*Disclosure-I received tickets to Nickelodeon Universe, Moose Mountain Mini Golf, and Sea Life in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Mall of America
When we were planning our summer vacation, it had to meet some very specific criteria. It had to be somewhere within driving distance, and somewhere there were activities for both kids and adults. Minneapolis, specifically the Mall of America, fit our requirements perfectly.
I had been to the Mall once before. It was when I was a kid, and I remember the giant Snoopy in the center of the mall. I believe it was called Camp Snoopy at the time. I also remember floors upon floors of stores, not managing to reach them all. One day, I vowed to return.
So, when we decided upon Minneapolis for our road-trip, I started doing some research by first looking at the Mall’s website. So many changes! In addition to the shopping (for me!) there was now Nickelodeon Universe, Moose Mountain Mini Golf, Sea Life, and the Crayola Experience all for the kids. Plus, there are tons of restaurants. And the shopping. Did I mention the shopping?!
Really, the Mall of America has something for everyone!
The Mall of America is located in Bloomington, MN, which is right outside the city of Minneapolis. There are plenty of hotels near the mall, and even a few that are attached. We chose one with a pool, of course.
Nickelodeon Universe
Up first on our agenda was Nickelodeon Universe. From their website:
Nickelodeon, the #1 entertainment brand for kids, and Mall of America®, the nation’s premier shopping destination, have joined forces to create a one-of-a-kind theme park. Located in the center of Mall of America, Nickelodeon Universe® features seven acres of unique attractions and entertainment. Meet the Nick characters, experience spine-tingling rides, visit unique retail shops and much more!
It’s pretty amazing having a theme park in the middle of a mall. The boys were in awe of the giant rides, bright colors, and beloved characters. I have to admit that I was pretty excited too. I’m not a huge fan of roller coasters, but I absolutely love to see my kids faces when they ride.
Plus, there was such a range of rides, I knew we would find something for everyone. Bumper cars, a bounce house, a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and a train ride were just a few other options besides the huge loop de loops and “big” kid rides. Everything has size requirements, so you know if it’s appropriate for your little one.
When you purchase your ticket, you get a wrist band that is good for the entire day, and you can ride as much as you like. The boys were ready to put those wristbands to the test.
Since our road-trip was in the middle of the week, the mall was not crowded. We hardly had to wait in any lines, and if we did, they moved quickly. The twins would ride, and then get right back on again with no line. I think the twins rode the bumper cars about 20 times. Not even kidding.
As a family, we all went on the Ferris wheel, a small roller coaster, and the carousel. Mr. B and my husband went on the bigger roller coasters, while the twins loved the rides with themes like Blue’s Clues, The Backyardigans, and Go Diego Go.
Mr. B’s favorite was the Jimmy Neutron themed ride.
The twins also got to meet some of their favorite characters! There are stations around the park that show the specific times and characters that will be available for pictures. You can take your own photos, and they also have a professional photographer there as well.
We seriously spent about 6 hours in the theme park, and still didn’t hit every ride. But, everyone was hungry, so we headed to the 4th floor of the mall where there were a ton of restaurants. There are also plenty spread throughout the mall, as well.
The Afternoon
We ate at a Mexican restaurant that overlooked the theme park, and it was delicious. It was nice to relax a little after all the excitement of the day. I also needed to rest my feet in preparation for shopping! Plus, it was nice to have an adult beverage.
Since we had 5 tickets to Moose Mountain Miniature Golf (also inside the mall!) Grandpa and Dad volunteered to take the boys, while me and my Mom took advantage of the rest of the mall. We knew the golfing wouldn’t take up the entire afternoon, but there is also a huge Lego store that the boys were anxious to explore.
I don’t have any other pictures of mini golf since I wasn’t with, but I was assured that everyone had fun. Mr. B even got a hole in one!
I also don’t have any pictures of the stores because I was too busy trying to hit every single one. Ha!
I got an awesome deal on some boots, presents for each of the boys, a shirt for my husband, and an awesome new purse. Definitely a successful shopping trip!
We were all exhausted by the end of the day, so we decided we would save the aquarium for the next day. Back to the hotel we went for a little swimming and sleeping.
Sea Life
We hadn’t planned on spending two days at the Mall of America, but since we all had so much fun, we headed back again after our trip to the Zoo. They have an aquarium also right inside the mall, so the boys were anxious to see all the fish.
Again, we had 5 tickets, and since I’m a shopaholic, my Dad kindly volunteered again to go with the boys, while us girls finished our shopping.
I asked each boy what was their favorite part about the Sea Life Aquarium, and these were their responses:
Mr. B: My favorite was seeing the shark. It was also so cool how you could see it swimming over your head. It was like you were in a tunnel of water.
