Pretend City Children's Museum

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United States
Irvine, CA
Pretend City Children's Museum

Pretend City is an interactive children’s museum that builds better brains through whole body learning experiences, educational programs, and creative exhibits.
Pretend City Children's Museum, is a non-profit organization which stimulates and nurtures the intellectual and creative curiosity of children in an innovative community environment. Designed as a small city, with a grocery store, construction site, art studio, house, café, bank, emergency services, health center and farm, Pretend City will be a familiar environment in which children infant through eight-years-old will have joyful opportunities to build problem solving and critical thinking skills, develop creativity and begin a life long love of learning.
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Welcome to our online community where you will have access to a wide array of educational tid-bits and take home DIYs that will help you engage, encourage and empower your child's education and developmental growth through their imagination and hands on activities! Every post and activity has been hand selected and designed to educate our parents on the importance of play and exploration just like every exhibit in our museum! We are excited to have you part of our growing community and look forward to you sharing your learning experiences with us!

Mission: Pretend City Builds Better Brains! Pretend City's Good To Go From Head To Toe initiative is designed to educate the community, parents and caretakers about the importance of having children (birth through 5-years-old) receive regular developmental screenings as part of their routine well-child visits. Learn more at www.begood2go.org.

11/10/2019

We love our new accountant, Cari! You are such a great addition to our team. Don't forget that tomorrow, Pretend City is OPEN full day 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. We hope you will observe Veteran's Day with Pretend City.

11/08/2019

Today is Buy One Get One Free Day! Today, Pretend City will have screeners to help parents check their child's milestones. These ASQ's help parents understand more about their childhood development to make sure they are reaching milestones online. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

11/07/2019

Today is #ReadfortheRecord and we want to thank #ThinkTogether for providing some awesome readers. Don't forget to end your day with your child's favorite book!

11/07/2019

Today we are reading ALL DAY! #ReadfortheRecord is celebrating with millions of other young readers in reading for the entire day. Will you join us?

11/05/2019

Have you checked out our Bugs-Appetite cafe? This little one made a turkey sandwich for her family member. She looked at her caregiver and stuck a little bug in the sandwich. She giggled as she gave the sandwich and waited for a response. Adorably mischievous moment.

11/02/2019

Hola Amigos! Dia De los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican tradition that celebrates loved ones who have passed. At Pretend City, we are celebrating Dia de los Muertos with vibrant, educational activities for little ones. Bring a photo of your loved one to add to our special Altar and partake in the celebration!

11/01/2019

Tomorrow, the Folklorico Echale Porras will join Pretend City for a colorful dance performance at 11:00 a.m. In addition, we will also have a special story time and spanish language. We hope to see you for our Dia de Los Muertos Celebration.

11/01/2019

This is a look at our Halloween Celebration at our educational nonprofit Museum.

10/31/2019

Fall is here and Pretend City is packed with thankfulness activities and Autumn themed art projects. Pretend City will remain open for a FULL DAY on Veterans day. See you soon!

10/31/2019

We’re all treats & no tricks here in the city! Join us for our special trick-or-treat extravaganza as you stop by our exhibits for special goodies!
Time: Members Only Trick or Treating at 9:30am.
General Admission at 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm

10/30/2019

CLOSED CONTEST: Winner: "Taco Belle"

What is your child dressing up as for Halloween? Best answer wins 2 tickets for tomorrow!

10/29/2019

We are just a few days away from our #Halloween trick-or-treating fun day! You can still come in costume with your family this week until October 30th for 25% off admission when you come in costume #pretendcityhalloween #pretendcity

10/28/2019

Don't forget! Tonight is Free #Family #Autism Night. This #freeevent starts at 5:00 p.m. Thank you for supporting our educational nonprofit Museum!

10/27/2019

This week is costume week! Receive 25% off your next visit to Pretend City when you come in costume. Offer applies October 27th - 30th

10/27/2019

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is among us! It is a time to light our inner lamp of knowledge to reflect on the victory of good. Come celebrate with us we create culturally inspired art and learn about Diwali. Activities are @ 11:30 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.

