Pretend City: {December} Activities & Toy Drive

The Holidays are a blast at Pretend City!

We went to a lot of the celebrations last year and they were all so fun!

This year they have even more fun things to celebrate all the

holidays and special events from different cultures.

Don't miss out!

Last year at the holiday celebrations!

Sunday, December 9 – Saturday, December 15: Lil’ Me Mornings – Hooray for Hanukkah 

Time: Monday – Friday 11:00a.m.; Saturday & Sunday 10:30a.m.

Celebrate Hanukkah at Pretend City! These rich and diverse circle times will work to explain and teach your child about the Hanukkah miracle and the importance of many of the traditional symbols of the holiday. Games, finger play rhymes, art projects and activities will ensure that your child has fun in the process.  

Sunday, December 16 – Sunday, December 23: Engaging Afternoons – Las Posadas Fiesta! 

Time:  Tuesday – Friday 3:30p.m.; Saturday & Sunday 2:30p.m.

This week we partake in a Las Posadas Celebration! Every afternoon your child will engage in activities that will help them have an understanding of the cultures that celebrate Las Posadas and some of the regional traditions associated with the holiday. Activities include “Bunuelos” cookie art, piñata party, glitter poinsettia art and the traditional Mexican game of domino trains.

Sunday, December 16 – Sunday, December 23: Lil’ Me Mornings – Christmas Countdown

Time: Monday – Friday 11:00a.m.; Saturday & Sunday 10:30a.m.

The countdown to Christmas has begun! The week that leads up to Christmas is an exciting and magical time for young children. The wait for Christmas Day can seem endless! This week’s daily morning activities will help to channel your young child’s anticipation into simple activities that celebrate the holiday.

Wednesday, December 26 – Monday, December 31: Lil’ Me Mornings – Festival of Kwanzaa

Time: Monday – Friday 11:00a.m.; Saturday & Sunday 10:30a.m.

Kwanzaa is here, and there are so many fun things to do! Each day, children will have the opportunity to participate in lighting another candle on the Kinara. Then, we will celebrate the Kwanzaa principle of the day through a variety of activities, including: working at the family stand, making gifts for family and friends, playing African games, and even having a “feast”! These morning activities are a perfect way to begin teaching your children about the meaning and traditions of this joyous holiday.

Holiday Open/Close Schedule:

• Monday, December 17 – Pretend City Open Full Day
• Monday, December 24 – Pretend City Closed Full Day 
• Tuesday, December 25 – Pretend City Closed Full Day 

In addition to the above activities - Pretend City has a Toy Drive for CHOC going on right now.
Don't miss seeing Santa on his motorcycle - it's so cool!

Friday, December 14: CHOC Toy Drive Pick up by Orange Coast Harley Owners Group

Time: 12:00p.m

Join us for a special visit from hundreds of Harley Davidson riders as they come to Pretend City to pick up all of the toys we’ve collected for the children at CHOC Children’s Hospital. Watch your child’s eyes light up as Santa comes riding in on his motorcycle. The sound of hundreds of motorcycles cruising around the corner is one your child will surely remember! They’ll even have a chance to come out and look at the motorcycles up close. With parent supervision of course!

Celebrate Thanksgiving a Day Early at Pretend City!

We have the entire week off school - woohoo!!!

But that leaves me with a lot of time to keep my two littles engaged and out of trouble.

So, we're headed to Pretend City to celebrate Thanksgiving a day early!

You could join us!

Here's an outline of the day's festivities:

• Art Studio - Smart Art – Have a gobbling good time with this funny smart art activity. You and your child will learn a little bit about turkeys, while having a fun snood to smile with at Thanksgiving.
• Sensational Story Time - Gobble gobble up these books for a Thanksgiving treat! From hilarious turkeys to holiday history, your children will learn and engage.
• Good To Go Game - It wouldn’t seem like Thanksgiving time without post-feast football activities. Join us in fun, physical, activity games, like Free the Fowl and Turkey Trot, to develop gross motor skills and get ready for a full holiday belly!
• Listen & Learn – Join us to Do the Turkey Poke while learning about the farm in these fun listen and learn music and movement times.

 All the day's activities are included with paid admission for the day.

Hope to see you there!

Pretend City: {October} Activities

Woohoo!
It's October at Pretend City and the city and it's "crawling" with exciting things to do.
There are creepy crawlers and cool creatures at Pretend City Children's museum
this spooky month of October. The kids can explore the craggy caves, grassy meadow,
and frightful farm shed to find the squirmy bugs and reptiles.
There is a special activity each day of the week throughout the month.

