Self-described as "the world in a nutshell", Pretend City in Irvine, California, is an innovative children's museum that we are lucky to have right in our backyard!
Located in right around the corner from the Irvine Spectrum shopping center and just off of the 405 Freeway, Pretend City is great fun and I highly recommend all parents with young children check it out! It uses imaginative play to teach children how the real world works.
Through exploration and play, children engage with interactive exhibits and learn math, reading, and science skills - all facilitated by well-trained staff.
Exhibits are varied and very entertaining, including a farm area where you can plant vegetables pick fruit off of trees or observe baby chicks, a beach area with sand, a grocery store and bank, a post office where kids can stamp and send letters, a water play area with boats and fishing poles, roads with cars to ride around the "town" in, a gas station for refueling, a stage complete with costumes, and more.
Other fun attractions at Pretend City are:
- An Art Studio
- Library
- Play Cafe
- Dentist and Doctor
There is also a real cafe area with vending machines that have healthy snacks, but you can bring your own lunch as well.
What a great alternative to taking your kids to the park to play - especially on rainy days, and they offer annual memberships if you find yourself returning frequently!
