Irvine Spectrum Center
add photos12 Reviews for Irvine Spectrum Center
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'12, '131 family found this helpful
"the Spectrum"
Last Friday night, the family didn't have plans, so we set off to the spectrum. We live close, so it's always a good go-to spot in a pinch. I agree with some of the other reviews about being hard to NOT spend money there. We got by with just getting ice cream cones for our boys and we sat and listened to acoustic live music while they happily worked on their cones. It almost felt like my husband and I were on a date, enjoying coffee-house music (they were so quiet for 10-15 minutes), but then the cones were gone. Still, a successful night at the Spectrum for under $5.
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0 families found this helpful
"Fun if you spend the money"
If you want to shop and eat, with a small activity or two it's fun. If you don't want to spend money, it's a lot less fun. There's a small $3 carousel, a small $2 train only open on weekends, a $5 Ferris wheel, and a free trolly that takes you around the outside of the complex. The trolly was great, but hang on to your kids because there are no seat belts and the drivers can go a little fast on the turns. There are some beautiful fountains, but if you can't splash in them, how fun are they really for little kids? But to catch a movie and some dessert, it's a good place to walk around afterward the flick.
0 families found this helpful
"Free? Really?"
If you can get out of the Spectrum without spending money, you are a woman with willpower! I used to take my little ones to play in the fountains (fun!) and could get by with enough money for a Rubio's fish taco and a couple of kids meals. But now they are older and clued in to the Ferris Wheel, carousel, restaurants, ice cream & other treats, and shopping...not so free. There are fun free things to do (besides the fountains, perusing Barnes and Noble or petting the puppies in Russo's Pets), but if you are expecting "free," you'll have to practice your firm "no" voice.
0 families found this helpful
"Fun "
Love the Irvine Spectrum, like the fact that everything's out side it makes it different from a traditional mall, and you can bring your dog which i love. Fun for all ages, theres ice skating in the winter and the improve comedy club for adults, just an all around fun shopping place.
0 families found this helpful
"Ultimate shopping & more!"
I went here as a present for my 16th birthday, my parents gave me a shopping spree and I invited some friends!
Hence, there are so many great shops here and dining is superb! The layout is beautiful and you get a real sense of Orange County with the beautiful buildings and theme all around.
There ARE some fun things to do besides shopping, such as their infamous Ferris wheel! Dave & Busters for adults. And bands and outdoor live dancing and music makes any evening perfect! Fun enough for an enjoyable day. Yet elegant enough for a nice evening date.
1 family found this helpful
"Fountains for water play"
Many young kids are brought by their moms and dads to get wet in the fountains. We have joined in on the fun many times.
The turtle fountain is outside the food court which is located near the movie theater. This has 3 spouting turtles, an inch of a water pool and spouting water blasts near by.
The bubble fountain is outside of Target near H&M. This has spouting water blasts that come up at irregular intervals and make many kids laugh with glee.
0 families found this helpful
"Daytime is better for younger kids.."
Just went here over the weekend and the weekend/evenings got a bit hectic with tweens, teens and young adults. There are a lot of families here but don't expect to walk without saying the "excuse me" phrase. Our little guy (13 mos) enjoyed it, though he wanted to walk around more but i feared for him getting trampled on. Over all, great place to shop and walk around. Has good high-end stores and even my fav Target.
0 families found this helpful
"Shopping, Entertainment, Fun"
There is a trackless train ride, a ferris wheel, a carousel, and live music (on the weekends).
There is also great shopping including Nordstroms and Lululemon, Oakley.
Tons of parking. Has the signs that tell you how many spaces are available on each floor.
0 families found this helpful
"Fun with the Family"
This premier entertainment plaza offers twenty-one IMAX movie cinemas, world-class restaurants, nightlife, specialty shops from around the globe, a 108-foot-tall Giant Wheel (Ferris wheel), and a carousel.
0 families found this helpful
"Take the kids during the day."
The mall turns into a high school/college hangout after dark and although the rules are strictly enforced, it can get a little crazy. There is a Dave and Busters which is always great entertainment for everyone in the family. I would go to Dave and Busters with the kids during the day and stay away into the evening as well!
1 family found this helpful
"Outdoor mall with things for kids to do"
This is one of my favorite places to shop in Orange County.
The mall has a fountain that the kids can run around in, IMAX theatre, toy stores, lots of restaurants, Dave & Busters (videogames), and also has outdoor concerts. There are plenty of things to do and see for people of all ages.
Its very close to a couple of freeways (5, 405, 55) as well.
0 families found this helpful
"See a movie, ride the ferris wheel!"
Another huge mall with indoor and outdoor areas. The carousel and ferris wheel provide some entertainment for the kids, as well as plenty of places to eat. Also a great place to see an IMAX movie. Plenty of shops. Check their calendar for outdoor concert series!
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