I scored major “cool mom” points by taking my almost 5-year-old daughter to Mall of America on a three-night vacation.
Located just outside Minneapolis, MOA has drawn more than 30 million visitors a year since it opened in 1992. It’s easy to see how it earned iconic status: indoor roller coasters, an aquarium with a walk-through tunnel, shops that stretch for literal miles. Back then, it felt like the future—and somehow, it still does. As traditional malls fade, MOA’s “entertainment first, shopping second” philosophy now feels downright visionary.
Visiting with my daughter over several days was an action-packed, family-friendly adventure. It certainly rivals any traditional theme park getaway or cruise. The bonus? It’s more budget-friendly, less complicated to pull off—and there’s no risk of seasickness.
If you’re hoping to rack up some “cool mom” points of your own, here’s how to make a Mall of America trip smooth, fun and meltdown-free.
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Stay Onsite
Staying at one of the two hotels directly connected to Mall of America is a total game-changer, especially for go-go parents trying to balance big adventures with easy access to downtime. We spent three nights at the Radisson Blu Mall of America, and honestly? Best. Decision. Ever.
- The hotel’s skyway connection puts you on the second floor, right by the LEGO store and Nickelodeon Universe. This made it perfect for popping back to our room for a nap, breaks or to unload shopping bags.
- All rooms come with a mini-fridge, which is a lifesaver for storing milk, juice boxes, snacks and leftovers.
- The indoor pool is open early and stays open late, so you can fit in a swim.
- FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, the hotel’s onsite restaurant, serves elevated fare all day long, and there’s a kids’ menu to keep little ones happy.
While other nearby hotels may come with lower price tags and MOA shuttle service, the unbeatable convenience of having a skyway-connected base proved priceless.
SheBuysTravel Tip: For budget-savvy parents, weekends in summer—especially Sundays—can have surprisingly lower hotel rates than midweek stays.
Lighten Your Load
Yes, you can bring bags into Mall of America—how else are you going to haul around all the kid necessities and snacks to survive the day? Just know that larger bags may be checked by security upon entry. (For what it’s worth, I never experienced any bag checks coming and going from the Radisson Blu.)
MOA offers all-day locker rentals in a variety of sizes, and prices range from $8 to $15 per locker, per day. They can be a lifesaver for:
- Ditching diaper bags and heavier bags you’d rather not lug—including suitcases
- Stashing the growing pile of shopping bags so your hands are free to wrangle the kids
- Keeping extra layers and snacks nearby without weighing down the stroller
- Securing valuables and electronics while you hit the rides
Learn About Attractions Before Arrival
Planning ahead pays off. Peruse the Mall of America website to understand the attraction offerings so that you’re not wasting precious vacation time and are truly focused on what will appeal to your kiddos. I showed my daughter YouTube videos to gauge her interest before prioritizing attractions, noting when we might tackle during our 2.5 days at MOA.
Our musts included:
- Nickelodeon Universe – Indoor theme park boasting more than 27 rides—from rollercoasters to kiddie attractions—that feature beloved Nickelodeon characters such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, PAW Patrol and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
- SEA LIFE – Walk-through aquarium with sharks, stingrays and a wow-worthy 300-foot tunnel.
- Crayola Experience – Hands-on creative lab with art stations, interactive exhibits and an indoor play area.
- ClimbZone – Indoor climbing walls with colorfully themed obstacles for all ages.
- Amazing Mirror Maze – A challenging funhouse maze of mirrors and lights.
- FlyOver America – Immersive flight ride over U.S. landmarks with motion and gentle water effects.
- M&M’s – Multi-level store with custom M&M’s and Instagram-able photo ops.
- The LEGO Store – Hands-on play amidst giant LEGO sculptures.
Save Money With Attraction Bundles
Don’t leave money on the table. MOA offers discounted attraction bundles that can really add up. Choose a 2-attraction bundle starting at $59.99 per person or go big with a 5-attraction bundle for $99.99. Each bundle is valid for three consecutive days and includes a one-day unlimited ride wristband for Nickelodeon Universe—a $52.49 value on its own.
Here’s where the planning pays off: knowing what your family realistically can cover in your MOA itinerary helps you get the most value. I purchased the 5-Pack Attraction Bundle at one of the many ticket kiosks onsite. (Don’t feel pressured to buy anything online in advance of your travels.) We saved about $100 based on the attractions we used, compared to general admission prices. Not bad.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Bookmark the MOA website to keep an eye out for seasonal promotions that might prove an even better value for your trip.
Take Advantage of Toddler Tuesdays
If you’ve got a little one in tow, plan your visit around a Tuesday to take advantage of Toddler Tuesdays—a money-saving event designed with young families in mind. Think special perks, age-appropriate fun and real savings. It’s a win-win-win, and here’s why:
- Unlimited ride wristbands for just $15.99. Perfect for little adventurers. My daughter was all about “rides, rides, rides,” so this deal let us add a second day at Nickelodeon Universe for a nominal cost.
