The Americana at Brand

The Americana at Brand retail store in Glendale, CA has muliple, private nursing rooms and a play area. The nursing rooms have a comfortable chair and electric outlets. There are also dedicated family restrooms located in the same area.

LOCATION:
Behind the concierge lobby.

Our Fun Facts for Travel Moms with Kids Visiting The Americana at Brand

Traveling with kids can be a delightful yet challenging adventure, especially when exploring new destinations. For moms seeking a fun, family-friendly shopping experience, The Americana at Brand in Glendale, California, is a perfect destination. This outdoor retail complex offers much more than just shopping—it's a vibrant community space filled with entertainment, dining, and cultural experiences that can turn a simple shopping trip into a memorable family outing. Here are some fun facts and tips for travel moms visiting The Americana at Brand with kids.

1. A Miniature City Within a City

The Americana at Brand is more than just a shopping center; it’s a beautifully designed, self-contained neighborhood. Opened in 2008 and developed by Caruso Affiliated, the same company behind The Grove in Los Angeles, The Americana at Brand combines the best aspects of shopping, dining, and entertainment with a unique urban park setting. The design of the complex mimics a small town square, complete with lush landscaping, fountains, and even a trolley car that runs through the property.

Kids will love the open spaces, the beautifully maintained gardens, and the chance to ride the trolley. The trolley is a real highlight—it’s a fully operational, open-air electric streetcar, modeled after the ones used in the early 20th century. It’s free to ride and offers a fun way to take in the sights of the shopping center.

2. Fountain Shows with Dancing Waters

One of the standout features at The Americana at Brand is its stunning fountain, located in the center of the complex. This isn’t just any fountain—it’s an animated water feature designed by the same team that created the famous fountains at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Every hour, on the hour, the fountain comes to life with a synchronized water show set to music.

For kids, this is a magical experience, watching the water dance in time to the music. The fountain is surrounded by plenty of seating, making it a great spot for moms to take a break while the kids are entertained by the show. In the evenings, the fountain is illuminated, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the experience.

3. Family-Friendly Dining Options

Traveling with kids often means dealing with a variety of food preferences, but The Americana at Brand offers an array of dining options that cater to all tastes. Whether your kids are picky eaters or little foodies in the making, you’ll find something to satisfy everyone.

For a quick and kid-friendly meal, consider visiting Shake Shack, known for its delicious burgers, fries, and milkshakes. If you’re in the mood for something more upscale, The Cheesecake Factory offers a vast menu with everything from pasta to seafood, plus an extensive kids' menu. For moms looking to enjoy a more relaxing meal, Din Tai Fung is a popular spot for dim sum, where kids can watch the chefs make dumplings through the open kitchen window.

Don’t forget to grab a sweet treat from Sprinkles Cupcakes or visit Ladurée for some French macarons. Both spots are sure to be a hit with kids and offer delicious desserts that are perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.

4. Interactive Play Areas

The Americana at Brand is designed with families in mind, and that includes dedicated spaces where kids can play and explore. One of the most popular areas for children is The Green, an expansive lawn area in the center of the complex. The Green is a perfect spot for kids to run around, play games, or even have a picnic.

During the summer months, The Green hosts various family-friendly events, such as outdoor movie nights, where you can watch classic films under the stars. The Americana also hosts seasonal events like Easter egg hunts, Halloween trick-or-treating, and holiday festivities, making it a great place to visit year-round.

5. Meet the Friendly Mascot: The Bear

One of the unique and charming aspects of The Americana at Brand is its resident mascot, a friendly bear statue named "The Americana Bear." Located near the fountain, this bear is a favorite photo spot for families visiting the complex. The statue is often dressed up in seasonal attire, whether it’s a scarf in the winter or sunglasses in the summer.

Kids love posing with The Americana Bear, and it’s become a bit of a tradition for many families who visit the complex. Be sure to snap a photo with the bear during your visit—it’s a fun way to remember your day at The Americana.

6. Storytime at Barnes & Noble

For moms looking to sneak in some educational fun, Barnes & Noble at The Americana at Brand offers regular storytime sessions in their children’s section. These events are usually held on weekends and are a great way to introduce kids to new books and characters. The bookstore is also home to a wide selection of children’s books, toys, and games, making it a perfect stop for some quiet time during your visit.

After storytime, take the kids upstairs to the café for a hot chocolate or a snack, and enjoy some downtime before continuing your shopping adventure.

7. Seasonal Decor and Events

One of the things that make The Americana at Brand so special is its attention to seasonal decorations and events. During the holidays, the complex is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with a massive Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and festive decorations throughout. Santa Claus even makes an appearance, and families can take photos with him at Santa’s House, located near the fountain.

In the spring, the complex is adorned with blooming flowers and pastel decorations, while Halloween brings spooky fun with pumpkin displays and trick-or-treating events. No matter what time of year you visit, there’s always something special happening at The Americana.

8. Luxury and Boutique Shopping

While The Americana at Brand offers a variety of mainstream retail stores, it also boasts a selection of luxury and boutique shops that make for a unique shopping experience. Stores like Nordstrom, Apple, and Lululemon are perfect for moms looking to update their wardrobe or grab some tech essentials.

For something more unique, explore stores like Kiehl’s, where you can find high-quality skincare products, or Anthropologie, which offers a curated selection of clothing, home décor, and gifts. Even if you’re just window shopping, these stores provide a fun and luxurious browsing experience.

9. Cinema Fun at Pacific Theatres

If you and the kids need a break from shopping, head over to Pacific Theatres, located within The Americana. This state-of-the-art cinema offers a great lineup of family-friendly movies, making it a perfect place to unwind and enjoy some popcorn. The theater features comfortable seating, high-quality sound, and a variety of concession options.

For moms with older kids, the theater sometimes hosts special events like midnight movie premieres or themed screenings, which can add a bit of excitement to your visit.

10. Pet-Friendly Atmosphere

For moms traveling with the whole family, including furry friends, The Americana at Brand is a pet-friendly destination. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas, and many stores even provide water bowls and treats for canine visitors. The complex often hosts pet-friendly events, like adoption fairs and dog costume contests, making it a fun outing for the entire family.

If you’re visiting with your dog, don’t forget to stop by one of the pet boutiques like Healthy Spot, where you can pick up treats, toys, and other pet essentials.

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