10/26/2019

We ain’t fraid of no ghosts…especially because the OC #Ghostbusters will be here to handle all of the ghouls and goblins that try to impede on our fun. Join us for a spooky good time with special photo ops with the Ghostbusters and their COOL TRUCK!

10/25/2019

Today is Frankenstein Friday! Activities happen promptly at 11:30 a.m.& 3:00 p.m. What is your child dressing up as for Halloween?

10/24/2019

Halloween is just around the corner and we are kicking off the festivities with Frankenstein Friday tomorrow and Ghostbuster visit on Saturday! 25% off your second visit admission when you wear your costume from October 27 - October 30th. Are you ready to have a ghouly time?

10/23/2019

First 5 Orange County, Children and Families Commission

Last week, Kim Goll, Executive Director of First 5 Orange County attended the Pretend City Children's Museum Start Smart Luncheon 2019. Topics focused on discussing how to advance early learning and ensuring a healthy future for young children in Orange County.

Kim also had the opportunity to connect with Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, pictured below.

10/23/2019

Pretend City's annual Start Smart Luncheon. Check out the photos of the largest fundraiser for our kids!

10/23/2019

When your child engages in pretend (or dramatic) play, they are actively experimenting with the social and emotional roles of life. Through cooperative play, your child learns how to take turns, share responsibility, and creatively problem-solve. Play is the BEST way to learn!

10/22/2019

Fine motor skills help build and strengthen hand muscles. In the art studio, Pretend City always has a fine motor skill. This child is putting candles in the birthday cake! What are other ways you practice fine motor skills at home?

10/21/2019

If you are a member, don't forget that tonight is the members glow party! This is a private, members only event that starts tonight at 5:00 p.m. The glow in the dark party will allow you to experience Pretend City in the dark! Will we see you there?

10/20/2019

We love our staff members! Thank you staff for always going above and beyond for our guests to create memorable and educational experiences. #staffmemberappreciation

10/19/2019

This is what happens when we ask the kiddos to make a funny face! So many laughs and smiles at Pretend City. How is your weekend going? Let us know in the comments :D

10/17/2019

Since 1981, Griffin Structures has provided program and construction management services to deliver hundreds of facilities and projects. They are also helping to shape OC's children into creative and collaborative leaders. Join Griffin Structures at this year's Start Smart Luncheon. www.pretendcity.org/startsmart

10/17/2019

Thank You Lyon Living / Lyon Living Development, a proud sponsor of Pretend City and our mission to build better brains. Lyon Living is responsible for ground-up development, construction and management of elite apartments across the country. Will you join them at our annual Start Smart Luncheon on October 18th?

10/16/2019

Capital Group has been helping people get from "Can I?" to "I can." Their sponsorship is a driving force for the success of Pretend City's future. Will you join us at this year's Start Smart Luncheon?

10/15/2019

Both the Buchheim Family and Sandra & Thomas Griffin have generously chosen to support our educational nonprofit. Their contributions pave a way for more free family autism nights, free developmental screenings, and cultural programming. Will you join these families by making a donation or sponsoring the Start Smart Luncheon?

10/14/2019

Thank you Mona and Rup Shah! Their family has generously made a donation to Pretend City and our 3rd Annual Start Smart fundraising event on October 18th! 47% of OC's kids are not ready for kindergarten and fall behind. That's why Pretend City matters!

10/14/2019

KPMG works to help build confidence in the capital markets and strengthen the economy. They also support literacy at Pretend City. Will you join KPMG as a proud and generous sponsor of our annual Start Smart Luncheon on October 18th?

10/13/2019

Thank you Board member Kari Moore for proudly sponsoring Pretend City's Start Smart fundraising event. Join us on October 18th for an afternoon of thoughtful discussion and delicious lunch at the beautiful Lido House. We have an awesome panel lined up - come learn and be inspired! Visit www.pretendcity.org/startsmart. This event will sell out!

10/12/2019

FivePoint has designed and developed vibrant and sustainable communities in Irvine and throughout Orange County. FivePoint has decided to join forces in our mission to Build Better Brains! Thank you FivePoint for becoming a proud sponsor of Pretend City's Start Smart Luncheon.

