PBS’s “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” has been teaching children social-emotional skills and practical life lessons through catchy songs for over 13 years. And now this Emmy-winning animated children’s series is coming to life at the Bronx Zoo.
Running from May 22 to Sept. 7, the new “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” exhibit is an immersive experience full of interactive play, live entertainment and fun photo opportunities set to mimic the charm of the original series.
It is the first of its kind, launching in collaboration with Fred Rogers Productions — the nonprofit media company founded by Fred Rogers, the creator of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” — and RWS Global. More Daniel Tiger-themed exhibits are expected to open in other zoos across the country.
“The Fred Rogers folks came to us, I guess about a year and a half ago now, talking about how amazing it would be to have Daniel Tiger at the Bronx Zoo. And we agreed because we felt it was totally on the mark with our audience, and we share the same similarities in terms of inspiring curiosity and imagination, and of course wildlife advocacy,” said Rachel Libretti, director of events and programming at the Bronx Zoo. “That’s kind of what Daniel Tiger is all about, with just respecting nature and imagination, and what better place to do that than the Bronx Zoo.”
The exhibit, which channels the show’s Neighborhood of Make-Believe, is located at the zoo’s Giraffe Corner. It features the first-ever life-sized replica of Trolley, a magical character known for its signature “Ding ding!”; and Music Man Stan’s iconic Music Wall.
There’s also Dress Up With Me, where kids can learn about people who work at the zoo by spinning blocks to mix and match their outfits; and Same & Different, where you can compare yourself to the size and speed of wildlife; among other things.
Pictured are Daniel Tiger and Katerina Kittycat characters during a live performance at the new Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood exhibit at the Bronx Zoo.
Daniel Tiger and Katerina Kittycat will also be at Grizzly Corner daily for live performances and special meet and greets. Plus, there’s an array of other photo opportunities with larger-than-life replicas of other characters from the show throughout the exhibit.
In addition to the physical experiences, each kid will also receive a bilingual activity book in English and Spanish upon arrival at the exhibit. It has hands-on activities, scavenger hunts and educational prompts to guide them through the experience, and to extend the fun at home.
“Watching parents and kids get excited about this has been an affirmation that we have brought something so beloved to the zoo,” Libretti said. “So we feel really confident that it’s within our audience and our mission, and we really feel like we hit something pretty spectacular with this.”
“Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” at the Bronx Zoo is included with the cost of admission. Tickets start at $38.70 for adults and $28.70 for children ages three to 12.
The exhibit will be open daily during the zoo’s normal operating hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends.
Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram @maddiemcgay, on X @maddiemcgayy, and sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter. Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at MMcGay@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: ‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood’ exhibit comes to Bronx Zoo