If you’re looking for a local’s guide to the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN, I only live 18 miles away (part of the Twin Cities metro). When I visit, it’s usually for an intentional purpose – or acting as Mall of America tour guide for family or friends. So was excited when the Mall of America hosted me (and three of my friends, Angie, Cindy and Tonyea) recently as part of my Embracing Winter Challenge blog series.
It gets a little cold in the winter so the Mall of America is a welcome respite and cure for cabin fever. The Mall of America offers the top things to do in the Twin Cities and is perfect for a getaway or a staycation. And there is so much more to do than just shop.
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The Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn. is a great place to chase away the winter blahs.
Best girls getaway destination: Mall of America is more than just shopping
We discovered some really cool things to do as the Mall of America (MOA) is the perfect girls’ getaway – even for just one night. Four out of 10 visitors at MOA are tourists; which means there are a lot of locals visiting making the Mall of America a perfect Minnesota staycation.
While you may think you’ve seen one mall, you’ve seen them all. But Mall of America is not your typical mall. MOA is the #1 attraction in Minnesota with more than 40 million visitors annually.
Even with 520+ stores, there’s more to do than just shopping at the Mall of America. It is an experience. If you’re a first-timer, the 5.6 million-square-foot MOA can be daunting and overwhelming. How big is that? Like 347 Statues of Liberty or 9 Yankee Stadiums could fit inside. It’s a 1.5-mile hike around one level x 3.5 levels.
No Minnesota sales tax on clothing.
Mall of America itinerary for the best girls night out / girls day out
Our Saturday shenanigans included Sea Life Aquarium, Fly Over America and Nickelodeon Universe. And we also enjoyed some appetizers and cocktails at a few of the ~50 restaurants at the Mall of America.
Mall of America fun fact: Sustainability and HVAC system
The Mall of America does not use a central heating system – even in January when the average high temperature in Minnesota is 22 degrees Fahrenheit. Instead, the comfortable 70 degrees Fahrenheit temperature is maintained by:
1.2
miles of skylights for passive solar energy
Residual
heat from light fixtures
Body
heat from more than 40 million annual visitors
Top things to do at MOA: Sea Life Aquarium at Mall of America
Look for Sharky, Sea Life Aquarium’s mascot, roaming the Mall of America.
It has been years since I’ve visited Sea Life Aquarium at the Mall of America (not since my son was in preschool – he just graduated from college last month). I have no excuse as I love aquariums. I find them so peaceful and relaxing.
Here are a few of the top things to do at Sea Life Aquarium. Please note that we visited pre-pandemic, so please check Sea Life at MOA for the latest social-distancing protocols before visiting.
For the best enjoyment, allow at least an hour to 90 minutes to thoroughly enjoy the walk-through Sea Life Aquarium at Mall of America. It wasn’t crowded when we visited; but you may need extra time if there are long lines and little ones.
Brave the Rainforest is a 2.5-story interactive experience.
Sturgeon Lake is home to fish commonly found in Minnesota’s 10,000+ lakes; exhibit also features a turtles beach and an alligator gar (type of fish).
Wild Amazon features several creatures from one of the world’s largest rivers.
Walk through the 300-ft. underwater ocean tunnel to see Shark Cove – home to several different kinds of sharks, rescued loggerhead sea turtles, and more.
Rainbow Reef is where you can find Seemore, a rescued green sea turtle, bamboo sharks and more. Check out Seemore’s special story.
If you’re looking for Nemo, you may find him and schools of clownfish in the Coral Caves.
Seahorse Kingdom is where you can be mesmerized by these magical creatures.
Jellyfish Discovery is one of my favorite exhibits.
Weedy Sea Dragons’ gross talent is that they can eat live food so fast that when they poop, the consumed creatures are still alive. Gross, but interesting.
One of the final stops is the 15,000-gallon Ray Lagoon.
For some hands-on interaction, stop by the Pacific Northwest Rockpool where you can actually touch the sea creatures.
Get a face-to-face view of the Sea Life fish and animals.
Sea Life at Mall of America daily talk times
To learn more about the Sea Life animals and fish, be sure to time your visit around some of the Daily Talk Times.