10/11/2019

Thank you Ernst & Young! At EY, helping clients from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies is their passion. EY is a proud sponsor of Pretend City Children's Museum. Their support will help us continue our mission. Thank you to our Board member and EY partner, Mark Montoya, for his service and dedication to early childhood education.

10/10/2019

Thank you Erin & Jack Boyl! Their incredible support and passionate leadership allows Pretend City to fund free developmental screenings so important for school readiness. 47% of OC's kindergartners are not prepared for school success. Join Erin and Jack at our Start Smart Luncheon. Visit www.pretendcity.org/startsmart.

10/09/2019

Applied Medical is committed to improving the accessibility and affordability of high-quality healthcare globally. They continue to generously support our educational nonprofit. They are a proud sponsor of our Start Smart Luncheon. Will you join them?

10/08/2019

Come observe Yom Kippur with Pretend City. This day of atonement and forgiveness is one of the most important Jewish holidays of the year. Children will learn a bit about the history of Yom Kippur and practice their pro-social skills. #yomkippur

10/07/2019

Uncle Mike Visits Pretend City

Uncle Mike Visits Pretend City! Check out his video as he interviews Sheri Fink!

Today Uncle Mike visits Pretend City Children's Museum in Irvine, CA. and interviews authors Sheri Fink and Derek Taylor Kent. Join us! *More below* Want to ...

10/07/2019

#Healthy #children are happy children! Join us as we celebrate Child Health Day with activities that will get your little one movin’ and form some healthy habits. Activities are from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. #pretendcity

10/07/2019

Experience the Pride of William Lyon Homes! Their company has been helping keep Pretend City's mission flourishing from the very beginning. We are grateful that they are proudly sponsoring our 3rd Annual Start Smart Luncheon in support of building better brains and school readiness.

10/06/2019

Today is Mad Hatter Day and we are celebrating YOUR UNBIRTHDAY! Come on in for a special tea party at 11:30 a.m.

10/05/2019

Tomorrow is the best tea party celebration. Join us for Mad Hatter's Tea Party! Get your photo opp with our very special guest. #pretendcity

10/05/2019

Thank you Alteryx for being a proud sponsor of Pretend City's Start Smart Luncheon. Alteryx is a computer software company based in Irvine. The advanced software helps companies better track data science and analytics. Pretty cool, huh?

10/03/2019

Pretend City Children's Museum's cover photo

10/03/2019

BEEP BEEP!!!

Address

29 Hubble
Irvine, CA
92618

General information

Hours: Mon 10am-1pm Tues-Sun 10am-5pm Prices: $13.95 per person (children 12 months and younger are FREE!) $11.95 for seniors $10.95 for military and immediate family members* *must show proof of ID $7.45 after 4:00 pm

Opening Hours

Monday	10:00 - 13:00
Tuesday	10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	10:00 - 17:00
Thursday	10:00 - 17:00
Friday	10:00 - 17:00
Saturday	10:00 - 17:00
Sunday	11:00 - 17:00

Telephone

(949) 428-3900

Website

http://www.pretendcity.org

Alerts

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Contact The Museum

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Videos

When I Grow Up Day #2019

When I Grow Up Day at Pretend City

Pretend City Children’s Museum is hosting our annual career day event featuring over 20 different career opportunities for your child to explore.

There is still time to come in for cake at 11:30!!

10 Day Countdown Starts Today! Will you join us for 10 days of fun and games?

Every wondered how Pretend City stays clean? Nathalia explains all the squeaky clean procedures Pretend City has in place to stay sanitary. If you have any suggestions please drop them in the comments. :D

Congratulations to those that guessed "above the firehouse station bunker". Let us know if you want another scavenger hunt!

We asked parents about how Pretend City has impacted their children's lives and educational experience.

The Music Room is BACK for an encore! Enjoy this new exhibit featuring musical demonstrations, fun instruments, an interactive stage, and our Instrument "Petting Zoo.".

