Bloomington is one of the easiest places in the Twin Cities to combine major indoor attractions with parks, trails, and local cultural stops. Mall of America is the obvious anchor, but the city also has a national wildlife refuge, a free Japanese garden, hands-on museums, a seasonal farmers market, and one of the region’s most varied park reserves.
I grew up in Minnesota, spent years exploring the Twin Cities, and returned to Bloomington again this month. My main planning advice is to treat the Mall of America and South Loop area as one cluster, then give west Bloomington its own half-day or full day. That approach limits backtracking and leaves enough time to enjoy each place rather than rushing through a checklist.
Last verified: August 2026. Hours, ticket prices, ride availability, trail conditions, and seasonal schedules can change. Use the official links in this guide to confirm details before leaving.
Disclosure: ViaTravelers may earn a commission from qualifying bookings made through links in this guide, at no extra cost to you. Recommendations are based on reader fit and practical value.
Quick picks for Bloomington
| Trip priority | Best choice | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| First visit | Mall of America | Shopping, dining, rides, an aquarium, and several ticketed attractions in one weatherproof complex |
| Outdoor time | Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge | Free trails, birding, exhibits, and easy access from the South Loop area |
| Free activity | Normandale Japanese Garden | A compact, quiet stop that works well between longer activities from spring through fall |
| Younger children | Crayola Experience or The Works Museum | Hands-on, self-paced activities with a clear creative or engineering focus |
| Older children and teens | Nickelodeon Universe or The Escape Game | More active, social experiences that can anchor a half day |
| Adults and date nights | House of Comedy | Ticketed stand-up shows with food and drinks inside Mall of America |
| Cold or rainy day | SEA LIFE, FlyOver America, or Great Wolf Lodge | Indoor attractions with predictable weather protection |
Jump to the 13 attractions
- Mall of America
- Nickelodeon Universe
- SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium
- FlyOver America
- Crayola Experience
- The Escape Game Minneapolis
- Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
- Normandale Japanese Garden
- Hyland Lake Park Reserve and Richardson Nature Center
- Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
- The Works Museum
- Bloomington Farmers Market
- Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy
What to know before you go
- Mall of America is free to enter, and standard same-day parking is free. Ticketed attractions, rides, food, and shopping cost extra. Review the official parking guide before choosing a ramp.
- The METRO Blue Line normally connects Mall of America with Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport and downtown Minneapolis. The airport-to-mall trip takes about 12 minutes under normal service. Check Metro Transit schedules and alerts on the day of travel.
- Mall of America has a daily parental escort policy. Visitors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older from 3 p.m. until close. Review the current policy and accepted identification.
- West Bloomington is easier with a car or rideshare. Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Normandale Japanese Garden, The Works Museum, and the farmers market are spread across the city rather than grouped around the mall.
- Season matters. The Japanese garden closes in winter, the farmers market follows a dated summer-to-fall schedule, and ski or water activities depend on conditions.
13 best things to do in Bloomington, Minnesota
1. Mall of America
Address: 60 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425
Best for: First-time visitors, mixed-age groups, shopping, and indoor entertainment
Plan: Half a day to a full day
Cost: Free entry; attractions and purchases are extra
Mall of America is more useful as an entertainment district than as a single attraction. Its directory includes more than 500 stores, restaurants, and attractions, including the next five entries in this guide. The complex is large enough that a focused plan will save more time than a long wish list.
For a first visit, choose one major ticketed attraction, reserve time for a meal, and leave a flexible block for shopping or smaller activities. Families can build a day around Nickelodeon Universe, SEA LIFE, or Crayola Experience. Adults may prefer FlyOver America, The Escape Game, a restaurant reservation, and an evening comedy show.
Parking-ramp choice matters. SEA LIFE, Crayola Experience, and The Escape Game are easiest from the east side, while FlyOver America recommends the West Ramp. The mall’s official directory and app are more reliable than trying to navigate by memory.
See our separate guide to the best things to do at Mall of America for a deeper attraction-by-attraction plan.
2. Nickelodeon Universe
Location: Center Court, Mall of America
Best for: Ride-focused families and thrill-seeking teens
Plan: Two to four hours
Cost: Paid; wristbands and ride-point options vary
Nickelodeon Universe is a seven-acre indoor theme park with roughly 27 rides and attractions. The mix ranges from gentle children’s rides and character appearances to roller coasters and higher-intensity experiences.