- Kid-friendly deals throughout MOA. Many other attractions, restaurants and shops offer special deals just for families with young kids on Tuesdays. We scored a “kids eat free” meal at Twin City Grill—one of four restaurants currently participating in such a promotion.
- Toddler Tuesdays LIVE. On the second Tuesday of every month, head to the Huntington Bank Rotunda for a free, themed show. When we visited, it was an interactive Cocomelon performance, complete with a meet-and-greet with Baby JJ afterward. Pure toddler magic.
Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
This is not the time to break in new sneakers or wear your cutest-but-least-supportive flats. Mall of America is massive—just one lap around one level of the mall is about a mile. Comfortable, supportive footwear is a must to avoid sore feet (and meltdowns).
Bonus: Since MOA is completely indoors and a perfect 72 degrees year-round, there’s no need for waterproof shoes or rain gear, unlike theme parks in storm-prone states that rhyme with ‘Florida.’
SheBuysTravel Tip: Pack a couple of pairs of comfy shoes and rotate them throughout your trip. I do this every time, and it helps keep my feet happy and blister-free.
Use a Stroller
Little legs generally don’t do well in big spaces. I had our collapsible travel stroller with us the entire time, and I was so glad I did. When my daughter wasn’t on a candy-fueled adrenaline high, she happily rode in it—and honestly, there were moments I wished someone would push me around, too.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Stroller rentals are available at Guest Services, along with wheelchair and shopping cart rentals. Rates start at $12 per day.
Don’t Forget Socks (Seriously)
Some of the most popular attractions at Nickelodeon Universe—such as Pineapple Poppers, a bounce house, and PAW Patrol Adventure Bay, a sprawling indoor play area—require socks to enter. While you could always buy a fresh pair at the mall, tossing a backup set into your day bag is an easy way to avoid surprise spending and potential tears.
Pace Yourself and Stay Flexible
Be realistic with how much you can do in a day. Squeezing in too much will only leave everyone feeling rushed, cranky and unsatisfied. (The exact opposite of a “fun” vacation.) A slower pace lets you truly enjoy each experience and gives kids the time to engage fully.
Also, some stops may naturally take longer—and that’s okay. My daughter, a budding artist, was completely absorbed in the hands-on projects at the Crayola Experience, so we happily spent an extra hour in the interactive creativity lab. Lean into those moments, as they’re typically the ones your kids will remember most.
Build in Breaks
Don’t try to go nonstop. You’ll be inviting meltdowns, bad moods and serious fatigue. Every few hours, check in with your crew (and yourself). Even though my daughter’s outgrown naps, we still headed back to the Radisson Blu after lunch to rest and recharge.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Traveling with someone who’s sensory-sensitive—or simply need a calm space to regroup? Look for the designated Quiet Spaces throughout Nickelodeon Universe. These peaceful spots feature dimmable lights, soft seating, soundproof walls and interactive wall displays. Just ask a cast member, if you’re unsure where to go.
Don’t Stress Restaurant Reservations
With nearly 60 eateries across Mall of America, you won’t go hungry. But if there’s a spot that you absolutely, positively must hit, make that advanced reservation to avoid waiting in standby queues. I did this for Rainforest Cafe, which was non-negotiable for my animal-loving daughter. Skipping the standby wait was worth it—even for overpriced dino nuggets.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Keep a few go-to snacks in your day bag. When the munchies hit, you’ll be happy to avoid overpriced snack purchases. I always carry a filled water bottle, Goldfish, squeezable apple sauce and mini peanut butter packets—all easy and mess-free.
Make Time for Shopping
I haven’t seen a mall this alive since the 80s and 90s. Stepping into the bustling Mall of America—in the 21st century, no less—was a hit of sweet nostalgia. Definitely carve out time for a little retail therapy at some of the 500 stores. I let my daughter snack in the stroller as we browsed the shops during breaks from the attractions.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Arm yourself with these MOA shopping deals.
Leave the MOA Bubble
Mall of America can be sensory overload: bright lights, nonstop noise and a sea of logos. By day three, we stepped away from it all and drove a quick 15 minutes to Minnehaha Waterfalls. Tucked into a lush, expansive park, it provided a much-needed respite. My daughter and I slowed down to explore the peaceful, tree-canopied trails surrounding the waterfall. The park also features bike rentals, a playground and even a cozy seafood spot.
Enjoy Watching Your Kids Explore and Try New Things
It’s easy to fall into FOMO at a place like Mall of America—there’s just so much to do and see. My best advice: invite yourself to relax. This is your vacation, too. My favorite memories weren’t ticking off attractions, but simply watching my daughter sing-song “Weeee” on the Bubble Guppies ride at Nickelodeon Universe (which we rode multiple times) and witnessing her test her bravery on the indoor climbing walls at ClimbZone. Those moments are souvenirs I’ll treasure most, far more meaningful than anything I could have purchased at a store.
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