A Memorable 2024 Trip to the Mall of America
Our 2024 visit to the Mall of America (MOA) was a trip to remember. My husband’s family wanted to get together before Christmas, so we decided to make it part of our boys’ Christmas present by adding unique activities to our visit. From family-friendly attractions to cozy accommodations, here’s a recap of our adventure.
Cozy Comfort at Homewood Suites
I visited MOA before having kids, and I knew exactly where to stay: the Homewood Suites. This hotel offers spacious rooms with a kitchen, full-sized fridge, living space, and a separate bedroom—perfect for families. Our boys loved the view of the Light Rail and planes from our hotel room window. In addition, they enjoyed having their own space in the hotel room. The adults liked that it is conveniently located across the street from MOA and connected to Chevy’s, one of my favorite Mexican restaurants. Getting to MOA was easy thanks to the skywalk, which allowed us to avoid busy roads and parking lots.
Exploring Mall of America: Rides, Shopping, and More
A Light Rail Ride and Nickelodeon Universe:
First, we hopped on the Light Rail to check out US Bank Stadium where the Vikings play. Then we dove into the main attraction—MOA itself. With endless activities to choose from, we prioritized Nickelodeon Universe. The kids absolutely loved the rides. Since we visited on a Monday during the school year (a homeschooling perk!), we benefited from a less-crowded experience. While only half the rides were open at a time, the schedule worked out perfectly for us.
Crayola Experience:
We also visited the Crayola Experience. I was excited to do something that would take us out of the busyness of the mall and all the stimulation. It was a quieter experience that we all needed, though it wasn’t a highlight for anyone in the group. For more details on this activity, you can check out a separate blog post I wrote.
Dining Adventures:
We ate at the Rainforest Café and Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. While the food at Rainforest Café was better, the atmosphere and service at Bubba Gump’s was far more enjoyable. However, if I had to choose, both were more of a “been there, done that” experience.
FlyOver America:
Our family favorite was FlyOver America which is similar to Soarin’ at Disneyland and Disney World. Our experience was a Christmas-themed and had us soaring across the United States in search of Santa’s lost elves. From breathtaking views of different states to zooming above the International Space Station and landing at the North Pole, it was magical and worth every penny. The best part is that they have different experiences (a friend of mine had an Africa experience) so there is always something new to see with this attraction.
Hidden Gems and Missed Opportunities
Adult Dining Delight:
One of my favorite moments was a peaceful, kid-free lunch with a friend at FireLake Grill House. The food was absolutely delicious, especially the Harvest Salad and Minnesota Wild Rice Soup. They were fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned. Paired with refreshing mimosas, it was a much-needed escape from the busyness of MOA. In addition, the service was excellent. If you’re looking for a spot to unwind and enjoy high-quality food, I can’t recommend it enough!
Missed Attractions:
We had plans for mini-golf, but ran out of time. Other attractions we skipped out on were a Cocomelon play area for younger kids, escape rooms for older ones, and even an aquarium. Nearby, there’s Great Wolf Lodge, IKEA, and other entertainment options we hope to explore on our next visit.
Shopping Highlights:
No trip to MOA is complete without some shopping. The LEGO store was a hit with my boys, thanks to its incredible wall of LEGO parts and unique sets. Grandma and Grandpa’s gifts brought big smiles, and the kids couldn’t wait to build their new creations.
There is a Toys “R” Us store that my boys couldn’t wait to visit. Ultimately, it was a little disappointing. There wasn’t much there that interested them. It wasn’t anything like what I remember from when I was younger. It was quite a bit smaller, the toys were less impressive (some even seemed very cheaply made), and the variety of toys was underwhelming. We ended up not buying anything from there.
I also took some time to visit my favorite store, Barnes and Noble. I left the kids with my husband and explored the store on my own!
Tips for Your Mall of America Adventure
One of the best discoveries during our trip was the Mall of America app. By scanning receipts from restaurants, shops, and attractions, you can earn points that turn into free attraction tickets or discounts. It’s a fantastic way to save money or indulge in extra fun without spending more.
Another tip is to buy tickets ahead of time either online or through the app. Most of the attractions offer a discount to do this. Another way to save money is to buy a bundle with the attractions. Most bundles include Nickelodeon Universe and then a combination of other attractions. We ultimately did not do the bundle because we didn’t think it would save us money (and we were right!). However, my sister-in-law purchased it, and they did save money. It definitely depends on you family and what you would enjoy doing. For reference, her kids are older than ours. Our boys are 7 years-old and her boys are 11 years-old and an adult.
One of the other perks of staying near the Mall of America is the proximity of the Transportation Center. This is where the Light Rail originates as well as a bus stop for many other areas in the Twin Cities. The Light Rail travels into downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul as well as two stops at the airport.
Can’t Wait to Return
Even with a packed schedule, we barely scratched the surface of everything MOA has to offer. I love the Twin Cities, and I’m already looking forward to a warmer trip. So we can explore even more of what’s outside the mall. Until then, this magical Christmas trip will hold a special place in our hearts.
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