30 Things to Do at Mall of America Besides Shop

You’ve heard of the Mall of America. It’s that giant shopping mall in Minnesota. This mall’s 520 retail stores can keep any shopper happy for days. But do you know how much there is to do at Mall of America besides shop? Check out these 30 fun things to do at Mall of America besides shop!

I have spent a ton of time at this mega entertainment complex over the years. In fact, for a couple of years after college, I spent 60+ hours per week here working as a retail store manager by day and cocktail waitress by night. Whenever I return to the Mall of America, even I am surprised by the number and variety of activities at this megamall.

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1. Ride roller coasters, kiddie rides and other amusements.

Mall of America is big enough to fit an entire amusement park in its center. Impressively, the indoor Nickelodeon Universe features 25 rides.

Thrill-seekers will love SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge, a zippy steel coaster with two inversions. For a more mellow roller coaster experience, choose Pepsi Orange Streak for some fabulous views of the park. There’s even a Log Chute ride for park goers who don’t mind getting a little wet.

Kiddie rides abound at Nickelodeon Universe, too. The Big Rigs ride was a favorite of my Minnesota-native niece and nephews during their preschool years.

Truly, you could easily spend your entire day in Nickelodeon Universe. This is especially true if you buy All Day Wristbands, which allow unlimited rides on almost all Nick attractions.

2. View and touch sea creatures at an aquarium.

Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium wows mall visitors with 10 marine life exhibits. Buy your Sea Life Minnesota tickets now.

Pet anemones, sea stars, and sea cucumbers at the Pacific Northwest Rockpool. Next, feed stingrays at the Ray Pool (for an additional fee). A Spectacled crocodile in the Rainforest exhibit spooked me with its wide-eyed stare. Most impressive is the walk-through shark-filled Ocean Tunnel.

3. Watch a concert or attend a live event.

Mall of America hosts 400+ live events per year. That includes concerts, book signings, charity fundraisers, celebrity interviews, and more. Check out the Mall of America Events page to see what’s coming up soon.

During one visit, I was lucky enough to see Boyz II Men perform for throngs of adoring fans. Best of all? Most of these events are free to visitors.

4. Create your own crayon color.

The Crayola Experience at Mall of America offers 25 hands-on activities. You can name and wrap your own crayon, star in a coloring page, bring your art to life in 4-D, and more.

If you don’t want to pay to play, then head next door to the Crayola Store, where shoppers can create their own custom pack of Crayola crayons from a wall of colorful choices. Buy your Crayola Experience Flexible Date Ticket now.

5. Fly over the USA.

Similar to Disney’s Soarin’ ride, FlyOver America is a flight simulation ride that takes riders on an uplifting journey. The 10-minute ride soars over some of America’s most beautiful sites and landscapes.

6. Play miniature golf.

Play 18 holes at Moose Mountain Adventure Golf at Mall of America. Everyone is welcome to hit these mini links and the course is wheelchair accessible. Moose Mountain features an abandoned mine theme and offers views of Nickelodeon Universe from some holes.

For a glowing experience, try out Rock of Ages Blacklight Minigolf instead. Look for a tribute to Minnesota native Prince at one of the holes.

7. Get lost in a mirror maze.

The Amazing Mirror Maze is an impressive 2,500 square feet of mirrored fun. Guests must don plastic gloves, which keep the glass pristine.

This Mall of America attraction is sure to incite laughter for maze goers. Be sure to check Groupon for a discount before you go.

8. Go bowling.

Yes, there’s an entire bowling alley inside the Mall of America In fact, there are two options for bowlers! Head to GameWorks on the fourth floor to hit the pins during your visit. All ages are welcome but there’s also a full bar for mom and dad.

9. Brave a ropes course and zip-lining.

Dutchman’s Deck Adventure Course adds more thrills to your Mall of America experience. Choose to do just the Ghostly Gangplank ropes course, the Barnacle Blast Zipline, or the Anchor Drop Spiral Slides — or get a pass to tackle all three. Various height restrictions apply.

My friend and I opted to zip across Nickelodeon Universe. The first step off the platform will make your heart thump, but then you can relax into the ride and enjoy the scenery and sounds of Nickelodeon Universe.

10. Watch live comedy.

Get the giggles at Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy. This adults-only venue features stand-up comedy performances by professional comedians.

Adding to the fun are a fully stocked bar and casual eats, like Canadian-inspired poutine French fries topped with gravy and cheese curds.

11. Pose for old fashioned souvenir photos.

Step into the past at Professor Z’s Old Time Photos. Don costumes and pose in front of unique sets for same-day photos you can take home as a unique memory of your Mall of America vacation. Choose from styles such as Western, Victorian, 1920s, Renaissance, and beyond.

12. Build with LEGO bricks.

LEGO Imagination Center pleases kids with its huge figures made entirely from LEGO bricks. An entire wall is filled with LEGOs, separated by color and available for purchase. You can also buy LEGO kits here.

