It's like entering another world when you walk into the Philadelphia International Flower Show. The space is dimly lit so the colorful flowers really pop. Suspended from the ceiling is a virtual "wave:" a curved video screen showing various underwater scenes that dissolve into a rush of flowers. The sounds of ukulele music and crashing waves are all around and then the floral fragrance hits you. It's hard to believe you're not outside—in Hawaii! A little further in, a 25-foot tall waterfall cascades into a lagoon beside a traditional tiki hut, which serves as a makeshift screen for high-tech music laser shows and a stage for live hula and music performances.

As you make your way through the 10-acre hall, you realize that there is a sort of 4-H Fair component to the Flower Show with lots of exhibits by garden groups, schools and other community organizations. Everything from huge store window displays to miniature gardens to pressed flowers are all competing for prizes.

If you need a break from the flowers, head to the whimsical Man Cave: a room filled with leather recliners, large televisions showing Flyers and 76ers games, and other "manly" fun like craps, blackjack and draft beer. Don’t worry ladies, you're welcome here, too. For young kids, there's the Family Lounge featuring videos, storytime, appearances by Sprout TV characters, arts and crafts, and other activities for preschoolers.

Although the Flower Show is touted as a huge family event and we did spot lots of kids cruising the aisles with their parents, it's not really aimed at children. So if you're thinking of bringing your little ones, the best day to visit would be this Sunday, March 11, when the Flower Show will host a range of cool kids' activities like bee keeping demos, lawn games, a Girl Scout presentation and a reading of The Lorax by local TV hostess Kathy O’Connell. For an additional fee, families can also dine and pose for photos with Sprout TV stars from The Sunny Side Up Show, The Pajanimals and the Berenstain Bears.

Things to Know Before You Go
This Philadelphia International Flower Show is a photographer's dream. Bring your best camera! I seriously regret opting for my tiny digital instead of lugging my larger SLR camera to capture the beautiful blooms.

The show is extremely popular so be prepared for big crowds.

Don’t bring more than you need. There is a coat check but nowhere to stash bulky bags or kids' gear.

Do bring extra cash: There are plenty of things to eat and buy.

Philadelphia is about a two-hour drive from midtown Manhattan, but the city is also easily accessible by public transportation. Megabus or BoltBus are the cheapest options.

If you want to make a weekend trip out of it, check out our post about the best things to do in Philadelphia with kids.


The Philadelphia International Flower Show: Hawaii the Islands of Aloha is on view through Sunday, March 11 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th and Arch Streets in Philadelphia.

General Admission is $27 for adults, $15 for children
Family Fun Pak is $70 and includes admission for two adults and two children, a one-year family associate membership to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and admission for four to the Please Touch Museum.