An unlimited wristband is easiest to justify when rides are the main purpose of your visit. For a shorter stop or a group with different comfort levels, compare the current wristband price with point-based ride pricing before buying.
The park is a Certified Autism Center and provides sensory guides, trained staff, noise-cancelling headphones, and a quiet space. Check height requirements and temporary ride closures before promising a specific attraction to a child.
3. SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium
Location: East side of Level 1, Mall of America
Best for: Families, marine-life fans, and rainy-day visits
Plan: About 90 minutes to two hours
Cost: Paid; online prices and ticket tiers vary
SEA LIFE at Mall of America contains 1.3 million gallons of water, more than 11 exhibit zones, and a 300-foot underwater tunnel. Sharks, rescued sea turtles, rays, jellyfish, and touch-pool species make it one of the mall’s most substantial attractions rather than a quick retail add-on.
Allow extra time for the tunnel and interactive areas, especially with younger children. The aquarium is on the east side of the mall, and the attraction recommends East Ramp parking. Buying online can simplify entry, but compare ticket tiers instead of assuming the highest-priced package is necessary.
4. FlyOver America
Location: 5120 Center Court, Mall of America
Best for: Short, immersive entertainment and multigenerational groups
Plan: About 30 minutes, plus peak-time waiting
Cost: Paid; online tickets are generally discounted
FlyOver America combines a large curved screen, suspended seating, wind, mist, scents, and motion to simulate an aerial trip across the United States. The ride itself lasts about 10 minutes; the full visit usually takes around 30 minutes after the safety briefing and boarding process.
This is a practical choice when your group wants a memorable attraction without committing several hours. Children must be at least 40 inches tall, and guests sensitive to motion should review the ride description before booking.
5. Crayola Experience
Location: 300 South Avenue, Level 3, Mall of America
Best for: Preschool and elementary-age children
Plan: Three to four hours
Cost: Paid; the Crayola Store does not require admission
Crayola Experience has more than 20 self-guided creative activities that combine art, color, simple technology, and play. Children can wrap a custom crayon, watch a crayon-making show, create melted-wax keepsakes, color on large surfaces, and use the indoor play area.
This is not a 30-minute craft stop. The attraction recommends three to four hours, so avoid pairing it with a full day of unlimited rides unless your children have the energy and attention for both. Dress children in clothes that can handle paint, chalk, and wax-based projects.
For more weatherproof family options, compare our guide to indoor activities in Minnesota.
6. The Escape Game Minneapolis
Location: 300 East Broadway, Floor 3, Mall of America
Best for: Older children, teens, adults, families, and small groups
Plan: About 90 minutes including check-in
Cost: Paid; advance reservations are sensible
The Escape Game Minneapolis offers seven themed, 60-minute escape rooms with multiple spaces and unlimited hints. The games are designed for a broad range of ages and experience levels, so first-time players do not need to arrive with puzzle expertise.
Choose the theme based on your group rather than only its marketing artwork. Younger players may need more adult participation, while competitive groups should agree in advance that asking for a hint is better than spending half the session stuck on one clue.
7. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Visitor center: 3815 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN 55425
Best for: Hiking, birding, wildlife, and a free break from indoor attractions
Plan: One to three hours
Cost: Free
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge protects more than 14,000 acres along the Minnesota River corridor. The Bloomington Education and Visitor Center provides exhibits, bird-feeder viewing, loaner binoculars, explorer backpacks, restrooms, and trail access.
As of August 2026, the Bloomington visitor center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., while refuge lands and trails are open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Confirm current conditions before visiting because flooding, mud, restoration work, and winter weather can affect routes.
The visitor center is close to the American Boulevard light-rail station, making this one of the easiest outdoor additions to a car-free Mall of America trip. For a longer hiking day, compare the best hikes near Minneapolis.
8. Normandale Japanese Garden
Address: 9700 France Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55431
Best for: A quiet walk, photography, and a short free stop
Plan: 30 to 60 minutes
Cost: Free; donations are appreciated
Normandale Japanese Garden occupies a compact section of the Normandale Community College campus. Its pond, islands, Bentendo structure, bridges, lanterns, plantings, and waterfall create a slower experience than the city’s larger attractions.
The garden is open from sunrise to sunset in spring, summer, and fall; it closes in winter. Food and drinks are not permitted inside. Visitors with mobility concerns should review the garden’s current accessibility notes because the approach includes a steep grade and not every area is fully accessible.
