Pretend City Children's Museum
A miniature city where kids explore, learn, and play through imaginative role-playing in various professions and daily activities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more playtime
Pretend City Children's Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more playtime
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A miniature city where kids explore, learn, and play through imaginative role-playing in various professions and daily activities.
"The ingenuity, imagination, touch, ability, accessibility, interaction - just not enough words to describe all the types of play!"
๐ Wear Comfy Shoes!
You'll be walking a lot, so comfortable footwear is essential for parents.
๐ง Pack a Change of Clothes
The water play area is a hit; bring a spare outfit for the kids!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Miniature City Exploration
Throughout the museum
Kids can explore a child-sized city, role-playing various professions and daily activities.
Trader Joe's & UPS Store
Marketplace and Shipping Center
Popular spots where children can practice shopping and shipping in a fun, interactive environment.
Water Play Area
Designated water zone
A splash-tastic zone where kids can cool off and engage in sensory play. Bring a change of clothes!
Career Role-Playing
Various exhibits (Police Station, Hospital, etc.)
Aspiring firefighters, doctors, and police officers can don costumes and engage in imaginative play.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Maximize Playtime
Pack Smart for a Smooth Day
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
๐ Wear Comfy Shoes!
You'll be walking a lot, so comfortable footwear is essential for parents.
๐ง Pack a Change of Clothes
The water play area is a hit; bring a spare outfit for the kids!
๐ Bring Snacks & Water
Pack your own refreshments for a more convenient and enjoyable visit.
โฐ Arrive Early or Plan Re-entry
Beat the crowds by arriving at opening or utilize the re-entry option before 4 PM.
Tips
from all over the internet
๐ Wear Comfy Shoes!
You'll be walking a lot, so comfortable footwear is essential for parents.
๐ง Pack a Change of Clothes
The water play area is a hit; bring a spare outfit for the kids!
๐ Bring Snacks & Water
Pack your own refreshments for a more convenient and enjoyable visit.
โฐ Arrive Early or Plan Re-entry
Beat the crowds by arriving at opening or utilize the re-entry option before 4 PM.
๐ถ Check for Special Events
Themed events like KidStock offer extra fun and unique experiences.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors overwhelmingly praise Pretend City for its ingenuity, imagination, and focus on screen-free, interactive play. Many highlight the cleanliness and well-maintained exhibits, with staff actively engaging with children. While some find the 'diversity' message a bit overt, the overall sentiment is that it's a highly recommended, fun, and educational experience for young children.
"Of all the places Iโve ever been with my grandsons, this is by far, my absolute, absolute, absolute favorite! The ingenuity, imagination, touch, ability, accessibility, interaction, there are just not enough words to describe all the types of play that Pretend City encourages and allows! I wish we could duplicate this place in every major city, I saw so many toddlers and young children working and playing together, no screens, no fancy electronic devices, just clean, imaginative, fun! If I could give a suggestion, just one suggestion, have a great place to take your toddler to Southern California families this would be the place I would recommend! Bravo to the amazing builders planners and workers here!!! I hope that other communities have a chance to visit and find a way to replicate this beautiful world in their world!!"
Barnum Angelique
"The most chaotic city I've ever been to. ๐ My kids had a blast exploring all the fun things. They loved the ups truck and trader joes most. They had at least one staff person in each area cleaning and putting stuff back to be played with again. It honestly really surprised me how well kept the place was. I recommend parents wear comfortable shoes because you'll be walking a ton! And bring a snack/water for yourself. They do a parade out to the front door about 15 minutes before closing which makes leaving so much easier. Will go back for sure."
Heather M
"We took our class on a field trip to Pretend City, and it was an absolute hit from start to finish! Every child found something they lovedโfrom the grocery store and post office to the construction zone and art studio. Itโs like a mini city built just for kids, and they had the freedom to explore, learn, and play all at once.
The staff were welcoming, organized, and great with kids. Everything was clean and well-maintained, and the exhibits encouraged creativity and cooperation. It was amazing to watch the kids fully engagedโworking together in the restaurant, checking out books in the library, and even learning about traffic safety.
Perfect for preschool and early elementary agesโboth educational and just plain fun. Weโll definitely be back!"
Allie Schreiber
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
๐ ๐บ๏ธ Getting There
Pretend City is located at 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618. It's easily accessible by car, and many visitors mention its proximity to the Irvine Spectrum Center. 
Yes, there is parking available for visitors. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on busy days, to secure a spot.
While specific public transport routes aren't detailed in the provided content, Irvine has a public transit system. Checking local transit schedules for routes near 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA would be advisable.
