City of Tomorrow Mall, more commonly known as Cito, has long been one of Surabaya’s key landmarks, particularly in the border area with Sidoarjo. Standing majestically near Waru Roundabout, this shopping center offers a shopping and recreational experience designed to meet family needs. With a 4.3 rating from over 26,000 reviews, Cito remains a favorite choice for residents of Surabaya and its surrounding areas. Although it has undergone tenant adjustments in recent years, the mall continues to adapt by providing children’s play facilities, dining areas, and sports spaces that appeal to diverse crowds. Its consistent presence on East Java’s shopping map proves that this destination remains highly relevant for visitors.
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Why Visit This Destination
Cito’s main advantage lies in its strategic position as the primary gateway into Surabaya from Sidoarjo and Mojokerto. The mall offers a family-friendly concept that emphasizes children’s entertainment and the comfort of indoor activities. Visitors will find a quieter atmosphere compared to other central city shopping centers, making it ideal for spending quality time with family without excessive crowds. The presence of extensive children’s play facilities and indoor sports areas makes it a relevant destination for both daily routines and weekend outings. Furthermore, its easy accessibility from various points across Surabaya makes Cito a practical choice for short trips or transit stops.
Experiences to Enjoy
One of Cito’s primary attractions is the Happy Time playground, a favorite among parents. This area features a variety of safe and well-maintained play equipment, allowing children to enjoy themselves freely while guardians relax nearby. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the available arcade games for brief entertainment. Notably, the mall serves not only as a shopping center but also as an active venue for indoor sports such as rollerblading, aerobics, and martial arts. This demonstrates how Cito has successfully transformed into a multifunctional community space amid the evolving demands of modern lifestyle culture. You can easily align your visit schedule with your preferred activities, whether that means playing, exercising, or simply unwinding.
Culinary
For dining needs, you can visit the food court located on the third floor. Although the number of tenants has adjusted to market conditions, several culinary options remain operational and worth trying, including Hokben, Pempek Farina, Steak Moen2, Nasi Goreng 69, and Jus Sehat. The area provides ample seating, although some of the chairs show signs of wear. You can enjoy reasonably priced meals while waiting for your family or simply taking a break. For a more optimal dining experience, it is recommended to visit during lunch or late afternoon hours when the tenants are actively serving customers. The availability of various snack and healthy drink options ensures that your nutritional needs are met throughout your activities.
Pricing & Admission Fees
To enter the Happy Time playground area, an admission fee applies that varies by day. On weekdays, the rate is IDR 75,000, while on weekends it increases to IDR 90,000. This price includes unlimited play access for children, with one accompanying adult entering free of charge. Wearing socks is mandatory to enter the playground area; however, if you forget, the mall provides sock rentals for IDR 15,000. For parking, both on-street and paid parking lots around the mall are available, accepting various payment methods including debit cards, credit cards, and NFC mobile payments. These estimated costs are highly affordable relative to the facilities offered, allowing you to plan your travel budget more efficiently.
Operating Hours
City of Tomorrow Mall is open every day without exception, from 10:00 to 22:00 Western Indonesia Time (WIB). This consistent operating schedule makes it easy to plan your visit without worrying about public holidays. Although some individual tenants may have different opening hours, core facilities such as the playground, food court, and sports areas generally operate according to the mall’s official hours. You can adjust your visit schedule according to your personal preference, whether for a morning ambiance or afternoon to evening activities.
Getting There
Cito’s location is highly accessible from multiple directions. You can find it at Jl. Ahmad Yani No. 288, Dukuh Menanggal, Gayungan District, Surabaya, East Java 60234. For those utilizing public transportation, several route options stop just a short distance from the mall. Transjabodetabek/East Java Bus route K2 (Mojokerto–Surabaya), SuroboyoBus routes R1 (Purabaya–Perak), R4 (Purabaya–Dharmahusada–UNAIR C–ITS), as well as Wirawiri feeder routes FD9 and FD12, provide comfortable transit options. If you arrive via intercity bus and are dropped off at the taxi/ride-hailing stand near Purabaya, the mall is located only about 300 meters from that point. Parking is available through both on-street and paid mall parking facilities, allowing you to choose the transportation method that best suits your travel needs.
Practical Tips for Visitors
To ensure the best experience, visitors are strongly advised to always wear socks when entering the playground area. Take advantage of promotions frequently advertised on TikTok, particularly during happy hour, which is often accompanied by interactive live sessions. Please note that air conditioning in certain areas may not be optimal, so consider bringing a light blanket or extra clothing if you plan to stay for extended periods. Directional signage in the basement level can sometimes be unclear, so verify your exit route before heading down. The mall’s escalators operate at a relatively fast pace, requiring extra caution when supervising elderly individuals or young children. Finally, if you are seeking a comprehensive retail tenant experience, focus on the play and dining activities at Cito, as shopping options may be more limited compared to a few years ago.
Visitor Reviews
"Visited Cito due to a Happy Time playground promotion... The price of 25k already includes an accompanying adult. Socks are mandatory, but if you forget, they're available on-site for just 15k... Promotions are available via TikTok with sessions during happy hour live every day..."
"The children's play area is quite interesting, recommended for kids' year-end holidays... It's a pity that the basement is dark and the exit signage is unclear... The escalators are a bit fast, making them less suitable for the elderly... The food court is on the 3rd floor and some parts are already closed..."
"A mall in Waru, on the border of Surabaya and Sidoarjo, which is now quieter compared to a few years ago. This place has always been a famous landmark at Waru Roundabout as the gateway to Surabaya City, but now only the food court, playground, and some shops and restaurants on the ground floor remain active."
"Such a shame that so many tenants have closed in a mall this large... It looks magnificent from the outside, but the interior is quiet. It's frequently used for indoor sports activities; I saw rollerblading, aerobics, and martial arts when I was there. The food court has a decent number of options, so if you're looking for a place to eat, it's worth trying."
"The Happy Time playground is absolutely amazing. Cozy. The kids are happy, and the parents enjoy it too. Just awesome."
City of Tomorrow Mall remains a worthwhile destination, particularly for those seeking a well-maintained children’s play area, straightforward dining options, and a strategic location at the gateway to Surabaya. Despite facing the challenges of shifting modern shopping trends, the mall has successfully maintained its role as a family community space. With comprehensive facilities, affordable pricing, and easy accessibility, Cito is ready to accompany you in enjoying quality time with your loved ones. Plan your visit and experience an atmosphere that remains familiar amidst the dynamic evolution of Surabaya.
