Mall of America is worth visiting even if you do not plan to shop. The strongest first-visit attractions are Nickelodeon Universe, SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, FlyOver America, Crayola Experience, Museum of Illusions, and The Escape Game. Most visitors should allow one full day for the highlights. Plan two days when a full theme-park session, several paid attractions, shopping, and a sit-down meal are all priorities.
Mall of America occupies 5.6 million square feet in Bloomington, Minnesota. The complex combines up to 500 retail stores and restaurants with a seven-acre indoor theme park, an aquarium, flight simulation, escape rooms, active games, miniature golf, theaters, and hundreds of scheduled events.
Local perspective: ViaTravelers founder Kyle Kroeger grew up in the Twin Cities, visited Mall of America throughout childhood, and returned in August 2026. His local experience informed the attraction selection and planning advice in this update. Current prices, hours, and policies were independently verified on August 11, 2026.
Quick picks for your Mall of America visit
| Traveler or priority | Best starting point | Suggested planning time |
|---|---|---|
| First visit with children | Nickelodeon Universe plus SEA LIFE or FlyOver America | One full day |
| Toddlers and preschoolers | Crayola Experience, SEA LIFE, LEGO Store, and Toddler Tuesdays | Four to six hours |
| Teens and adults | The Escape Game, Activate, Great Big Game Show, or The Fair on 4 | Half day to full day |
| One quick paid attraction | FlyOver America or Museum of Illusions | 45 to 90 minutes |
| Free or low-commitment stops | LEGO Store, M&M’S, shopping, and scheduled events | 30 to 90 minutes |
| Evening entertainment | B&B Theatres, House of Comedy, or The Fair on 4 | Two to three hours |
The most useful planning rule: choose one anchor attraction before arriving. Nickelodeon Universe, SEA LIFE, Crayola Experience, and The Escape Game can each shape the rest of the day. Add nearby activities around that anchor instead of repeatedly crossing the complex.
Regular mall hours
- Monday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Individual attractions, restaurants, theaters, and holiday events can open earlier or close later. Confirm the official hours for your date before leaving.
In this guide
- Current ticket-price snapshot
- 14 best things to do at Mall of America
- A practical one-day itinerary
- Shopping and Minnesota sales tax
- Where to eat
- Where to stay
- Parking, airport transit, and accessibility
- Frequently asked questions
Mall of America ticket-price snapshot
Entering Mall of America is free. Each paid attraction sets its own admission price. The examples below were verified on August 11, 2026; taxes, online fees, reduced operating schedules, and date-specific prices may apply.
| Attraction or program | Current published price | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Nickelodeon Universe | $52.49 regular unlimited wristband; $41.99 on Deal Days | Deal Days use a reduced ride schedule. Online purchases carry a 5% processing fee. |
| SEA LIFE Minnesota | General tickets from $25 | Advance prices and admission times vary by date. |
| FlyOver America | Adult: $23.99 at gate or $21.59 online; child: $17.99 at gate or $16.19 online | Riders must be at least 40 inches tall. Tax is additional. |
| The Escape Game | $41.99 plus tax | Each adventure provides 60 minutes in the game. |
| Official MOA public tour | $25 per guest | Public tours are normally offered Tuesday and Saturday at 9 a.m. |
| Toddler Tuesdays wristband | $15.99 plus tax | Valid for five hours on select junior and family rides; sold on-site on Tuesdays. |
ViaTravelers may earn a commission when you book through selected links below, at no additional cost to you. Compare the final price, included attractions, fees, and cancellation terms before paying.
14 best things to do at Mall of America
1. Make Nickelodeon Universe your anchor attraction
Best for: Families, coaster fans, mixed-age groups, and anyone who wants the defining Mall of America experience.
Plan on: Three to five hours, or most of the day for serious ride fans.
Nickelodeon Universe occupies seven acres in the center of the mall. The indoor park combines junior rides, family attractions, roller coasters, character experiences, and thrill rides. Twin Cities residents who grew up with the original park may still call it Camp Snoopy, but Nickelodeon Universe has operated under its current name since 2008.
The SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge, Fairly Odd Coaster, Pepsi Orange Streak, Log Chute, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shell Shock cover a broad range of intensity. Coaster enthusiasts can also compare these rides with other notable roller coasters around the world.
Choose the right ticket: An unlimited wristband makes sense when one guest expects to ride repeatedly. Point passes can be better for adults supervising children, short visits, or groups in which only a few people plan to ride. Point passes can be shared and do not expire; wristbands cannot be shared and are valid only on the purchase date.
