For Jessica Kwon and Tony Nguyen, Pretend City Children’s Museum is far more than a place to visit – it’s a place woven into their family’s story. As parents of two young children, Pretend City became a constant during some of the most formative years of their lives, offering not only joy and imagination for their kids, but also a sense of community and support for their entire family.
Jessica first discovered Pretend City as a new mom, a time when finding meaningful, welcoming spaces for young children can make all the difference. “Pretend City was a lifesaver for my family,” she shares. “My kids loved spending the first years of their life there, and we had an annual membership for about six years while both of them were toddlers and young children.” Those regular visits became treasured routines – days filled with exploration, creativity, and play in a space designed just for kids.
“Pretend City was a magical place for them,” Jessica says, “and a place where we as parents could also take a much-needed break.” Seeing firsthand how impactful the museum was for their family made giving back feel natural. When the City Lights donor circle was formed, Jessica and Tony immediately knew they wanted to be part of it. Supporting Pretend City was a way to honor an organization that had given their family so much.
What resonates most deeply with Jessica is Pretend City’s commitment to imaginative, confidence-building play. “The way kids can explore different ‘grown-up’ roles so freely, imagine careers, and learn about their community by role-playing cannot be underestimated,” she explains. In a world where children are often told what they can’t do, Pretend City stands out as a place where kids hear “yes” instead of “don’t touch.” That encouragement, paired with a safe and meaningful environment, helps children build confidence while discovering who they might become.
One of Jessica’s most cherished memories from Pretend City centers on a simple weekly ritual: story time. Her son loved sitting next to the story-time facilitator, reading along week after week. Years later, that memory came full circle in a beautiful way. Through her professional role at MemorialCare, Jessica participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the redesigned health center at Pretend City. To her delight, the same story-time facilitator was still there. “I was so excited to see her and got to greet her and thank her for being such a special part of my kids’ lives,” Jessica recalls. She even showed her a photo she still had of her and her son together – a powerful reminder of how small moments can leave lasting impressions.
Jessica and Tony’s support of Pretend City also aligns closely with Jessica’s work at MemorialCare. “MemorialCare believes a healthy community begins at birth and through childhood,” she explains. From emotional and behavioral health to nutrition and development, MemorialCare’s mission centers on helping people live healthy, vibrant lives. Pretend City embodies that same philosophy by supporting both children and parents during critical early years. “It’s something I admire about both organizations,” Jessica says, noting how Pretend City nurtures wellbeing through play, education, and connection.
When asked what she wishes more people knew about Pretend City, Jessica doesn’t hesitate. “I always tell people what a magical place it is,” she says, especially highlighting the museum’s inclusive programming. From special days for neurodivergent families to celebrations of diverse cultures, Pretend City creates experiences where all children feel seen and welcome. “It’s so fun to go – and once you do, you realize it’s a place where kids truly thrive.”