More Sea Life at Mall of America fun facts
Turtle
Talk: 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.: Ocean Tunnel – Sturgeon Lake
Rainforest
Meet and Greets: Check daily posted schedule at Sea Life for creature meet and
greet times. Brave the Rainforest – Ranger Camp Stage
Special experiences at Sea Life at Mall of Americas
If you’re looking for some very special experiences, Sea Life Mall of America offers the following.
Behind-the-scenes tour: 45-minute guided tour, which also includes a peek inside the food prep kitchen and off-exhibit animals.
Guests 9+ can even snorkel for an hour with the fish and sharks.
Feed the stingrays.
Sleep under the stars: What a fun experience this is! An overnighter that includes a night hike, a guided behind-the-scenes tour, pizza party, a light breakfast, and more.
Sea Life Mall of America also accommodates private parties such as birthday parties, graduation parties, weddings and corporate events.
Fun
fact: 100+ lbs.
of food are fed daily to animals at SEA LIFE® Minnesota Aquarium – plus 90
extra pounds on the days the sharks are fed.
Top things to do at MOA: FlyOver America at Mall of America
I absolutely loved FlyOver America at Mall of America. So much fun! It reminds me of the Soarin’ ride at Epcot – and it’s right here in my own backyard.
It’s a virtual bird’s-eye view of several of America’s top travel destinations such as Niagara Falls, Florida Keys, Tetons in Wyoming, Statue of Liberty and so much more. In fact, you’ll travel to 26 inspiring and beautiful locations. You sit in a suspended seat where it feels like you are actually flying – especially when they throw in some of the special effects (wind, mist and scents).
We visited FlyOver America the weekend before Christmas so enjoyed a special themed experience where we flew along with elves and Santa to the North Pole. If you visit during spring break, you may experience FlyOver Hawaii (it alternates with the FlyOver America every 15 minutes).
The entire FlyOver America at Mall of America takes about 30 minutes – 10 minutes in line, 10 minutes in preboarding and a 10-minute ride where you’ll travel more than 10,000 miles. I can definitely see myself as a frequent flyer.
Is FlyOver America at Mall of America open?
Yes, FlyOver America at Mall of America is current open. Please check FlyOver America’s website for the latest safety protocols before visiting.
The top thing to do at MOA: Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America
Then there’s this seven-acre amusement park in the center of the Mall of America – Nickelodeon Universe. The largest indoor theme park in the U.S., Nickelodeon Universe features 27 rides and attractions for all ages.
Is Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America (MOA) open?
Nickelodeon Universe website provides more details about its ride and attractions
All rides
Attractions: mini golf, an adventure course with the tallest ropes course in the world as well as the longest indoor zip line in North America (405 feet long + 55 feet above the ground)
Family: carousel, Ferris wheel, log chute, bumper cars, and more
Junior: swings, trucks, trains and more
Thrill: roller coasters and rides that flip and fly and twist
Here are a few of the best rides at Nickelodeon Universe that we experienced.
That first drop on this rollercoaster is thrilling. The Rock Bottom Plunge does get a little jerky and goes upside down so make sure you store any loose items in the cubbies. And keep your head back on the headrest.
Fun facts: Since opening in 2008, the rides in Nickelodeon Universe have been ridden more than 174 million times. In June 2016, the SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge roller coaster celebrated its 1 millionth ride.
Aerial view of several rollercoasters at Nickelodeon Universe
The Pepsi Orange Streak is a tame, but fun rollercoaster that takes you around the entire park. You can also try the Fairly Odd Coaster, but I’m a no because I can’t do circle rides anymore (me, who would go on the Silly Silo about 10x in a row back in the day).
Now here’s a circle ride I can do. Great views from the top of this Ferris wheel.
Best adult rides at Nickelodeon Universe:Log chute
Take a ride through Paul Bunyan and Babe country with a 40-ft. drop at the end. We went on the log chute twice – it’s the best ride at Nickelodeon Universe.