• Mondays: Art Studio Sessions – Baby Bugs

Squishy, Slimy, Creepy Crawly art projects are in store for little ones every Monday! These activities are geared to help children improve fine motor skills through the manipulation of art materials, like paint brushes and pencils.

• Tuesdays: Engaging Afternoons – Build-My-Skills Bugs (Time: 3:30p.m.)

Watch children’s skills grow as they progress through bug-themed activities. Each week’s activity will gradually increase in difficulty. These activities will utilize social interaction to support a little learner’s development and provide the support structures necessary to get to the next challenging level or stage. Children will stay engaged as they find continuously challenging bug battles to win!

• Wednesdays: Lil’ Me Mornings – Read It! Sing It!  (Time: 11:00a.m.)

Read it, Sing it Lil’ Me Mornings is the coolest thing to happen to bugs! Stories and songs are second to none in their ability to inspire and energize children while enhancing the learning process. Every Wednesday children will have the opportunity to delight in a reading of a bug poem. The poems will transform into songs as they are sung to familiar children’s tunes. With lots of rhyme, rhythm and repetition they will build phonemic awareness as they follow along.

• Thursdays: Engaging Afternoons – Sensational Science (Time: 3:30p.m.)

Get an up close and personal look at incredible insects during these sensational science afternoon activities! Children will be introduced to and explore specimens that they may have never known of – from a tiger beetle to a lantern fly. As your children participate in a variety of activities, such as matching and sorting, they will build their vocabulary while learning about life cycles, bug body parts, and more!

• Fridays: Art Studio Sessions – Frightful Flyers

On a special night with the moon shining bright, what will come lurking out of the shadows and sights? All of these frightful flyers are signs of the Halloween holiday. Children will enjoy using these characters and symbols as inspiration for their art.

• Saturdays: Lil’ Me Mornings –Insect Investigation (Time: 10:30a.m.)

As children explore and examine fascinating insect specimens, they’ll feel just like real scientists making incredible discoveries! Every Saturday they can use the magnifier to investigate amazing specimens—from a silkworm cocoon and a stag beetle to a super-realistic dragonfly fossil. Corresponding activities will follow to help a child remember the exciting facts that they just learned.

• Sundays: Art Studio Sessions – Halloween Haunts

Bring on the Halloween fun with these ghoulishly great art activities for children of all ages! These take home activities are sure to help you create eerie exteriors and rooms with a boo!

 

In addition to the daily activities, there are some special events:

 

Monday, October 15: Baby Steps through Pretend City!

Time: 2:00-3:30p.m.

Specifically for: Infant (0-18 months), Grown-ups. For the comfort of our infant guests, no older siblings please.

RSVP: Maximum 60 adults

Fee: $10 per adult, infants and Pretend City Members are FREE!

Sunday, October 21: Pumpkin Carving Workshop (Time:  1:30-3:30p.m.)

Who doesn’t love carving pumpkins for Halloween? Families will have the opportunity to learn to carve pumpkins like a pro!  Visit Pretend City to learn specialized tips and tricks from the pumpkin carving master, Jim Morey of VIP Carvings.  Our Pumpkin Carving Workshop includes all of the supplies needed along with a pumpkin to take home! With the tricks learned the workshop, and a little bit of patience, this year you will be wowing your friends and neighbors with your awesome looking pumpkin carvings!

Fee: $15 per child

  

Wednesday, October 31: Halloween Bug Bash

Time:   A.M. activities: Kiosk Café, Music & Movement (morning times may vary)

P.M. activities: Kiosk Café, “Good To Go” Game (afternoon times may vary)

Little ghouls and boys will have a howling good time at our Halloween Bug Bash! 

There’s something for every little trick-or-treater – two-legs and all! 

Come dressed to thrill in our creepy, creaky, critter city.

• FREE Dental Screenings- 10a.m.-12p.m. (first come, first served)

Creep and crawl your way through the city as you Trick-or-Treat at each of our exhibit spaces every 2 hours. This party is bound to start off with a scream!

Wednesday, October 24: Pretend City Symposium: Understanding Challenging Behaviors

Time:    6:00 – 8:30p.m.

Specifically for:  Parents, caregivers, early childhood educators, healthcare professionals in the pediatric field. For the comfort of our guests, no children please.

