Irvine children’s museum to hold “When I Grow Up” career day

Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine will host firefighters, nurses, chefs, zookeepers, hairstylists, TV producers, lifeguards and other Orange County professionals for its sixth annual “When I Grow Up Day” on Thursday.

The career day invites children and their families to interact with more than two dozen experts in a variety of fields.

“We always do this event right around Pretend City’s birthday in order to celebrate,” museum Executive Director Sandra Bolton said. “This day is built around the idea of occupation and having the kids try them out for the day. Every year, it’s something the families adore.”

Pretend City has held When I Grow Up Day each year since the museum opened in August 2009. According to Bolton, the number of experts Thursday will be the largest in the event’s history.

New this year will be Truck Touch, an outdoor exhibit where guests can meet drivers in their firetrucks, garbage trucks, ambulances and police cars.

When I Grow Up Day will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pretend City, 29 Hubble.

The outdoor exhibits are free. Admission for indoors is $12.50 and free for infants up to 12 months old.

For more information, call (949) 428-3900 or visit pretendcity.org.