Check the park’s ride-closure list and height requirements before purchasing. Deal Day wristbands cost less, but rides operate on a reduced schedule. Avoid scheduling a heavy meal immediately before the more intense rides.
2. Walk beneath sharks at SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium
Best for: All ages, rainy-day visits, animal lovers, and families that need a calmer counterpoint to the theme park.
Plan on: About 90 minutes to two hours.
SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium sits on Level 1 near the East entrance. Its centerpiece is a 300-foot underwater tunnel where sharks, sawfish, rays, fish, and sea turtles move above and beside visitors. Other areas include Ray Lagoon, Coral Caves, a Pacific Northwest rockpool, and rainforest exhibits.
The aquarium works particularly well for groups with a wide age range because visitors control their pace. Daily talks, feedings, seasonal programs, and premium behind-the-scenes experiences vary, so review the calendar before selecting an admission time.
Advance booking is useful on weekends, school breaks, and poor-weather days. Compare standard admission with premium packages carefully; virtual reality, photos, and behind-the-scenes access may be bundled into higher-priced tickets.
3. Take a simulated flight on FlyOver America
Best for: First-time visitors, older children, adults, and anyone who wants a memorable attraction without giving up half a day.
Plan on: About 30 to 45 minutes, including the briefing and queue.
FlyOver America is a flight-simulation attraction near Center Court. Suspended seats face a large curved screen while wind, mist, scent, and motion effects create an aerial journey across the United States. The primary flight lasts about 10 minutes, and departures are generally scheduled every 15 minutes.
All riders must be at least 40 inches tall. Children under 48 inches or younger than eight must ride with a supervising companion. Guests who dislike simulated heights, moving seats, strong visual motion, or sensory effects may prefer another attraction.
FlyOver is a good secondary booking after SEA LIFE or Nickelodeon Universe because it delivers a distinct experience without consuming the rest of the day. Online tickets currently cost less than gate admission.
4. Make personalized art at Crayola Experience
Best for: Preschool and elementary-age children, creative families, and visitors seeking an activity without thrill rides.
Plan on: Two to three hours.
Crayola Experience occupies a large space on Level 3. More than 20 hands-on activities involve color, melted wax, drawing, modeling, digital art, and personalized creations. Children can name and wrap a crayon, make spin art, experiment with melted crayons, and turn a photograph into a coloring page.
This is more substantial than a short craft stop. Families who want to complete several projects should reserve a dedicated block rather than squeezing it between rides. Younger visitors generally receive the most value, while teens may prefer Activate, Museum of Illusions, or an escape room.
5. Test your perception at Museum of Illusions
Best for: Couples, teens, multigenerational groups, and visitors who enjoy photography and interactive exhibits.
Plan on: About 60 to 90 minutes.
Museum of Illusions occupies Level 2 near the North entrance. More than 60 exhibits use perspective, geometry, light, balance, and visual perception to make rooms and objects appear to change size, direction, or orientation.
The museum works well when a group wants to participate together rather than splitting between riders and non-riders. It is also easier to fit into a half-day visit than Nickelodeon Universe or Crayola Experience. Expect frequent photo stops and slower movement when the museum is busy.
6. Complete a mission at The Escape Game
Best for: Families with older children, friends, couples, team outings, and puzzle-focused travelers.
Plan on: About 75 to 90 minutes including check-in.
The Escape Game offers seven themed, 60-minute missions. Current scenarios include Prison Break, Mission: Mars, The Heist, Gold Rush, The Depths, Special Ops, and Cosmic Crisis. Each game asks the group to find clues, open compartments, solve connected puzzles, and complete a defined objective.
The rooms are designed as adventures rather than horror experiences, and guests are not physically locked inside. Difficulty and theme should drive the booking decision. Reserve in advance for weekend evenings, school breaks, and larger groups.
7. Compete on the Great Big Game Show set
Best for: Families, friend groups, birthdays, corporate teams, and travelers who enjoy trivia without wanting an escape room.
Plan on: About 60 to 75 minutes.
Great Big Game Show places two teams on a purpose-built game-show set with a live host. Each session includes at least five rotating mini-games involving trivia, strategy, luck, speed, or physical participation.
The host-led format makes this easier for a mixed-skill group than an escape room: no single puzzle blocks the entire experience, and the competition resets between rounds. It is also a practical evening activity because the venue can operate beyond normal retail hours.
8. Become the player inside Activate
Best for: Active teens, adults, competitive families, and groups that want movement rather than passive screen time.
Plan on: About 60 to 90 minutes.
Activate combines physical movement with responsive technology. Small groups move through game rooms that ask players to jump, climb, dodge, coordinate, remember patterns, or solve problems while walls and floors react in real time.
