Pretend City
by Jennifer | Feb 28, 2017
We had so much fun this past week in Newport Beach and Irvine California. It is a great area for families to visit. There are so many family friendly restaurants, shopping and activities. Today I am featuring one of or favorite spots from our trip, Pretend City a nonprofit children’s museum. This mini play city just for kids is located in Irvine California and will keep your little ones busy for hours!
Pretend City is designed to show kids how the real world works. And they can get to work these exhibits like being a cashier at the supermarket, picking apples as a farmer and building as a construction worker. This world is child size, so everything is on a little ones level and super safe and clean. As kids explore this interactive world (there are 17 exhibits) they learn math, reading, science, and problem solving skills. This city has lots of sights (all kiddie sized) like a beach, gas station, library, fire station and more. Please read on to see some of my little ones’ favorites.
My twins we’re occupied for hours in Pretend City’s Trader Joe’s Market (this is a new exhibit that opened this year)! It was just like the Trader Joe’s us adults know and love. Right down to the fresh flowers and produce section! Savannah loved picking out some bananas to buy and Greyson happily rang her out for her purchase.
From farm to fork. Little ones can become a farmer in a kid size orchard. They can pick pretend oranges and apples. And then try their hand at raking and shoving thru a mini garden complete with foam dirt and vegetables. If your child is an animal lover they can select from the animal costumes and pretend to be a chicken or cow on the farm! This exhibit is tons of fun!
Any book-worm will be in heaven in Pretend City’s library. They have hundred of books to choose from. Greyson found his favorite and had a seat a the library’s blue coat to enjoy their books. Savannah made sure he checked his book in and out as she played the role of the librarian. This exhibit was defiantly one of our favorites since we love books so much.
Pretend City is a great place to bring ages infant to 8 years old! Even little ones who can not walk can still have fun exploring and learning My 18 month old niece came along and had the best time!
After all the pretending we headed to “The Real Cafe” to fill our bellies. They have three healthy option vending machines you can purchase food, snacks and beverage from. As well as a microwave, sink and coffee for us Moms. Pretend City also let you bring your own snacks as long as they are nut free.
I highly recommend a visit to Pretend City if you are in the Irvine area. There are so many more exhibits than what we featured and this City will make memories that will last a life time for both you and your littles. We can not wait to go back! Check out their hours and events here