Bloom

Bloom is a hugely popular, annual event in the Phoenix Park. It usually takes place around the June Bank Holiday weekend. Booking tickets in advance is essential. While not aimed particularly at kids – it is primarily a gardening festival – it can be an enjoyable day out with the kids and there is a children’s section.

In the children’s section there was lots to do – a large farm set to play with, ride on vehicles including tractors to ride around a course, a sand pit and then some tents with various shows / activities going on inside. Different children’s groups can apply to have a tent, such as Clap Handies for toddlers where there were musical instruments to shake rattle bang as well as lentils and containers for lots of filling, scooping and emptying fun. Scientific Sue, one of our favourite scientists, was also there doing some of her shows. There was also a magic show.

Having spent a good portion of the day there were moved on to the rest of the festival. There are all sorts of market stalls selling amazing produce and hand made gifts – including plenty of gardening supplies for sale! Then, there are the show gardens which are always amazing – how the judges can ever decide on the winners I will never know! The kids even enjoyed this part as there are so many amazing designs to look at!

If you’re feeling peckish there are plenty of food vans and stalls selling all manner of sweet and savoury treats – we enjoyed some yummy crepes at one point in our day. And, of course, no trip to the Phoenix Park would be complete without a trip to the playground at the end which was conveniently located beside where Bloom was happening!

Of course, having been inspired by all the fantastic plants and flowers they saw L and A then wanted to get busy in the garden at home!