This is a more physical choice than Museum of Illusions, Great Big Game Show, or The Escape Game. Wear secure shoes and clothes that allow easy movement. Review the operator’s current participation rules when a group includes young children or guests with mobility limitations.
9. Play laser tag at Tactical Urban Combat
Best for: School-age children, teens, active adults, birthday groups, and gamers.
Plan on: About 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the booked game.
Tactical Urban Combat operates an indoor family-entertainment venue on East Broadway. Laser-tag gameplay uses a purpose-built arena and rewards movement, communication, and team strategy.
Expect low lighting, noise, quick movement, and competitive play. Confirm which game formats are currently available, along with age requirements and session lengths, before reserving. This is not the best selection for a group seeking a quiet or low-sensory break.
10. Race go-karts and throw axes at The Fair on 4
Best for: Teens, adults, groups with different interests, and visitors seeking food and entertainment in one venue.
Plan on: About 90 minutes to three hours.
The Fair on 4 combines a quarter-mile indoor go-kart track, axe throwing, arcade-style games, fair food, and a large craft-beer selection. The concept draws from the Minnesota State Fair, so the menu commonly features recognizable Minnesota foods such as corn dogs, mini donuts, and fried cheese curds.
The venue works well when some members of a group want a structured activity while others prefer food and drinks. Height, age, footwear, waiver, and alcohol rules can differ between go-karts and axe throwing. Check those requirements before building the evening around a specific activity.
11. Choose between two indoor miniature-golf courses
Best for: Families, dates, casual groups, and visitors who want an activity with minimal advance planning.
Plan on: About 45 to 75 minutes.
| Course | Experience | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Rock of Ages Blacklight Minigolf | An 18-hole ultraviolet course organized around music eras from the 1950s to the present | Older children, teens, dates, and groups that enjoy louder music and blacklight effects |
| Moose Mountain Adventure Golf | An 18-hole North Woods-themed course with whimsical buildings and Minnesota-style scenery | Younger families, multigenerational groups, and guests who need a fully accessible course |
Mini golf is easier to add spontaneously than a timed escape room or aquarium reservation. It also gives non-riders a participatory option near Nickelodeon Universe.
12. See a movie or an evening comedy show
Best for: Adults, teens, evening visitors, and anyone who needs a seated break after several hours of walking.
Plan on: Two to three hours.
B&B Theatres Bloomington 13 shows current wide-release films and can extend a visit beyond retail hours. Because some late showings begin after the mall closes, review the theater’s instructions for after-hours entry before arriving.
Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy presents touring and regional comedians with food and drink service. Performer schedules and age restrictions change by show, so select the date before treating it as the evening’s anchor.
13. Explore the LEGO Store and M&M’S without buying a ticket
Best for: Families, collectors, shoppers, and visitors filling a short gap between reservations.
Plan on: About 30 to 60 minutes for both stores.
The LEGO Store contains play tables, eight large-scale models, a Pick-a-Brick wall with 180 different elements, and a LEGO robot more than 34 feet tall. Browsing the models is free, making the store a useful stop even when no purchase is planned.
The nearby M&M’S store covers more than 24,000 square feet. The store combines Midwest-themed design, character displays, personalized candy, merchandise, and the Wall of Chocolate. Both stores are flexible stops that require no timed entry.
14. Plan around Toddler Tuesdays, special events, or an official tour
Best for: Repeat visitors, toddlers, local families, history fans, and travelers with flexible dates.
Plan on: From 30 minutes for an event to approximately 90 minutes for the official tour.
Toddler Tuesdays offers weekly discounts for young children and caregivers. The current $15.99 wristband is valid for five hours on select junior and family rides and is sold on-site on Tuesdays. Live programming and character appearances occur on selected dates rather than every Tuesday, so check the calendar before promising a specific appearance.
The official Mall of America tour explores the property’s history, operations, former Metropolitan Stadium markers, Nickelodeon Universe details, and behind-the-scenes spaces. Public tours are normally offered Tuesdays and Saturdays at 9 a.m., last about 90 minutes, and cost $25 per guest.
The broader Mall of America event calendar includes book signings, concerts, character appearances, product launches, community programs, and seasonal activities. Many events are free. Checking the calendar before buying another ticket can add genuine value to a visit.
