The Midwest is certainly no Hollywood, but it does offer a lot: great ball parks, beautiful landscapes, amazing cities and of course, America’s biggest shopping mall. Located just outside the Twin Cities in Bloomington, Minnesota, the Mall of America is a destination full of fun all under one roof. When times are tough, it is difficult to fathom being in a gigantic building filled with stores, attractions and restaurants all waiting to take your money. But with a reasonable budget and a little planning, you can make your day at Mall of America unforgettable without draining your pocket. Here are some budget friendly things to check out on your next trip to MOA:
Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium
There is an enormous aquarium attraction hidden away in the “basement” of the mall. The aquarium is home to a walk through tank where the sharks swim above your head, a breathtaking glow in the dark room filled with tanks of jelly fish, a Koi pond, an interactive sea star pool, countless other varieties of fish and a gift shop full of great souvenirs. Tickets run at $20 per person (kids under 2 are free) however, if you order your tickets online and pick them up at the ticket booth when you get there, your tickets are $10 a piece. That’s a 50% savings!
Legoland
Mall of America is home to Legoland which is sure to get any child (big and small) excited. Legoland sits in the center of the mall, right before the entrance to the indoor amusement park. On top of the Legoland complex sits a four-story tall Transformer, a giant helicopter and a life-size group of Shakespearean scholars-all built entirely out of Legos. Inside Legoland you will find a wall of containers filled with Legos, separated by color which you can choose and purchase by the bucket full. There are also interactive computerized Lego tables and a section of tables for younger children to work with Duplos.
Nickelodeon Universe
Nickelodeon holds the rights to the MOA amusement park (after it belonged to the Peanuts gang for several years) and once your child walks past a bronze statue of Spongebob Squarepants, they will enter a world of absolute thrills. The amusement park boasts three big roller coasters, a huge four-story Ferris wheel, a water log ride and several more attractions for all ages. Unlimited ride wristbands are $29.95, but drop by $10 after 5pm. Plus, toddlers ride for only $11.95 on Tuesdays.
Rainforest Café
The Rainforest Café is a franchise that provides more than a meal-it’s an experience. Fun for kids and adults, MOA’s Rainforest is a must do. When you walk in, you are immersed in an authentic rainforest atmosphere complete with robotic animals, vegetation and simulated thunder storms. While the wait may be long, keep busy in the restaurant’s endless gift shop. Plan to spend about $20 per person, but the food (and the fun) is worth every cent.
Star Bar
For a little adults-only fun, visit the Star Bar, located in the mall’s theater section on the top floor. Enjoy a great lounge atmosphere with some drinks and appetizers, then take in a movie at the theater. Try the D-Box motion seats for an unforgettable, moving film experience. Sky Bar also offers a Happy Hour every day from 4pm to 6pm and 9pm to 11pm.
If you find any time, don’t forget to shop! Remember, put away the plastic and grab a reasonable wad of cash which will keep you from over-spending in the mall’s smorgasbord of stores.
