Candeeland interior showing pastel colors, rides for children, and activities. (Photo courtesy Hoa Quach)
San Diego families have a new place to go in North County: an indoor playground opened by local parents who saw a gap in the region’s offerings.
Candeeland, which recently debuted at The Shoppes in Carlsbad, is a brightly colored indoor play space and party venue — giving families a welcome escape during rainy days or summer heat.
Deena Wozniak, a local mother and one of the owners, said the idea for Candeeland grew out of her own parenting experience.
“We were constantly looking for playgrounds that felt welcoming to both kids and parents,” Wozniak said. “When we visited another Candeeland, we thought they were really on the right path — and it inspired us to create something similar here.”
Turning that inspiration into a functioning business required months of planning. Wozniak, who works full‑time as a software consultant, joined her husband and business partners in studying what families valued most — from playground equipment that appeals to different age groups to bathrooms designed for independence.
They added practical touches such as comfortable seating for parents and party rooms with built‑in countertops. Even small details, including arcade tokens, kitchen layout, and website design, were carefully considered by Wozniak and her partners.
A changing mall
Candeeland’s arrival comes at a time of transition for The Shoppes in Carlsbad. Earlier this year, Steerpoint Capital acquired the 1.1‑million‑square‑foot mall with plans to transform it into what they describe as a “premier destination for shopping, dining and entertainment.”
The company has announced its intentions to bring in new “powerhouse brands” and expand the mall’s mix of tenants.
For families, the addition of Candeeland signals a shift toward more experiential offerings at the center.
Alongside traditional retail, the playground provides a space for children to play and parents to gather — a feature that reflects broader trends in malls nationwide, where entertainment and community “third places” are increasingly seen as essential to revitalization.
Looking ahead, Wozniak said she and her business partners intend to grow Candeeland as trends change.
“Our goal is to keep evolving with the latest playground trends and attractions so that every visit continues to spark wonder, excitement, and new memories,” she said.
A sweet escape
Candeeland interior showing pastel colors, rides for children, and activities. (Photo courtesy Hoa Quach)
For Wozniak, the payoff isn’t measured in numbers but in memories.
“My absolute favorite moments are the everyday ones: watching children run, climb, laugh, and explore,” she said. “Seeing those smiles makes every challenge worth it.”
She hopes Candeeland will continue to be a place where families find both joy and comfort.
“We want this to be a space where families can truly enjoy time together — or where parents feel confident letting their kids explore while they take a moment to relax,” she said.
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