A practical one-day Mall of America itinerary
This itinerary is a planning framework rather than a fixed operating schedule. Adjust it for Sunday opening hours, timed tickets, ride closures, children’s energy, and the location of your chosen attractions.
| Part of day | Recommended plan | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| At opening | Begin with your anchor: Nickelodeon Universe, SEA LIFE, Crayola Experience, or Museum of Illusions | The largest priority receives fresh energy and a more predictable schedule. |
| Late morning | Add one nearby attraction or free store | This limits unnecessary walking before lunch. |
| Lunch | Choose a quick meal for an attraction-heavy day or reserve a sit-down restaurant for a slower visit | The meal supports the day’s actual priority rather than interrupting it. |
| Early afternoon | Book FlyOver America, The Escape Game, Great Big Game Show, or Activate | A timed second attraction gives the afternoon structure. |
| Late afternoon | Shop one defined area and visit LEGO Store or M&M’S | Flexible stops absorb schedule changes without another reservation. |
| Evening | Eat at The Fair on 4, see a film, attend comedy, or continue shopping | These options can extend beyond standard attraction hours. |
For younger children: Use SEA LIFE or Crayola Experience as the anchor, eat early, and treat LEGO Store, a junior ride, or a scheduled event as the final stop. A shorter successful visit is usually better than pushing through every possible attraction.
For teens and adults: Combine one competitive activity, such as The Escape Game, Activate, or Great Big Game Show, with FlyOver America, The Fair on 4, and an evening film or comedy performance.
Shopping at Mall of America
Mall of America contains hundreds of stores across several levels and four main directional areas. Do not attempt to browse the entire directory without priorities. Save a short list of stores, group them by area, and park near the first or final major stop.
Minnesota sales-tax advantage: General-use clothing is exempt from Minnesota sales tax. The exemption includes many ordinary clothes and shoes. Accessories such as jewelry, handbags, sunglasses, watches, and wallets remain taxable. Specialized sports equipment and protective equipment can also be taxable.
The distinction matters when comparing prices. A pair of ordinary shoes can qualify as exempt clothing, while cleated sports shoes, a helmet, a handbag, or a watch may not.
Where to eat at Mall of America
Mall of America has more than 50 eateries, ranging from food-court counters to hotel restaurants and themed dining. The best choice depends on whether the meal is a short refueling stop or a central part of the visit.
| Dining need | Good fit | Why choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota-style sit-down meal | Twin City Grill | Comfort-food menu and a calmer break from the attraction areas |
| Upscale meal | Cedar + Stone at JW Marriott or FireLake at Radisson Blu | Connected-hotel setting and a more deliberate dining experience |
| Meal plus activities | The Fair on 4 | Fair food, drinks, go-karts, axe throwing, and games in one venue |
| Young children and themed dining | Rainforest Cafe | Animated rainforest setting and familiar family-oriented menu |
| Fastest option | North Food Court or another nearby quick-service counter | Minimizes time away from rides or timed attractions |
Review the current official dining directory because tenants, opening hours, and menus change. Reserve ahead when a particular sit-down restaurant is essential. For meals elsewhere in the city, compare the best restaurants in Minneapolis.
Where to stay near Mall of America
Two upscale hotels connect directly to Mall of America. Several nearby properties provide shuttle service, breakfast, lower room rates, or additional family attractions. Compare the total stay cost rather than an old nightly average: parking, breakfast, airport transportation, attraction packages, and resort fees can change the better-value choice.
Travelers who want a broader city base should also review where to stay in Minneapolis.
| Hotel | Connection | Best for | Important tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radisson Blu Mall of America | Directly connected | Convenience, families, and travelers wanting an airport shuttle | Usually priced above off-site properties |
| JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America | Directly connected | Upscale stays, business travel, and premium service | No hotel-operated MSP shuttle |
| Country Inn & Suites Bloomington Mall of America | Across from the mall with shuttle service | Breakfast, value, and airport or mall transportation | Not physically connected |
| Great Wolf Lodge Bloomington | Nearby; separate resort | Families making the water park a second trip anchor | Not inside Mall of America and deserves separate time |
Radisson Blu Mall of America
Radisson Blu connects directly to the mall and offers an indoor saltwater pool, on-site dining at FireLake, fitness facilities, and a complimentary MSP Airport shuttle. It is the most convenient choice for travelers who want to move between a hotel room and the mall without going outdoors.
JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America
JW Marriott also connects directly to Mall of America. The hotel provides an indoor pool, fitness center, room service, meeting facilities, and Cedar + Stone, Urban Table. It is the stronger fit for a premium or business-oriented stay. The hotel does not operate its own MSP shuttle, so include transportation in the comparison.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Bloomington Mall of America
Country Inn & Suites sits across from Mall of America rather than connecting directly. Its core advantages are a complimentary hot breakfast, an indoor pool, and free shuttle service. It can provide better total value for families who do not require direct indoor access.
