Minneapolis/Mall Of America Roadtrip

Hi we just came back from there! I have a 3 year old and 6 year old. My 3 year old got to go on almost every ride! My 6 year old girl went on one of the roller coasters and loved it. They have a website www.mallofamerica.com. They show the rides and prices. Also, we got a room at the grand rios hotel. Wow was that an awsome hotel! Well worth the price! Indoor waterpark. They also have a new hotel right next to mall of america called waterpark of america. It is an awsome hotel too but more expensive! Have fun!

Hi S.,

My husband/son/myself/son's friend just took that trip over Memorial Day Weekend. The boys really had fun. Without a doubt, buy the wrist band if the boys plan to ride more than a few rides. There are plenty of rides both the boys can do, the log ride seemed to be the favored ride although there were plenty of other rides they had fun on, as well.

There is also a cool aquarium locally that I heard good things about although we didn't get to go. Google Twin Cities for local attractions as there are many things going on all summer, some free, some with a cost involved.

Have a great time!

C.

We live outside of the MPLS metro area, and I know this sounds cheesy, but the light rail system that runs from downtown to the MOA is actually a destination for us! It's cheap, and you can get onto the light rail right at the MOA, and then take it for a couple of stops and then back again. Just the idea of a "train ride" is fun enough for my boys--they love it.

The Capital city, St. Paul, is about 10 to 15 minutes from the Mall of America and International Airport. I highly recommend visting; The State Capitol on Universtiy Ave. and Rice Sts. It's one of the most architecturally touted capital buildings in the country. They offer free tours several times a day, and the grounds and gardens are lovely.

Less than a mile from the capitol on John Ireland Blvd. and Concordia Ave. is the Minnesota History Museum. It's really fun and you can learn alot about the history of the founding of the state of Minnesota and the people who settled it. They have a theater and often free plays, kid crafts and activities, Costumed tour guides, a very nice restaurant and more.

About two blocks from the History Center is the world famous Cathedral of St. Paul. It is the 3rd largest Cathedral built in the United States and is breathtakingly beautiful, architecturally designed in the style of the Classical Renaissance era (like the Vatican in Rome). They too offer free guided tours daily.

Just 5 minutes away, in downtown St. Paul, there is the Minnesota Children's Museum (which is a real hoot for the young ones...the theme changes throughout the year in their main exhibit, but everything is interactive and hands on...sort of like a fantastic giant park indoors. They have alot of craft activities and storytelling too. Third Sundays are admission free!

Como Park in St. Paul, about 5-10 minutes North of the State Capital off Lexington Avenue, is an absolute gem and kid favorite. Admission to the Zoo is free..and while small compared to most zoos, is very impressive. They have a primate house, a fantastically wonderful Tropical wildlife exhibit complete with exotic tropical fish, plants and free flying tropical birds, an Anaconda, a cool sloth bear, ant exhibit and more, a very popular Seal show, Polar exhibit including Polar bears, penguins and more. New this year is my absolute favorite...a Butterfly house. You go inside a screened terrarium filled with free-flying exotic and common butterlfies and moths. It's quite an amazing experience walking into the "catepillar" hut and being greeted literally by a delicate and colorful swarm of friendly butterflies. My children did not want to leave. Seeing them up close, and sometimes having one land on their shoulders and heads was the biggest thrill of all!

There is also a beautiful green house on the grounds with fountains, ponds, and beautiful and rare plants..and an outdoor Zen Garden. There is also nearby Como Lake for which the zoo and park are named, and you can stroll the trail, rent a paddle boat, or catch a free music concert, or play a game of golf on one of the state's more challenging courses.

There is also an adjoining amusement park at Como with rides aimed at kids from 3 to 12. I personally enjoy this park more than the much talked about Mall of America-Nickolodean(sp) park. It is very affordable, and the kids love it. One child could ride everything for under $20. And there are alot of rides to choose from including a firefighter ride where kids can put out pretend fires with real water hoses, a kiddy train, contruction truck rides, tiny tot roller coasters etc.

Hope this gives you some good ideas.

