On Saturday, March 4, the Springfield Museums will host their annual Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Theodor Seuss Geisel was born in Springfield on March 2, 1904, and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden is located on the Museums’ Quadrangle. That legacy is celebrated each year with a day full of family activities, performances, and appearances by the Cat in the Hat himself. The celebration, one of the most popular of the Museums’ annual events, is part of the Family Fun series which is supported by the TD Charitable Foundation. Activities are free with museum admission unless otherwise noted.

This year’s event has a pajama party theme. Visitors are encouraged to wear their favorite pajamas and join in a PJs DJ Dance Party with DJ Dave (10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.). Other highlights include:

• Places You’ll Go Magic Show with Jungle Jim (11 a.m. and 1 p.m.). This high-energy show combines balloon artistry, magic, comedy and improv. Go fishing with red and blue fish, play Whoville Basketball, meet a famous elephant and more.
• Western Massachusetts Illustrators Guild (10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.) Meet the artists behind the special exhibition Cats in Hats, and collect autographs on an origami hat.
• Professor Knows A. Lot & Friends (10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.). Balloon twisting and shaping.

The Cat in the Hat and Things 1 and 2 will also be prowling the Quadrangle, and Seuss-inspired birthday cakes, decorations and an ice sculpture will be on display throughout the museum campus. A host of Seuss-themed activities are also scheduled, including:

• The Life and Times of Dr. Seuss (10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.) Learn how Theodor Geisel’s life coincided with some of the biggest events of the 1900s.  Help arrange a timeline of Ted and America’s highlights.
• More Wild Than You Think (10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.). What makes the Cat in the Hat so wild? Learn about real-life feline adaptation by getting up close to tracks, furs, skulls, claws, and teeth of the Cat’s wild friends!
• Seuss Storytime (10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.). Especially for our littlest visitors!  Gather on the rug to read some of your favorite Dr. Seuss books aloud together.
• Seuss Puppet Theaters (10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.). Create your own play in shadow and finger puppet theaters.

The day’s events will culminate in a rendition of “Happy Birthday” at 3 p.m. Visitors will sing in honor of Dr. Seuss and enjoy a sweet treat. There will also be ongoing art and science activities at the Art Discovery Center (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) and Seymour Planetarium shows, Science Museum (11:15 a.m., noon, 1 & 2 p.m.; additional fee).

Admission prices are $18 for adults, $12 for seniors and college students, $9.50 for children 3-17, and free for children under three and museum members. The fee provides access to all four museums. General admission is free for Springfield residents with proof of address.

MassMutual is the 2017 Season Supporter of the Springfield Museums.