Shopping centers across Southern California are transforming their spaces — adding green lawns, play structures, and open-air gathering spots — as a new wave of so-called “mall parks” reshapes the retail experience for local families.
The trend reflects a broader shift in how lifestyle centers are adapting to a changing retail landscape, blending shopping and dining with outdoor recreational space. Parents say the combination makes everyday errands far less stressful.
Runway Playa Vista and the Point in El Segundo are among the Southern California shopping centers leading this shift. Both locations pair retail and restaurant options with dedicated play areas, giving children room to explore while parents shop, grab a bite, or simply decompress.
The concept has found a warm reception among busy families who appreciate being able to knock out errands without sacrificing outdoor time for their kids.
The Shops at Dos Lagos in Corona offers another strong example of the model. According to a recent profile of the center, the open-air mall sits along scenic pedestrian pathways beside twin lakes, with the Santa Ana Mountains as a backdrop. It features an outdoor kids’ playground, over 60 shops and restaurants, a free trolley service, and regular family-friendly events — all built on the site of a historic 19th-century tin mine. A reviewer on Tripadvisor called it “the most charming shopping and entertainment center in all of Southern California.”
The appeal of these spaces goes beyond convenience. A recent survey by mental health treatment provider A Mission for Michael, which polled more than 3,000 people across the country, found that green spaces help people feel calm and grounded — a finding that gives added weight to the push for more accessible outdoor areas, whether public or private. The survey named Pasadena’s Central Park No. 2 on its national list of the best places to relax, praising its mature trees and open lawn.
Still, not everyone sees mall parks as an unqualified win. Some park advocates caution that while private green spaces inside shopping centers are a welcome addition, they should not be treated as substitutes for traditional public parks, which remain open and free to everyone regardless of whether they are there to shop.
The distinction matters, advocates say, because access to green space should not depend on proximity to a retail center or the ability to spend money nearby.
As Southern California continues to grow and public park space remains at a premium in many communities, the rise of mall parks is likely to continue — raising ongoing questions about who benefits, and how equitably outdoor space is distributed across the region.
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