The museum is designed for young children, and while strollers might be manageable, it's a busy environment. Many parents opt to leave strollers in their cars if possible, or be prepared to navigate through crowds.
From Los Angeles, you would typically take the I-5 South towards Irvine. The museum is located near the Irvine Spectrum Center, making it a convenient destination.
๐ซ ๐ซ Tickets & Entry
Tickets are generally around $22 per person. Keep an eye out for special promotions or BOGO deals that may be offered.
Yes, your admission pass allows for re-entry for the day before 4 PM, which is a great tip for maximizing your visit.
Special deals, like BOGO ticket offers for subscribers, have been partnered with in the past. It's worth checking local parent guides or the museum's website for current promotions.
Operating hours can vary, but the museum typically allows re-entry until 4 PM. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours.
While not explicitly stated as mandatory, booking in advance is often recommended, especially for special events or during peak seasons, to ensure entry.
๐ซ ๐งญ Onsite Experience
Pretend City is generally recommended for children aged 2 to 8 years old, though older and younger siblings can also enjoy the experience.
Kids particularly love the Trader Joe's, UPS Store, police station, and the water play area.
While designed for kids, adults can enjoy watching their children explore and engage. The interactive nature of the exhibits can also be surprisingly engaging for adults.
Yes, Pretend City hosts special events like 'KidStock' and seasonal celebrations, such as Christmas decorations and Santa visits.
Reviews consistently praise the cleanliness and how well-maintained the exhibits are, with staff actively cleaning and restocking.
๐ฝ๏ธ ๐ฝ๏ธ Food & Dining
Yes, bringing your own snacks and water is recommended for parents to stay refreshed during the visit.
While the museum has a cafe, specific details about the menu or pricing are not provided. Bringing your own food is a common suggestion.
There are areas within the museum where families can take a break. The cafe is also an option for purchasing refreshments.
Pretend City is located near the Irvine Spectrum Center, which offers a wide variety of dining options for families.
Yes, it's generally acceptable to bring baby bottles and snacks for toddlers. It's always good to check their specific policy if you have concerns.
๐ธ ๐ธ Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. Many visitors share their experiences on social media.
The colorful and interactive exhibits, especially the Trader Joe's, police station, and seasonal decorations, make for great photo opportunities.
While personal photography is usually fine, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors' privacy and avoid intrusive photography.
Yes, capturing videos of your children's imaginative play is a wonderful way to remember their visit.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is usually sufficient, as the indoor lighting can vary. A camera with a versatile lens would also work well.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง Families with Young Children
The interactive exhibits are designed to be safe and engaging, with staff actively maintaining cleanliness and order. Tips like arriving early or utilizing the re-entry option can help manage crowds and ensure a less stressful experience.
๐ Budget-Conscious Visitors
The re-entry policy is a fantastic way to get more playtime for your admission fee, allowing you to leave and return later in the day. Consider visiting on a weekday morning to potentially avoid higher weekend crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience without needing to rush. The value lies in the extensive opportunities for imaginative and educational play that can keep children entertained for hours.
๐ Educational Field Trips
Field trips here encourage collaboration and social interaction among students as they work together in various scenarios. It's a fantastic way for young learners to explore concepts like community, careers, and civic engagement in a tangible way.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Power of Imaginative Play
Each exhibit, like the Post Office, Cafe, or Farm, is crafted to encourage interaction and collaboration. Children learn to communicate, negotiate, and work together towards common goals, mirroring real-world scenarios in a safe and engaging space. The museum's commitment to providing a screen-free experience is a significant draw for parents seeking to limit their children's digital exposure.
This focus on hands-on exploration and role-playing makes Pretend City a standout destination for early childhood development. It's not just about playing; it's about learning through play in a way that feels natural and exciting for young minds.
Navigating Pretend City: Tips from the Community
To make the most of your visit, consider arriving early, especially on weekends, to avoid the largest crowds.
For those with very young children, it's worth noting that while the museum is designed for ages 2-8, the sheer size and activity level might be overwhelming for infants. However, the ingenuity and imagination fostered here are universally praised, making it a highly recommended spot for families in Southern California.
Seasonal Fun and Special Events
These seasonal events add an extra layer of magic and provide unique experiences for returning visitors. Beyond holidays, the museum hosts events like KidStock, a creative festival that offers additional fun and engagement for little ones.
These events are often included with museum admission, making them a great value. It's always a good idea to check Pretend City's schedule for upcoming events, as they frequently partner with local organizations for special promotions and activities. These special events not only enhance the visitor experience but also highlight the museum's commitment to providing dynamic and engaging programming for children and families throughout the year.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit