Thousands visit Capitola Mall to avoid smoke and celebrate anniversary

Capitola Mall looked like the good old days–or the holidays all weekend as families took kids to get out of the smoke and the mall had a showcase for its 41^st anniversary.

The Children’s Museum of Discovery in the Mall had 500 people visit Saturday—with admission—and even more Sunday, its monthly free community day.

Kids were pleasantly packed into Giggles N Wiggles and parents said it was the best option to an outdoor playground. No one wanted to bring kids into the smoke.

Over by the food court, the Stellaria Aerial Show  acrobats got big applause. There were elves and a chance to chat with Santa, Sunday. (Love Santa, but really, you aren’t allowed to take cell phone shots of your child with Santa? Bah Humbug). At least the elves didn’t charge for photos.