The best part? LEGO building stations are just outside the store. Here kids can use their imaginations to make creations from bricks while parents rest their feet.

13. Taste sample treats.

America’s Dairyland, Wisconsin, is right next door to Minnesota so you shouldn’t be all that surprised to find a shop peddling cheese at Mall of America. Cheese Brothers happily gives samples to shoppers.

Got a sweet tooth? Get a taste of the sweet life at See’s Candies, Godiva Chocolatier, Lindt Master Swiss Chocolatier, Northwoods Candy Emporium, and Peeps & Company. (So many Peeps flavors!)

According to The Unofficial Guide to Mall of America, other places to hit up for samples include Doc Popcorn, Pepper Palace, and Ruby Thai Kitchen. Yum!

14. Watch Universe of Light.

Universe of Light is a nine-minute show that takes place Fridays and Saturdays at the close of Nickelodeon Universe. In addition to colorful lights, the show features choreographed music and smoke effects. (Migraine sufferers and those prone to seizures should be warned that show does include some flashing strobe lights.)

The show can be seen from all four levels at the South Entrance of Nickelodeon Universe. Lights shining on the floor level are extra fun for viewers — especially children who will want to dance along to the beat. Read a full review of Universe of Light on the Twin Cities Frugal Mom blog.

15. Find your way out of an escape room.

The Escape Game opened a 3,300-square-foot location at the Mall of America in 2017. Mall visitors can solve a series of puzzles here to earn their freedom and win the game. To learn more, read a full review of The Escape Game.

Themes include Mission: Mars, Prison Break, Gold Rush, and The Heist. Book The Escape Game at Mall of America now!

16. See a movie in style.

After a day of shopping until you feel like dropping, a movie in a cushy seat will be a welcome reprieve for your feet. B&B Theatres offers 13 screens for your viewing pleasure.

In addition to movie standard snacks like popcorn and candy, viewers can nosh on made-to-order dishes like flatbreads, hot sandwiches, funnel cakes, and french fries. Adults aged 21+ can order alcoholic beverages, too.

17. Enjoy free entertainment and discounts on Toddler Tuesdays.

The weekly Toddler Tuesdays program is designed especially for toddlers and their caretakers. It includes special character experiences, arts & crafts, storytime, and other free activities.

Parents can also purchase discounted Nickelodeon Universe ride wristbands for Junior/Family rides on Tuesdays, too. What’s more, children aged 6 and younger eat for free at a variety of select Mall of America restaurants every Tuesday.

Learn more about these and other special Toddler Tuesdays deals, including discounts on Moose Mountain miniature golf and Crayola Retail Store purchases.

18. Embark on a scavenger hunt.

Explore the Mall of America during a kid-friendly scavenger hunt. Download a free printable Mall of America scavenger hunt for a fun adventure made possible by TwinCitiesMom.com.

19. Get a beauty makeover.

Need a little primping? You’re in luck at the Mall of America!

Thankfully, there are three nail salons here: Nail Trix, Tooth X Nail, and L.A. Nails.

For hair salon and other services, head to the Minnesota-based Aveda Experience Center. Meanwhile, men can get their grooming on at Final Cuts Sports Barbershop. I

f you want your brows to be on fleek, then pop into Brow Art 23 for threading and lash extensions.

For cosmetics, there’s Sephora, Ulta Beauty, and MAC Cosmetics, plus makeup counters at the big department stores.

Kids can get in on the pampering at Princess and Diva Spa Fun Shop. Children ages 3 to 16 slide into a velvety pink chair for a royal manicure, pedicure, and nail art. Parents and caregivers are welcome to join in the fun.

20. Embark on a 5D virtual adventure in the ocean or mine shaft.

Choose from a “Mystery Mine” 1G force ride and “Shark Attack” standing experience via the 5D Extreme Attraction by Matrix Technology. Don 3D glasses to experience the watery world where sharks live or take off an adventurous ride in a mine car. Reviewers on TripAdvisor seem to recommend the mine ride over the shark encounter.

21. Go for a swim.

There are two swimming options that can be reached without leaving the mall grounds. Both the attached Radisson Blu and JW Marriott offer indoor swimming pool options for hotel guests. Additionally, Great Wolf Lodge Minnesota opened its water park/hotel just two miles from Mall of America.

22. Visit a rainforest.

After you’ve been trying on shoes and shopping for clothes all day, reward kids for good behavior by treating them to a meal at the Rainforest Cafe. Dine among rainforest flora and animatronic fauna.

Little ones may find periodic faux rainstorms a tad scary, but you can always take children for a short walk through the mall as needed.

Unless you want to wait in a long line during dinner hour, I suggest making a reservation for this one in advance.

23. Play carnival and video games.

If you like to play games, then the Mall of America has got you covered. Nickelodeon Universe provides all sorts of carnival games for a chance to win a toy prize. There’s also an arcade in the theme park for video game junkies. Up on the fourth floor of the mall, find a dazzling array of electronic games to play at Gameworks, as well as pool tables and bowling.

