Candeeland Santa Ana — Attraction in Santa Ana

We just left Candeeland. We have visited this location before, as well as their Downey location. We have had great experiences before. Today, however, was my last visit there. I purchased a Groupon for two hours for two kids. We were there about 5 minutes, and my son and I went to the little kids area. My daughter played a claw came, and then came to join us. I saw her walk up, and then walk away, and she was crying. I told her to come back, and she said that the man wouldn’t let her in. I asked him if he worked there, since he was wearing a black T shirt, with nothing that could identify him as a Candeeland employee or representative. I told him that it’s never been a problem before, to let my kids play together. He snapped back “she must have been under 4 years old”. That can’t be true, as we visited here for the first time about a year ago. I was also told that my son was too young to play with her in the big kids area. I told him I wanted my money back. If I had to split myself into two to be able to supervise my children, I never would have come there. I picked up my son, and my crying 6 year old, and went back up to the desk. I told the lady at the desk that I wanted my money back, and she called for someone right away. Meanwhile, my son was upset now, and ran back to play. I went back to get him, and the bouncer at Candeeland had a little kid stand in the way and block me from getting him. Mind you, adults are allowed to go in the little kids area, but 6 year olds are not. I told him I needed to get my child. I picked up my son again, and went back to the desk. The bouncer followed me, and apparently he is the one who could refund me. However, since I purchased through Groupon, he couldn’t do anything, and refused to even try. I wouldn’t recommend this place anymore. I especially wouldn’t want any children/families with special needs to visit there, as they refuse to help or many any exceptions on age.

For the record, the girl working the front desk could not have been nicer. That’s the Candeeland experience I had experienced in the past. But I wouldn’t encourage anyone to go there after what...

I’m deeply disappointed by the recent changes at this place, which seem to exclude autistic children without warning or any attempt at reasonable accommodations. My daughter used to truly enjoy coming here. It was one of the few places where she felt welcomed and safe. Though the larger playground is technically designed for her age group, it has always been overwhelming and intimidating for her due to her condition. What made this place so special was that she was allowed to use the smaller playground, which gave her a sense of comfort, familiarity, and safety — something that isn’t easy to find in many public spaces. Unfortunately, from one day to the next, that changed. She was suddenly no longer allowed in the area that helped her feel secure, with no notice, no discussion, and no alternative provided. It’s heartbreaking to see a place she once looked forward to visiting become one that excludes her entirely. This decision not only shows a lack of understanding about neurodiverse children, but also a lack of empathy. Inclusion isn’t just about allowing children in the door — it’s about making sure they have the support and flexibility they need to actually participate. I hope the organization reconsiders this approach and takes steps to ensure that all children, regardless of ability, are treated with fairness, respect,...

Highly recommend! This place is very clean. I got to meet the owner. He sat down with us and talked about the difference party packages. They are very well priced and I’m super happy what we’re getting for the price. My son loves it here. He struggled in school.. once this place opened we started using coming on Saturday As reward for good behavior and this has helped him with behavioral issues at school! The manager (little talk, today wearing a dark blue shirt) is always very nice and goes over the top for his guest. I’ve personally seen him walk around to all the parents and shake hands and talk with them all while cleaning and making sure his staff is doing things.

You can tell the safe of the kids are #1 there have cameras throw the whole play area. You can see it near the snack area. The workers keep walking throw the whole play area to make sure all kiddos are safe. My son went down the slide and hurt his foot. I saw a safe member carrying him asking him what his parents looked like so I ran up to her and grabbed him to look at his foot, another staff member told me what happened and asked if they could give him ice he said yes, a manager came over asked him if he wanted ice. My son said yes they got him ice and kept checking on him. He was fine. Everyone here is amazing and can’t wait to have...