Why do challenging behaviors occur? Children often use challenging behaviors when they lack more appropriate behaviors or skills to accomplish the same goal or to communicate the message. Join our panel of experts as they share ways to understand challenging behaviors and offer helpful tips to address these behaviors. Each panelist will discuss an age range of challenging behaviors for children from birth to 10 years of age. Professional growth hours will be offered.

 

Panel of Experts:

• Craig Childress, Psy.D., Psychologist
• Kai Kaiser, M.A., WestEd Center for Child & Family Studies
• Sandi Walters, M.A., WestEd Center for Child & Family Studies

RSVP:  Maximum: 100 adults

Fee:  $10 per person / $8 per person for groups of 10*

*light beverages and handouts included

Pretend City: Advanced {Screening} of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

This Saturday Pretend City has the opportunity to offer

an advanced screening of PBS's new series

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood!

This highly anticipated show is not airing to the

general public until Monday, September 3rd on PBS,

but Pretend City patrons have the opportunity to view

an advanced screening of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

at either 10:30 or 1:30 on Saturday, September 1st.

About Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood - from PBS:

"A new generation of preschool “neighbors” will get to experience the Neighborhood of Make-Believe when DANIEL TIGER'S NEIGHBORHOOD premieres Monday, September 3, 2012, on PBS KIDS.  The first TV series inspired by the iconic, award-winning MISTER ROGERS' NEIGHBORHOOD, DANIEL TIGER'S NEIGHBORHOOD from The Fred Rogers Company stars 4-year-old Daniel Tiger, son of the original program’s Daniel Striped Tiger, who invites young viewers into his world, giving them a kid’s-eye view of his life. As they closely follow and share Daniel’s everyday adventures, preschoolers ages 2-4 and their families learn fun and practical strategies and skills necessary for growing and learning."

We are huge PBS SoCal fans at our house.

The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That!, Curious George,

and Wild Kratts are already TV viewing staples, 

so I'm excited for my kids to have learning experiences with Daniel

like I did growing up with Mr. Rogers.

As a mom and an educator I really appreciate quality programming

for preschoolers that addresses their unique developmental

situations like expressing feelings, exploring routines, 

and modeling positive relationships.

It means a lot that PBS values preschoolers as special

little people that deserve quality programming

that allows them to be little and not grow up too fast.

So, if you're able,

head on down to Pretend City on Saturday

and catch a preview of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood!

 You can read more about Daniel HERE!

Pinterest Party: {Extreme} Awesomeness Edition

If you want to know how to host a
Pinterest Party: {Extreme} Awesomeness Edition,
then you need to consult this lady right here.

(It was Kara Noel's birthday that week. So we had to celebrate her!)

No joke.
She is LEGIT.
I have this super awesome group of crafty friends:

Aimee
Andrea
Bev
Jaime
Kara Noel

and we had a grand idea after the Mindy Gledhill concert
at the Queen Bee Market back in November,
while chatting well into the chilly night out in the parking lot,
where all great ideas occur,
to start having a Pinterest Party each month.

Wow, that was a run on sentence if I ever did see one!

If you're not familiar with what a Pinterest Party is . . .
The host picks 2-3 crafts that can be completed in a few
hours that she has theoretically "pinned" on Pinterest.
The guests each bring $20 to cover the cost of the crafts
and a yummy dish to share that they have pinned from Pinterest.
And Pins become reality.

Due to bad luck, vacations, and my terrible bout with diverticulitis,
Kara Noel's party in July was the first party I've actually been able to attend.

It was so much fun!

Kara Noel is a fantastic hostess
and she had different stations where we could
do lots of different crafts and projects.

My favorite was this "You Are My Sunshine" canvas.


And I {ADORE} my little succulent garden complete with a Hot Pink frog :)


There was also a chevron cork board project going on
that I didn't get to finish, but you should check out what
Julie accomplished with it.
Think rainbow awesomeness.
I wish.

It was so fun to meet some other bloggers in real life,
make new friends, and chat about random topics
with friends.


And the swag!
Oh the swag!!
Kara Noel totally outdid herself.
The kids were chomping at the bit
to get their hands on the basket when I got home.


It was filled to the brim with RoseArt goodness.
Things I would never buy, not because they aren't awesome,
but because I fear the mess and the chaos.
Think paint, glitter, glue . . . all the good stuff.

What? - you say.
A crafter that doesn't like a mess? - you say.
That's crazy talk. - you say
Oh, there's more out there than you think.