Swing by a Dairy Queen and pick up a coupon for $5 off the wristband, which means you buy the wrist band and its unlimited rides all day. Your boys are both big enough to ride all the rides there (the bigger rides are minimum 48'' tall and my 6yr old is 50'' tall so he can ride everything there).

There is so much to do at the Mall of America, it really is an all day thing. With Nickelodeon Universe and all the shops to wander through adn things to see, they will enjoy it.

I do ditto the light rail. Even if you get on it at the MOA and ride around and come back to the MOA, it will be fun.

It's best to buy passes like a daily pass. My dauhgter is 6.5 years old and barely barely 48" tall with her shoes on. She just finally got to try some of the bigger rides out for the first time. So I'm gonna guess your 5 year old won't beable to do the bigger rides. There are a ton of fun younger kid rides seriously they are fun. They have bumper cars and such for smaller kids. My daughter has never been bummed out or thought the rides were to babyish. It's very similar ride restrictions that you find at any large amusement park.

At the mall there is Underwater World and I honestly feel it's a waste of money. It's not all that great not worth the money and you can be in and out of there in 20min.

If you go to the mall's parking garage go down to the public transportation like buses and lightrail. We take the lightrail downtown Mpls all the time, sometimes for the heck of it and sometimes to go do something downtown. It's easy,fast,and cheap and not complicated or anything. It only has one line point a-b and back again so you can't get lost or anything.

MOA has a movie theatre on the 4th floor.

Across from MOA is a waterpark/hotel the waterpark is absolutely awesome. Check online becuase admission varies day to day and such.

Across from MOA is also IKEA that's always fun to walk around.

I live 15min from MOA and go there ALOT!My daughter had season pass's to the amusement park for awhile. If you have any other questions or anything send me a message. I know the mall like the back of my hand.

S.,
I don't have any advice about rides or places to go but here is some general safety advice.

*Dress both the boys in matching bright shirts (red or yellow for example)so that a quick visual sweep of the area will allow you to find them quickly.
*Assuming you'll be bringing a digital camera, take a picture of them with the shirts on as you enter MOA. You can show the picture on your camera to security if they should get lost.
*Insist that they hold your hands while walking. There are a LOT of people there!!!
*Each time you move to a new area, identify an easy-to-see place to meet if you get seperated.
*If they can't find you, they should be instructed to wait right where they are for a minute or two and then go to the nearest store and talk to someone with a nametag. (if they can't see the meeting place)
*Put your cell phone number in their pocket. They might forget it in a moment of panic.

It's a big place with so many people and a lot of very interesting things to see. It would be so easy for any child, no matter how much you tell them otherwise, to venture off to see something.

I hope your traveling goes great and you have a fabulous time in MN! Welcome!

K.

Make sure you visit the aquarium at the mall. It's amazing.

The Children's Museum is awesome for ALL ages....they just changed exhibits, too. Also check out the Minneapolis Institute of Arts -it is a huge, free museum. They too have traveling exhibits, but those cost $. One year it was "the art of star wars" and was way cool. Speaking of Star Wars, the Science Museum has a Star Wars exhibit this summer. It is a really neat museum too, with stuff on Dinosaurs and other cool things, if you don't want to pay extra.
FINALLY, a really cool thing to do is the "Comedy Sportz Club" in Calhoun square, a very fun and FAMILY FRIENDLY outing. Check stuff out online and I think you'll find some fun things to do! :-) Good luck!

Hey S.! We have found that when going to the Mall of America and the amusement park (we have not went to it since it became Nickelodeon since we live in North Dakota, about 6 hours away from the Cities) it has been better to buy the pass. I think it is basically about the same as before as far as price goes. Also, if you go to mallofamerica.com, you can find out about the Nickelodeon park plus other things to do there. The Underwater Adventures Aquarium is awesome, as is Legoland. Have fun! I LOVE the Mall of America.

The Minnesota Zoo is also a good choice. If you have a pass for your local zoo (if you have one), it is a good possibility you would be able to use that.

