Seattle's Child

Your guide to a kid-friendly city

6 ways to celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday

Oh, the places you'll go, and the thinks you can think ... if you celebrate the wondrous Dr. Seuss on his birthday!

Photo: Seattle Children's Museum

Oh, the places you'll go, and the thinks you can think … if you celebrate the wondrous Dr. Seuss on his birthday!

Read Across America Day is a nationwide reading celebration that takes place annually on March 2 – Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Around town, there are special story times and activities to honor the day. Grab your kids and take part in one of these events to celebrate Dr. Seuss and reading.

 

Seussical the Musical

Saturday, Feb. 28, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Sunday, March 1, 2 p.m.

OK, so this doesn't exactly celebrate reading, but it certainly celebrates the fantastical works of Dr. Seuss. Enjoy this lively musical, put on by Tacoma Musical Playhouse, in its final few performances. $15; $13 students, seniors and military; $12 ages 12 and younger. Tacoma Musical Playhouse, 7116 Sixth Ave., Tacoma. 253-565-6867; tmp.org.

 

Dr. Seuss' Birthday Story Time

Sunday, March 1, 10 a.m.

Star-studded local figures will read their favorite childhood books in an all-ages story time at Kirkland Performance Center, a fundraiser for First Book, which provides new books to low-income children. Enjoy the antics of Ride the Duck Captain Bjorn Toorun and stories from children’s author and illustrator Jennifer Hotes; songwriter and musician Nancy Stewart; Ross Fletcher, voice of the Seattle Sounders; and 9-year-old Brooklyn Lee Grinnell, whose voice can be heard in Macklemore's Thrift Shop song. $10, which buys a starter library of four books for a child in need. Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland. 425-828-0422; kpcenter.org/performances/firstbookseattle.

 

Dr. Seuss Day

Monday, March 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Seattle Children's Museum will celebrate the beloved author’s birthday by reading some Dr. Seuss favorites, teaching some Seuss-inspired sign language, cooking up some green eggs and ham, and creating Lorax mustaches. Dress up as memorable Seuss characters at the photo booth and catch one fish – or two fish – at the Red Fish, Blue Fish fishing station. Included with admission: $8.25, $7.25 grandparents, $7 active military, free younger than 12 months. Seattle Children's Museum, 305 Harrison St., Seattle. 206-441-1768; thechildrensmuseum.org/dr-seuss.

 

Library Play Time

Monday, March 2, 3 to 5 p.m.

Bring your kids to the Magnolia library to play, read and meet other families. This is a regular weekly event, but there's no reason you can't pull some Dr. Seuss books from the shelves and celebrate the guy's birthday together. Free and fun for all ages. Magnolia Branch of Seattle Public Library, 2801 34th Ave. W, Seattle. 206-386-4225; spl.org/locations/magnolia-branch.

 

Dr. Seuss Birthday Reading Party

Monday, March 2, 4 to 6 p.m.

Dress in your silliest Dr. Seuss-inspired clothes and enjoy cupcakes, crafts, games and more at the South Park Community Center. You would not, could not, should not miss, a birthday party such as this. Free and fun for all ages. South Park Community Center, 34th Ave. SW, Seattle. 206-684-7451; seattle.gov/parks/calendar.

 

Bow Wows and Books

Monday, March 2, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Practice reading with certified reading dogs at the Northgate library. The kids can work on their skills with a new friend who is warm, friendly and a perfect listener. I'm sure the puppy will be happy to hear some Dr. Seuss! Free for all ages. Northgate Branch of Seattle Public Library, 10548 Fifth Ave. NE, Seattle. 206-386-1980; spl.org/locations/northgate-branch.

 

Have you heard? A previously unearthed manuscript from Dr. Seuss, titled What Pet Should I Get?, will be published by Random House in July.

Parents: If you'd like to celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday in your own special way, check out the fun activities, crafts, and recipes at seussville.com/parents.


Taryn Zier is a website writer at Seattle's Child and the mother of two Seuss-loving kids, who get to wear pajamas and have a read-in at their school on Monday.

About the Author

Taryn Zier