Things To Do at The Mall of America
Now Go See It is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
5.6 Million square feet of mall to explore. Beyond shopping, you’ll find an indoor theme park, an aquarium, and loads of great places to eat.
Before you get to the mall take a moment to download the Mall’s very helpful App (just search Mall of America on the App Store). Put on some comfy shoes and get ready to explore the 5.6 million square feet of retail, dining, and entertainment.
Parking is free and the mall is easily accessible by light rail. If you’re on a long-ish layover at the Minneapolis Airport you can hop on the light rail from either terminal and be at the mall in about 15 minutes. Luggage lockers are available.
Minnesota is also one of just a few states that do not charge sales tax on clothing. Consider it instant savings!
Nickelodeon Universe
The central court of the Mall of America contains Nickelodeon Universe, a cartoon-themed good-sized amusement park with a few rollercoasters, spinning rides, and family-friendly attractions. The lines are always short, and often non-existent. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at any of the kiosks around the park.
Your best value will be the unlimited ride wristband which hovers around the USD$40 mark depending on what day you visit.
See the Giant Paul Bunyan
Inside Nickelodeon Universe is a really fun log flume ride. Don’t worry, it’s not much of a soaker—I imagine they prefer to not have soaking-wet patrons around the mall.
It’s included with an unlimited ride wristband from Nickelodeon Universe, or you can purchase single-ride tickets. The show stopper comes at the end of the ride when you float under a giant Paul Bunyan and his trusty Blue Ox.
Go Crazy With LEGOs
Kids and LEGO-loving adults will be inspired after a visit to The LEGO Store. There is an ever-changing inventory of LEGO sets for sale inside. A large pick-a-brick wall gives you over 180 LEGO choices. There are also play tables where you can use your creativity to build something small during your visit. Make sure to look up to see the 34-foot tall LEGO robot and other impressive LEGO sculptures (They’re best viewed from one floor up).
Have a Candy Experience
The giant M&M Store has every variation of the classic candy. You’ll find the expected peanut and dark chocolate varieties plus surprises like crunchy cookie or white chocolate.
If you ever needed some M&M swag, this is the place for you. If they can put an M&M logo on it, they have and they are selling it here.
Walking around the whimsical store is a lot of fun, even if you don’t need any M&M apparel.
Revolving Sushi (With Robot Waiters!)
Kura Sushi is a Japanese chain restaurant with 500 stores across Asia and the United States. This very popular restaurant always has a wait, and it’s often over an hour. They make waiting easy with an iPad check-in station and text messages when your table is ready.
Dining here is a lot of fun. Numerous choices of sushi and other small bites rotate past your booth or bench. You’re charged a flat, per-plate fee. Additional items are available like soups and hot or cold appetizers. When you order your dishes, a second conveyor belt whisks them right to your table. Drinks are delivered by robot waiters.
The food is affordable and the experience makes up for the so-so-tasting Asian food.
Throw an Axe
If the aforementioned Paul Bunyan had you inspired to start wielding an axe, you’re in luck at The Fair on 4. USD$15 per person will get you safety lessons and 30 minutes of axe throwing.
In addition to some tasty Minnesota classic bar food and an extensive beer list, the entertainment center also has a go-kart track and vintage arcade games.
Laser Tag
At Tactical Urban Combat you can battle against your friends and family inside a state-of-the-art laser tag area. They also have NERF battles, an arcade, and virtual reality simulators.
USD$20 will get you 30 minutes of play on either the NERF or laser courses. The virtual reality simulator costs a few dollars more.
Relive Your Best 1990s Mall Memories
If you’re of a certain age, there’s a bunch of stores that continue to live on at The Mall of America that you may have thought were lost to the sands of time. Find something a little dirty at Spencer’s Gifts, get your ears pierced at one of three Claire’s locations, or enjoy dinner in a faux rainstorm at the Rainforest Cafe.
Shop Like You’re in Japan
There are a surprising number of Asian stores at the mall. Browsing through the shops is the closest I’ve come to shopping in Tokyo outside of Japantown in San Francisco and Little Tokyo in Los Angeles.
Ebisu is best described as a Japanese dollar store (except things are a little more expensive). They stock unique Japanese items, random household goods, toys, and Asian foods and beverages. It’s one of those stores where you can find something you never knew you always needed.
Beard Papa is an Osaka, Japan-based cream puff shop. The original puff is amazing, but be a little daring and try some of the Asian flavors like Green Tea or Honey Butter. Another popular Asian treat, Boba Tea is available from a few vendors, our pick is the lychee black tea from Chatime Tea.
If you think this mall is big, check out our post on the Dubai Mall.
Things To Do at The Mall of America
Nickelodeon Universe
See the Giant Paul Bunyan
Go Crazy With LEGOs
Have a Candy Experience
Revolving Sushi (With Robot Waiters!)
Throw an Axe
Laser Tag
Relive Your Best 1990s Mall Memories
Shop Like You’re in Japan
