Explore the World of 'Nature Cat' in Person

The popular PBS animated kids' series Nature Cat comes to life late next month with the grand opening of a new traveling museum exhibit at the Kohl Children's Museum of Greater Chicago on July 30. The "Nature Cat: Backyard and Beyond" exhibit has been developed for kids ages 2-10 and their families by the Kohl staff in collaboration with WTTW and Spiffy Pictures, creators of Nature Cat, and will run through January 26, 2020 before embarking on a nationwide tour.

Like the TV series, the Nature Cat exhibit encourages children to get outside and explore the natural world. Featuring interactive activities with the show's cast of characters, including Nature Cat, his dog friend Hal, the intepid mouse Squeeks, the smart bunny Daisy, and Nature Cat's nemesis Ronald, the exhibit brings the show to life for kids. 

The interactive exhibit opens at the Kohl Children's Museum before embarking on a national tour. Photo: WTTW/Ken Carl

Families can explore everything from Hal's doghouse on the edge of the forest to a cave where Hal has lost his flying disc. Recycling is taught in a marsh that kids can navigate on a raft. A forest flaunts a rotting log teeming with life, a vernal pond, and a cozy den in the base of a tree. And Daisy will help visitors plant a garden in recycled containers like tires, pop bottles, and boots. 

The exhibit may be inside, but it will have kids excited to go outside and use their newfound skills!