The Mall of America (MOA) – located in Bloomington, Minnesota – is one of the largest shopping centers in the United States and is a complete entertainment destination providing fun for families with kids of all ages. Whether you only have a few hours or a couple of days to spend here, you will not be short of memory making activities when you visit the Mall of America with kids.
Planning to make your Mall of America visit a weekend getaway? Click here to jump below and check out additional ideas for those of you who have more time to spend.
Top Things to Do at the Mall of America with Kids
1. Experience Thrills at Nickelodeon Universe
One of the biggest attractions inside MOA is Nickelodeon Universe (formerly Camp Snoopy – shout out to all my local Millennials who grew up with that gem), the country’s largest indoor amusement park. With over 27 rides and attractions, including the SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge and the Avatar Airbender, this theme park offers excitement for kids and adults. Depending on the ages of your kids, you can stick to the gentler rides for littles or the roller coasters and bigger rides for older kids and adults. A new Paw Patrol playground just opened up and is a great activity for the smaller kids to run around a play. Plan to spend anywhere from 1-4 hours or all day here.
Pro Tip: To spend a few hours here, grab an unlimited ride wristband and go nuts. Wristbands start at $41.99 + tax depending on when you go. Check the park hours and buy tickets ahead of time here.
2. Explore the SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium
The underwater world at the SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium is home to thousands of sea creatures, including sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. A great activity for those visiting with younger kids. Walk through the Ocean Tunnel and stop at the tide pools for kids to play in at the end of the exhibit. This is a perfect attraction for families and anyone who loves ocean wildlife. Plan to spend around one hour here depending on how busy it is.
Pro Tip: This attraction can get very busy on weekends and peak visiting season. Try to work this into the very beginning or end of your day to avoid crowds. Tickets are cheaper when purchased in advance. Click here to check hours and buy tickets ahead of time.
3. Try Mini Golf at Moose Mountain Adventure Golf
For anyone looking for a break from some shopping, stop at Moose Mountain Adventure Golf, an 18-hole mini-golf course designed with a rustic, north woods theme. An all around classic family, day out activity but make it Minnesotan.
Plan your visit: Click here to check hours and see ticket options.
4. Visit the Crayola Experience
Perfect for families with young kids, the Crayola Experience offers hands-on creativity stations, interactive exhibits, and the chance to create your own custom crayons. It’s a fun and colorful stop that encourages artistic exploration.
5. Build at the LEGO Store
Stop at the LEGO Store just outside Nickelodeon Universe where you can marvel at the massive LEGO structures hanging from the ceiling and the surrounding area. Spend some time constructing your own creation at the building tables out front and walk through the store to admire the floor to ceiling LEGO wall. Plan to spend about 30 minutes here.
6. Create a New Best Friend at Build-a-Bear
Who doesn’t love a good plushie and especially one with a memory attached. Bring your kids to the Build-a-Bear workshop and let them go wild making their very own personalized stuffed animal with outfits and even a recorded message. Prices range from $20-45 per guest.
Plan your visit: Click here to view hours and learn more about Build-A-Bear.
7. Shop ‘Til You Drop
So this isn’t the most kid friendly activity but I can’t have a Mall of America post without touching on shopping. With over 500 stores, the Mall of America is a shopper’s paradise and with Minnesota’s no sales tax on clothing and shoes, you can score some great deals!
8. Enjoy Laser Tag, Virtual Reality & Escape Rooms
For those with older kids who love interactive entertainment, test your puzzle solving skills at The Escape Game or immerse yourself in tactical laser tag, nerf battles and virtual reality at Tactical Urban Combat for a high-tech adventure. Plan to spend 30-90 minutes here depending on what you’re doing.
The Escape Game offers a handful of different room and theme options for all skill levels. Choose an adventure that sounds the most fun for your group. Tickets start at $40.99 + tax for admission.
Plan your visit: Click here to view game times and reserve an escape adventure.
Tactical Urban Combat has a variety of games you can play including nerf battles for kids 6+ or wireless laser tag and virtual reality sessions for kids 8+. Sessions vary from 30-90 minutes and prices range from $20-45 depending on what activity you’re doing.
Plan your visit: You can book a session ahead of time to ensure availability. Click here to learn more about the different games, timing and ticket options.
9. Catch a Movie at B&B Theatres
Wind down your visit by watching a movie at B&B Theatres, a luxury cinema offering the latest blockbusters in an ultra-comfortable setting. With reclining seats and an excellent sound system, bring the kids to the latest family friendly flick and relax after a day of shopping and adventure.
