ALONG COMES MARY

Spring has sprung in Los Angeles. With the rain gone for now, we’ve had some gorgeous days. As the evenings get lighter, we know I’m all about exploring. So, when I was invited to visit SpringTopia in Woodland Hills, I knew it was right up my alley.

SpringTopia is a three-week event being held near the Westfield Topanga Mall. While Westfield’s promenade goes through a facelift, several events have taken up space in their ample parking lot. I’d heard their various past holiday pop-ups were fabulous.

The Lay of the Lands

The carnival-style walk-through hosts seven distinct “lands.” Puppy Land, 3D Circus Land, Light Show Land, Spooky Land, Pirate Land, Holiday Land, and Fun Land. We attended on a weeknight and it was very quiet. No crowds and zero wait times. Entering was fast and easy after a quick security check.

Each land is very small. Circus Land is said to have the first-ever 3D circus experience. Fun Land had a DJ but alas, it was not very lively. We enjoyed Light Show Land which brought to mind Meow Wolf with its neon forest and laser show. Over at Pirate Land, which is very kid-friendly, there are two pirate ships to climb aboard and even a chance to walk the plank. Mateys brave enough to do so jump into a large boat of foam blocks.

As someone who adores Christmastime, I had higher hopes for Holiday Land. I loved that it was “snowing” but there was not much else to do after greeting Santa. Spooky Land is recommended for guests 12 and up. I took a quick peek and can assure you that the clowns DID look spooky and creepy.

Puppies Galore at SpringTopia

The best land SpringTopia has going for it? Puppy Land. At first, I was skeptical and concerned as to where the puppies would be from. Turns out Dogs Without Borders is providing the pups for the land. They’re all up for adoption and it really felt like heaven on earth. A few guests at a time are allowed into a playpen to meet, cuddle, and mingle with the puppies. I know I speak for the three of us when I say we couldn’t get enough.

Dogs Without Borders is a fantastic non-profit based in LA. They rescue small dogs from high-kill shelters and do amazing work. Learn more about them here.

Carnival and Food

After the lands, there’s a food court with a few dining options as well as carnival rides. The rides are included with the price of admission yet it was confusing as some, such as the Surf Shack walkthrough, had signs posted that it was “four tickets.” This looked to be from a previous event and didn’t apply to SpringTopia.

The classic fair food offerings included cotton candy, nachos, mac ‘n cheese, funnel cakes, and churros. For an additional cost, there are also games and chances to win prizes.

SpringTopia is Here for Two More Weekends

SpringTopia runs now through April 16th. Every attendee needs a ticket (including small children) which starts at $36. Given its steep pricing, I’m sad to say that I was not impressed enough to recommend the experience. Especially for those with multiple children. With so many activities to do in LA, you can get more “bang for your buck” elsewhere.

That’s not to say that I’m not very appreciative of SpringTopia inviting me. We enjoyed our time checking it out (I repeat: puppies) but would not have been impressed had we paid.