Donor Spotlight >> 

Allison’s Family

Our family first came to Pretend City in 2021, when my kids were 4 and 1. We became members right after our first visit and have been members ever since! Pretend City has been one of our favorite places to go and though we have been dozens of times, they are always excited to create something in the art studio, cook in the restaurant, or check out the rotating summer exhibit!

We have always loved their inclusive polices. While it may seem hard for some parents that snacks can only be consumed in the café and that the city is a nut free zone, these policies have meant the world to us. My son started his journey with a multitude of food allergies at six months old. Especially during his toddler years, Pretend City was the only place that I could consistently take my son where he didn’t come home with a new rash or red splotch. Because of this, Pretend City has been a safe place we could all enjoy, though it does sometimes feels weird to me when he serves me a plate of eggs in the restaurant when it is something he has to avoid in the real world!

In addition, we love that Pretend City introduces the kids to a variety of topics in a kid friendly environment. From different cultures in the restaurant and house area, to celebrating MLK day and World’s Ocean Day, Pretend City knows how to inspire children to be worldly citizens. Ever since dinosaurs invaded the museum during the summer of 2022, my daughter has wanted to be an archeologist after spending hours in the dig box! (Yes, we know that is technically a paleontologist, but she wants to do both.) She was absolutely shocked when she was the only first grader that wanted to be an archeologist for her first grade “What I want to be” book report!

All of these wonderful experiences are why I choose to donate to Pretend City and will continue to do so in the future. My hope is that Pretend City will continue to be a pillar in our community to help foster education and early child development. I cannot wait to see what Pretend City (and my kids in the restaurant kitchen) cook up next!