I took the boys today to Pretend City, on Hubble @ Research Drive in Irvine. Definitely had a lot of fun here playing with all of the hands-on exhibits, but I have to say it was crowded because of the rain. I would love to come back to this place on a Friday when I'm not working, for I'm sure it's not as crazy then. I think with it being so crowded poor Trevor was a bit over stimulated. He fell apart a few times, which is always a pleasure. :(

The whole concept of Pretend City is wonderful. Children get a time card to stamp at stations where they would complete pretend jobs in the Pretend City. For every stamp on their time card they can get money from the ATMs that are in the Pretend City. I thought it was pretty cute that they had "donation boxes" for the pretend money at various areas. A little altruism certainly can only help today's children (even if it's just pretend).

We paid $10.00/person to get in, which I think is about average as far as children's museums are concerned. I think I paid $12.00/person when we went to the Phoenix Children's Museum, and Pretend City had far more to offer in the way of hands on activities, space to play, and things to see. I would definitely go back to Pretend City again, and I'm even considering having the boys' Birthday Party there in July. We will always keep this place on our short list of "things to do" on a rainy day or an open day on our schedules. There were many tears when we left (Mommy was tired), which means this place is well worth the trip in my book.

Hayden, working the control board for the Theatre

T-Bone and I checking out the Doctors office (of course, you'd never
know we were in the Doctor's office by this picture!)

T-Bone talking to Daddy on the phone!

T-Bone the Gardener

Hayden checking out the "Marina"

The best part about going to places like this is how well my children sleep for their afternoon nap! Ahh, sweet silence, I love you...

If you are looking to check Pretend City out, they are running a special this December for $2 off one admission per family with the donation of a blanket to the Illumination Foundation. As I just donated all of my old blankets to Goodwill, I didn't have one to bring but I highly suggest bringing one along if you decide to go.

For more information, check out http://www.pretendcity.org