Play area based on PBS star Daniel Tiger to open at Tampa’s Glazer Children’s Museum

Sharon Kennedy Wynne, Tampa Bay Times
·2 min read

A new play area at the Glazer Children’s Museum opens this weekend based on the popular PBS series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.

“Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: A Grr-ific Exhibit” brings to life the world of 4-year-old Daniel Tiger and his friends, from sorting mail at the Post Office to cozying up with a book in O the Owl’s Reading Nest. It also brings in the themes presented in the award-winning television series created by the Fred Rogers Company, such as community, communication and emotions.

The exhibit, created by the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, opens Saturday and runs through Sept. 6 and is included with admission. In addition to imaginative play, it aims to help young children understand their feelings and those of others.

“Daniel speaks directly to children, and he is their age,” said Paul Siefken, president and CEO of the Fred Rogers Company. “Because of that, they see him as their friend, and he goes through a lot of the challenges that they face, whether it’s dealing with mad feelings or learning how to share.”

As they walk the paths they will hear the sounds of Daniel’s world as they encounter the meaning of empathy, gratitude, sharing and diversity in interactive play, a museum news release said. Through music, kids can also sing along with Daniel and work together to solve problems.

“We are thrilled to bring this exhibit and the lessons of Daniel Tiger to our community,” said Sarah Cole, president and CEO of the Glazer Children’s Museum. “We know that the exhibit will resonate with the children and families in Tampa Bay and bring smiles to their faces.”

In the play area, visitors can:

  • Visit the Post Office and sort, deliver and receive packages and letters.

  • Compose a song or play along with one-of-a-kind instruments.

  • Create stories through the Movable Character Mural.

  • Step inside the Clock Factory to play with a variety of clocks.

  • Identify spots in one’s own neighborhood on the interactive world map.

  • Write or draw thank-you notes and put them on the Thank You Tree.

Admission is $15, $13 for ages 1-12, $12.40 for active military, first responders, educators and seniors. 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. glazermuseum.org.