Pretend City Children's Museum - Irvine, California

Ruth Bruno Real Estate

If you’re looking for an amazing child development museum with so many things to do with your children you’ve gotta go to Pretend City here in Irvine! I can’t even describe everything it offers to families. They have many events, special events depending on your needs. Private parties and much more. It’s an amazing nonprofit. The staff is so friendly and helpful. I know you’ll have a great time so you gotta go check it out.!!

Victoria Ashley

Such a great time! We went to baby steps (one Sunday a month for kids newborn to 18m) and my almost 15m toddler had a blast! He loved the stage and all the instruments there, and was clapping along during the circle time songs and stories. We will definitely be back ?

H B

The concept of this place is cool and kids can have some fun. It is also very nice they have the 15 mins "try out" period in case they don't like it. But there are some things they should work on:
1. Parking is free but there are very limited spaces. We went on a weekday but had to park on the main road after driving around the parking lot.
2. Price is expensive for a nonprofit organization, 20 dollars for each person (even adults.) I mean I guess I have to play too to make it worth the money lol.
3. It is very crowded even on weekdays, there are no rules, staff is too busy to even just keep it functioning. Kids can get rough sometimes.
4. The whole environment feels stuffy and I am not sure if it is because of how crowded it is or the lack of air flow. My kids got sick after we visited a couple days later, it might not be from there but I would suggest to wear masks in there and bring hand sanitizer.

Jo Ro310

Crowded and expensive entry fee. Snacks from vending machines were not super overpriced. Lots of make believe play areas for kids. We had to wait to get in because the place was at capacity. Donor's names are displayed in each area.

Mr. Tustin - Mauricio Roque

Kid Heaven!
We recently visited Pretend City in Irvine with our kids and their cousins for the first time, and it was awesome!

The kids were all about it. Every new thing they stumbled upon, their eyes lit up. Pretend City is like this mini wonderland where the kids can let loose with their imagination.

We had a blast at the farm area – super detailed, felt like the real deal. The fire station was a hit, and the grocery store was like a tiny shopping spree. But the water area stole the show – lots of splashing.

For us parents, it was chill. The interactive stuff kept the kids busy, and we got to kick back and watch the fun unfold.

Only downside? The hours of operation are limited and it does get busy plus they shut down at 4 pm, which is a bit of a bummer if you're trying to swing by after work during the week. But honestly, the good times made up for it. We're already planning a weekend comeback.

So, if you're on the lookout for a spot for some family fun and learning, Pretend City is where it's at. Our crew had a blast, and we're definitely making it a regular thing

Angela C.

We have been many times! The areas are great for children to explore. My child loves going!

Henry Wang

The ticket is kind of expensive We try to use the membership of the Association of children museum but if don’t work out. The staff gave us a 20% discount which is still nice. This is a very crowded space - a lot of children. We wouldn’t come back here again. There are a lot of activities for children for sure. However there is nothing that I feel the equipment can stimulate children’s creativity and imagination. This is like a big playground.

Nathan Murfree

We have been going to pretend city for over 2 years now. The place is absolutely great for kids 16mo to 9. It's a scaled down city. They constantly bring in new things to do and have lots for the kids to touch and play with. One of the added bonuses about this place is that it's a nonprofit organization, so it's also tax deductible if you plan on getting the membership. They also close the building for a little bit to sanitize the building halfway through the day.
Some of the things they have:
Auto shop
Farming/agriculture zone
Library
Art studio
Meditation/yoga room
Construction zone
Grocery store
Mail delivery store
Soba kitchen ( restaurant the kids can "work" at)
"specialized" room (they change this up depending on holidays, education, etc. it's been things like a dinosaur walk through, camping, Halloween decor, etc ..)
Etc...