Hi S. -

I live near the MOA and I think you 5 year old will be able to go on quite a few rides - my husband takes my 3 & 5 year old a lot, and they love it. The park isn't that big, so you can probably just take a quick walk around or look at the map to see if which point pass you will want to buy. Across the street from the MOA is the Water Park of America which may be another option for you. Happy shopping!

Mall of America suggestions:

I would pick a meeting spot in the Mall, and tell your boys to go there if for some reason you get separated. Picking one of the entrances would be a good idea, because there are pay phones there, and they could call your cell phone. I like the idea of writing down your cell phone number and meeting spot and putting it in their pockets. The Mall is huge, and they do not have an intercom system. (I am speaking from experience. I was separated from my group (all adults) 12 years ago, and the day was just a nightmare.)

Be sure to check out Lego Land while you're there. The Rainforest Cafe is overpriced, but pretty cool. I did like Underwater World (in the basement of the MOA).

Not all that far from the Mall, in the suburb of Apple Valley, is the MN Zoo. That is pretty cool.

Other things to check out:

If you are willing to head over to St. Paul, there is the Science Museum and the Children's Museum. Both are great. There is also the Como Zoo and Conservatory, which is a big family-friendly destination, and it's free.

In Minneapolis, you could take them to a Twins game. The Metrodome, dowtown Mpls, and the Mall of America are all on the Light Rail train. It is SUPER easy to ride the train. It runs back and forth from the MOA to Mpls, and makes stops in between. The stops are all well marked. The Minneapolis Institute of Arts was mentioned, but I don't think it's kid-friendly, and unless your boys are really into art, I think they would get bored.

Have fun!

I live near the MOA and both of your sons can ride on most rides together. If your 5 1/2 year old son is taller than 42 inches he can ride on most rides. I recently took my 3 year old son and bought the 67.00 pass because if you don't use it all on the same day you could bring it and use it at another time. The wristband is 32.00 for each kid. Have fun, its a great time.

jenn

get the wrist band. online you may be able to find discount coupons. there are great rides for all kids, it won't be too difficult for you, it is really kid friendly there, for all ages.

It is definately cheaper to buy passes. You can buy an unlimited pass that works great. Your youngest will have tons of rides to ride. My daughter is only two and there is about four rides that she can go on, with at least me. Your son won't have any problems.

There is also a Children's museum in St. Paul and a Science museum that are both really great. All three kids will have something that they can enjoy there as well.

It has been MANY years since I went to the Mall of America, but when I was there last, I think they only had a few rides. There is a small rollar coaster and a log ride, both of which it will depend on your son's height and fear level as to whether he will be able to ride. They are both pretty tame rides in the overall scheme of things. There was also a ride that I've heard called a shooting star, or a falling star...I know I've heard other names for it too. It's the big platform that's on the end of a pole and it spins in a circle, then stops at the top, the spins some more before ending. No upside down or anything like the boat ride that is similar.

Other things to check out in the mall other than the rides is Lego Land which is a HUGE area completely made out of Legos where the doorways are large enough for full grown adults and every aspect is made out of legos in the traditional red, blue, and yellow blocks. It is quite amazing, even for us Big Kids! There is also Camp Snoopy, which if I remember correctly is geared toward the younger kids, so maybe if your younger son can't ride the big kids rides, you take the older to each of them, then make him endure Camp Snoopy. There is a wishing well fountain there shaped like Snoopy's water bowl.

And although it may be hard to endure the pleas from your kids "Mom, can I have this? Mom, can I have that?" there are some really unique and wonderful stores there for people young and old so get a map early and plan what stores you and your kids "have" to see and some that you'll use as back ups if you have more time to spend. They have the HUGEST toy stores I've ever seen with FAO Shwartz and Toys R US and the teddy bear factory, they have holograph stores with really neat stuff and you can usually get some pencils or book marks that are very cool for school and also are a souvineer and are relatively inexpensive ($1 for the pencils and a couple for the book marks last time I was there). I also recommend checking to see who can ride which rides and how many they are both interested and eligible for before making any decisions on how many or what package you want for tickets. You may want to get a pass for the older one and just enough tickets for you and the younger one to make it econanical. There are funnel cakes in Camp Snoopy and the food court is on the third floor. Hope you've found my info helpful! Have fun!

