Hands-on Career Day Gives Children Face-to-face Access to Community Heroes
At Pretend City Children’s Museum, kids can be anything from a doctor, a firefighter, an entrepreneur, even a homeowner. But on When I Grow Up Day, those pretend roles met the real world.
For one special day, the community came together to bring those roles to life. Children didn’t just play the part, they met the real people behind the badge, the stethoscope, the uniform, ND the name tag. It was learning through curiosity, connection, and play.
With support from over a dozen local organizations and professionals including MemorialCare, Irvine Police Department, Orange County Fire Authority, Trader Joe’s, Second Harvest Food Bank, Ruth Bruno Real Estate, Orange County Public Libraries, Backhaus Dance, Orange County School of Arts, Discount Tire Center, Marine Mammal, Amigos de Bolsa Chica, and Kind Smile Dental, young citizens explored careers in a way that was playful, approachable, and memorable.
They swaddled baby dolls with nurses. Sat on a real police motorcycle. Danced with professional performers. Explored marine rescue tools. Asked questions, gave high-fives, and tried something new.
“Pretend City is designed to reflect the world children live in, and the one they’re growing into,” said Executive Director Ellen Pais. “When children interact with real people doing real jobs, it deepens their curiosity. It helps them see possibility, in themselves, and in their place in the community.”
Research shows that the first five years of life are the most critical for brain development. That’s why Pretend City focuses on immersive, play-based learning that builds not only early literacy and math skills, but social awareness, communication, and confidence.
When I Grow Up Day is just one of many moments at Pretend City that proves that play is just the beginning. Every visit to the museum gives children the opportunity to role-play as doctors, cashiers, run for mayor, and more, building the social, emotional, and cognitive foundations they’ll carry into kindergarten and beyond.
Because when children are given the chance to explore, imagine, and connect with the world children don’t just pretend who they’ll be. They begin to believe it.
About Pretend City Children’s Museum:
Pretend City Children’s Museum is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, featuring an interconnected city designed to prepare children for milestones and school readiness through imaginative play experiences. Their 19 learning spaces are designed to balance playful engagement and educational experiences with holistic growth.
The museum is a hub for community resources offering developmental screenings and tools for families, educators and community agencies working to ensure that each child gains the experiences needed to discover their potential and build toward a productive and fulfilling future. For more information about Pretend City Children’s Museum and our commitment to fostering children’s development through play, please visit www.pretendcity.org
