Jun 22, 2026 - Things to Do
Giant spinning tops are drawing families to Short Pump Mall
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There's a new spinning art exhibit at Short Pump Town Center.
Why it matters: It's doubling as a free playground for kids — and adults.
The big picture: Los Trompos, Spanish for "spinning tops," features eight colorful, climbable structures created by Mexican designers Héctor Esrawe and Ignacio Cadena.
- They're inspired by the children's toy and wrapped in woven fabric rooted in Mexican textile traditions.
- The traveling interactive exhibit has been around since 2015 and made stops in cities like San Diego, Paris, Atlanta and even Arlington.
- It landed in Short Pump this month.
How it works: Up to six kids, or four adults, can climb inside (or onto) a structure to hang out or work together to spin them.
- Some are open like benches while others look like the inside of a gazebo.
If you go: Find them at the mall's Main Plaza outside Crate & Barrel through July 12.
- The mall is open Monday-Saturday, 11am-8pm, and Sundays from 11am-6pm.