“We can’t achieve our goal of making learning joyful for all children without a generous investment from our community. This is truly an opportunity to make a lifetime of difference.”
AN EXCLUSIVE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
The only one of its kind in Orange County, Pretend City answers children’s natural impulses to learn and explore through play. Every meaningful play experience gives parents and caregivers an opportunity to create joyful memories that will continue to bind families long after their child is grown.
We’re growing
so kids can too
We’ve exceeded the capacity of our current space, and need your help to meet the demand of these growing minds. We’re expanding from our cramped 28,000 sq. ft. to an expansive 72,000-sq.-ft. space, including 33 learning spaces (up from 19), plus an all-new outdoor area and a full-service restaurant.
A transformative
opportunity
The City of Irvine has invited Pretend City to build its permanent home on a 45-acre parcel in Irvine’s celebrated Great Park. Alongside our partners, Orange County Music & Dance and the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum, we’re creating a home base for early childhood development and intergenerational connection.
one
community hub for events & learning
two
times the nonprofit partnerships
three
times the square footage including 14 new learning areas
four
times the number of school children visiting annually
The path to success is paved in play
Play is essential to the healthy development of children. It nurtures their social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth. Emotionally, play is plain fun; it’s a safe zone to imagine, investigate, explore, wonder and just do what children do.
Rooted in child development
From conducting assessments and providing connections to resources to growing our pipeline of esteemed professionals, we’re involved advocates for early childhood development on all fronts. We also work with parents and caregivers to identify engaging strategies they can implement at home.
“Play isn’t just for kids. Engaging parents, caregivers and the community in play is fundamental to the healthy development of every child. The new Pretend City will make that possible.”
Kimberly Goll
President/CEO,
First 5 Orange County
First 5 Orange County
Learning Spaces - Interior
Pretend City at the Great Park will be home for beloved learning experiences—like the amphitheater, post office, doctor’s office, café and home—reimagined from the ground up. They’ll be designed with everything we’ve learned over the past 14 years in our current space. And new experiences will reflect modern life and be welcoming for all.
Learning Spaces - Exterior
A most exciting element of Pretend City at the Great Park is an all-new outdoor space that connects kids with our beautiful natural environment. So, our current “outdoor” indoor learning spaces will become even more inspiring when they’re outside.
Be part of a lasting legacy
Our innovative learning spaces foster creativity, critical thinking and social development in young children. These re-creations of the real world lend themselves to perfect sponsorship opportunities.
Progress Updates
The Cultural Terrace will be home to Pretend City Children’s Museum
The Cultural Terrace will be home to Pretend City Children’s Museum On March 26, 2024, the Great Park Board and City Council voted to approve lease agreements for Pretend City and Orange County Music & Dance. These agreements will pave the way for the development
Pretend City is on the Move: Big Changes, Bigger Possibilities!
Exciting progress is underway at the Cultural Terrace! With demolition complete and rough grading and environmental remediation nearly finished, the site at the corner of Skyhawk and Marine Way is transforming rapidly.
Great Park’s Heart of the Park
On September 17th, Pretend City was honored to attend the Great Park's Heart of the Park event. We joined City Manager Oliver Chi, Mayor Farrah Khan, Vice Mayor Larry Agran, and the City Council
Pretend City Joins City of Irvine’s Cultural Terrace Groundbreaking
The future of Pretend City is groundbreaking…literally! Tuesday, May 7th marked an exciting milestone in Pretend City’s journey to the Great Park. Hundreds joined us at the City of Irvine’s Groundbreaking at the Cultural Terrace, the site of our new home set to open by
Campaign Committee
We’re proud to announce our Boundless! Campaign Committee: Travis Boyd, Co-Chair, Boundless Campaign.
Bill H. Lyon, Co-Chair, Boundless Campaign.
Erin Boyl, Board Chair.
Daniel Campos.
Casey McCracken.
Sandy Stone, Co-Founder.
Carl Tong.
Bill H. Lyon, Co-Chair, Boundless Campaign.
Erin Boyl, Board Chair.
Daniel Campos.
Casey McCracken.
Sandy Stone, Co-Founder.
Carl Tong.
New Partner: Beyond Blindness
We’re excited and proud to announce the expansion of our partnership with Beyond Blindness as a nonprofit tenant of Pretend City at the Great Park. Beyond Blindness, formerly Blind Children’s Learning Center, empowers children with visual impairments and other disabilities to achieve their fullest potential.
Pretend City at the Great Park
Project Overview by Ellen Pais, Executive Director
Learning Space Fly Through
Bill H. Lyon
Executive Chairman, William Lyon Homes | Pretend City Board Member | Capital Campaign Advisory Board Chair
“High-quality early childhood is the best investment strategy for increasing the number of children graduating from high school, pursuing meaningful careers and having the tools to problem-solve for a lifetime.”
Ellen Pais
Executive Director | Pretend City Children’s Museum
“Children who are allowed to play are faster learners, more creative and more socially competent.”
Dr. Stuart Brown
Founder | National Institute for Play
Childhood only
happens once
With your help, we can amplify impact. We can meet all children, from all walks of life, at this critical moment in their lives and continue to inspire futures shaped by rich creative experiences.