Big C: My favorite was all the Nemos and the Doris. Also, everything.
Little P: Everything. The shark. The fish.
Something for Everyone
The Mall of America was really a lot of fun for our whole family. I loved that we were able to spend time together, and also split up, so we could all do the things we liked. Plus, we didn’t even get to do, see, or eat everything, so that means we’ll have to plan a return trip.
Mr. B is looking forward to growing an inch so he can ride every single ride, the twins are still talking about the bumper cars, and I’m still wondering if I missed a good deal at one of the stores. We can’t wait to go back.
If you’ve never been, or it’s been a while, I highly recommend a trip to the Mall of America for everyone. Start planning your trip HERE.
Have you ever been to the Mall of America? What was your favorite part?
I’ve never been to the Mall of America but it’s on my list of places I want to visit. Looks like you all had a blast. Your little ones are so cute in their matching outfits! 🙂
I’m so glad you had a good time and explored so much at the MOA! I live here and don’t think I have even seen all that they have there! I do love SeaLife though!!
Wow, I didn’t realize there were so many things to do inside of mall of America! I thought it was just a really big mall. That sounds like so much fun!! Looks like you all had a great time.
I’ve been but it’s been soooooo long ago, all I remember was how humongous it was lol. Need to definitely visit again now that my little guy is getting older!
I’ve always wanted to go here! I actually live by the second biggest mall in the country, but it doesn’t have all the cool stuff this one does!
It looks like you had such a great time! I’ve always wanted to go there. Not that I have a daughter, I think a road trip is in order 🙂
This looks so fun!! I bet your kids had the best time there!!! 🙂
It looks like you all had a wonderful time. I used to life a few miles from the mall so I would go often. I haven’t been in years. I’ve taken Jake 2 times when he was younger and he liked it. I think we will have to go back soon. I am so happy that you enjoyed my home state. Which we could have met up.
This looks like so much fun! I haven’t been to the Mall of America yet, but it looks amazing. I had no idea there was so much to do there!
Looks like you had so much fun! I have never been to the Mall of America, but it is definitely on my list to visit!
I’ve been there once, and it’s such a fun place!
It looks like you guys had a great time at MOA! They have so many fun restaurants and stores… I should really go more often. The theme park was Camp Snoopy back in the day and it will always be Camp Snoopy in my heart. 😂 I wish we could have met up while you were here. I had enough going on that it was a bad week for me to get sick.
Next time! Or whenever you are in WI!
I have not been but I really would like to go someday. It sounds like a lot of fun – and that’s great there is so much to do!!
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
I’ve never been to the Mall of America but holy Jesus! It looks amazing!!! I definitely can not wait to visit! It looks like y’all had a complete blast.
Looks like you had such a great day! It really does have something for everyone! Thanks so much for sharing this info!
This is a lovely place. I was glued to pictures. I would love to visit Mall of America with my kids. Loved your post.
Looks like a great time! I think I would love the nickelodeon world more than my kids lol! I would get totally nostalgic!
My kids loved Nickelodeon Universe! We got discount tickets through AAA and I thought it was a great value for unlimited rides. Plus, we didn’t have to deal with the outside weather!
I’ve never been to the mall of america but I would love to visit someday. Looks like a blast!
I so want to take my kids here one day. It looks so fun and I know they would have a blast.
This is such a fun post! I have never been there before but I have to visit one day!
Looks like so much fun. I didn’t realize there were so many things for kids to do there!
I have never been to the Mall of America, but after reading your post, I would definitely like to go! Looks like plenty of stuff to do to keep the whole family entertained.
It looks like everyone had a great time! We’ve never been to a Mall of America but I can imagine the excitement my kids would feel. And of course as moms we get to experience it through them:)
I’ve never been but it looks like so much fun!
That mall looks amazing. Its on my future vacation bucket list. I’m glad you guys had a great time! I would really enjoy the sea life.
This is awesome!!! I honestly never even knew this place existed! Sounds like they have such a wide variety of activities for everyone! Super cool!
I have never seen photos inside the Mall of America before! This place looks awesome! Definitely fun for both kids and adults. I love to travel, I might put this on my list. 🙂
OMG- I wonder if we were there at the same time?! AH! We also did all of that and have such a good time. We only live 2.5 hours away but it’s still a splurge trip because to do all of that, it’s expensive. You know what else the kids loved? The Crayola Experience. Man alive all of the kids LOVED it.
Darn. I wish I would have thought to have messaged you. I didn’t realize you were that close. Next time we go, I’ll let you know…and we’ll definitely do the Crayola Experience too 🙂