Building Lifelong Bonds Through Play at Pretend City
For our family, Pretend City has always been more than a museum. It’s a place where learning, imagination, and togetherness come alive. From the very beginning, Pretend City’s belief that children learn best through play deeply resonated with us. We’ve seen that philosophy come to life through the excitement and joy our granddaughter experiences every time she walks through the doors. Watching her curiosity unfold and her confidence grow during each visit has been incredibly meaningful, and it inspired us to support Pretend City’s continued growth – especially as the museum prepares for its future move to the Great Park.
While we know Pretend City plays an important role in serving the broader community, including its outreach to Title I schools, the impact we feel most personally happens in those shared moments of play. Exploring the museum side by side with our granddaughter allows her imagination to flourish while giving us the rare gift of seeing the world through her eyes. “Whether she’s building, pretending, or performing, I’m not just observing her learning, I’m participating in it with her. Those moments of connection are what make Pretend City so special to us,” shares Rachel.
“Each visit offers a new reminder of how thoughtfully the museum encourages children to grow socially and emotionally. I’m always struck by the way children naturally learn to cooperate and share, taking turns with construction equipment, working together to prepare meals in the restaurant, or collaborating on stage during a performance. These small, everyday interactions quietly teach lessons in teamwork, patience, and empathy, all within a joyful and safe environment designed just for children.”
Our City Lights membership and participation on the committee have deepened our connection to Pretend City even further, opening the door to special events and experiences that bring our whole family together. It has made us feel like part of a vibrant community united by a shared belief in the power of play.
“As a grandparent, I’ve come to realize just how influential these shared experiences can be. By engaging in play alongside my granddaughter, I’m not only supporting her learning; I’m building a relationship rooted in trust, joy, and presence. Those are the kinds of memories that last a lifetime, and Pretend City has given us the perfect place to create them.”
