Candytopia is to my sister KT, what a good winery is to me.   A magical place where joy abounds.  Excited didn’t quite do her mood justice.  More like beside herself.  In her ‘I Love Candy’ t-shirt, she was more than ready for the adventure ahead of us on this warm November day in San Francisco.  After missing our trip to Museum of Ice Cream, it seemed Candytopia came to town just to make it up to KT personally.  Wondering whether you should make your own trip to Candytopia?  Here are some questions you may  encounter along the way.

What the hell is a Candytopia?

People may have no idea where you are going.  Candy-what?   Candy-who???   Think of Candytopia as the MoMa for kids (and kids at heart).  Think sugary sweet treats mixed with light cardio.  There may be a see-saw (there totally is)… and it may make your thighs burn if you’re a grown up.  You’ve been warned.

Is Candytopia just for kids?

If the pure joy on KT’s face doesn’t answer this question for you, I’m not sure what to tell you.

Can I still hula hoop?

I told you there was cardio.  Also, hula hoops have gotten smaller.  Or I have gotten bigger.  I vote for the former.  Either way, I can still manage to hula hoop for approximately 3.2 seconds.  Just long enough for KT to Boomerang it.  Count it in the win column.

What’s in my hair?

The answer is confetti (obviously).  TK is still finding sprinkles around the house from our trip to the Museum of Ice Cream months ago.  The confetti has less staying power but looks great in pics!  You shouldn’t need to vacuum the house twice to get rid of the evidence from your Candytopia experience.  You will however probably fall into a sugar coma.

Will I fit on the slide?

I did- but just barely.  My hips got stuck momentarily at the top; I guess some things have changed since I was on the playground.  Oh well.

Why am I sooo thirsty?

Ingesting large amounts of candy is dangerous over the age of 10.  It soaked up every ounce of water in my body.  I felt like I was in the desert.  I blame the caramel apple lollipop.  But I would totally eat it again.  I’m so conflicted.

Why isn’t water included in the tour?

Halfway thru the candy maze, a cooler full of cute Candytopia bottled water appears.  You think, “Oh how nice!”  Until you realize the cooler is closely guarded and find out water costs $2.  Seriously??  Show me to the water fountain, please and thanks. (*There isn’t a water fountain; apparently there is struggle even in the land of Candytopia.)

Snoop Dogg or Cardi B?

Cardi B’s image might win at Candytopia.  Snoop wins for most other things in life.  You should know why.  If you don’t, please refer to the “footages“.  If you still don’t know, please consult Martha Stewart.  Thanks.

Tootsie Pops or Airheads?

KT and TK raided the basket of Airheads; I made a beeline for the Tootsie Pops.  Choose your own adventure, or eat everything you see… and regret it later.

Where’s the camera?

The photo booth style displays throughout the space are a nice touch.   A quick scan of your QR code and you’re ready for your close-up.  Look up and find the festive orange Candytopia sky cam.  Say, “Candy!”

Museum of Ice Cream vs Candytopia?

All things considered if you can only do one, the Museum of Ice Cream wins.  The tour is longer, has more rooms and displays and more snacks along the way.  That said, Candytopia gets an honorable mention for the amazing detail in the figures (the dragon is awesome), the creativity in the art gallery and an overall swag factor.

Prince, Snoop Dogg and Willie Wonka??  I see you Candytopia.

Alright fam, for all the kids at heart- what’s your favorite candy??