10. Attend Special Events and Live Entertainment
The Mall of America regularly hosts concerts, fashion shows, celebrity meet-and-greets, and seasonal events. Check the mall’s event calendar to see what’s happening during your visit—you might just catch a live performance or exclusive pop-up shop.
Final Thoughts
The Mall of America is more than just a place to shop; it’s an entertainment hub packed with family-friendly attractions, delicious dining options, and endless things to explore. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, the Mall of America offers something new and exciting every time. So, grab your comfortable shoes, plan your must-see spots, and get ready for an unforgettable experience at the largest mall in America!
Where to Eat at the Mall of America
With over 50 restaurants at the Mall of America, it can be overwhelming deciding where to eat. Start by narrowing down what you’re looking for. Do you want a quick stop at a food court or a long relaxing lunch/dinner at a sit down restaurant. Then decide what you’re in the mood for. Consider hitting up a food court so everyone can grab their favorite.
Food Courts/Fast Casual
The Mall of America has some amazing food court and fast casual options for a quick bite before you continue on your MOA adventures. Our personal favorite is the North Food Court across from Moose Mountain. Here you’ll find highlights like Shake Shack, Piada Italian Street Food, Naf Naf Grill and Mason’s Lobster Rolls (A stand alone food cart near the food court) among many others.
There are also a number of fast casual options around the mall as well including classics such as Chipotle, Noodles and Co and Panera.
See the full list of food court and fast casual options here.
Full Service Restaurants
If you’re ready to rest your feet and enjoy a longer meal, there are many full service restaurants to choose from at the Mall of America. Some of our favorites include:
- Cadillac Ranch
- Cantina Laredo
- Cedar + Stone, Urban Table (At JW Marriott)
- Crave
- Fire Lake House (At Radisson Blu)
- Rainforest Cafe
Check out a full list of full service restaurants here.
Parking at the Mall of America
Parking at the Mall of America is free! There are three lots to choose from: The North ramp is closest to Ikea, the East ramp is closest to L.L. Bean and SEA LIFE and the West ramp is between Macy’s and Nordstrom. If you arrive at the mall early, I always suggest grabbing surface parking so you don’t have to deal with the ramps but if the surface lots are full, the ramps are a great option. There will be electric signs leading you to parking levels with available spots.
Pro Tip: If you need EV charging, proceed to the East or West ramp on levels 1 and 4.
Turn the Mall of America into A Weekend Getaway
With all of the available activities, it would be easy to spend an entire weekend at the Mall of America. Consider staying nearby and making this a fun weekend getaway for you and your family.
Where to Stay Near the Mall of America with Kids
If you want a really easy walk to the mall, consider staying AT the Mall of America.
Otherwise, you’ll also find some great options near the mall instead:
- Element Bloomington Mall of America
- AC Hotel Bloomington Mall of America
- TownePlace Suites Minneapolis Mall of America
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Mall of America
Other Things to Do Near the Mall of America with Kids
Ikea
Wander through the wonderland that is Ikea. If you’ve never done it before, don’t miss it. It’s an experience in itself complete with giant blue and yellow bags, a map and Swedish meatballs – if you know, you know. If you’re driving back home you can grab some fun DIY furniture for after your trip.
Surly Brewing
If beer and good food is your thing, take a stop at Surly Brewing – about 20 minutes from the Mall of America. On a nice day, enjoy the huge backyard beer garden with food trucks and outdoor beer taps while the kids play in the grass. In the winter or on a rainy day, enjoy a brew indoors in the food hall or with pizza upstairs. No matter where you’re sitting, this is a fun stop for the whole family.
Plan your visit: Check out hours, all things Surly here.
The Works Museum
Stop by this interactive children’s museum (geared toward 5-12 year olds) only 15 minutes from the Mall of America. Focused on science and engineering, there are many hands-on exhibits where your kids can be builders, innovators and problem solvers.
Tickets are $13 per person. Checkout more information and hours here.
The Minnesota Children’s Museum of Saint Paul
If you want a larger children’s museum experience, check out the Minnesota Children’s Museum of Saint Paul. With three levels of fun to explore, there’s something for a variety of ages. A small three and under sprouts area is great for the littles while the two story climbing gym is perfect for the older kids.
Plan your visit: Check out the current exhibits and plan your visit here. Tickets are $16 if you purchase them ahead of time; otherwise, $17 at the door.
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