the type of meal they want, variety is available in the mall. When people are searching for “things to do in Camden NJ, the mall provides entertainment through various themed events, holidays, and discounts.
8. Walk or Bike Across Benjamin Franklin Bridge
The Benjamin Franklin Bridge, which was established in 1926, majors in connecting Camden, New Jersey, with Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by crossing the Delaware River. Also referred to as the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, it was initially known as the Delaware River Bridge.
It is advised to walk along the pedestal trail, as it offers the finest look at the skyline of Philadelphia as well as the Delaware River. There could be traffic, especially during rush hour; hence, a better time could be organized after rush hour.
Have a nice trip in this engineering marvel that does more than provide transportation; it is a symbol of transportation found within the region as well.
9. Visit The Resting Place of Poet Walt Whitman
Harleigh Cemetery, founded in 1885, is not only one of the historical points of interest in Camden City but is also a great place to come and relax. It is also the burial ground for such notable personalities as the poet Walt Whitman, who is buried here with a rather simple, tender tombstone.
Self-designed, the cemetery was in the spirit of the nineteenth-century garden cemetery tradition and, as such, incorporated picturesque qualities, serpentine walks, and large tombs.
The place has good amenities with grassed compound and some posts with brief information about the buried individuals.
10. Stroll By Rutgers–Camden Center For The Arts
This was founded in 2000 and is one of the premier cultural hubs in Camden, New Jersey, closely connected to Rutgers University-Camden. This is a vibrant arts center that hosts different art pieces, shows, and programs supposed to educate people.
The Center is recognized for its widely accepted variety of artistic exhibits, including modern and traditional art galleries. It also accommodates theater performances, dance shows, and musical concerts, thus affording the region’s overall cultural pull a great boost.
The Center is found on the campus of Rutgers-Camden University, an area that also warrants some exploration for its historical and architectural landmarks.
11. Discover The City's Shipbuilding Past
Some of the local maritime hubs that have been preserved to this day are the Camden Shipyard & Maritime Museum in Camden, New Jersey. Camden Town originated in the early part of the twentieth century, and it was one of the core shipbuilding centers that supplied both the military and commercial ship markets.
The museum, in fact, is located in a historical shipyard area and serves to recall this very important branch of the economy. Thematically, visitors can find exhibits that represent shipbuilding tools, photographs of the yesteryears, and several models of ships to enlighten people about the future of maritime technology and Camden’s contribution.
12. Find A Peaceful Spot At Ferry Avenue Park
Camden's Ferry Avenue Park, located in Camden, is derived from the road associated with, and was previously the main path of travel and commercial businesses. It has space for sports, playgrounds, and picnic spaces, which are frequently used by local families.
A few of the strolls along the path around the park are open for guests to walk, relax, and run. There are also fields that are utilized for some recreational sports and the land itself and trees encircle the park to provide a nice space to rest. You can walk, exercise, or enjoy the fresh air.
13. Shop For Local Goods At Market Street Plaza
The market plaza is in Camden, New Jersey, and has unique significance to the local community. There are frequent events held there each year, including a general market, a farmers’ market, and events related to different seasons of the year.
You can check out when these events take place before visiting. The surrounding area is full of independent shops and restaurants. An opportunity to support independent businesses and explore the local food scene.
There is parking available. However, it can get packed. Think about going early, or using public transport, especially if you come to visit during an event.
14. Delve Into Cooper River Park For Jogging And Kayaking
Originally part of the Cooper family's property, the park was established in the 1900s to serve as a green space for locals to enjoy outdoor activities. Its setting, by the Cooper River enhances its charm, providing vistas and a peaceful atmosphere.
Covering more than 200 acres, the park offers amenities like jogging and biking trails, playgrounds, and picnic spots. It also features sports facilities such, as tennis courts and baseball fields.
The park layout focuses on showcasing beauty and promoting pursuits with well kept lawns and tree lined walkways.
15. Dine With A View of The Delaware River At The Victor's Pub
Originally established as a restaurant and bar, Victors Pub has gradually transformed into a hangout known for its relaxed atmosphere and diverse menu offerings.
Situated in an area that once thrived as a seaport and industrial hub, contributing to Camden's growth, the pub now seamlessly blends British cuisine, with contemporary American dishes.
Its menu highlights include a variety of burgers, seafood options, along, with an assortment of craft beers and cocktails that appeal to patrons looking for a setting.
16. Offer Prayers At Laurel Hill Bible Church
Established in early 1800, the church has been active in the community and gives insights into the religious and social development of the area. This church is from the 19th century and follows the Gothic Revival style with detailed ionic work and an especially identifiable towering steeple.
It is for this reason that the church holds a special place in the development of Camden and has always been the hub of worship and congregation.
It is helpful to explore the church's relevance and significance in the history of Camden, so it will give you a better background for it. Also, if it is possible, try to find out whether there are any occasions or other services that may be going on at the time you plan to be there.
17. Admire The Peaceful Surroundings of Phoenix Park
Established in 2015, Phoenix Park boasts pathways for strolling spots, for picnics and expansive grassy areas, creating a setting for unwinding engaging in pursuits and immersing oneself in nature. Moreover, it provides maintained walking trails verdant expanses and seating areas.
Encompassing 1,752 acres, Phoenix Park stands as the largest enclosed park across Europe. It outstrips the size of all parks in London combined. It doubles the expanse of Central Park in New York City.
Conveniently reachable by car, with parking facilities the park also offers public transportation options, for visitors coming from Camden or surrounding locales.
18. A Short Trip To Philadelphia To See Independence Hall
Independence Hall stands as a landmark situated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, just across the Delaware River. It holds significance as the place where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were discussed and ratified, marking the birth of the nation.
Visitors have the opportunity to embark on guided tours to explore areas such as the Assembly Room, where crucial meetings of the Continental Congress took place, and other rooms steeped in history.
This site forms part of Independence National Historical Park, which encompasses not Independence Hall but notable structures, like the Liberty Bell and other buildings that played pivotal roles during the American Revolutionary period.
19. Participate In or Support Lupus Foundation of America’s Annual Walk
The yearly event hosted by the Lupus Foundation of America, known as the "Walk to End Lupus " plays a role, in raising awareness and funds for lupus research and support services. Lupus, a condition that impacts different parts of the body, leads to inflammation and tissue damage.
This annual walk is part of an initiative led by the Lupus Foundation of America to bring together individuals, families, and communities in solidarity with those impacted by the illness.
Typically held in spring and fall when the weather is pleasant, these walks are scheduled on weekends to encourage community participation.
20. Tour USS New Jersey Battleship Museum
The USS New Jersey, affectionately nicknamed the "Big J," is a battleship, with a history that now stands as a popular museum. Launched back in 1942, this Iowa class warship played roles in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
Renowned for being one of the most formidable battleships ever constructed by the U.S. Navy, it saw its active service come to an end in 1991 before being reimagined as a floating museum and memorial upon its arrival in Camden in 2000.
Guests have the opportunity to explore sections of the vessel, such as its imposing gun turrets, intricate engine rooms, and humble living quarters, which offer a window into life onboard during its duty years. Serving as an attraction in Camden NJ the USS New Jersey Battleship Museum promises visitors a distinctive experience.
