The Westfield UTC Shopping Mall in UTC/San Diego has lots of fun stuff for kids! In addition to great stores and lots of great dining options, there is a giant play structure in the shape of a fish and a splash pad.
The UTC playground and splash pad are fun experiences for San Diego locals or vacationers in nearby La Jolla.
Restrooms, changing table, family restrooms, shower, two hours of parking, seating area, nearby coffee shops and restaurants.
Splash Pad, playground, climbing walls, rubber ground, music elements
None
This splash pad and playground have the added bonus of the ability to get some errands done without an extra trip.
Splash Pad
The playground and splash pad are on the south side of the mall, near Macy’s and most easily accessible from Nobel/Genesee.
The splash pad at Westfield UTC is pretty fun! There are lots of places for parents to sit and watch their littles run through the jets, and there are places to eat in the immediate vicinity. Also, the family bathroom is right around the corner (and the men’s/women’s restroom too). There is also a shower for rinsing off before/after.
Normal hours of operation for the splash pad are 11am – 6pm. I haven’t experienced the splash pad being closed as being a common thing, but I have seen it down for repairs. If you’d like to know before you go, you can text the center at (858) 914-2752 and ask them (and also ask anything else you’d like to know about UTC).
Playground
UTC recently renovated their play area (April 2019) with a giant play structure in the shape of a fish! Personally, I don’t like the new play area because it’s geared toward older children and my daughter is only three. Previously, there was a small tot lot where she could play independently. When she tried to climb around the fish, I nearly had a heart attack! She’s small enough to fit through the ropes and fall. BUT, older kids love it and it looks pretty cool!
There are lots of things to climb, some music elements that sound lovely no matter who is playing it, a little crawl through tunnel, and fun beach themed elements.
Family Bathroom and Shower
Right near the playground and splash pad, there is a family bathroom, additional restrooms and a shower. The family restroom has changing tables, and a stall equipped with a regular toilet and a small toilet for small bottoms. There is often some extra diapers stocked in case you find yourself without one!
The additional restrooms are super nice (the women’s restroom was anyway!). A good number of stalls and it’s kept clean.
The shower is right near the splash pad, just outside the bathrooms.
Additionally, there is a family restroom inside the food court on the other side of the mall. It has a play area, changing tables (with diapers), a stall with a regular toilet and a small toilet, a lounge for feeding babies and two private areas for nursing.
Shopping & Dining
UTC has a few shops for young shoppers, including Geppetto’s toy store and a Lego store. These popular stores are right next to each other and near the playground/splash pad.
There are also lots of places to eat! The dining options nearest the playground are 85°C Bakery Café, Veggie Grill, Red Robin, Jersey Mike’s and Pressed Juicery. The food court isn’t too far and has lots of options, including Tender Greens and Rubio’s (where you’ll find us if we’re eating at UTC).
Other Fun Stuff
The UTC mall has done a lot to bring fun experiences into the mall, including fountains and sculptures. There are several seating areas throughout the mall, many with fire pits!
You can enjoy live music at the Plaza (near the food court) or the Pointe (near True Foods and The Winery) at different times during the week.
During different times of the year, you can also experience other events the mall offers, including giveaways, story times and even snow in the winter (it’s more like foam, but it’s still fun)!