But you know who adores messes?
This girl.
And I'm super grateful to RoseArt for making her messy dreams come true.


I can't wait to make use of this other rad swag from
Burke Williams, Juice It Up, Farfaria, Pretend City,
the Discovery Science Center, and the OC Zoo.

It was a fabulous day full of lots of delicious food -

seriously all of the guests made AMAZING dishes -

fun crafts and fabulous conversations with friends.

I highly recommend hosting a Pinterest Party of your own.

In fact, next month it's my turn!

Eeek!

You can read more about the party on Kara Noel's blog

and Julie's blog.
And check out Bev & Aimee's party from February HERE and HERE!

Pretend City is Turning Three!

 

 

Pretend City is turning THREE!!!!

To celebrate they want children to explore what they want to be when they grow up.

A firefighter, dentist, chef, doctor, dancer, athlete…

have you asked your child what they want to be when they grow up? 

Right now I have an artist/painter and a scientist that learns about animals.

I love it!

 

 

As children become more aware of the world around them and all that is available to them, 

they are able to explore, create and discover in a way that prepares them for a successful future.   

I hope you'll join Pretend City for this very special “When I Grow Up Day” and celebrate its birthday and welcome special guests from our community including police officers, firefighters, dancers, doctors, beekeepers, lifeguards, chefs and more!

 

Friday, August 24: 3^rd Annual “When I Grow Up Day!”

Time: Specific offerings throughout the day

Specifically for:  Children of all ages; Grown-ups

Programs available on a first come, first served basis. 

Fee:  Included with museum admission

 

 

 

Additional August activities:

 

Monday, August 20: Baby Steps through Pretend City!  (2:00 – 3:30pm)

Specifically for: : Infants (birth -12 months), Young Toddlers (12-18 months), Grown-ups. For the comfort of our infant guests, no older siblings please.

Pretend City is an exciting adventure for all children, however, there are times when it may be tough for infants to get around and explore. This is why we have created this special time dedicated to all those infants who want to move around the city freely. This exclusive, infant only event offers great resources for parents, an environment that is better suited to your baby’s needs, age-appropriate facilitated activities and a clean, safe, tactile space for infants to explore. Ages & Stages Questionnaires* will be offered to all attendees to ensure your little one is developing on the right track!  They're FREE, fast and easy! * Available for Orange County residents only.

Play Partner: Help Me Grow, Orange County 

RSVP: Maximum 60 adults 

Fee: $10 per adult, infants and Pretend City Members are FREE!  

 

Friday, August 31: Parent’s Night Out, Children’s Night In – Treasure Hunt! (6:00pm – 9:00pm)

Specifically for: Preschoolers (4-5 years), School Ages (5-8 years)

*All children must be toilet trained.

Calling all cartographers (map makers)! Tonight is your night at Pretend City to have a little map making and reading fun! Enjoy a variety of map based activities that allow our cartographers to explore the city. Tonight’s fun twist will have children creating their very own treasure map of Pretend City. They will have the opportunity to hide their treasure and then make a map of where it is to give to a friend. The night will end with a mini showing of Muppet’s Treasure Island. 

RSVP:  Reservations required by Wednesday, August 29, 2012 (10:00am deadline) to secure your space. 

• On-site registration will not be permitted. 
• Event is subject to cancellation should the minimum amount of attendees not be met. 
• Maximum: 35 children; Minimum: 20 children
• Adult/Child Ratio: 1:5

Fee:  $35 per child, $30 per child for two or more children from the same family, $25 per child for members

Pretend City: June Activities and Awesomeness

Woohoo! 

It's time again for some amazing fun at Pretend City!

You'll want to read to the end of the post to find out 

how you can get 2 for 1 admission ALL WEEK!!!!

Science in the Summer- Wednesday, June 20^th  (all day)

Today officially marks the first day of summer! What better way to celebrate the start of summer than with fun science experiments that help investigate sunny summer happenings? Take a look at the science topics and corresponding activities that will be taking place throughout the day:

• Transformation and Change – Frozen Fruit! Ice Pops are a favorite summer treat and a perfect opportunity to observe the reversible change caused by cold!
• Estimation Exploration – Several Seashells – Learn about estimating numbers of objects and practice counting skills as we check our estimate of summertime object – seashells! 
• Weather Wonders – Sun Block Investigation – Why do we have to put on that icky sticky sun block in the summer? Find out in this investigation as we explore the way sun block works to protect us. 
• Hearty Health – Move it! Summer is the perfect time to get outdoors and move it! Today children will explore how exercise changes our heartbeats. 

