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Hazard Center shopping mall in Mission Valley, CA
Photo: Fendy K
View of Hazard Center in Mission Valley, CA
Photo: Hazard Center
View of Hazard Center in Mission Valley, CA
Photo: James D Sloan

Hazard Center

4.3(2,895 reviews)$Entertainment
🕑 3-4 hours for a movie and meal combo, or 1-2 hours for just shopping or dining👶 Best for ages 3 and up. Younger children enjoy the movie theater experience and casual dining options, while tweens and teens appreciate the shopping variety and more grown-up restaurant choices. The central location makes it easy for families with multiple age ranges.

About

Hazard Center in Mission Valley is a one-stop family entertainment hub that combines shopping, dining, and a movie theater all in one convenient location. With its AMC multiplex showing the latest family films and a variety of kid-friendly restaurants including BJ's Brewhouse, it's perfect for turning errands into a full family outing without hopping between multiple locations.

Highlights

  • AMC movie theater with stadium seating and latest family films
  • BJ's Brewhouse with extensive kids menu and relaxed atmosphere
  • Variety of retail stores for convenient family shopping
  • Central Mission Valley location near major highways
  • Multiple dining options to satisfy picky eaters

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Arrive early for weekend movie showings as the AMC theater fills up quickly with families,buy tickets online to skip the box office line
  2. 2.Park near BJ's Brewhouse for easy access to both dining and the theater entrance
  3. 3.Check AMC's discount days (usually Tuesdays) for cheaper matinee tickets with kids
  4. 4.The mall can get crowded during holiday shopping seasons,weekday mornings offer a more relaxed experience
  5. 5.Combine a movie with lunch or dinner at BJ's for their kids-eat-free specials on certain days

Best Time to Visit

Weekday afternoons (Monday-Thursday) offer the most relaxed experience with smaller crowds and easier parking. For movies, matinee showings are budget-friendly and less crowded than evening showtimes. Avoid Saturday afternoons during back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons.

What to Know

Parking is free and plentiful in the main lot. The complex offers multiple dining options at various price points, from quick casual to sit-down restaurants. The venue is stroller-accessible with flat, paved surfaces throughout.

Seasonal Notes

Note that the center is closed Sundays. During summer, the air-conditioned mall and theater provide welcome relief from San Diego heat. Holiday seasons (November-December) feature extended hours and festive decorations but expect larger crowds.

Nearby Eats

BJ's Brewhouse on-site offers pizookies (their famous dessert) that kids love, plus a diverse menu. The complex includes several other family-friendly dining options within walking distance, making meal planning easy before or after activities.

More Activities Near Mission Valley

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Fashion Valley

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Fashion Valley offers families much more than typical mall shopping with its dedicated children's play area, spacious outdoor courtyards perfect for stroller navigation, and an impressive dining court with options even picky eaters will love. The upscale center features family-friendly stores like The LEGO Store, Apple, and build-your-own experiences that keep kids entertained between shopping stops.

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Mission Valley

4.3$

Mission Valley is a one-stop family destination that combines shopping, entertainment, and dining under one roof. With an AMC movie theater, Dave & Buster's arcade packed with games and attractions, a dedicated kids' play area, and numerous dining options, families can easily spend an entire day here enjoying multiple activities without having to relocate.

Park

River Run Drive

Free

River Run Drive offers families a scenic escape along the San Diego River in Mission Valley, combining natural beauty with active play opportunities. This neighborhood park features a playground for energetic kids, open sports fields perfect for impromptu soccer games or flying kites, and peaceful walking paths where families can bike, stroll, or enjoy riverside nature walks together.

Park

Mission Trails Regional Park

4.8Free

Mission Trails Regional Park is San Diego's crown jewel for family outdoor adventures, offering over 7,000 acres of natural beauty right in the heart of the city. With trails ranging from easy nature walks perfect for little legs to the popular Cowles Mountain summit hike, plus an excellent visitor center with hands-on exhibits, this park provides endless opportunities for kids to explore, learn, and burn energy in a stunning natural setting.