Early Childhood Programming in Birmingham, AL

McWane Science Center is happy to welcome you to our early-learning exhibit, Itty Bitty Magic City. Alongside their caregivers, children aged 6 and below are invited to experiment with and explore our world in their own version of the Magic City. At over 9,300 square feet, Itty Bitty Magic City provides a multisensory experience that encourages young learners to ask questions, test ideas, make mistakes, and try again. Join us as we discover STEM around every corner and ignite a lifelong love of learning through creative and constructive play.

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Exhibit Features

Main Street

Capturing the look and feel of a downtown main street complete with storefronts, sidewalks, and street lights, this area includes an interactive fire station, farm, veterinary clinic, market, diner, and garage!

Tot Spot

Is your little one always on the move? This is the place for them! The toddler area provides a secure space for McWane’s youngest visitors to explore and play to their heart’s content.

Interactive water exhibit at children's science center with vortex tank, pumps, and water wheels for hands-on STEM play.

Water Play

Rainy day? That’s okay! Itty Bitty Magic City features an entire world of fascinating water experiments and activities, like water domes, ball vortices, squirters, pumps, damming activities, and more. Get ready to splash!

Climbing Structure

The climbing structure is a place where young children can learn to physically challenge themselves and reach new heights! Designed with safety in mind, this structure is made to engage early learners at every skill and developmental level.

Daily Programming Schedule

Our early childhood team is excited to offer hands-on, daily programming designed to build feelings of self-efficacy in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in our youngest visitors. Find us in Itty Bitty Magic City and throughout the museum for programming created specially for small hands and big minds. Daily programs are included with admission.

Itty Bitty Exhibit Guide

Our exhibit guide was created to assist educators and caregivers in getting the most out of your visit to Itty Bitty Magic City. With a collection of questions, ideas, and activities aimed to foster children’s exploratory thinking, this resource will serve to connect educational themes and build learning conversations before, during, and after your visit.

Tinker Shop

Located inside Itty Bitty Magic City, the Tinker Shop is our early childhood makerspace where children are encouraged to explore materials and how they work together. From open tinker times to guided exploration of circuits, the Tinker Shop is the perfect venue for little ones to build creative problem-solving skills through open-ended exploration. Join us in the Tinker Shop on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2:30pm. Daily programs are included with admission.

Plan Your Visit

Purchase your tickets, get parking information, and learn more about how to plan your visit to McWane Science Center today!

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