Photo: Fendy K
Photo: Hazard Center
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.🧡 Saved by 150+ families
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.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.Park near BJ's Brewhouse for easy access to both dining and the theater entrance
- 3.Check AMC's discount days (usually Tuesdays) for cheaper matinee tickets with kids
- 4.The mall can get crowded during holiday shopping seasons,weekday mornings offer a more relaxed experience
- 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.
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