Time to start playing games

Where else could you wander through a life-size Candyland — or battle wits with friends and family in a giant Connect Four Competition, other than at Otay Ranch Town Center Sept. 6 at “one-of-a-kind battle afternoon” debuting at the mall.

From 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, in addition to the lineup of Otay Ranch market’s regular selection of certified farm stands, unique street foods and handicraft items, shoppers and families can come play life-size versions of some of their favorite games.

Those games include  Candyland, Connect Four, Concentration/Giant Memory, Kerplunk! and Giant Tumble Blocks (like Jenga). There will be other fun outdoor activities such as Hopscotch to pass the time between giant-game battles as well.

“We’ve found families come out each week to our Farmer’s Market and enjoy the public spaces all around the center while trying foods from various venues,” said Janet Henderson, general manager of Otay Ranch  Town Center. “Partnering with the library, we are able to add a new  element to the weekly event, and encourage families to linger and have  even more fun.”

The free, new game-oriented event has a sponsor who pointed out popular board games are an extra-added attraction at the regional mall.

“We look forward to this first-ever event featuring great interactive life-size games for families of all ages,” said Joy Whatley, manager at the Otay Ranch Town Center Branch of the Chula Vista Library. “The library is thrilled to offer a wide selection of programming options for guests at Otay Ranch Town Center. This life-size Family Game night is a great complement to our existing programs such as story times, homework help and passport fairs.”

With nearly 100 of the country’s top specialty stores, Otay Ranch Town  Center is one of San Diego’s most exciting outdoor shopping and entertainment destinations. Eclectic tastes are served by Macy’s, REI, Barnes & Noble, Apple, H&M, Sephora and Anthropologie, to name just a few.

This open-air center features a wide variety of amenities including outdoor cafes, grand fountains, a pet-friendly  setting and adjacent dog park, branch of the Chula Vista Library, food pavilion, party space, a fireplace and a “chalk garden” and popper fountain for children.