Other top things to do at Mall of America: A local’s guide
So that was our fun half-day itinerary for a girls night out at the Mall of America (MOA). And trust me when I say there are literally hundreds of other things to do and experience at the Mall of America.
Before your visit, check the Mall of America website for the latest social-distancing and safety protocols, hours, and other topics such as the following.
Where to eat at the Mall of America
Where to stay at the Mall of America
Is Mall of America safe? (Yes!)
Mall of America parking tips
Special Mall of America services such as valet, hands-free shopping and more
Savings Tip: Purchase a Mall of America coupon book ahead of time and save at hundreds of Mall of America stores, restaurants and attractions. You can purchase online (shipping and handling extra) or at the Mall of America Guest Services Desk. I’ve got one and there are some really great deals!
Pin it for later: Top things to do at Mall of America
Related posts: Top things to do at Mall of America and Minnesota
Are you planning a family visit to Mall of America? If so, check out Endless Family Travel’s recent experience – lots of family-friendly things to do at the Mall of America. There truly is something for everyone at the Mall of America
Twin Cities-based blogger sharing memorable emptynester, solo, family and girlfriend-getaway adventures, as well as my day hiking adventures (including all 66 Minnesota state parks), latest book reviews, and updates on my quest for the best adult mac and cheese.
Also two WIPs: historical fiction and psychological thriller
55 comments
The Mall of America just amazes me! I have not been yet but I would sure love to check out someday soon 🙂
I love Mall of America, haven’t been there for a few years though. My son lives in Bricelyn, but he’s been coming here lately for graduations etc. It’s our turn to go up there soon!
So funny! My husband I were just talking about the Mall of America last night. He has been before but I haven’t. I would love to take my kids. I enjoyed your guide to visiting. Thanks for sharing!
True, I go to MOA if I absolutely have to. It’s way too big for an average shopper. I can’t stand the crowds & traffic just to get a shirt. Or carrying bags of shopping around a field sized mall, lol! Interesting fact about the heat! I still haven’t seen the aquarium yet, so I may do that with our guests and visitors next time.
Thanks for the tip on the coupon book. I did not know that there was no Minnesota sales tax on clothing. The shark looked cool. I am amazed at all the activities.
It is pretty incredulous to find an amusement park, aquarium and 500+ stores in one mall. The Mall of America offers something for the entire family especially in the winter.
I had no idea that the Mall of America is more than just a giant mall! So cool that there is an aquarium and rides. What a fun place to visit in the winter!
A lot of people are surprised that the Mall of America offers so much more than shopping at its 500+ stores. It’s a great place for entertainment during the Minnesota winters with Nickelodeon Universe amusement park rides and the SeaLife Aquarium especially.
Yes, many people are surprised to learn about all the cool things to do at the Mall of America. It’s a great travel destination and attraction especially in the winter.
Mall of America sounds like a lot of fun. It must be incredibly large, have to experience this for myself (somewhere in the future). It sounds also as a perfect winter activity.
The Mall of America is Minnesota’s #1 attraction. So much more to do than just shop – love the Sea Life Aquarium and Nickelodeon Universe theme park especially.
The Mall of America looks like such a crazy place! There is so much to see and do! I can’t believe there is an entire theme park and aquarium there! What a fun place for a day out!
The Mall of America just amazes me! I have not been yet but I would sure love to check out someday soon 🙂
The Mall of America is pretty amazing – I think your family would love it!
I haven’t been to the Mall of America in many years but I remember how much there was to do that had nothing to do with shopping!
The Mall of America is constantly changing so we discovered some new attractions – especially loved FlyOver America.
I love Mall of America, haven’t been there for a few years though. My son lives in Bricelyn, but he’s been coming here lately for graduations etc. It’s our turn to go up there soon!
I was surprised by some new attractions and rediscovered some classic ones. There’s something for everyone.
Wow. Thanks for sharing. I can’t imagine a mall that size.
It can be a little overwhelming initially, but lots of fun!
The special experiences and the Nickelodeon thing sound so fun! Would love to take my kids someday
They would love it! Something fun for the entire family.
My BFF and I are planning a trip here! I am pinning this for reference.
Awesome! You’ll have so much fun!
