Can anyone tell me about Mall of America....

[Gupsmom]

How much is there to do with 3 young kids (4, 6 and 7)? How many days would you go for? What else is there in the area? Where to stay (fairly nice place or unique place)?


We also might hit either Chicago or The Wisconsin Dells on route...

Thanks...
Jess

 

[Microcell]

It is huge, has a planet hollywood and Camp Snoopy (an amusement park for little kids) inside the mall. lots of shopping. I am not a big shopper so one day was plenty for me. There are lots of lakes and stuff nearby.I would spend more time in Chicago, I love it there!

 

[Kimberle]

When are you going?

In the summer, there's lots to do! Valley Faire is about 1/2 hour away (amusument park). Plus Apple Valley has a very nice zoo. If you go towards the end of August, the state fair is on. It's very nice.

There are lots of reasonably priced hotel around the mall. My fav is the Embassy Suites. Many have shuttle buses to the mall.

 

[niks81]

As the OP said....it is huge Every store you could imagine is there! Shopping heaven

Well first....where to stay. There are plenty of nice hotels in the area. I've stayed at the Holiday Inn on Appletree Square which is really close to the Mall. It's a nice hotel with an awesome health club!! However, with young kids I would suggest the Country Inn and Suites

You can see in the picture it's literally right next to the Mall....very convenient. But the rooms are bigger and it gives everyone a little more space! It's located at 2221 Killebrew Drive, Bloomington, MN 55425 and the phone is (952) 854-5555.

As far as the Mall itself goes....there is a ton to do. I'm not sure if your main goal for going is just for your children's entertainment or if you plan to shop. However, there are two main attractions for children: Camp Snoopy and Underwater Adventures. Camp Snoopy is a neat indoor theme park with quite a few rides. If your kids like rides, I would just get the unlimited wristband for $24.95. GO here: http://www.campsnoopy.com/default.asp for more info.

Underwater Adventures is neat also...but you should check out their web site to see if it's for your crew: http://www.sharky.tv/info.html

I guess I would say to spend two days at the mall, maybe three if you're planning to spend some time shopping too. Even with two days you won't get around half of it

As the OP mentioned there is the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley. This zoo is neat....the dolphin show especially! The zoo is worth seeing I think. (http://www.minnesotazoo.com/) Also, ValleyFair is over in Shakopee....I guess it's our version of Six Flags Probably not worth the trip if your kids don't like roller coasters--stick with Camp Snoopy. Here is the site though: http://www.valleyfair.com/public/inside_park/rides/kids/kids.cfm

Hope this helps...have fun!

 

[missypie]

Mall of America is huge, but unless you live in a mall-deprived area, it's nothing special...just bigger. Camp Snoopy on a Saturday is hell...so crowded that it is very frightening (fear of losing your kids). If you go at a less busy time (e.g. a weekday morning) it's pleasant...an indoor theme park!

 

[ginna74]

I live a few hours north of the mall and I love it!!!!!! I have only been here for 7 years or so and already have been there more then any of my in-laws!!!! I love it!! I take my family and we stay in the emmbassy suites (which is cheap for what you get) and have a blast!!!!! you get a cooked to order breakfast (and the cold things too with lots of juices an stuff), you get a night drink or more with lots of chips and popcorn and mixes (pop for the kids or whomever), swiming pool is nice, and the room is HUGE (or should I say rooms). We even stash some breakfast stuff in the fridge so we can eat later if we miss the evening treats. The Mall is yes a little expensive, with planning it can be fun. last time we went we went to the underwater world, went on a few rides, and just had some good clean fun!!!!! with less then 800 we had a very good time for the weekend. I also have 2 young kids under 10.

 

[alexandmaddie]

has a planet hollywood

Just FYI, Planet Hollywood has gone out of business at the Mall of America. I would think 2 days would be plenty for the Mall. We have an awesome Children's Museum as well as a wonderful Science Museum in downtown St. Paul. I personally would do these over the Zoo.

Krista

 

[pkasbohm]

in March for the first time and it is sooo big. My kids are 8, 6, and 2 and they seemed to like camp snoopy. My six year ds like the rollercoaster called the pepsi cola rip saw--he called it the pepsi rip off! My dh works for coca cola so he think that is so funny There was this underwater adventure thing there in the lower level--it seemed kinda intresting--you get to pet some water animals but it was very pricey--i think it was like $18.00 for adults and like $9.00 for kids--i think?!?! We might have done it if we had more time but we only spend a day there.
There is also a lego land by camp snoopy.
Hope this helps a little!
Pam

 

[ginna74]

deep inside the lego land lol there is a little wall of legos.... you can pick which ones you like and put them in a container. A small one was 9 and a large one was I believe 16??? my son got the big one. We always eat at the rainforest cafe too. We were punished for not having the WHOLE party there at my reservation and made to sit next to a huge party of I think 3 year olds... what fun lol... When I was there last I didn't relize there was a krispy kream dunut place. I have never had one of those. Will be on my list next time. They have lockers too for cheap that you can put your things in and such. Hey I think I have as much fun at ES as I do the Mall !

 

[dianeschlicht]

BTW, there is a great new coaster. I think it is called the tornado twister. It is a combination coaster and tilt-a-whirl. The ride only takes 70 seconds!
Check out the other MOA thread for more info. HERE

 

[wdwgirl03]

I was at the Mall of America last year when I went on a college visit. There are some rides in Camp Snoopy for younger kids. It is an absolutely huge place.

The Wisconsin Dells?!?!? That's cool! I've been there one time on a small vacation and other times just to go to Noah's Ark for the day. If you were to go there, a few of the hotels have indoor water parks which are fun for kids. When we went, we stayed at a hotel called the Polynesian eek: ). There's also a lot of other stuff up there too. Be forwarned though, it is very cheesy!!!

And there's also lots to do in Chicago (the museums, the aquarium, etc.)

Have fun with whatever you do!!