Outside of Disney World, there are a few places where your kids can interact with the cartoons – and signature characters – that they know and love in real-life. But if you’re on the hunt for ways to introduce your tots to the stars of their favorite films and TV shows, fear not –
there are plenty of alternative options. From Elmo to Peppa Pig, Snoopy and Dr. Seuss, the following escapes and attractions all provide readymade spots where kids can meet and interact with all their favorite stars of stage and screen.
Located at the birthplace of Theodor Geisel, otherwise known as Dr. Seuss, the museum will be the permanent home to all of words and illustrations made by Seuss. From The Lorax to The Cat in the Hat, the museum breaks down every rhyme and creates all new activities like climbing into Thing 1 and Thing 2’s favorite hiding spots. It’s just like visiting a Seuss book in real life, but not the surreal journey you’d expect.
With a mix of live shows, rides and water attractions, Sesame Place is designed specifically for young children. Not to mention, you’ll find Big Bird and Elmo walking around the park the entire time. The whole venue looks like an extension of Sesame Street, so you’ll feel right at home when Oscar the Grouch pops out to insult you.
The main attraction in this nationwide event is of course a life-sized Thomas the Tank train engine whose eyes move as he huffs and puffs. Kids can also swing by to meet Sir Topham Hatt, create with MEGA bloks, and hear books during storytime sessions.
Touring into spring 2018 across the U.S., the Daniel Tiger tour features all of the characters from the hit PBS Kids series. The tour promises a brand-new adventure, which is impressive considering how the show’s been on tour for 3 years alongside delivering several successful seasons on TV. And if you know anything about Daniel Tiger, those who swing by can also expect a lot of singing from the characters from the Neighborhood of Make Believe.
As a subsection of various Cedar Fair parks including Dorney Park, Kings Dominion, and Cedar Point, Planet Snoopy gives kids a chance to get up close with their favorite Peanuts characters. From people in costume to attractions named after old favorite personalities, they offer various ways to spend a little bit of summer with Snoopy.
Touring into 2018 throughout North America, the Wild Kratts live show features the real Kratt brothers in a big theatrical, interactive performance. During shows, the Kratts meet exotic animals and use their creature powers to help them on their adventures during a 90-minute show (including intermission). It’s like seeing the TV series in a live-action format.
Credit: Jim Bennett/Museum of Pop Culture
Newly opened, this permanent exhibition will house the greatest works of Henson including restored puppets, sketches, and unreleased material from The Muppets, Dark Crystal and more. Although it features the likes of Kermit and Miss Piggy, this exhibit is dedicated to the man behind the franchise himself.
Located inside the Mall of America, this indoor amusement park is filled with nearly 30 rides from the popular children’s channel. From Spongebob SquarePants to Avatar to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Dora the Explorer, Nickelodeon has put its signature stamp on the 7 acres, which is located at the center of the mall.
If you’re looking to make a vacation around your kid’s favorite channel, then visit Nick World in beautiful Punta Cana, D.R. With white sandy beaches and the Ninja Turtles chilling poolside, this resort is like a paradise for tots. The all-inclusive resort offers characters and beach fun, but that doesn’t mean it’s all a cartoon. Adults can find the same amenities you would find in any Caribbean beach resort.
Much like Planet Snoopy, Peppa Pig World is a subsection inside of a theme park, dedicated to the animated icon. Since 2011, the British retreat has thrilled families with its kid-friendly attractions. And, of course, you can often spot Peppa and her friends roaming the area for a live meet and greet.
A native New Yorker, Carlos knows a lot(!) about pro-wrestling and still foolishly supports the Mets. Now living in New England with his wife and daughter, Carlos has written for www.Fatherly.com, ESPN, WWE, Men’s Journal, and Muscle & Fitness. When he’s not writing, Carlos is always looking for a new craft beer to drink.
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