Is Trader Joe's your kiddos favorite part of Pretend City? Leave us a comment with what they love to do! . . Did you know that we designed the exhibit to help grow and foster different developmental milestones? Working with other children at the cashier station helps to enhance a child's social-emotional and problem-solving skills. Taking groceries and placing them back where they belong also challenges a child's memory skills!

We are on day 4 of Kidstock - Pretend City's annual Music and Art Festival. Come by TODAY to see Dill Purple Genius! Tomorrow we will have Orange County Drama Kids perform a special skit and this weekend we will have two very incredible Aerial Dance Groups. Kidstock is also having a REAL CAR that kids can paint. Come to Pretend City Right now to see the Traveling Exhibit COMPLETELY transformed into an amazing Kids Music Festival Exhibit. We have self-face painting, bracelet weaving, flower crown making and daily musical performances. Check out how amazing Kidstock has been so far.

Choo choo with The BeatBuds!!

Suns out Funs out!!! School Readiness Fair today!!

First 5 Express at pretend city!

Farm Fresh to you at Pretend City

Maxim Therapy at Pretend City

School Readiness Fair - tomorrow, March 23rd 9 a.m. -2:00 p.m.

Such a fun flashmob at Pretend City for Holi Festival. Thank you to the OC Indian Women for your amazing performance.

Announcing the Aladdin Winners

Kidstock is right around the corner! Get ready to sing, dance, and play with 10 days of fun activities and performances for the whole family! Purchase tickets here: pretendcity.org/kidstock

Pretend City's School Readiness Fair is a week away! Come visit us for this FREE event featuring health & developmental screenings & so much more!

Pretend City's School Readiness Fair is on it's way! Come visit us for this FREE event featuring health & developmental screenings, food trucks & so much more!

Countdown to Noon Years with Pretend City. 2 more countdowns at 2 pm and 4pm. You won't want to miss this exciting event!

Baby shark dance party!

We asked some of our friends what kindness means to them and how they show it. Now, it's YOUR turn. Make a video telling us about an act of kindness you did for someone in your life. The best submission will win 4 free tickets to Pretend City Children's Museum! Tag @pretendcity in your Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook post with the hashtag #kindnesscounts for a chance to win. #worldkindnessday #kindnesschallenge

And the winner is...Luseal and Seamore! Thank you to those that participated. We also want to thank Living Spaces for donating our sea animals to the City. Come visit Luseal And Seamore and share your photos with us!

Pretend City Monster Mash! Trick or Treating is at 1pm! Don't be late :)

THE MONSTER MASH - Frankenstein Friday at Pretend City

Pretend City Provides a wealth of opportunities for families across Orange County and beyond. Operating as a non-profit museums means our organization actively provides crucial resources to so many families in our community. How has Pretend City helped you?

Help us reach our goal

Today is Giving Day Igniting Potential

We are just two days away from Giving Day for the Igniting Potential Campaign! Pretend City Children's Museum is working hard to get the word out about our campaign to give back to our amazing community. 12 organizations across Orange County are working together to raise 135,000! Phew! That's a big number, but with your help, we can accomplish anything. . . You will be able to donate on Wednesday, September 12th by clicking the link!

Igniting Potential Orange County

Find out how YOU can give back to the community of Orange County. September 12th is the exciting 24 hour event where Pretend City and 11 other organizations will race against the clock to raise funds for the Youth of OC. Will you support us? http://ow.ly/dMNT30lJfa2

Come Celebrate our 9th Birthday!! Happy Birthday to Pretend City :) 🎉🎉

All About Me

It's all about Ashley! We found this masterpiece in our Library! Take a look to learn more about Ashley!

Pretend City Children's Museum's COX PSA

Cox Communications has generously granted Pretend City Children's Museum's request for a PSA to promote our mission on building better brains. We provide free developmental health screenings and community outreach to ensure families get their children developmentally assessed. Thank you COX for your support!

Kidstock 2018

Thank you to everyone who attended and took part in our Kidstock Family Friendly Music & Arts Festival! We hope everyone had a blast and made incredible memories! Thank you to all of our artists and performers who put on an incredible show everyday! Music by: https://www.bensound.com/