Mission & History
MISSION & HISTORY >>
At Pretend City, We Believe:
- young children learn best through play
- families are our children’s first and most important teachers
- diversity enriches children’s lives
- play changes the world
We Strive To:
- support healthy childhood development
- nurture a passion for learning through play
- connect families to each other and the community
- provide enlightening and inspiring resources for families, caregivers, and educators of young children
VISION
To ensure that each child is ready for school success by providing real-world learning experiences that children need to develop essential foundational learning skills.
Donate Here
HISTORY >>
In 1999, co-founders Sandy Stone and Alex Airth began transforming their vision for a local, innovative, world-class children’s museum that would help successfully prepare children to meet milestones and prepare for school, experiencing the world through imaginative play. The founders consulted with educational insiders and area families, garnering insight and articulating community needs. The concept of Pretend City soon took form. A strong and forward-thinking Board of Directors came together and undertook years of strategic planning and fundraising until, in August 2009, the entire community celebrated the grand opening of Pretend City at 29 Hubble, Irvine.
Since then, we’ve welcomed over two million children and their families from all backgrounds and learning abilities as they experience our on-of-a-kind, child-sized interactive city. Our learning spaces balance educational experiences through play – the best way for young children (birth – age 8) to learn. Children explore, imagine, and create leading to their measurable and holistic growth. Pretend City offers free health and developmental screenings, rich cultural programming , access for all through reduced admission, Title I field trips, and free neurodivergent family nights. along with providing the community with a fun birthday party and event venue. Pretend City sprung from the imagination to become a well-respected early childhood educational hub attracting parents, grandparents, school groups and educators from throughout southern California and beyond.
Pretend City Children's Museum
29 Hubble
Irvine, CA 92618
949-428-3900
info@pretendcity.org
Stay Connected
Healthy Kids, Healthy Museum
To protect the health of Pretend City Children’s Museum community, we ask families to please only come play with us on days that everyone is feeling well.
© 2025 Pretend City Children's Museum Non-Profit Organization 501(c)3 | Legal | Privacy Policy