9. Hyland Lake Park Reserve and Richardson Nature Center
Main park address: 10145 Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
Nature center: 8737 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
Best for: Trails, nature play, cycling, paddling, and winter recreation
Plan: Two hours to a full day
Cost: General park access is free; rentals and some winter activities require fees or passes
Hyland Lake Park Reserve covers more than 2,500 acres and offers paved cycling routes, turf hiking trails, lakes, seasonal watercraft rentals, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, disc golf, and a large nature-play area. It is the strongest choice in Bloomington when a group wants several outdoor options in one place.
Richardson Nature Center adds an indoor component with resident raptors, reptiles, amphibians, wildlife-viewing windows, exploration kits, and accessible equipment. It is especially useful for families when the weather changes or younger children need a more structured stop.
In winter, verify grooming reports and pass requirements before using ski trails. In summer, reserve watercraft early on busy weekends. Hiking is not permitted on designated cross-country ski trails during winter.
10. Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
Address: 1700 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN 55425
Best for: Families who want a water-park day or resort stay
Plan: Half a day to an overnight stay
Cost: Paid; room and day-pass prices vary by date
Great Wolf Lodge Bloomington combines an indoor water park with lodging, an arcade, MagiQuest, family activities, food, and other paid attractions. Overnight guests can use the water park from opening time on arrival day through closing time on departure day.
Full-day and half-day water-park passes are sold when availability allows, so a hotel stay is not always required. Compare the official day-pass price with an overnight package before choosing; room inventory, parking charges, and bundled activities can change the value calculation.
Travelers planning a resort stay can compare Great Wolf Lodge room rates.
11. The Works Museum
Address: 9740 Grand Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55420
Best for: Children ages 5–12 who like building, engineering, and hands-on problem solving
Plan: 90 minutes to three hours
Cost: $14 for visitors age 2 and older as of August 2026; children under 2 are free
The Works Museum is a focused engineering and design museum where children can build, test, manipulate real materials, and work through open-ended challenges. Its smaller scale can be an advantage for families who want active learning without the sensory load of a large entertainment complex.
The operating schedule is limited and changes by season. In summer 2026, public hours are Thursday through Saturday; the school-year schedule shifts to Saturday through Monday. Check the calendar before driving across town. Sensory kits, accessible entrances, one-level exhibits, and free parking are available.
12. Bloomington Farmers Market
Location: East Lot, Bloomington Civic Plaza, 1800 W Old Shakopee Rd
Best for: Local produce, baked goods, flowers, and a low-cost Saturday activity
Plan: 45 to 90 minutes
Cost: Free to browse
The Bloomington Farmers Market brings local growers and producers to Civic Plaza during the warmer months. For 2026, the outdoor market runs Saturdays from June 6 through October 17, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The city also schedules Midweek Music & Market on Wednesday evenings from July 8 through August 26, 2026. That version adds live music and works better as an evening stop. Dates change annually, so future visitors should use the city calendar rather than relying on last year’s schedule.
13. Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy
Location: 408 East Broadway, Mall of America
Best for: Adults, date nights, and evening entertainment
Plan: About two hours
Cost: Paid; ticket prices, age rules, and seating policies vary by show
Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy books touring and regional stand-up acts in a club setting with food and cocktails. It is one of the clearest ways to turn a daytime mall visit into an evening plan without moving the car.
Do not assume every performance follows the same age policy. Review the specific event listing, showtime, seating rules, and purchase requirements before booking. East Ramp parking is the most convenient choice.
Two more local stops for history and architecture
Old Town Hall Museum
Address: 10200 Penn Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55431
The Old Town Hall Museum occupies Bloomington’s restored 1892 town hall and preserves local documents, objects, and exhibits. Admission is free, with donations appreciated. Current public hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.; verify before visiting because the museum is volunteer-supported.
Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center
Address: 11501 Masonic Home Dr, Bloomington, MN 55437
The Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center includes an interactive 3,700-square-foot museum and library plus a 443-seat theater. It is better treated as a planned visit than a spontaneous stop because public access may depend on events, tours, or current facility arrangements. Call ahead before building it into an itinerary.
Easy day trips from Bloomington
The following attractions appeared in the original list, but they are not in Bloomington. Both are worthwhile additions when your trip also includes Minneapolis or Saint Paul.
Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis
Address: 4801 S Minnehaha Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Minnehaha Regional Park centers on a 53-foot waterfall and a river gorge with walking routes, historic sites, picnic areas, and seasonal concessions. Water flow varies with precipitation and season, so the falls can look very different from one visit to another.
Use our Minnehaha Falls guide for trail and parking context, or combine the park with more things to do in Minneapolis.
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in Saint Paul
Address: 1225 Estabrook Dr, Saint Paul, MN 55103
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory combines animal exhibits with the glass-domed Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. Admission is free, though donations support operations. Summer hours are longer than winter hours, and special events can affect parking and crowd levels.
See more things to do in Saint Paul, or compare Minneapolis and Saint Paul before deciding which city to add.
How to plan one or two days in Bloomington
One-day itinerary
- Morning: Start at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge when the visitor center is open. On a closed day, use the trails or begin at Mall of America.
- Lunch: Eat at Mall of America before peak afternoon lines.
- Afternoon: Choose one anchor attraction—Nickelodeon Universe, SEA LIFE, Crayola Experience, FlyOver America, or The Escape Game.
- Evening: Add shopping, dinner, or a House of Comedy show. Confirm age restrictions before buying comedy tickets.
Two-day itinerary
Day 1: Keep the entire day in the South Loop and Mall of America area. Combine the refuge with one or two mall attractions, then stay for dinner or comedy.
Day 2: Focus on west and central Bloomington. Visit Normandale Japanese Garden when it is in season, then spend several hours at Hyland Lake Park Reserve and Richardson Nature Center. Families can substitute The Works Museum; Saturday visitors can add the farmers market during its operating season.
Getting around Bloomington
- From MSP Airport: The Blue Line normally reaches Mall of America in about 12 minutes. The mall station is on the lower east side.
- From downtown Minneapolis: Take the Blue Line directly to Mall of America. Check live service alerts before departure.
- From Saint Paul: The Green Line does not serve Bloomington. Use Route 54 or travel to Minneapolis and transfer, depending on your starting point and current service.
- By car: Driving is most efficient for Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Normandale Japanese Garden, The Works Museum, and Civic Plaza. Standard Mall of America parking is free; overnight parking uses a separate paid system.
- Hotel shuttles: Some Bloomington hotels offer airport or Mall of America transportation, but routes, hours, and advance-booking rules differ. Confirm directly with the hotel.
Where to stay in Bloomington
Choose a hotel based on the area you will use most, not only the lowest nightly rate.
- For direct mall access: Compare hotels physically connected to Mall of America, including JW Marriott and Radisson Blu. Their convenience can offset a higher room rate when the mall is the main purpose of the trip.
- For airport and light-rail access: Hyatt Regency Bloomington is a practical South Loop base near the airport–mall corridor.
- For a water-park trip: Great Wolf Lodge makes the most sense when the indoor water park is part of the lodging decision rather than an extra activity.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bloomington, Minnesota known for?
Bloomington is best known for Mall of America and its location next to Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. The city also has major outdoor areas, including Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and Hyland Lake Park Reserve.
Is Mall of America free to enter?
Yes. Mall of America is free to enter, and standard same-day parking is free. Rides, aquarium admission, escape rooms, food, shopping, and other ticketed attractions cost extra.
What can you do in Bloomington besides Mall of America?
Outside the mall, visit Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Normandale Japanese Garden, Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Richardson Nature Center, The Works Museum, Bloomington Farmers Market, or Old Town Hall Museum.
How many days do you need in Bloomington?
One full day is enough for Mall of America and one nearby attraction. Two days are better if you also want the wildlife refuge, Hyland Lake Park Reserve, a museum, or a seasonal local event without rushing.
Can you take the train from MSP Airport to Mall of America?
Yes. Under normal service, the METRO Blue Line connects both airport terminals with Mall of America in about 12 minutes. Check Metro Transit alerts before traveling because construction and replacement buses can affect service.
What are the best free things to do in Bloomington?
Strong free choices include Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Normandale Japanese Garden from spring through fall, Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Bloomington Farmers Market browsing, and Old Town Hall Museum during public hours.
Plan your Bloomington visit
Bloomington is easiest to enjoy when the itinerary follows geography. Use one day for Mall of America, South Loop, and the wildlife refuge. Use a second day for west Bloomington’s garden, park reserve, nature center, museum, or seasonal market. Keep Minneapolis and Saint Paul attractions clearly labeled as day trips rather than squeezing them into a local list.
For a broader route through the state, continue with our guide to the best things to do in Minnesota.
