ZhuZhu Pets Invite Families to Magic House for Free

ZhuZhu Pets have lent their helping hands, or rather paws, to the Magic House. Thanks to a grant from the St. Louis-based toy company Cepia, makers of the furry critters, the Magic House is admitting families every Wednesday evening from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. through Aug. 31, for free.

“Wonder-full Wednesday Nights” allows a family of up to two adults and four of their own children to enjoy the museum's many hands-on exhibits and the traveling exhibit Alice's Wonderland. Reservations are not required and visitors will be allowed until capacity is reached.

The grant from Cepia is the result of an application written expressly to offer free admission to residents.

“We specifically sought this type of grant,” said Sara Khare, marketing manager for the Magic House. “We were hoping for it. Of course we're thrilled that Cepia decided to partner with us on this event.”

Cepia was formed in 2002. The company's first success, Glo-E teddy bears, featured plush bears with flashing LED lights. ZhuZhu Pets, introduced in 2009, went on to win several TOTY (Toy of the Year) awards, including Toy of the Year, Girl’s Toy of the Year and Innovative Toy of the Year.

Khare said “Wonder-full Wednesday Nights,” which began June 15, is already bringing many people into the museum, and that's always been what the museum is about—being accessible to families. “The response has been great. We had 2500 people the first two evenings.”