Families visiting zoos across the United States will soon step into the colorful, musical world of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood thanks to a new partnership between Fred Rogers Productions (FRP) and RWS Global. The beloved PBS KIDS character will headline a brand-new traveling exhibit, Daniel Tiger’s Grr-ific Day with You, with its first stop confirmed at the Bronx Zoo in Summer 2026.
Bringing Daniel Tiger’s Lessons to Life
For more than a decade, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood has guided preschoolers through everyday challenges with its gentle songs and life lessons. Now, those lessons will leap off the screen and into real-world settings where animals and play meet.
The bilingual (English–Spanish) experience combines interactive learning with zoo habitats, encouraging children to connect Daniel’s trademark strategies, like sharing, listening, and caring with wildlife exploration. Families will encounter themed activities, immersive play areas, and photo opportunities alongside Daniel and his friends.
The journey culminates in a live stage show featuring Daniel and Katerina Kittycat, followed by meet-and-greet moments and a dedicated retail experience. For zoos, the concept offers not just an engaging educational platform but also fresh revenue streams.
A Mission-Aligned Partnership
The collaboration is a natural fit. FRP, founded by Fred Rogers himself, has long championed kindness and curiosity through children’s media, while RWS Global is known for designing and producing large-scale live moments for global brands.
“Fred Rogers Productions strives to create media and experiences that model kindness, respect, and an enthusiasm for learning,” explained Christopher Arnold, COO at FRP. “Our partnership with RWS delivers on that mission in a way that meets families where they are.”
For Veronica Hart, Chief Growth Officer at RWS Global, the opportunity is about pushing children’s experiences to new heights:
“Daniel Tiger brings a message of imagination, learning, and discovery that aligns beautifully with the mission of zoos. We’re excited to revolutionize children’s interactive learning while adding more fun to family days out.”
Why the Bronx Zoo?
Few venues could offer a better launchpad than the Bronx Zoo, which welcomes millions of guests annually and has a century-long tradition of inspiring curiosity about the natural world.
“We’re honored that the Bronx Zoo will be the first stop for Daniel Tiger’s traveling exhibit,” said Meghann Kelley-DiSalvo, Director of Marketing at the Wildlife Conservation Society. “Daniel Tiger’s values align beautifully with our mission of sparking curiosity that lasts a lifetime.”
Expanding the Zoo Experience
By blending live entertainment, character education, and zoo habitats, Daniel Tiger’s Grr-ific Day with You marks an evolution in how cultural institutions engage young audiences. Rather than separate play zones or temporary shows, the traveling exhibit integrates seamlessly with zoo visits, offering families new ways to explore both imagination and the animal kingdom.
And with plans to tour zoos nationwide after its Bronx debut, Daniel Tiger could become a familiar face in communities across America—helping to raise the bar for how institutions merge entertainment, learning, and advocacy.
The Bigger Picture
The partnership arrives at a time when zoos and aquariums are seeking fresh ways to attract younger generations while reinforcing their missions of conservation and education. Pairing trusted children’s media brands with beloved cultural venues could be a blueprint for future collaborations.
As Arnold of FRP put it: “This isn’t just about creating entertainment. It’s about delivering experiences that empower children to be curious, empathetic, and engaged with the world around them.”
With Daniel Tiger as their guide, families will not only sing familiar songs but also discover the wonders of wildlife—one “grr-ific” adventure at a time.