RSVP: Not required 

Fee:  Included with museum admission

PBS SoCal Day with Sid the Science Kid- Sunday, June 24^th (10am-3pm)

Calling all scientists to come out and explore with Sid the Science Kid!  Your child’s natural curiosity makes it easy to introduce science concepts during everyday activities. Who better to explore science with than Sid the Science Kid!

RSVP: Not Required

Fee: Included with museum admission

* Delays are to be expected. 

 

Other June Activities at Pretend City:

Celebrate Father’s Day! - Saturday, June 16^th  (all day)

This year celebrate Father’s Day early at Pretend City! Your experience is guaranteed to help dads, uncles, grandpas and kids alike enjoy the magic of playtime together and tap into the infinite possibilities of their imagination. The day’s guided activities will be brimming with endless fun and scientific tidbits so join us to discover:

• Scientific Stories – Daddies Do It Different will be the basis for the start of utilizing the science skills of comparison and observation. Your child will enjoy fun stories while bringing a personal touch to a Venn diagram activity. 
• Sensational Science – Mechanics Machines! Today’s the day to play in the “garage” just like dad! Children and grown-ups will encounter open-ended problem-solving Lego activities designed to enable them to explore, investigate, and solve tasks related to mechanical principles.
• Creative Construction – WoodWorks! Dads and children alike will enjoy this workshop! Using realistic tools, families can work together to build a take-home project out of foam "wood".
• Smart Art – I Love My Daddy! This book will inspire smiles as we see the love between parent and child from a toddler’s point of view. This will be followed by an art activity of love

RSVP: Not required

Fee: Free. Included with museum admission.

Baby Steps through Pretend City with Center for Living Peace!

Monday, June 18^th  (2-3:30pm)

Join us for this very special Baby Steps as we welcome the Center for Living Peace as they present Baby and Me Yoga. Yoga benefits both parents and babies. For parents it provides encouragement to live a healthy lifestyle while assisting to strengthen the bond between you and your child. For babies, yoga builds neuromuscular development. In addition to this wonderful class, make sure to take part in our specialized activities within our exhibits that focus on your child’s developmental play within the city. 

RSVP: http://pretendcity.org/events/ max 60

Fee: $10 per adult, infants and Pretend City Members are FREE!  

Parent’s Night Out, Children’s Night In – Get Out, Come In, and Move!

Friday, June 22^nd  (6-9p.m.)

Parents, take the night off and drop the kids off at Pretend City! We'll be moving and grooving to the beat as we learn about keeping our bodies healthy. A special viewing of Sid the Science Kid's "Get Up and Move" episode will surely help burn off some energy just in time for you to pick them up!

RSVP:  Reservations required by Wednesday, June 20, 2012 to secure your space. 

• On-site registration will not be permitted. 
• Event is subject to cancellation should the minimum amount of attendees not be met. 
• Maximum: 35 children; Minimum: 20 children
• Adult/Child Ratio: 1:5

Fee:  $35 per child, $30 per child for two or more children from the same family, $25 per child for members

 

 

For the first time EVER! Pretend City is offering

2 for 1 admission for an ENTIRE WEEK!

Pretend City: AAA Road Safety Day

Have you been longing to take the kids to Pretend City?
Well, tomorrow is the day to do it!!!!

It's AAA Road Safety Day and they are having 

Buy One Get One Free Entry!

AAA Road Safety Day- Saturday, May 19^th (all day)

Fasten your seat belts because today we launch our very first Auto Club Day! This day is presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California. Our guests will have a new way to explore the city by focusing on safe driving.  It is never too early to help children ensure that they are playing safely in the community and that they understand those important rules which are very important for them to follow for safe play. Through fun activities and new offerings children will enjoy learning safety tips for the road and driving; here’s some of the activities look forward to:

• Sensational Story time: Me On The Map - One of the benefits of being an Auto Club member is the opportunity to learn more about traveling! Today our sensational story times will focus on stories that explore a variety of places around the world and traveling. 
• Plaza Play: City Streets – Every day Pretend City offers a variety of pedal cars for children to drive through the city, including a AAA tow truck. Today we will have a special focus on traffic sign/light recognition, directions, and map reading.
• Smart Art: Transp-“art”-ation - This smart art activity will combine children’s creativity and a bit of engineering! Children will have the opportunity to use a variety of objects to build their very own cars while learning about safe cars.  
• When I Grow Up Guest: Police Pals - Police officers play a very important role in ensuring that all citizens in the community are adhering to safe driving practices. Children will have fun experiencing such things as monitoring traffic lights, crosswalks and street signs just like a real police officer.

