New Interactive Play Area To Open At South OC Mall

MISSION VIEJO, CA — A modern and interactive play area is set to open this summer at The Shops At Mission Viejo.

The transformative expansion project is set to begin later this year and will feature a new and large Play Area sponsored by Providence Mission Hospital, real estate investment trust Simon announced this week.

"The Shops at Mission Viejo continues to evolve as a premium destination to shop, dine and play," General Manager Patsy Sanquist told Patch. "From our new play area to our broader expansion, we are continuing to ensure that The Shops at Mission Viejo remains the destination of choice for shoppers in South Orange County."

The new and large Play Area will feature colorful padded climbing structures, crawl spaces, imaginative interactive activities, plenty of room for free play and comfortable lounge areas for parents and caregivers.

The new site will be situated on the level 1 Center Court, near Round 1 Arcade, Build-A-Bear, Lego, Janie and Jack, Claire's and more.

According to Sanquist, the play space will complement the broader open-air expansion of The Shops at Mission Viejo, when construction starts on a multimillion-dollar project this year.

The project will add a new outdoor village with retail and dining offerings, plus green space and other enhancements. The expansion is expected to be completed in time for the 2026 holiday shopping season.