Recommended by Caesar Sedek

Americana At Brand, Los Angeles

Address 889 Americana Way, Glendale, CA Map, Website

This outdoor shopping center has a playground in the middle of the grassy knoll where you can picnic or just hang out. There are Bellagio - style fountains set to music and often there are activities on the weekend such as puppet shows, live bands, etc.
The place is particularly good at Christmastime - twinkly lights galore and a humongous tree. Of course there's Santa's workshop where you can take pictures and play.
This is California after all so fake is in - meaning - fake snow. Every night it snows. Where else can you wear shorts, eat an ice cream cone and see snow falling from the sky amidst beautiful fake European architecture.

Barns and Nobles bookstore has baby changing stations in the bathrooms - even mens room which is a bonus for dads. Also across the street there's a huge shopping mall with lots of kids stores and places to change and feed the little ones.