Birmingham, McWane Science Center, Itty Bitty Magic City — Itty Bitty Magic City. Photo courtesy of McWane Science Center.

May marks the 3rd birthday of McWane Science Center‘s Itty Bitty Magic City. Celebrate this momentous occasion by letting your little one learn through play when visiting Itty Bitty Magic City at McWane Science Center all month long! Purchase your tickets to McWane Science Center.

Itty Bitty Magic City is one of McWane Science Center’s most popular destinations, welcoming over 400,000 visitors a year. According to Mcwane’s Director of Early Childhood Education Julie Danley,

“Itty Bitty Magic City has helped increase our membership base to over 10,000 member families. Some of these families are visiting more than 10 times a year!”

What makes it such a popular spot at McWane Science Science?

Itty Bitty Magic City—designed for children aged kindergarten and under—is a multi-sensory, hands-on, active and child-centered environment, which offers children unique opportunities for play.

“Kids can freely explore, engage and experiment with the world in which we live,” Danley said. “The Itty Bitty Magic City environment lends itself to STEAM education not only through imaginative play and experimentation, but also through McWane’s Early Childhood programming that is offered daily.”

Unfamiliar with STEAM education? It’s a learning foundation, which stands for learning through science, technology, engineering, art and math.

What can children learn and discover when venturing into Itty Bitty Magic City?

All sorts of cool stuff! Here’s a closer look at some of Itty Bitty Magic City’s most exciting features:

Main Street. Like many cities, Itty Bitty Magic City shows off an adorable downtown Main Street complete with storefronts, sidewalks and street lights. It also includes interactive pretend zones like a fire station, farm, veterinarian clinic, market, diner and garage.

Tot Spot. For toddlers who are always on the move, the Tot Spot provides a secure space for them to explore and play.

Water Play. Get ready to splash at Itty Bitty Magic City’s Water Play area. Here children will discover the fascinating world of water with elements, such as water domes, ball vortices, squirters, pumps, damning activities and an observation dome.

Climbing Structure. Children can learn to physically challenge themselves on Itty’s Bitty Magic City’s climbing structure. Designed to engage early learners at every skill level, your child can learn to challenge themselves physically when venturing into the climbing structure. Don’t worry, parents! The climbing structure is designed with safety in mind.

Itty Bitty Magic City offers exciting daily programming and special classes that focus on science, movement, and creative and constructive play—each designed specifically for your little one. They include:

Little Lab: Introduces STEAM to children with 20-30-minute, hands-on activities.

Curiosity Programs: Features short 2-3 minute teaching activities that are presented each day on the floor of Itty Bitty Magic City. Activities range from seasonal activities to favorites like making slime, mini reactions, static electricity, weather bottles, magnets and things like sink and float activities.

Is it only for young children?

Though designed for children ages kindergarten and younger, it’s not just little kids who will enjoy Itty Bitty Magic City—parents and even older kids will too!

“Parents love Itty Bitty because it provides a safe and secure area for their little ones to explore,” Danley said. Plus, there are many comfortable seating areas located throughout Itty Bitty Magic City where parents can relax and watch their children play.”

(Kids over the recommended age limit must be accompanied by a younger sibling.)

Plan your visit to Itty Bitty Magic City

Now that you’ve had a peek into the wondrous world of Itty Bitty Magic City, it’s time to bring your little one for a visit so they can learn through play. Here are some important things to know when planning your visit to McWane Science Center and Itty Bitty Magic City:

Address: 200 19th St. N., Birmingham, AL 35203
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm; Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 12pm-6pm
Phone: 205.714.8300
Admission: Seniors (65+) – $12; Adults (13-64) – $13; Kids (2-12) – $9; Under 2 years old – Free
Parking deck: McWane Science Center Parking Deck, 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35203
Parking deck price: Free for members. Non-members – $5
Street Parking: Meter fee – $0.25/hour. Free on Saturday and Sunday.