Since Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow earlier this month, predicting 6 more weeks of winter, you may be feeling like you and your kids would enjoy some brightly colored flowers, lush greens, aromatic plants, warm tropical air, and chirping birds. If a vacation isn’t in your plans in the near future, a family outing to one of these places may help. These destinations, all in the Philadelphia area, are sure to help you forget about the frigid temperatures and snow outdoors—even if it is just for a few hours.

Philadelphia Flower Show, Center City 

The Philadelphia Flower Show is being held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from March 1-9. This year’s theme is ARTiculture, bringing art and horticulture together. The Philadelphia Flower Show is always bursting with energy and color, featuring exhibits of many renowned gardeners and designers. There are is plenty for kids to do and see, including children’s exhibits and workshops. Be sure to go to The Butterfly Experience, which is an interactive and informative exhibit that holds more than 1,000 beautiful butterflies, both domestic and exotic. There will be an opportunity for you and your children to walk around the exhibit and feed the butterflies in a simulated natural butterfly habitat.

Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square

Longwood Gardens is a destination that everyone in your family will love. Aside from the stunning gardens and displays, there is such a variety of experiences for children to enjoy from the Fern Passage, to the Green Wall (a wall made up of nothing but beautiful green plants), to the Indoor Children’s Garden with water features, secret passageways, and beautiful plants that will peek your child’s curiosity. They will enjoy scavenger hunts, water fountains, ponds, and more. February 17 & 22, is OrKID Days as part of Longwood Gardens’ Orchid Extravaganza where they will be holding special events for kids all about this diverse and beloved flower family.

Ott’s Exotic Plants, Schwenksville

I have been visiting this place since I was a young child. My grandparents used to take me to Ott’s regularly, leaving me with very fond memories of the gigantic man-made mountain of mums that they have outside every year during the fall and running through the tropical greenhouses looking at all of the unusual plants and flowers. Now Ott’s is also a place that I enjoy taking my own kids and it seems that they have just as much fun. You and your family will enjoy looking into the koi pond and walking up the stairs of the indoor cave. There are topiaries, giant citrus trees, and a huge tunnel to walk through. My 2-year-old especially enjoyed spying on all of the cats who live inside the greenhouses.  It is a great place for an afternoon adventure with your kids.