RSVP: Not required

Fee: Included with museum admission 

Just print off the flyer above for 2 for 1 admission to this awesome event!
Maybe I'll see you there :)

Pretend City: Earth Day Celebration

You know we love Pretend City at our house.
In fact, my kids ask at least 2-3 times a week for me to take them there.
In a world where dramatic play isn't valued as vehicle for learning,
it is a MECCA for families and this former educator
that know dramatic play is essential to early child learning.

And boy does Pretend City know how to throw a party!!!!
This Sunday is Pretend City's Earth Day celebration
and just check out what will be going on.

3^rd Annual Earth Day Celebration- Sunday, April 22^nd

Science Spark (9:30 am & 1:30 pm): Spark your child’s interest in science and the environment! Mad Science, the world's leading provider of science enrichment for children, will present two classes to ensure that children of all ages have a chance to experience their environmental education classes.

• Bugs! (9:30-10:30am) - This class is recommended for children ages preschool and up to help them learn about natural habitats and the bugs that live within these special environments. Children will study an assortment of bugs, their defenses and their role in our ecosystems. As an added bonus, children can take home ladybugs to add to their very own garden.
• Earth Awareness (1:30 – 2:30pm) - Children five years of age and up will enjoy learning about the different factors affecting our Earth today. As their cognitive skills develop, they are better able to understand community functions and begin building an interest in the environmental aspects of the community. This class will build upon this interest as they discover how water can go from dirty to clean through a mock lake.

Nature Works (10:30 am & 12:00 pm):

• Busy Bee “Bees”-ness (10:30am): Guerrilla Beekeepers will give us an inside look at honeybees and their importance to our health and our Earth! We will learn all about how honeybees tend to the hive, feed babies, make honeycomb and pollinate 80% of our produce. You’ll even get to see real bees!
• A Bug’s Life (2:30pm): Dr. Sue, "The Bug Lady," gives her live bug presentation about insects and arthropods! Her insect program helps dispel myths and misconceptions about bugs and brings some love to our crawly creatures that share our planet with us!

Music and Movement (11:00am):

• Come one, come all to a sing-a-long with the Kazoom Band! They will get your child movin’ and groovin’ to their earthly tunes.
• Good to Go Game: Beach Clean Up! Your children will enjoy this hands-on cause and effect scenario. They will learn the importance not only of putting trash in the garbage can, but also how important it is to recycle and reduce the amount of trash we create.

In addition to all the activities above,
The Andrews Family will be moving into the Pretend City Home Exhibit on Earth Day!
From the City of Orange, The Andrews Family live by example, which we hope will inspire Orange County Families. The Andrews make greener lifestyle choices each day such as using homemade non-toxic cleaners for their home, using green personal care products, buying local and living off their own land, utilizing an at home recycling system, and making their purchases at garage sales and thrift stores to promote the importance of reusing products. The best part of their story is that they are bee keepers who work to rescue bees and preserve their habitats and honey.

Just print off the flyer above for 2 for 1 admission to this awesome event!

Pretend City: February Events & 2 for 1 Entry!

Have you been to Pretend City lately?
They recently opened the Sushi Restaurant where the Cafe was and it is so darling!
The kids loved playing in the new digs.

This week they welcomed a new family into the home exhibit -
The Meyers Family!!!
You can find out about the Meyers' family beliefs and celebrations
around being a culturally blended family.

Along with Valentine making workshops for all ages all month long,
on February 14th there is 2 for 1 admission!!

Valentine’s Day Celebration- Tuesday, February 14^th

Fun activities all day long, including:

• Sensational Story Time: The Kissing Hand – What better way to celebrate the day than with a story about the love of family!
• Poetry Play: Love Poem – Poetry is another language used to express love and it only needs a few words. By 2 years of age your child can express themselves in simple words. Use these words to create a love poem to remind you of these special times.
• Symbols in a Second: Hearts, Cupids, and Roses – oh my! During this holiday many symbols are seen in the community that represents Valentine’s Day and so much more. Today is your chance to learn more about these symbols and what they represent.
• Good to Go Game: Pin the Arrow on the Heart – Watch your child turn into cupid as they try to pin the arrow on the heart!
  