Hi S.,

I've been to Mall of America and the rides are actually aimed for the children your sons ages. This is what I would do. I would walk around the park and discuss with your sons how many rides they are interested in and how many times they want to go on those rides, before deciding to go pass or individual tickets. I ended up getting individual tickets because the only ride I went on was the roller coaster and it wasn't scary at all. It was just fun, but the other rides I wasn't really interested in. Of course, when my daughter is old enough to go, I will be going on whatever she likes with her. They also have an arcade section and some boats and cars you can steer. That is something the three of you can do even though you may have to help your 5 year old, but it's a lot of fun!

Another fun thing that I think they still have there, is the Underwater Adventures Aquarium! I think your boys will really enjoy that as well. Voted the World's Best Shark Encounter with over 4,500 sea creatures and a virtual submarine tour, plus a whole lot more! The prices have gone up from when I went to the Mall of America and that was one of the things I regret not being able to fit into my agenda because I thought I was going to the zoo in the outskirts of Minneapolis, but I plan on going with my daughter when she's older because I'm fascinated by sharks and other sea creatures and she is developing a love for fish too!

Have a great time, and make sure you get a map or remember where the maps are. It's a huge place and it's easy to get lost. LOL!

Angie

You can find a ton of information on their website about height restrictions, etc. For the most part your 5-1/2 year old should be able to ride anything there. We took my 2 year old and 4 year old recently and they both had a blast. My youngest didn't have a lot of options but my oldest could do almost everything if we went on with him (there were only a few that he wasn't allowed on at all) He was 42 inches when we went.
Go to http://www.nickelodeonuniverse.com/guestservices.html and at the bottom you can click on "rider safety guide" - that will give you all of the specifics regarding what rides they would be able to go on with or without you.
If you buy a pass it is cheaper, you will go through points quickly.

There are lots of rides that both boys can probably go on. Even my 2 year old has fun there, so don't worry too much! If they plan to do lots of rides, I would suggest the all day wrist band as the best deal.

Other fun ideas are lunch at Rain Forest Cafe. It is a lot of fun for kids, with lots to see and do, and the food is pretty ok too.

Under Water World is fun too, but can be spendy. Look for deals. For example, if you are a teacher you get a free year membership! Otherwise Happenings books and other things usually have buy one get one coupons. It is a neat place, but only takes about 30-45 minutes, so finding a deal helps!

There is also an indoor mini-golf course at the mall. I haven't tried it, but it might be fun for your kids.

There is a nice outdoor mini-golf course close to there, called Centenial Lakes. It is off of France. It is supposed to be really nice and fun too!

The Minnesota Zoo is another fun place, that isn't too far away. Again, look for deals and coupons. You can spend an entire day there! Lots to see and do, both indoors and out!

Enjoy your trip!

My girls had a ball at the mall last year and they are younger than yours. We did the Underwater Adventure thing too. With that tour we were able to go back again at night when it was much slower and really enjoyed that. Look into that.

As far as day passes...we didn't do it but would next time. Look around for coupons to save some money on those. I know they're available somewhere but not sure where this year.

We also went to the children' museum in St. Paul. Probably the best one we've been to so far. Both our girls loved it and the youngest, now 4, cried when we left.

Hope you have a good trip. Sometimes things like this seem a bit daunting, but usually the worry ahead of time is worse than the trip itself!!!

Dear S. B,
I have access to Mall of America's savings passes as follows:
** Nickelodeon Universe for $4.00 off one all-day unlimited ride wristband
** Merchandise at the Nickelodeon Universe at 20% off
** Eats-Feed Your Growl food place at 10% off
** Underwater Adventures for $3.00 off an adult admission and $2.00 off a child's admission
** Moose Mountain adventure golf for $2.00 off an adult admission
** Hilton Garden Inn in Eagan or Bloomington for $20.00 off (I have been here and it was the Nicest place I have ever stayed at in Minnesota) They have fridges, microwave, and coffee makers in each room. There is an indoor pool and whirlpool. They provide free shuttles to and from the MOA and the airport.
These coupons are good until 05-31-09.
Let me know if you want any (I have 50 of each!) I can put them in today's mail to you if you would like.
You will find so much to do. You have some great advise from the responses so far. Have Fun.

