Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss! Here’s How St. Louis Families Can Celebrate
The inimitable Dr. Seuss may have passed away in 1991, but he remains one of the most important and influential figures in children’s literature. In fact, his March 2nd birthday is still celebrated across the country, with both teachers and parents taking advantage of the opportunity to introduce a new generation of readers to his beloved classics.
Want to commemorate the occasion by celebrating all things Seuss with your kids too? We’ve rounded up several fun, kid-friendly ways for St. Louis families to learn more about this amazing author – and encourage a lifelong love of reading along the way.
Celebrate Read Across America Day by … Reading!
It was Dr. Seuss himself who said that “you’re never too old, too wacky too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child,” so it makes sense that the National Education Association would designate his birthday as Read Across America Day. Schools and communities across the country are invited to hold events that encourage reading, and parents at home can certainly participate too.
Whether you read to your kids or let them read to you, take time to curl up with a copy of The Cat in the Hat or One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish. And don’t forget to add lesser-known Seuss classics (but also kid favorites) like Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now! and I am Not Going to Get Up Today to your lineup. For a complete list of Dr. Seuss books, click here.
Visit Seussville
At Seussville.com, kids can watch videos, play games and learn more about all of their favorite Dr. Seuss characters. The interactive and beautifully illustrated site features free printables and learning activities too, so parents can feel good – or at least a bit better – about allowing children to enjoy the extra screen time.
Watch Your Favorite Dr. Seuss Movies
From Horton Hears a Who! to The Lorax to How the Grinch Stole Christmas, there are some wonderful, family-friendly films based on the books of Dr. Seuss. Pop some popcorn and allow yourselves to be transported to worlds filled with Whos and Truffala trees, worlds where – of course – everyone speaks in rhyme.
Celebrate with Crafts … or Even a Party!
Keep it simple with a special breakfast of Green Eggs and Ham a la Sam-I-Am, or – if you’re up for a challenge – explore Dr. Seuss crafts on Pinterest to find all kinds of creative and artistic ways to celebrate. If you have a child with a March birthday of his or her own, consider killing two birds with one stone by throwing a Dr. Seuss-themed party.
Pre-order a Copy of What Pet Should I Get?
Dr. Seuss wrote over 60 books during his long career, and there’s a new one coming this summer! The manuscript for What Pet Should I Get? (which includes Seuss’s original illustrations) was discovered recently, and the book – which follows a brother and sister to the pet store – is to be published posthumously on July 28.
Learn more about What Pet Should I Get? and pre-order a copy for your family here.
Where to Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s Birthday in St. Louis
- The Magic House is hosting a special Dr. Seuss Birthday Bash on Saturday, Feb. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 1 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free with regular admission, and guests are invited to enjoy special story times, make Dr. Seuss crafts and shake paws with the Cat in the Hat himself.
- The Riverchase Recreation Center in Fenton is partnering with the St. Louis County Library’s Meramec Valley Branch to throw a Hats off to Dr. Seuss party for preschoolers ages 3-5 on Monday, March 2. The cost is $10/child (adults can attend for free) and pre-registration is required by calling (636) 343-0067.
- Two other branches of the St. Louis County Library (Headquarters and Eureka Hills) will also be throwing birthday parties for Dr. Seuss on Monday, March 2.
- The St. Charles City- County Library has several Seuss-themed activities listed at various branches on its March event calendar.
- Tickets to see the musical “Seussical” at St. Charles Community College on March 20-22 and 27-29 are available for only $10. The theatrical production features a mash-up of beloved characters from many of Seuss’s most famous books.
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Alyssa Chirco is a freelance writer, mother and margarita lover, not necessarily in that order. In addition to writing for STL Parent, she is Contributing Editor at Parenting Squad, and covers parenting, health and lifestyle topics for publications across the country. She recently moved from the suburbs of St. Louis to a small town in rural Jefferson County, where she is learning to survive with no Target or Starbucks in sight. Follow her on Twitter @AlyssaChirco
