When I was an undergrad at UT, I worked at the Abercrombie & Fitch in Barton Creek mall for pennies so that I could get a fantastic deal on overpriced ripped t-shirts and sneak a peak at the risqué catalogue that showed more skin than clothes.  Back then, my coworkers and I were jealous of the brand new Lakeline Mall, the newest mall in the greater Austin area boasting better and more updated stores.

Today, though, Lakeline Mall is greatly overshadowed by The Domain and Hill Country Galleria.  It still touts a Macy’s and Dillard’s along with 150 other popular small shops and a movie theater.  But, it’s not as new and shiny (and a little dated).  However, I want to convince you it’s worth stopping by this summer.

Here are 7 reasons why you should give Lakeline Mall a few hours of your time this summer:

1.  The toy stores.

Sometimes my kids have fun playing with toys in the toy stores without wanting to buy any to take home with them.  If they’re on to my genius ways, I can usually leave the store with two happy children spending a few bucks on a cheap toy. Go! Toys & Games is a decent-sized toy store with all of the typical toy brands and plenty of toys out-of-the-box to buy you some time without actually buying them.

Just a few stores down is the Disney Store.  In here, you’ll find a movie playing on the big screen and plenty of dress-up items, stuffed animals, and other toys from the movies and tv shows you have on repeat in your home.

2.  The indoor play area for infants and toddlers.

I had no idea this existed until last week.  When we visited, the area was clean but the colors are fading a bit and you could say it’s been used over the years.

However, in the 15 minutes we spent there only one other child played in the area so the germ level had to be lower than a usual indoor play area for toddlers, right?

3.  The train.

Foster would love this train!  He wasn’t with us the day we went, but I’m sure to bring him back for a cheap ride around in a train at Just Train Fun.

4.  Inflatable Wonderland.

We only glanced in here as we walked by (because I didn’t have time to go in that day), but there were several bounce houses and games for your toddlers and even elementary-aged children.  Several of the inflatables are Disney-themed, so if you have a Mickey- or Minnie-obsessed child, this would give you serious brownie points.

On Monday – Friday, the wristband charge is $8 per child under 10 and on Saturday and Sunday, it is $10 per child under 10.  The wristband allows them admission all day.  If it’s a week day, this would be a great way for Mom to get some work done on her computer or read a book while watching the kids in a somewhat confined space.  I’ll have to remember this when school hours don’t match my work hours this summer.

5.  Variety of coin-operated riding machines.

If you’re cheap like me (and your kid’s young enough to not call you on it) your kids even enjoy these without paying the $1.  #cheapmom

6.  No crowds!

Just as you and most of your friends likely don’t visit Lakeline Mall very often, neither does anybody else.  You can casually walk around (enjoying the a/c) and easily keep an eye on your kids.  Try doing that at the Domain where cars are flying by or through the crowds at Barton Creek Mall.

7.  Chick-fil-a and Starbucks within 50 feet of each other.

Okay, you can find Chick-fil-a’s and Starbucks all over the Austin area, but it’s nice to have both so close together.  And there’s a Hey Cupcake! Machine in the food court too.   🙂

So, I really encourage you to give our red-headed stepchild of a shopping center another chance.  She might not be the coolest or prettiest, but she’s close to your house and has great A/C.

Chime in with your comments about Lakeline Mall below.  Have you taken your kids here before?

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