Underwater World!!! It is so fun, you actually walk UNDER the huge aquariums.. If your kids like Sharks... they will love this place. If you walk by Underwater world, they are usually giving out passes for money off admission. Just look for the Giant walking "Sharky". I live in the northern burbs of the Twin Cities and I always take my 2 1/2 year old to the MOA on rainy days. There is tons of stuff to do, but don't discount all the other things to see and do as well. If you are able, go to Como Zoo in Minneapolis, it is a small FREE zoo, the St Paul Conservatory is connected to it and is amazing. There is a great amusement park next to it called Como Town, especially for young ones... I think the ages are from 1-12 for rides there and they are reasonable. Google Como Zoo and Conservatory and you will find all the info. The MN Zoo is great too, but it costs $$ to get in. There is more info and things to do than you will have time to, but I hope you enjoy your trip here. The Twin cities are a wonderful place. Enjoy your stay. :)

Just a comment...having lived in Minneapolis and traveling to Nebraska on numerous trips (I think that is where you are from)...The Omaha Zoo is ranked number 2 in the world...your kids will be bored silly with the MN Zoo and Como Zoo if they have been to the zoo in Omaha. I love the Minnesota and Como Park, but after going to Omaha's...there is simply no comparison!!!!

The Mall is great, but enormous. It is more place to visit vs. actually shop. BUy a pass or the rides are $3-$5 each per person. The park inside is small by amusement park standards, but the novelty of being there makes up for it. Legoland is terrific and "free." Underwater World is pricey as all get out...it is "o.k."

There is a very cool community center in Edina about 10 minutes from the mall with a huge jungle gym (many stories tall and all enclosed), and all sorts of different areas to play in. Ask at the hotel and someone should be able to direct you. I would recommend this.

Biking or getting a small boat on Lake Calhoun (Uptown) is a blast. Also, some fun shopping is in "Uptown." You will find all sorts of neat stuff walkimg around there (free concerts, artisans, shops, parks, etc.)

The Sculpture Gardens are a really cool park with neat stuff inside and outside to look at. They are also not too far from the Children's Theater which has won international acclaim and has great plays...free!

I would recommend the Science Museum over anything else. It is in St. Paul (about 15 minutes from the mall) and has tons of hands on experiments and shows about science. You can pan for gems outside, play mini golf, watch movies on the IMAX, etc. It is great for busy kids and will keep you having fun for hours!!!

Have fun!

If you are planning to ride on many rides then I would suggest the passes. There is such a variety of rides that I'm sure both your boys will get their fill. There is also mini-golf and build-a-bear for the three of you to enjoy. If all else fails, you could always "people watch." Have a great time!

There is a lot to do in the Twin Cities for kids. There's a water park located across the hiway from the MOA. The Minnesota Zoo is located in Apple Valley. It's maybe 15 minutes south of the MOA. There is a cost to get in to that zoo. There is also Como Zoo in St. Paul. There is no cost to get into that zoo, but they take donations at the door. It's a pretty cool zoo. Been there for a very long time. I recommend the Merry-Go-Round. It's almost 100 years old and a fun ride! There is also Valley Fair in Shakopee which is about 20-30 minutes from the MOA. I don't know what the cost is to get in, but once you pay, you can ride all day and not have to pay anything more. Lots of roller coasters. They also have a water park but I think that's extra.
If you're looking for educational type things to do, there's the Children's Museum in Downtown St. Paul as well as the Science Museum of Minnesota which is also in St. Paul. Both of those places are maybe 15 minutes from the MOA. There is also Ft. Snelling. You can go through the fort or you can just go and enjoy the park.
We do have a lot of stuff to do here. Your hotel should have all kinds of info on the different attractions around the Twin Cities. So, welcome to Minnesota, enjoy your stay!

