This is a fancy shopping center with a lot of expensive stores but it is fun to browse. At Christmas time they do have a Santa that comes. There are fun places to eat there too like PF Changs. It is an outdoor mall so just remember that if it's a rainy day.
This is a great little mall. It is a bit pricey in the stores, but if you just need to get the toddler outside it is a great place to go. It is a nice outdoor mall so the kids can play in the sun or shade depending on your preference. There are a number of fountains that toddlers are almost always climbing on and playing in. Coffee shops abound so it is easy to wake up with some caffeine while the kiddos run and get their wiggles out. People tend to bring small dogs to this mall too which always brings some excitement to the small kids. At holidays the Easter bunny/Santa/other seasonal character usually makes a visit. They also have jazz concerts in the summer.
I don't know what has gotten into Stanford Shopping Center in the last few years, but it seems they are doing everything to keep families away. Books Inc, my longtime favorite independant bookstore, was replaced by Cartier and Frette Linens. Seriously? The Discovery Channel Store left to make room for Kate Spade. A Pea in the Pod is gone. Bascially, parents are left with the Gap, Gymboree and the world's smallest Janie and Jack.
Stanford Mall is pleasant to stroll around, but totally impracticle for buying clothes.
What gives?