I searched for a list of malls in the Phoenix area with indoor play areas. The most comprehensive I could find is this one from an AZCentral archive. It's from 2007 so I don't know if it is completely accurate, but it may be a place to start. I copied the full text to the end of this post.
When I wanted to take the TLT to play, I just looked at the websites for the malls nearest my house to find which ones had play areas.
When I wanted to take the TLT to play, I just looked at the websites for the malls nearest my house to find which ones had play areas.
The TLT at Fiesta Mall in Mesa.
The TLT loves going. Sometimes it does get a little crowded. The first time we went, I did take the TLT home after a large group of big kids showed up. They weren't mean or scary at all, but the TLT has no sense of her own size and likes to try to play with kids that are way too big for her. She tends to get underfoot.
I expect the older kids will thin out now that school has started.
The parents are all in the same boat and I have chatted with many of the parents and grandparents watching their kids. The one time a little boy looked like he might try to push my daughter down a slide, his guardian was quick to stop him. We've had only good experiences so far.
Here is the article from AZCentral:
I expect the older kids will thin out now that school has started.
The parents are all in the same boat and I have chatted with many of the parents and grandparents watching their kids. The one time a little boy looked like he might try to push my daughter down a slide, his guardian was quick to stop him. We've had only good experiences so far.
Here is the article from AZCentral:
Take a break and play at the mall
Yvette Armendariz
The Arizona Republic
May. 30, 2007 06:00 PM
It's super hot, and you want to stay cool this summer.
If you're looking for an alternate to swimming, museums or costly indoor activities, you might just try a nearby mall.
Westcor features themed play areas in all its shopping centers. Even outdoor mall SanTan Village-Gilbert, which is expected to open in late October, will have an area where the kids can be, well, kids. advertisement
The play areas, all featuring soft foam structures, are great because they allow your young kids to burn off some energy sand then you can check out the sales at a store or two. The play areas are aimed at smaller children.
Fiesta Mall
This desert-themed play area, open during mall hours, is on the lower level near Sears. It features many places to climb, including a colorful snake that sits atop a smiling turtle. Kids also will enjoy the desert rock slide.
The seating area features ceramic tiles with handprints and autographs of about 1,000 area children who participated in the "Have a Hand" program benefiting the Children's Miracle Network.
Children up to 42 inches tall can play so long as a parent or guardian accompanies them.
The mall is at 1445 W. Southern Ave., Mesa (off of Alma School Road). Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.
Details: (480) 610-0842 or shopfiesta.com.
Superstition Springs Center
This play area, called Dewper's Playbox, is all about sports and games. It features a baseball glove, a game-board spinner and spaces. Kiddies also will find a dog slide and structures of a train, dominoes and dolls.
It's on the lower level near Sears.
The shopping center is at U.S. 60 and Power Road in Mesa. Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.
Details: (480) 832-0212 or superstitionsprings.com.
Chandler Fashion Center
This education/health themed play area features a ruler slide, milk box, book and more. It's on the upper level near Barnes & Noble
The mall is on the southwest corner of Chandler Boulevard and Price Road Expressway. Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.
Details: (480) 812-8488 or chandlermall.com.
Scottsdale Fashion Square
The enchanted medieval kingdom features a castle and a bridge over a pretend stream. It's on the top level, near Nordstrom (in a store space).
The mall is on the northwest corner of Camelback and Scottsdale roads. Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.
Details: (480) 941-2140 or fashionsquare.com.
Other Centers in the Valley:
Arrowhead Towne Center, Glendale
Called the Peoria Nissan Towne Center play area and features cars meandering through a 'towne' with bridges, flowers, fire truck and overhead hot air balloons, F18 jets and a smiling sun. It's on the lower level near JCPenney.
Desert Sky Mall, Phoenix
The Qwest's Reading Adventure Play Area features a book slide, blocks, and crayons. It's on the west end of the mall near La Curacao.
Metrocenter, Phoenix
The Skypark play area, on the lower level near JCPenney, has a space theme. It features an interactive rocket ship and control module.
Paradise Valley Mall, Phoenix
This health-themed play area features a giant jump rope, athletic shoe, cereal bowl and tree. It's near the Southwest entrance by JCPenney and Starbucks