When the folks at Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh began creating their new Beautiful Day Birthday Experience, they knew exactly how to test out the fun: By hosting a party for the children who attend Pre-K school at the museum, including three kids who had birthdays coming up the following week.
The celebration brought plenty of joy among the preschoolers and led to thank-you notes from their parents. It’s likely to be a huge hit with many other local families who can book the Beautiful Day Birthday Experience party now through January 3, 2027.
This special treat coincides with the museum’s “It’s a Beautiful Day to Be You: Inspired by Mister Rogers, Daniel Tiger & Donkey Hodie” exhibit.
“A ‘Beautiful Day’ birthday party combines everything children love about birthdays with the joy of exploring beloved locations from ‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood’ and ‘Donkey Hodie,’” says Jasmine Pennybaker, Senior Birthday Associate at Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. “Families can celebrate with friends, cake and presents while creating lasting memories in an exhibit filled with imagination and play. Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate your child in this limited-time exhibit.”
Photo courtesy of the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.
Parents have told museum staff they appreciate that the party is celebrated in a room close to the exhibit, and it works well for toddlers and their bigger siblings. Families who attend the party also get an opportunity to explore the entire Museum and enjoy positive messages together.
Timing these parties with the “Beautiful Day to Be You” exhibit brings a little extra Daniel Tiger magic to a child’s birthday celebration — and for moms and dads who grew up on “Mister Rogers,” it’s a nostalgic treat.
“What makes this exhibit so special is its ability to connect generations through Mister Roger’s legacy,” says Max Pipman, Senior Director of Communications at Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. “Children will enjoy exploring areas from ‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood’ and ‘Donkey Hodie,’ such as Daniel’s Beach Bungalow, the Clock Factory and Purple Panda’s Spaceship, while parents will remember iconic places from ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.’”
Photo courtesy of the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.
The Beautiful Day Birthday Party, like all birthday parties at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, includes a reserved party space for two hours and all-day Museum admission for guests. This exclusive package, offered for a limited time only, also includes a sensory-jar making activity, Daniel Tiger-themed decorations and can accommodate up to 40 guests.
There is also a gift for the birthday child: In this case, Daniel Tiger ears and a Happy Birthday book from the “Daniel Tiger” collection.
Photo courtesy of the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.
The sensory-jar craft is a lot of fun for kids, and shares an inspiring message.
Each guest selects four to six charms, each representing something special about themselves, to place in their own sensory jar. Then, they add a variety of filler materials. Once the filler is added, kids can gently move and explore the jar to search for their charms.
The message: Just like in life, the many pieces that make you who you are may be more visible at some moments than others. Each guest takes home this memento, which serves as a reminder of the unique qualities they carry and invites curiosity from others as they discover the charms hidden within.
“We love to celebrate with local families,” Pennybaker says. “Book your next birthday with us and let’s make it a celebration to remember!”