All of your family’s senses will be stimulated in this show that fills 10 acres of exhibition space at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, on 12^th and Arch Streets, in Center City.  The space is vast at the world’s largest indoor flower show, so strollers are a fine idea, even if your child has been going without one for a while. Each year presents a new theme, and this year’s is “Springtime in Paris”.  Expect fantastic, fragrant floral creations, with a Gallic flair. This year’s theme will bedazzle visitors with massive displays that include animal topiaries rising out of Parisian gardens, an illuminated floral Eiffel Tower, and a simulated “Tour de France” race.  Flower-covered creatures, including giant peacocks, unicorns and butterflies, will decorate the Carousel Stage, where cabaret singers and can-can dancers will be continuously entertaining you. It is a competitive event, with professional florists and amateurs working all year to create mind-boggling floral displays. Interactive gardening lessons will instruct kids in home gardening techniques.  City families should get a lot out of the many informative displays on gardening in small spaces. 

The show features nearly 200 vendors selling unique plants, seeds, food, hand- crafted jewelry, garden tools and much more.  Cooking demonstrations and tastings are held thrice daily.

When the kids need to let off some steam, the Family Lounge, sponsored by Fisher-Price, is the place to head to.  It is open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and is full of games, toys, videos, craft projects and more, all free of charge.  This is not a drop-off space, so you will need to stay with your child.

You can purchase tickets online or at the box office.  The cost for adults is between $25- $30, Kids under 17 are $15.  A Family Fun Pak includes tickets for two adults and two children and a one-year membership to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, all for $70.  The show is open from 8 a.m. weekends, 10 a.m. weekdays, until 6 p.m. on Sundays, 9:30 p.m. all other evenings.  Advance tickets can be purchased online and printed at home at www.theflowershow.com.

The most tempting extra is the Garden Tea, held daily at 12:30 and 3:45 p.m.  It costs $28 per person, and includes an elegant and delectable assortment of classic English teatime foods.  Reservations are necessary for this popular light repast. If this seems costly for feeding a family, the convention center is right next door to Reading Terminal Market.  Over 80 vendors will tempt your appetites with a variety of local goodies at fair prices.  Amish farmers are there daily, except for Sunday, and sell Amish classics like sticky shoofly pie.  There is a vibrant air and frequent live musical performances to entertain you while you eat.

Friday, March 11 and Saturday, March 12 are Family Nights at the flower show, with events until 9:30 p.m.  These evenings are an especially fun time to go with kids, as special French-themed activities and educational experiences geared to children are scheduled.  If you choose to spend the night in Philadelphia, many area hotels offer special packages that include admission to the show.  We have had good experiences at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, across the street from the convention center.  The kids like the small indoor pool, and they have some well-priced packages that include breakfast and tickets to the show.  We have also enjoyed staying at the funky Hotel Palomar, near posh Rittenhouse Square, about a 15-minute walk to the convention center.  The Palomar welcomes guests with an afternoon drink and snack reception, and the kids loved that they were loaned a pet goldfish for the duration of our stay.  The leopard-print bathrobes were also a hit.

Philadelphia is an easy, car-free day trip.  Amtrak is your priciest option, or take NJ Transit from Penn Station to Trenton, where you switch to SEPTA to Philly.  These options take around two hours and let you off at 30^th Street Station, as does the bargain-priced Megabus. Once you arrive, take SEPTA regional rail eastbound to Market Street East Station. It only takes a few minutes. Follow signs to Pennsylvania Convention Center and Reading Terminal Market. If you drive, there is ample garage parking near the event.

The Philadelphia International Flower Show
Pennsylvania Convention Center
12th & Arch Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19107-2299

If Philadelphia seems a bit far to venture, there are some terrific floral displays closer to home.  The New York Botanical Garden annual orchid show features some 300 types of orchids under the glass dome of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.  This year’s show is titled The Orchid Show: On Broadway, so expect a thespian bent, and lots of family-friendly, show-style entertainment.  The show runs from March 5 through April 25.

Macy’s Herald Square is another eagerly anticipated spring flower show.  Last year it was held from March 28-April 11, so expect similar dates this year.  Last year’s extravaganza, Spring Is In The Air, included over 30,000 varieties of plants and trees, and a whimsical hot air balloon centerpiece, brimming with spring flowers.  There are free guided tours, or just enjoy at your own pace.