The Philadelphia Horticultural Society (PHS) has a long-standing tradition of creating a wondrous display of flowers, plants, trees, and more to showcase the talents of local florists and horticulturists who come to exhibit at this globally-renowned showcase. The Philadelphia Flower Show, the nation’s largest and longest-running horticultural event, returns to the Pennsylvania Convention Center March 1-9, 2025. This year’s theme, “Gardens of Tomorrow,” invites visitors of all ages to explore innovative garden designs, sustainable practices, and the future of horticulture through breathtaking displays and immersive experiences. Tickets are available for purchase.

Whether you’re planning to attend with young children, teenagers, grandparents, friends, or on your own, this playbook will help you make the most of your visit to this celebrated Philadelphia tradition. As you enter through the stunning Entrance Garden, you’ll be immersed in vibrant colors, fragrant blooms, and innovative installations that showcase what the future of gardening might hold. This event offers something for everyone—from dedicated gardeners to those simply looking for a beautiful day out.

“‘Gardens of Tomorrow’ invites us to envision a future where our actions today nurture a healthier planet. Through the simple act of gardening and planting trees, we plant seeds of hope for a greener future. The 2025 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show highlights the transformative power of plants and inspires us to create a beautiful, more resilient future together,” said VP and Creative Director of the Philadelphia Flower Show, Seth Pearsoll. 

For Families with Children

The Philadelphia Flower Show has expanded its offerings for children in recent years, making it a perfect outing for the whole family. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Kids Cocoon

The Kids Cocoon is a dedicated space where children can touch, explore, and engage with plants in ways not possible in the main exhibition areas. Here, kids can:

• Plant seedlings to take home
• Read garden-themed stories
• Create nature-inspired crafts
• Participate in hands-on educational activities
• Explore the LEGO® brick floral creation station in partnership with The Franklin Institute

Hours: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm daily (10:00 am – 5:00 pm on Sunday, March 9)
Cost: Free with Flower Show admission

Explore Daily Programming at Kids Cocoon here.

Butterflies Live

Get up close with beautiful native and exotic butterflies in this special exhibition.

Important Note: This requires a separate ticket in addition to your Flower Show admission.
Ages: Ticket required for all guests ages 2+

Family Frolic – Sunday, March 2

This special day is dedicated to families with enhanced programming including:

• Face painting
• Special giveaways
• Mascot visits
• Additional hands-on activities from Philadelphia museums, local nonprofits, and universities

Hours: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Cost: Free with Sunday, March 2 Flower Show admission

Multi-Generational Experiences

The Flower Show is an ideal setting for multi-generational outings. Consider starting a family tradition of taking a photo in the same spot each year to document how your family grows and changes alongside the annual themes. Here are some ways different age groups can enjoy the show together:

For Grandparents with Grandchildren

• Take a leisurely stroll through the main exhibition to admire the spectacular displays
• Visit the Horticultural Competition area to see prize-winning plants and flowers
• Schedule time at the Kids Cocoon where grandparents can participate in activities alongside their grandchildren
• Attend a session in the speaker series to learn something new together
• Take breaks at designated seating areas throughout the show

For Parents with Teenagers

• Challenge teens to photograph their favorite displays (great for social media enthusiasts)
• Explore the innovative technology integrated into the “Gardens of Tomorrow” theme
• Visit Artisan Row together to create memorable keepsakes
• Discuss environmental sustainability themes presented in the exhibits

Special Features for All Ages

Know to Grow Speaker Series

Daily presentations on various gardening topics, from innovative planting techniques to addressing climate change through gardening. Perfect for gardeners of all experience levels. Cost: Free with admission. Explorethe complete schedule of speakers here.

PHS shares some thematic art pieces to help you envision what the “Gardens of Tomorrow” theme truly means. Digitally hybridized flowers, created using historic photos and illustrations from their flower library, tease the idea of what could come tomorrow based on what we tend to today.

The Spectacular Entrance Garden

This year’s entrance garden will feature the massive installations we have come to expect from the Philadelphia Flower Show. It will include 3 water features, floral sculptures, and a custom-lit archway. You are immediately immersed into the vibrancy of the beautiful plants and flowers, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Artisan Row

Create alongside professional florists and horticulturists:

• Fresh floral crowns
• Scented candles
• Floral handbags
• Custom bouquets
• Terrariums
• Dried flower vases
• Botanical jewelry

Note: These activities require additional purchase

Horticultural Competition

The Philadelphia Flower Show is the world’s largest houseplant and indoor plant competition, with entries from hundreds of expert and amateur gardeners. The competition is open to everyone, with entries judged by world-renowned experts. This is the place where attendees can really learn about plants, and find inspiration for what they may want to grown in their own home.

Hands-on Learning and Shopping at the Flower Show

Returning for a second year is a speaker series on various topics that will happen daily. This is a great way for gardeners new and old to listen and learn from experts in the field. Immerse yourself in the show by listening to experts in what the future of gardening will entail- from innovative planting techniques to climate change. This is free with admission.

Artisan Row is the hub for guests to create alongside florists and horticulturists. This area has been expanded this year due to high demand. Guests can create fresh floral crowns, candles, floral handbags, bouquets, terrariums, dried flower vases, and botanical jewelry. Purchase is required.

The Marketplace is a favorite destination featuring:

• Garden tools and accessories
• Unique planters and containers
• Seeds and bulbs
• Botanical-inspired home decor
• Artisanal food products
• Handcrafted jewelry and gifts
• Books on gardening and horticulture

Pro Tip: Shop early in your visit to secure popular items, or at the end to avoid carrying purchases throughout the show.

More Flower Show Special Events

Flowers After Hours
March 8, 8:30 – 11:30 pm

The acclaimed after-hours dance party is back with a new theme – Dance the Night Away! This sophisticated 21+ soirée will groove to the beats of a stellar lineup of music and entertainment, set amidst the mesmerizing floral displays as the backdrop, this night promises an experience where the vibrant energy of the city converges with the allure of nature’s beauty. 

Early Morning Tours

This two hour tour offers guests the opportunity to learn more about the designers and architects, plus get up close to the displays before the Show opens to the general admission. Tours run daily, from 8 – 10 am, with purchase of a special ticket required.

The Philadelphia Flower Show truly offers something for everyone, making it a perfect outing for families, friends, couples, or solo explorers. With this playbook in hand, you’re ready to experience “Gardens of Tomorrow” and create lasting memories at this beloved Philadelphia tradition. Don’t forget to purchase your tickets in advance at phsonline.org/the-flower-show.

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