24. Design your own jewelry.

For a one-of-a-kind Mall of America souvenir, make it yourself! Head to Lotus Beads and Jewelry to peruse an array of beads from around the world. Staff is happy to help you create your own piece of jewelry on-site. They even offer jewelry-making classes.

25. Dine around the world.

Oh…the food…THE FOOD at Mall of America! I promise you will not go hungry here. Two massive food courts keep bellies full with everything from burgers and pizza to shawarma and sushi. There are many sit-down dining options as well.

For Asian cuisine with flair, make reservations for teppanyaki at Benihana. You can also belly up to the sushi bar at Masu Sushi & Robata, where the Pachinko games look cool even if they don’t work anymore.

Get a delectable taste of Minnesota at FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar. Look for menu items like Minnesota Chicken & Wild Rice Soup and Heirloom Corn Crusted Walleye. For dessert, the White Chocolate Banana Cream Pie is what delicious dreams are made of. Read reviews and book a table at FireLake.

With dozens of restaurants at the Mall of America, there’s something to meet the tastes and budgets of any travelers, with offerings from around the world.

26. Build a teddy bear or other stuffed toy.

Choose the perfect plush pal to stuff, name, and dress at Build-A-Bear Workshop. It is oh-so-much fun for kids. What’s more, it makes a fun souvenir of a Mall of America visit!

27. Meet SpongeBob and other Nickelodeon characters.

Get your photo taken with SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Blue from Blues Clues, and other beloved Nickelodeon characters in Nickelodeon Universe.

There are two spots where you can meet the characters in the theme park. The Blue Spot is located across from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shell Shock Ride. The Green Spot across from the Log Chute.

28. Sip your favorite libation.

What’s your favorite beverage? You’re sure to find something tasty to quench your thirst at Mall of America. Sip coffee drinks, bubble teas, smoothies, and fresh lemonade to crafts beers, wines, and fancy cocktails.

The swanky FireLake Grill House and Cocktail Bar gets my vote for the best place to gab over drinkies. Check out the mall’s happy hour directory to find drink and food specials.

29. Indulge in a spa day.

Refresh and rejuvenate with a spa day at Mall of America. You have a couple of spa options to choose from. Relaxing Massage offers a casual, open-concept massage. For a luxury day spa experience, book a treatment at Solimar Spa at the Radisson Blu.

I wanted to share a luxe spa experience with my sister so I splurged on massages for both of us at Solimar. (Worth it!)

In addition to massages, they offer body wraps, facials, and salon services for hair and nails. Even if you’re not a hotel guest, you can take a dip in the hotel’s pool or get in a workout using their fitness center before or after your treatment.

30. Spend the night at Mall of America.

If your trip to the Twin Cities will focus on the Mall of America, then I suggest booking a stay at one of the two hotels connected to the mall. It’s super easy and affordable to take the light rail train from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport right to the Mall of America. If visiting in winter, you won’t even need a coat for the duration of your stay!

I was lucky enough to stay at Radisson Blu Mall of America. The stylish lobby, cool indoor pool, wonderful on-site restaurant, upscale spa, and friendly staff made a stay here incredibly enjoyable.

There’s also the JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America, which is easily accessible from the mall. Although I did not stay there, I know and love the JW Marriott brand.

Take a look at additional hotel options near the Mall of America via Hotels.com.

Save money on your Mall of America visit.

Buy the Big Ticket Adventure Pass for discounted entry to seven local attractions, including Nickelodeon Universe, SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, Crayola Experience, FlyOver America, Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota Zoo, and IMAX Theatre at the Minnesota Zoo.

Many of the activities listed in this guide often offer discounts via Minneapolis/St. Paul Groupon. Look for deals on such attractions as Moose Mountain Adventure Golf, Nickelodeon Universe, the Escape Game, the Amazing Mirror Maze, and more.

Plan your Mall of America vacation.

If you’re considering a trip to the Twin Cities, then you might want to purchase The Unofficial Guide to Mall of America. It’s packed with information to make the most of your time at the mall, including money-saving tips, brief explanations of every store, and reviews of hotels in and near the Mall of America. Read my review/interview with the book’s author and buy your guide from Amazon.

Watch my video tour of Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America.

Explore more of Minnesota.

Minnesota is well-known as the home state of the Purple One himself, Prince. Discover what it’s like to tour Paisley Park, where Prince lived, worked, and recorded.

If you’ll be in Minnesota during summer, then be sure to read our tips for visiting Valleyfair, the state’s largest amusement park.

Venture north beyond the Twin Cities to Lake Superior with these things to do in Duluth with kids.

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Did you know there were so many things to do at Mall of America besides shop? Let us know your thoughts and questions in the comments below!

A Note from The Travel Mama: One of my many visits to the Mall of America was hosted by the city of Bloomington, Mall of America, Radisson Blu, and various restaurants. During this visit, I was provided a $500 Mall of America gift card to spend however I liked. All opinions are mine, as always.

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