There are several other fun things going on this month:

Way to Play Day: A Package of Learning! - Friday Feb 10^th (10am-3pm)

Prepare your child for playgroups, preschool and even kindergarten! Learn to understand your children’s developmental progress and successfully prepare them for the world.

• Developmental Check-ups from 10:00a.m. to 12:00p.m.: Assesses speech, motor, cognitive and social areas (first come, first served; limited spaces available)
• Story times, tips for learning at home and a chance to spin the wheel for a take home prize!

Baby Steps through Pretend City! - Monday, Feb 13^th (2-3:30pm)

Share your love of Pretend City with even the littlest of learners. Pretend City has amazing learning opportunities for every age, even infants! Your infant’s heart will go out to you as you explore Pretend City in a way that was designed with them in mind. This exclusive, infant only hour engages your infant in age-appropriate facilitated activities, which will teach you about your baby’s developmental milestones. Don’t forget to pick up a free Ages & Stages Questionnaire!* to ensure your little one is developing on track! They're FREE, fast and easy! * Available for Orange County residents only

RSVP: Required at http://pretendcity.org/education/classes/; max 150

Fee: $11 per adult, infants and Pretend City Members are FREE!

Connect With Your Child Through Play- Thursday, Feb 16^th (9-10am)

Did you know that children learn best through their play? Discover the connections between learning and play during this hands-on seminar. Learn why play is important and how to play with your child while fostering attachment, development, language and social skills, all while having fun! In addition, receive an introduction to Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), which places an emphasis on improving the quality of your parent-child relationship and parent-child interaction patterns. Learn more about the PCIT here (link http://www.cgcoc.org/nbc_tv_video_clip.php) and keep an eye out for therapy sessions at Pretend City!

RSVP: http://pretendcity.org/education/upcoming; max 25; min 5 or subject to cancelation

Fee: $10 per adult (price includes children)

Family Autism Event- Monday, Feb 27^th (5-7:30pm)

This special evening is an opportunity for children and their parents/siblings/caretakers to have some fun in an autism-friendly environment along with other families. Many of our community partners who specialize in supporting children on the Autism Spectrum or with Pervasive Developmental Disorders Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) will be on-hand to enrich your family’s play experience with their welcoming smiles and practical support.

RSVP: Please call 949.428.3900 extension 233 or visit: http://pretendcity.org/education/classes/; max 80 families (1 ticket per family of up to 5 people); only those families who have a reservation and a confirmation number will be admitted.

Fee: This event is FREE thanks to the OC Register and The Festival of Children’s Season of Caring, Possible Dream Grant.

Celebrate the Holidays at Pretend City

There is some SERIOUS fun to be had at Pretend City this month.
Isabella asks me almost daily if we can go to Pretend City
while her brother is at school.
I think we just might have a mommy/daughter
date there this month.

IRVINE, Calif. (December, 2011) – December at Pretend City Children’s Museum is designed to discover all the wonderfully different, diverse and dynamic holiday celebrations that this season has to offer! Journey through this month’s programming with an open mind and a thirst to learn. Through exceptional classes and programs, children will learn about new and different holidays, diverse cultural celebrations and dynamic traditions that people around the world enjoy celebrating throughout the winter season! But that is not all, before the start of a fresh year, ensure your child is in tip-top shape to enter 2012 by taking advantage of our free health screenings throughout the month.

December Activities at Pretend City:

Las Posadas Celebration- Friday, December 16^th (All Day)

This day marks our annual kick-off to Las Posadas celebration. Come celebrate the first day of this 9-day celebration through special activities, which will allow your children to have a better understanding of the history of this celebration. Activities of the day will include:

• Let’s Move: Piñata Party – Help your child work on their swing while they learn more about a common holiday tradition.
• Colorful Cultures: Posada Placemat – On the 9th day of Las Posadas families will gather for a feast. Make sure you are prepared with your very own placemat.
• Sensational Story Time: Uno, Dos, Tres Posada – Practice your counting in the fun tale that counts down this special holiday.
• Symbols in a Second: Star Piñata – Join us to make your very own piñata and learn why the most common piñata shape during Las Posadas is a 5-pointed star.

Hanukkah Celebration - Wednesday, December 21^st (All Day)

Happy Hanukkah! This is a special time of celebration and learning! There are many symbols associated with Hanukkah. This is your opportunity to come and learn more about many of these symbols. Engaging activities are sure to have your little ones delighted while wanting to learn more about this special holiday. Some activities are:

• “Good To Go” Game: Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel - The dreidel is painted with letters, gimel, hey, nun, and shin which are written on the sides. Learn and play this traditional game while your 4-year-old works on cognitive skills including counting, symbol identification, and following commands.
• Colorful Cultures: Smart Art Star of David – Use your creativity and new knowledge of this holiday to make your very own Star of David ornament.

