Daniel Tiger’s trolley is leaving Make-Believe for the Bronx Zoo. Opening May 22, the neighborhood makes a move for New York City, offering kids and their families an interactive, educational, bilingual playtime dedicated to the natural world through hands-on activities.
“Location-based entertainment, like exhibits and experiences, is an important piece of our growth strategy and part of our mission as an organization,” says Katie Huber, senior director of licensing at Fred Rogers Productions. “Bringing Daniel Tiger and friends to meet families while they visit the zoo allows for kids to experience elements of the series while also learning about animals in a special collaboration,” she adds.
The experience is included with admission; non-Wildlife Conservation Society members must reserve tickets in advance.
“For over 125 years, the Bronx Zoo has inspired a passion for wildlife and lifelong curiosity in guests of all ages,” explains Rachel Libretti, Director of Events, Programming, and Rides at the Bronx Zoo. “We’re thrilled to debut Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood at the Bronx Zoo in continuation of this rich educational tradition and are honored to bring some of America’s most treasured characters to life at our trusted, family-friendly park.”
The Bronx Zoo is home to more than 11,000 animals across 265 acres. Hands-on activities include a life-sized trolley, a Neighborhood Music Wall, a bilingual zoo activity book, and a nature walk. Families can also enjoy live performances featuring an original musical starring Daniel Tider and Katerina Kittycat, as well as a meet-and-greet with the same characters. Photo opportunities abound with a real-life Tunnel of Make-Believe, and I Love to Be With My Family, an activation featuring Katerina Kittycat, O the Owl, Jodi Platypus, and Prince Wednesday.
The zoo offers exclusive merchandise, including plush characters, Daniel Tiger ear headbands, Neighborhood Trolley figurines, apparel and accessories, and more.
“We are excited to partner with a mission-aligned organization like the Bronx Zoo to bring Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood to families in a way that hasn’t been done before,” said Christopher Arnold, chief operating officer, Fred Rogers Productions. “It is vital for us to meet children where they are, and an experience-based and educational opportunity like this collaboration allows for that in an innovative, engaging way.”
This is not the only opportunity to visit Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Idlewild and Soak Zone in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, invites families to ride the trolley and visit all of Daniel’s neighbors, including O the Owl and Mr. McFeely. “What we have is a state-of-the-art ride that continues the tradition of Fred Rogers and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” said Bill Isler, then President of The Fred Rogers Company, when it opened in 2015.
Learn more at bronxzoo.com/daniel-tiger and fredrogers.org.
Meet The Toy Book Team at Licensing Expo!
The Adventure Media & Events team will be present at Licensing Expo with new issues ofThe Toy Book andThe Pop Insider set to debut on May 19. Visit us at Booth No. F106 to grab The Toy Book‘s 2026 Licensing & Entertainment Issue (featuring The Licensing Book supplement), and the spring edition of The Pop Insider. Both issues are now in production. To book your space in our new issues, please contact Jackie Breyer, James Devin, or Stephanie Katz.