Bartram’s Garden is a place where people of all ages can access the Lower Schuylkill River—the quiet eight-mile stretch of tidal river from the Fairmount Dam at the Art Museum to the Delaware River confluence—for boating, fishing, and exploring.

Boating and fishing programs include:

• Saturday Free Boating
• Summer Tuesday Free Boating.
• Last Wednesdays Free Fishing:
• Fishing Equipment Loaner Program.
• Moon Rowboating. Once a month we light up our fleet of skiffs for an evening party on the river with DJ DuiJi.
• Tuesday Paddles for Bartram’s Garden members.
• Patriot Harbor Lines Cruises
• Launch your own boat on the river from our site.

Join us on a youth-led guided paddling trip down the tidal Cooper River through Camden to learn about the fascinating ecological and industrial history of this piece of the Delaware Watershed.

The route finishes with stunning views of the Philadelphia skyline from the back channel of the Delaware River.

Throughout the summer, each trip is led by our trained RiverGuides, all of whom are Camden youth. The trip is fully outfitted with boats and equipment. Contact Rachel Abbott to learn about additional environmental education paddling field trip opportunities and private tours for your students, after school program, or conservation group.

All paddlers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

UrbanPromise offers its Ecology History Paddle program to the public, including those living in and outside Camden City. All participants must register at least 24 hours prior to the launch.

Looking for a new adventure? Come join us on Saturdays this summer as we explore the beautiful Delaware River by kayak. Kayak excursions will be led by professionally certified guides and are appropriate for all levels of experience. The tour will include an introduction to the basics of paddling and an overview of safety protocols. Our exploration will be in tandem kayaks, so grab a buddy and come join us!

Cost: $80/$70 members per kayak

Requirements: All participants must have a signed waiver prior to participation. Waivers will be available on-site, but participants are encouraged to review and sign the form in advance.

Have some questions? Take a look at our FAQ.

At this time, we do not sell single tickets. Ticket price is for 2 participants. Glen Foerd reserves one tandem kayak on each tour for ACCESS card holders. Card holders are only able to purchase one ticket per tour date.

If you have any questions, please contact our Environmental and On-Water Program Coordinator at kateriley@glenfoerd.org or 215.632.5330 ext. 14. Our kayak tours are also available to book for corporate and leadership retreats. Contact Kate Riley to learn more.