Great Wolf Lodge Bloomington
Great Wolf Lodge is a nearby Bloomington resort, not an attraction inside Mall of America. Its indoor water park, family suites, character activities, arcade, and optional day passes can justify a separate day or overnight stay. Water-park access is normally included with an overnight reservation, while day passes are subject to availability.
This is the best option when the water park is a major trip priority. It is less suitable when the goal is simply to maximize time inside the mall. Compare it with other indoor water parks in Minnesota and the broader list of indoor activities in Minnesota.
Getting to and around Mall of America
Driving and free parking
Same-day self-parking is free in the mall’s ramps and surface lots. Parking overnight is a separate paid service. Choose the ramp based on the first or final major stop:
- East Ramp: SEA LIFE, Huntington Bank Rotunda, and Level 4 access.
- West Ramp: Nickelodeon Universe, Nordstrom, Apple, and west-side shopping.
- North Lot: JW Marriott, North Food Court, and the north side of Nickelodeon Universe.
- South Ramp: Radisson Blu, Crayola Experience, and L.L.Bean.
Photograph the level, color, and entrance before walking away from the vehicle. Do not use free visitor parking as airport or park-and-ride storage; Mall of America now operates a separate paid overnight-parking program.
From MSP Airport
Under normal service, the METRO Blue Line takes about 12 minutes between Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport and Mall of America. The mall station is on the lower east side of the complex.
Construction, maintenance, and replacement buses can change the journey. Check the current Blue Line service notice on the day of travel rather than relying on an old frequency or route list.
From Minneapolis or St. Paul
The Blue Line normally connects downtown Minneapolis with Mall of America. Travelers from St. Paul can use Metro Transit rail and bus connections, but the best combination depends on the starting address and active service conditions. Use the Metro Transit Trip Planner for a live route instead of following a static bus list.
Accessibility and sensory resources
Mall of America provides accessible parking, elevators, family restrooms, companion restrooms, nursing rooms, an adult changing table, service-animal relief areas, and trained Guest Services staff. Wheelchairs, electric carts, strollers, and shopping carts are available at Guest Services on a first-come basis with a refundable deposit and daily rental charge.
A sensory room is located inside Nickelodeon Universe near the Pepsi Orange Streak entrance. Mall of America, Nickelodeon Universe, and Crayola Experience also publish sensory guides. Review the official accessibility resources before visiting when mobility, quiet spaces, or sensory predictability affect the plan.
Parental Escort Policy
Visitors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older from 3 p.m. until closing every day. One adult may supervise up to 10 youths. The policy can apply for longer hours on selected high-traffic dates, including parts of the holiday period. Anyone age 21 or younger should be prepared to show valid physical photo identification.
Frequently asked questions
How much time do you need at Mall of America?
Allow one full day for a first visit. Two days work better when Nickelodeon Universe, SEA LIFE, several other attractions, shopping, and a sit-down meal are all priorities.
Is Mall of America free to enter?
Yes. There is no general admission charge to enter Mall of America. Stores, public areas, and many events are free to access, while attractions, theaters, games, food, and purchases cost extra.
Is parking at Mall of America free?
Same-day self-parking is free. Vehicles left after midnight use the mall’s separate paid long-term and overnight parking program. Valet parking also costs extra.
How far is Mall of America from MSP Airport?
The normal METRO Blue Line trip takes about 12 minutes from MSP Airport to Mall of America. Construction or replacement buses can change the journey, so check Metro Transit alerts on the travel date.
Is Mall of America the biggest mall in the United States?
Mall of America describes itself as the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America by total complex area. Rankings can differ when they use gross leasable retail area, store count, or another measurement, so it should not be described simply as the world’s largest mall.
Can teenagers visit Mall of America without an adult?
Visitors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older from 3 p.m. until closing each day. Extended escort hours can apply on selected high-traffic dates.
What are the best Mall of America activities for toddlers?
Strong toddler choices include SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, Crayola Experience, the LEGO Store, select junior rides at Nickelodeon Universe, and Toddler Tuesdays. Plan a shorter day with breaks rather than trying to cover the entire mall.
Is clothing tax-free at Mall of America?
General-use clothing and many ordinary shoes are exempt from Minnesota sales tax. Accessories, jewelry, handbags, watches, specialized sports equipment, and protective equipment can still be taxable.
Plan the rest of your Twin Cities trip
A successful Mall of America day does not require completing every attraction. Choose one anchor experience, add one or two nearby activities, reserve time for a meal, and leave flexibility for a store or event that catches your attention.
Mall of America can anchor a broader Minnesota family trip, but it should not consume the entire Twin Cities itinerary. Continue with the best things to do in Minneapolis, cross the river for things to do in St. Paul, or use the city as a base for day trips from Minneapolis.