Everyone's provided great ideas! Definitely get to Como Zoo. Our Minnesota Zoo is also very nice and near the Mall of America.

Your younger son will be able to enjoy several rides at MOA. Enjoy your stay in the Cities!!

Plan on a day at the MOA, there is just too much to do there to spend anything less. You could also go to Como Park in Saint Paul. It's a Zoo, flower concertatory and an ammusement park all in one,...but you don't have to go to the Amusement park if you don't want to, since you'll be doing that at the MOA. But, Como Park is such a neat place and it really is a staple in Minnesota, being in Saint Paul, the States Capital city. It's also free/ or small donation. But, it's beautiful. There are so many things to do in the Como Park area, even just going for a walk around the lake to feed the geese or for a picnic is beautiful. :) BTW: Most of the rides at Como are suited for children under 10. Most rides go by height.

Looks like you have already gotten great advice regarding the Mall of America. In terms of other things to do:

Minnesota Zoo (in Apple Valley) http://www.mnzoo.com/
Como Zoo (in St. Paul), http://www.comozooconservatory.org/ ... they also have a small amusement park called Como Town
Science Museum of Minnesota (while there you can also play miniature golf in the Big Backyard, see an Imax theatre film and if you are coming before the Stars Wars exhibit ends you will want to order tickets for that... http://www.smm.org/ )
Historic Fort Snelling ( http://www.mnhs.org/places/sites/hfs/ ) is close to the Mall of America as is the National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Mill City Museum (see the link from the Fort Snelling page)

Of course there are tons of great lakes and beaches throughout the Twin Cities

I live in Apple Valley, Minnesota, which is a ten minute drive from the Mall of America, and I have brought my kids there since it was built.

There will be plenty of rides at Nickelodeon Universe for your boys. Like all theme parks the rides have height requirements, with the maximum being 48-inches. My two 8-year-old sons were able to ride on everything last time we went to the Mall. Your 5-year-old will be able to go on many rides, especially if accompanied by adult, so be prepared to go with him on some of the more "adventurous" rides. Don't bother buying the tickets that have "points" on them for the rides, you will go through the points very quickly and have disappointed children. Always get the all-day, ride everything wrist bands. Believe me, they are cheaper in the long run.

Go to this link to download a coupon for a discount on the wristbands: http://www.mallofamerica.com/DAM_public/8090.pdf

Also plan on visiting the Underwater Adventures Aquarium, which is open to all sizes. It has a "Sponge Bob Square Pants" theme the kids will enjoy. There are many fascinating fish.

Remember, this Mall is HUGE. You simply cannot visit all the stores you want in one day. There is plenty to do and see outside of the theme park and aquarium.

Go to mallofamerica.com for maps, prices and other details.

Make sure and get discount coupons from the hotel you are staying at. There will be a lot of rides for your 5 year old to go on. We took our (at the time) 2 year old daughters and there were plenty of rides for them. You can also go to the Underwater World & Lego Land when you are at Mall of America. There are many other places to go in Minneapolis too, like the zoo (Minneasota or Como), Science Center or Children's Museum (all of the places have web sites). Have fun!!!

Hi S.-
Enjoy- we haven't yet been to the newly remodelled site and we live here.
Yes- always best to get a wrist band for the day. Lots to do but mostly shopping..
Your 3 kids will most likely go on different rides, but you can ask to hook up with other kids- we do that because I get motion sickness and can't go on some.
Will be hard for your older to go with you- what to do with the other kids??- are you bringing a helper otherwise do it in the eve with your spouse.
Have fun and welcome- hoping our weather improves for you!
There's also the water park there too : )

B. J
about me - 47yo med. prof, wellness coach, mom of almost 7yo twin girls.

for sure by the pass, it will save money in the long run unless you are not planning on being there for the majority of the day. If your only going for 2hrs or 3hrs then pay as you go. There are only 1 or 2 rides that have a height restriction that i can recall so that shouldnt be to much of a problem. Have fun!!!