The ninth branch of Candeeland will open within The Shoppes at Carlsbad, marking its first venture into San Diego County. The announcement comes on the heels of the company's recent opening in Temecula, with additional branches in development in Burbank, Northridge, and Victorville. The Carlsbad location will offer an immersive Willy Wonka-inspired experience that has made Candeeland a beloved destination for families, featuring play structures, climbing walls, a carnival arcade, a cafe with hot food options like pizza and hot dogs, a candy store, and private party rooms for events.
Founded by Peter Cho, Candeeland’s history began in 2016 with its first location in Greenwood Village, Colorado, where the company introduced its vision of a "soft playtime paradise" for kids and toddlers. The 16,000-square-foot space, complete with climbing walls, a ninja course, laser maze, arcade, and candy store, aimed to provide a safe environment where parents could relax while children played.
Founded by Peter Cho, Candeeland’s history began in 2016 with its first location in Greenwood Village, Colorado, where the company introduced its vision of a "soft playtime paradise" for kids and toddlers. The 16,000-square-foot space, complete with climbing walls, a ninja course, laser maze, arcade, and candy store, aimed to provide a safe environment where parents could relax while children played.
The concept, inspired by a desire to create lasting family memories, quickly gained traction, leading to the opening of its flagship California location in Santa Ana's MainPlace Mall in February 2020. Described as a "three-level, 10,000-square-foot extravaganza," the Santa Ana site set the standard for Candeeland’s signature colorful design, featuring tunnels, slides, mini ziplines, and a toddler-specific area for ages four and under.
Since then, Candeeland has expanded to Riverside (2023), Temecula (2024), and other cities like Humble, Texas (2022), and Victorville, with each location emphasizing physical activity, social connection, and mental stimulation through play. The company's mission, as stated on its website, is to unite families by fostering "an engaging, clean, safe, and joyous environment" where children can exercise their bodies and minds while creating cherished memories.
Candeeland will open later this year at 2525 El Camino Real in San Diego's North County city of Carlsbad. For more information, visit candeeland.com.
Since then, Candeeland has expanded to Riverside (2023), Temecula (2024), and other cities like Humble, Texas (2022), and Victorville, with each location emphasizing physical activity, social connection, and mental stimulation through play. The company's mission, as stated on its website, is to unite families by fostering "an engaging, clean, safe, and joyous environment" where children can exercise their bodies and minds while creating cherished memories.
Candeeland will open later this year at 2525 El Camino Real in San Diego's North County city of Carlsbad. For more information, visit candeeland.com.
Originally published on March 25, 2025. Information first reported by Joey Reams of What Now.
