Unleash your inner child at this unique birthday bash in Birmingham, August 2

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Grownups…your moment has arrived! Itty Bitty Magic City at McWane Science Center is usually reserved for Birmingham’s tiniest explorers, but in celebration of its 10th birthday on Saturday, August 2, McWane is throwing a birthday bash like no other.

For one day only, this beloved early-learning exhibit is taking over the entire museum for a celebration packed with awesome programs for all ages.

Read on for party details and how you can give Itty Bitty the ultimate birthday gift. 

Itty Bitty’s Not-So-Itty Bitty Birthday Bash at McWane Science Center

Itty Bitty Magic City has been sparking curiosity and sensory fun for young children (ages 6 and under) and their families for 10 amazing years. And, in true McWane style, they’re celebrating with a full day of hands-on, science-infused party programs.

The best part? The fun is for all ages (even too-cool teens and grownups!).

Here’s how it works:

• Itty Bitty Magic City will remain open exclusively to children ages 6 and under + their families, with timed entry provided at check-in.
• Older kids, teens and adults can enjoy Itty Bitty-inspired programs set up throughout the rest of the museum—plus explore all the other exhibits McWane has to offer.

What to expect during Itty Bitty’s birthday event

Here’s what will be taking place around the museum:

• Launch Pad: Party Edition (10AM-2PM): If you’ve ever wanted to launch a cupcake across the room, this is your chance (with cupcake plushies, of course!). McWane will supply everything you need to build an epic mini launcher that will send the stuffed animals flying during this hands-on lab that teaches motion and creativity.

• Code-a-Snack (12-4PM): Snack lovers and future coders will put their problem-solving skills to the test during this STEM-rich program. Using direction coding commands (up, down, left, right), you’ll guide a robotic caterpillar through a maze to collect ingredients to build a delicious sandwich.

• The Great Birthday Blowout (11AM, 1PM, 3PM): Watch this 20-minute sensory-friendly science demo that brings all the elements together for one epic birthday candle moment.

BONUS: Expect additional birthday celebrations throughout the day like:

• Free cookies for guests available from 11AM-1:30PM
• Pop-up activities + therapy dog visits with local guests, including Goldfish Swim School, Fiddlesticks Music and Hand in Paw

Event details

• When: Saturday, August 2 | 10AM-5PM
• Where: McWane Science Center, 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: General admission to McWane | $17 adults | $14 kids | Ages 2 + under FREE
• Tickets

More to love about Itty Bitty Magic City

If you’re new to McWane or have only passed through Itty Bitty while chasing a toddler or avoiding splash zones, you might not know just how amazing this space is.  

I’ve visited several times, and it’s a truly exceptional place that makes me wish I could shrink down to pint-size to experience it. 

Here are its main attractions: 

• Main Street: a miniature downtown where kids can play grown-up, complete with a pretend diner and market, a vet clinic with stuffed animal patients, a car repair shop and more to explore.
• Tot spot: a secure space for toddlers to explore and play to their heart’s content.
• Water play tables: an exciting world of fascinating splashy experiments and activities.
• Climbing structures: an adventurous spot, designed with safety in mind, where young children can learn to physically challenge themselves and reach new heights.
• The Tinker Shop: a hands-on maker space for guided exploration with tools + materials.
  • Stop by Thursdays and Saturdays at 2PM for special programming.

Littles can shop at Itty Bitty Magic City’s pretend market, then cook up tasty creations at the diner. (Patience Itson / Bham Now)

Think you know everything about Itty Bitty Magic City? Let’s find out:

• In 2024, it had 189,952 guests, accounting for approximately 60% of McWane’s annual attendance.
  • As of May this year, there have been around 120,000 visitors.
• The Tinker Shop opened in 2022, and continues to be one of McWane’s most popular public programs, averaging around 175-200 participants a month. 
• It features over 400 props, including plush animals, wooden trains and market food.
• The train table is one of a kind, built in-house by McWane’s Exhibits team. 

Celebrate Itty Bitty Magic City with a gift

It wouldn’t be a birthday party without the perfect gift. Our suggestion: donate to Itty Bitty to help continue its mission of sparking wonder and curiosity in Birmingham’s youngest explorers.

Celebrate 10 years of Itty Bitty Magic City on August 2, and enjoy everything McWane Science Center has to offer.

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