Hanukkah Olive Press Workshop - Wednesday, December 21^st (11:30am)

At Pretend City step back in time as you pretend to be a group of Macabees. Children will utilize their fine motor skills to refine the olive oil needed for the Menorah while they:

• Pit fresh olives and squeeze them with a hand press.
• Strain and then spin the extract in a centrifuge to separate the pure oil.
• Fashion a wick out of cotton for use with the oil when lighting the Menorah.

As an added bonus, each child will have the opportunity to create Hanukkah sand art and make their very own Menorah.

RSVP: Online registration through Event Brite

Christmas Celebration - Friday, December 23^rd (All Day)

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way…over to Pretend City for this Christmas celebration! This Christmas festival will have you and your child wanting to keep those musical notes and dancing feet jingling throughout the city! Don’t miss out!

• Music & Movement: 11:00a.m. Christmas Concert presented by Young Music Company
• Symbols in a Second: Meet & Greet with Santa – There’s only a few days left before Christmas! Make sure to come and let Santa know what your Christmas wish is while he shares a bit of history with you about his origin.
• Cooking Up Cultures: Crunchy Christmas Tree – This Christmas tree isn’t just for looks, but for eating too! As we learn how the Christmas tree came to be, you will enjoy working on those hand and finger skills to create an edible tree.
• Let’s Move: Rudolph’s Race – When Santa called upon Rudolph they were in a race to save Christmas. Get moving in your Rudolph gear to beat the Christmas clock!

Kwanza Begins - Monday, December 26^th (10am-3pm)

Kwanzaa is a Pan-African holiday that was created to reconnect African-Americans to their African roots. The name Kwanzaa derives from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza”, meaning the first fruits of the harvest. In honor of this holiday, guests will learn about the Nguzu Saba (“seven principles of blackness”) through creative hands-on art projects, videos, and interactive story times featuring African cloths, drumming, and traditional dolls.

Ring in the Noon Year! New Year’s Eve Celebration- Dec 31^st (10am-12 noon)

Spend this New Year’s Eve ringing in the New Year Pretend City style! Today will be the day for family and friends to gather at Pretend City to celebrate the New Year. Festivities of the day will include:

• Let’s Move: Rockin’Dance Party – Ever hour as we countdown to the “Noon Year” we will have a dance party! Featuring the latest and greatest in party songs you will enjoy moving and grooving in the Orange Plaza.
• Colorful Cultures: What New Years is complete without the traditional party wear! Join us in the art studio to find color decorations to signify your New Year’s Resolution.
• Sensational Story Time: The Night Before New Years – It’s the night before New Year’s and all through the house…? Come find out during this story time followed by a fun streamer making activity!
• 12:00p.m. Ring in the Noon Year! Join us in Orange Plaza as we ring in the New Year at Noon! This party comes complete with a countdown, ball drop, and dancing!

I think that everything sounds amazing!

And celebrating the Noon Year is a genius idea!
Way to go, Pretend City!

Veteran's Day: An Invitation and FREE Printable

One of our favorite places - Pretend City - is hosting
some of our favorite people - military members -
this Friday for a Veteran's Day Celebration!

Members of the military and their immediate family
will enjoy FREE admission to Pretend City.

The Museum will be open to everyone to celebrate
our American Veterans and thank them
for their service and sacrifice.

Guests are invited to dress in red, white and blue
and member of the military are invited
to wear their uniforms.

There will be fun activities and patriotic music
throughout the day.

Friday, November 11th
9:00am-5:00pm
Pretend City Children's Museum
29 Hubble
Irvine, CA

I hope to see some of you there!

And here is the free printable I promised you!

Just a little printable I whipped up to help me remember.
You can download yours HERE.
As always, printables from FPG are for PERSONAL USE only.
Honor bloggy karma and it will honor you.

Pretend City: Halloween a Day Early!

Do you need something rad to do this weekend?
How about Halloween a day early!
Pretend City is celebrating a day early,
so bring your little spooks all dressed up in their
costumes, meet Super Why, do the Monster Mash,
and enjoy trick or treating and storytime
in the city!

Read more about the details HERE!
And use the above coupon for 2 for 1 admission.