No, it’s not the Ave Maria Grotto, but it’s just as interesting. Spring will bring the opening of the new $5 million Itty Bitty Magic City learning project at McWane Science Center. The early learning center will have a Birmingham and Alabama theme and will include Main Street, with a grocery store, fire station, auto garage, diner, home and more. Themed around a sense of place, the center’s addition is designed especially for ages up to six years old. The centerpiece of the project is a 1,500-square-foot climbing structure—all the better to wear out the young ‘uns. McWane officials expect the new area to draw an additional 70,000 visitors in its first year. www.mcwane.org