So funny! My husband I were just talking about the Mall of America last night. He has been before but I haven’t. I would love to take my kids. I enjoyed your guide to visiting. Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure…your kids would love the Mall of America – there is something for everyone!
I’ve always heard of this mall. It’s great reading about it. Thank you for sharing.
My pleasure and thank you!
True, I go to MOA if I absolutely have to. It’s way too big for an average shopper. I can’t stand the crowds & traffic just to get a shirt. Or carrying bags of shopping around a field sized mall, lol! Interesting fact about the heat! I still haven’t seen the aquarium yet, so I may do that with our guests and visitors next time.
Highly recommend Sea Life..it was very educational and I also find aquariums so relaxing.
We made a special trip to the Mall of America a few years back! It was so much fun! My kids loved it!
Such a fun place!
MOA really does offer something for everyone! Young kids, teenagers, couples, families, and friends! There is so much to choose from under one roof!
Definitely something for everyone!
I had no idea there was so much to do besides shopping. How fun, you could spend days in there. So fun to be hosted and share your facts.
You really could spend days here – Mall of America is a destination vacation for many.
I love the fun fact about the heating system! Who would have thought?! Looks like so much fun. When we visit the area, MOA is on our list!
I think your family would enjoy the Mall of America!
I can’t get over how much there is to do at this mall. It looks like you could spend a week there (or more) doing things.
Yes, you could spend a week at the Mall of America and never get bored…there’s something for everyone.
Wow! There’s so much to do at the Mall of America! If I’m ever in the area, I’m definitely planning a visit!
There certainly is a lot of things to do at the Mall of America…never the same experience twice.
Thanks for the tip on the coupon book. I did not know that there was no Minnesota sales tax on clothing. The shark looked cool. I am amazed at all the activities.
My pleasure…no sales tax on clothing is a great incentive! And absolutely love Sea Life.
Such cool stuff in that mall!
There really is something for everyone at the Mall of America.
The Mall of America sounds incredible! Definitely a great experience!
So much to do at Mall of America! It is the top attraction in Minnesota and the Twin Cities!
I remember being there years and years ago when the idea of an amusement part in a mall was just outrageous. Looks like a great night with friends.
It is pretty incredulous to find an amusement park, aquarium and 500+ stores in one mall. The Mall of America offers something for the entire family especially in the winter.
I had no idea that the Mall of America is more than just a giant mall! So cool that there is an aquarium and rides. What a fun place to visit in the winter!
A lot of people are surprised that the Mall of America offers so much more than shopping at its 500+ stores. It’s a great place for entertainment during the Minnesota winters with Nickelodeon Universe amusement park rides and the SeaLife Aquarium especially.
I remember being there years and years ago when the idea of an amusement part in a mall was just outrageous. Looks like a great night with friends.
It was a great night to hang out at the Mall of America.
Gosh I had no idea there was so much to see!
Yes, many people are surprised to learn about all the cool things to do at the Mall of America. It’s a great travel destination and attraction especially in the winter.
Mall of America sounds like a lot of fun. It must be incredibly large, have to experience this for myself (somewhere in the future). It sounds also as a perfect winter activity.
Thanks…the Mall of America is definitely an experience with lots of fun things to do. It’s a great way to shake off cabin fever in the winter.
I had no idea there was that much to do at the Mall of America! That’s so cool that there is an aquarium and a bunch of rides. Count me in!
The Mall of America is Minnesota’s #1 attraction. So much more to do than just shop – love the Sea Life Aquarium and Nickelodeon Universe theme park especially.
The Mall of America looks like such a crazy place! There is so much to see and do! I can’t believe there is an entire theme park and aquarium there! What a fun place for a day out!
The Mall of America in Minnesota is a really fun place to visit. The theme park and aquarium are two of the major attractions.
Wow. What a fabulous place! I’d love this place!
Thank you! The Mall of America is a great place to visit especially in the winter.
I haven’t been to the Mall of America in so long! I need to go back! So much has changed!
The Mall of America offers such a variety of changing fun things to do and see. It’s constantly evolving so it’s never the same experience.