The Springfield Museums presents its annual Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration, on Saturday, March 1, from 10 am to 5 pm, rain, shine, or snow. Join the Museums for an all-day salute to beloved children’s author and Springfield-native Theodor Seuss Geisel on his 121st birthday! Activities are free with museum admission.
“We are overjoyed to celebrate with Dr. Seuss fans young and old on this very special day,” said Abby Garner, Family Engagement Coordinator for the Springfield Museums. “This is a day to explore, be inventive, and discover your own sense of Seussian innovation!”
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet Dr. Seuss’s most iconic character, the Cat in the Hat. “There is so much joy when children meet the Cat,” said Larissa Murray, Director of Education. “Having a favorite book character come to life—and give you a high five—is just magical.”
As with all family programing at the Springfield Museums, Family Fun days like the annual Dr. Seuss Birthday celebration mix fun with learning.
Visitors can also celebrate in The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, the first and only museum devoted to Springfield native Theodor Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss! The fully bilingual (Spanish and English) first floor features family friendly, interactive exhibits exploring Dr. Seuss’s Springfield roots and providing opportunities to experiment with new sounds and vocabulary, play rhyming games, and invent stories–all in line with Geisel’s revolutionary role in changing how we learn to read—by making it fun.
On the lower level, visitors can stop into The Cat’s Corner to engage in facilitated hands-on literacy activities. And on the second floor, which was curated by Geisel’s two stepdaughters and great nephew, visitors can see Geisel’s art studio and living room (with the furniture and art materials he used). The galleries also feature never publicly displayed art, family photographs and letters, and the original Geisel Grove sign which used to hang in Forest Park. You can even find Theophrastus, the toy stuffed dog Ted Geisel’s mother gave to him when he was a boy in Springfield.
Character Appearances
Meet the Cat in the Hat, 10:30 am-12:30 pm
Storytime with the Cat in the Hat, 1:30-2 pm
Entertainment
Pete & Chris Amusements, 11 am-3 pm
Cotton candy treats (weather permitting) and/or roaming magic.
Big Bubbles with Mr. Vinny, 11 am-3 pm
Gather on the Quad for Mr. Vinny’s Big Bubble show—chase and pop giant bubbles! (Weather permitting)
Ongoing Activities
Dr. Seuss Trivia, 11 am-3 pm
Test your knowledge of the life and stories of Dr. Seuss! Springfield Science Museum
Balancing Act, 11 am-3 pm
Help Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose balance his friends on his antlers to carry across Lake Winna-Bango!
Seussian Sculptures, 11 am-3 pm
Use recycled and found materials to create a Seussian inspired sculpture.
Mr. Brown Can Moo… Guess Who?, 11 am-3 pm
Guess which animal you are in this silly Seuss-inspired game!
Oh, The Places Birthday Cards, 12-4 pm
Create a card for a loved one.
Celebrate with Cake, 12-4 pm
Enjoy a sweet treat to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday! One piece per person, while supplies last.
MassMutual is the season supporter of the Springfield Museums. Birthday activities sponsored by M&T Bank.
The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum was created with the gracious consent of Mrs. Audrey Geisel, widow of Theodor S. Geisel, and Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P.
Please note that while the birthday activities are open to all visitors, timed entry to the Dr. Seuss Museum is limited and will be available on a first-come, first serve basis. Visitors should arrive early to secure desired entry time.