Kids are told they can be anything they want when they grow up, but at Pretend City Children's Museum, they don't have to wait.

The nonprofit based out of Irvine is a 28,000-square-foot interactive playhouse for kids up to age 8. It is the only children’s museum of its kind that replicates an actual city. Inside it are kid-size versions of a library, grocery store, police station, fire station and more.

“Play is so important to a child's learning and developmental milestones,” said Sue Harrison, chief development officer at Pretend City. “A lot of parents might not be aware of the benefits this type of activity has to gross motor skills and the impacts to a kid's social, emotional growth at a young age.”

Most recently, the center celebrated the opening of its Southern California Edison exhibit, which allows kids to dress up in hard hats, high vis vests, get familiar with a transformer replica and drive around in an SCE truck. The exhibit was brought to life with help from a $25,000 grant from Edison International.

“We are so excited to partner with Pretend City to give kids a fun, age-appropriate way to learn about electricity and electrical safety,” said Cynthia Quimby, SCE Public Affairs advisor. “It’s really special to bring my daughter to this opening and have her be interested in mommy’s work.”

“I love playing here and I don't want to leave,” added Quimby's 9-year-old who begged her mom not to take her back to school.

To help the museum grow in its accessibility to all families, the Edison International Foundation gave Pretend City an additional $25,000 grant that funds field trips for low-income and Title 1 schools.

Since its opening in 2009, Pretend City has welcomed over 2.6 million guests, giving families an interactive alternative to keep their kids busy and minds active.

Alexa Johnsen has been bringing her two kids since her eldest — now three — turned one. As a family who doesn't like to allot too much screen time per day, the museum is the perfect place for hands-on playtime.

“I am a pediatric speech therapist, so I see real value in this type of cognitive play and the benefits it has on their learning and development,” said Johnsen. “We come here any chance we get — when it's hot or raining, it's the perfect place for them to be corralled but still able to burn off some energy.”

With signs posted all over the building reminding even parents to put down the phones and reduce their own screentime, the museum encourages adults to engage just as much as the kids.

“There is a planetary exhibit here that my son loves — we had never mentioned space to him before, but it's cool to see him take interest in something new,” said Johnsen. “Even when we go home, he will want to keep learning together and talking.”

Pretend City has become a fan favorite for families, so much so that they are expanding to be able to accommodate more visitors. A larger 72,000-square-foot building is currently under construction, with an opening date in early 2028.

“We are so happy to be able to expand access to this center,” said Harrison. “All kids should get the opportunity to come play and explore, and not be limited by family circumstances.”

For more information on Edison International’s commitment to giving back, visit edison.com/community.