>Avoid the area around the mall.

???

What, like the Lakefront, Merriweather Post Pavilion and Symphony Woods? Am I missing something? That's where all the cultural events, festivals, and summer concerts are. That whole area by the lake with the playground, Whole Foods, yoga studio, and bike trail to Central Library is literally the most family friendly area in town.

The mall itself is pretty nice too. Just very crowded on weekends and traffic can be infuriating.