Sometimes a much needed vacation is literally right around the corner. After talking myself out of driving 8 hours and taking a road trip to the Grand Canyon...I decided to search for some local weekend fun.
I keep telling myself that I need to be a tourist in my own city but the struggle is real! Anyone else have this problem? I always seek adventures in other states or countries and often forget all the fun that can be had locally! Especially if you live in a major city. In my case (LA area), you just have to be willing to get out, explore and fight traffic on the 405. Woosah!
A quick google search for ‘fun things to do with kids’ reminded me of Candytopia. I’d been wanting to take my son but tickets were always sold out. Surprisingly, I went to the website on Wednesday and was easily able to purchase tickets for Friday evening. The hardest part was keeping it a secret from my son for 2 days!!
The Basics:
Candytopia is a selfie and social media friendly pop-up experience and will be in Santa Monica through July 4, 2018. Located at the Santa Monica Place Mall: 395 Broadway #142 Santa Monica, CA 90401, near Bloomingdale's. I suggest parking on level 2 which will put you closest to the entrance. To avoid getting lost (like someone who shall remain nameless did), take note that the entrance to Candytopia is on the second level but the exit is on the first level. The entire experience takes about an hour to get through so plan accordingly. There is a food court, Starbucks, and a Cheesecake Factory within walking distance should the hunger pangs kick in
Cost:
Adult tickets are $30. Tickets for kids aged 4-12 are $23 and kids under 3 are free. Upon checking out, there were additional fees. I ended up paying a total of $57 for tickets for myself and my 12 year old son. Although the price was almost as expensive as trying to find the actual golden ticket, he had an amazing time and that alone made it worth it.
Legit and Ready to Quit Travel Moment:
Although this picture might look pretty, although I have a smile on my face...Please tell me you can see the pain in my eyes!! Carefully examine the photo and see how my leg is stretched out and my toe is curled up. That my friend, is the number one sign of a Charlie Horse *sigh* Why I tried to hop on this high and slippery "100" swing in a floor length skirt and sandals is beyond me BUT it will almost get you killed. Swear, I almost fell through the other side while trying to turn around and sit down! I overestimated my athletic abilities and quite possibly forgot about my age!! Don't be like Ebony, keep it 100 by wearing sneakers and pants OR by taking a picture standing next to the swing...
What to Expect:
To kiss a shark and kinda like it! What happens at Candytopia does (not) stay at Candytopia (it gets posted all over social media).
To not have to think, the only brain power needed is that of imagination!
To get your surf board swag on!!
Or maybe not! I foresee acting lessons in the near future lol
He was smart enough to follow directions!
To swim in a sea of marshmallows and then struggle to get out!
To be attacked by kids who will throw marshmallows everywhere (including at you)!
To remember what it means to be a kid! What happened to never growing up??
To have some psychedelic fun!
To audition for Baewatch, minus the water and sand!
To audition for Baewatch, minus the water and sand!
To see well know art pieces made entirely out of candy!
To have your child not recognize the original Willy Wonka! Crazy thing is, my son kept saying that Candytopia reminded him of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory but when we came across this picture, he was completely confused as to who it was:
Then it dawned on me, he’s used to a Willy Wonka that looked more like this:
Man, I'm old!! I don’t care what anyone says, Gene Wilder was the MVP when I was a kid!
Quick tips:
•Sign up for a QR code at the kiosk upon entering Candytopia. Scan the QR code at exhibits for fun pictures taken by the facility cameras. The photos will later be emailed to you.
•Try lagging behind your group once you leave the library. That way, you get a chance to experience the different exhibits and take pictures without too much of a crowd.
•There are no restrooms located inside Candytopia and there is no re-entry so remember to use the restroom before entering!
•Wear pants (and not a skirt like I did) if you plan to swim in the marshmallow pit or hop on the 100 swing.
•Shoes have to be removed for the marshmallow pit so be sure to bring socks.
•Let your imagination run wild and have fun!
Words to live by:
There is no life I know to compare with pure imagination. Living there, you’ll be free if you truly wish to be. ~Willy Wonka
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