Visit Minneapolis: Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America

An amusement park in a mall?  That's right.  At the Mall of America, you'll find Nickelodeon Universe, the nation's largest indoor theme park, with seven acres of attractions dedicated to beloved characters such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora, Blue, and more.

Stepping into the Nickelodeon Universe, the kids couldn't help but get excited seeing rides based on The Backyardigans, Wonder Pets, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and other Nickelodeon favorites.  

Our family was fortunate to receive all-day wristbands, which meant unlimited rides all day long.

There are rides for all ages and all levels of thrill-seekers.

From mini bumper cars to coasters that spin and plunge, there is something for everyone!

My youngest enjoyed the Paw Patrol Adventure Bay, which was full of places to slide, climb, and crawl.

My middle son liked the Backyardigans Swing-Along and kept going on it again and again.

My oldest loves roller coasters, and he rode the Pepsi Orange Streak coaster several times.

My fave was the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shell Shock, a high-flying ride that enables riders to completely flip over - if you're daring enough (I wasn't daring enough).

At the end of the night, guests can watch the Universe of Light Show, a fun laser and music show that will get kids dancing!

I loved that Nickelodeon Universe is in the Mall of America, which meant air conditioning!  Even though the outside temperature was in the 80s, it was so cool and comfortable at the amusement park.

In addition to rides, there are food stands as well as retailers to buy Nickelodeon gear.  

As a parent to a child with autism, I appreciated the fact that the Nickelodeon Universe is a Certified Autism Center, with staff trained on sensory disorders.  

The lines were minimal, seating was plenty, and if we needed a break, we could always shop or browse at one of the hundreds of stores at the mall.

Nickelodeon Universe was definitely a highlight during our visit to Minneapolis!

Nickelodeon Universe
Mall of America® Address

5000 Center Ct

Bloomington, MN 55425

Mahalo to the sponsor for the complimentary admission.

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Visit Minneapolis: SEA LIFE Aquarium at Mall of America

A visit to Mall of America means more than just shopping and dining.  There are many attractions you can visit, including the SEA LIFE Aquarium.

The SEA LIFE Aquarium is home to thousands of sea creatures big and small - from the tiniest frogs in the new Brave the Rainforest exhibit, to enormous sharks in the underwater tunnel.

Upon entering the aquarium, kids can pick up a dive log, which includes interesting information about a number of sea creatures.  The kids find a variety of stations throughout the aquarium to get a stamp, and upon completion of the dive log, they can get a reward from the gift shop!

The new Brave the Rainforest exhibit gives you an up close look at animals such as piranha, crocodiles, tarantulas, and other rainforest residents.  You can even step into the 360-degree pop-up tank in the middle of flying cockroaches! 

Throughout the aquarium you'll come across graceful jellies, giant sea turtles, and gliding rays.

Our family's favorite part of the exhibit was the 300-foot long underwater tunnel.

We saw all sorts of sea life as we walked through the tunnel.  It was quite mesmerizing to simply gaze at the sea creatures swimming all around us.  From the intriguing Midas Cichild (the fish with a bump on its head), to the numerous types of sharks, it was so neat to be that close to the amazing variety of sea life.

I thought the sawfish was pretty exciting to watch (you can see a video on Hawaii Mom Blog's Instagram).

There is even a touch pool, which the kids loved!

The SEA LIFE Aquarium at Mall of America was a great way to see and learn about animals that call the ocean and rainforest home.

SEA LIFE Aquarium
Mall of America®
120 East Broadway East Side, Level

Bloomington, MN 55425

Mahalo to the sponsor for the complimentary tickets.

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Visit Minneapolis: FlyOver America at Mall of America

The Mall of America is home to numerous attractions, and one such attraction is FlyOver America.

Truth be told, I've been on similar rides before, and I didn't think FlyOver America would offer anything different, but I was wrong.

FlyOver America was a highlight for me during our multiple visits to the Mall of America.

Prior to the simulated ride, guests can answer trivia questions while waiting in line.

We were then shown a short video about the ride itself, and soon we were buckled in, ready to take off.

This simulation ride had us soaring over and through some of the country's most iconic spots (including Hawaii!).  It really gave the sensation of flying through the air (one of my kids really thought we were up in the air and kept looking down below, and kept clinging on to my husband).  Add to that the wind and mist effects - it was such a neat experience!  We flew over mountains, alongside surfers, and near skyscrapers. 

We had spectacular views of some of America's most popular places - Mount Teton in Wyoming; San Francisco, California; Crater Lake, Oregon, and so much more!  

One of my favorite parts about the ride was when we got up close to actual skiers and bikers and watched them ski down the steep slopes or bike across treacherous terrains.  It was both thrilling and terrifying!

FlyOver America really made me want to travel more and see the various cities and landmarks I have yet to visit.  

After the ride, you'll see a large map in the gift shop of all the places a specially-equipped helicopter flew over to capture the most stunning video.

No photos or videos are allowed while on the ride, so you'll just have to experience this fun ride for yourself.

FlyOver America

Mall of America®
5120 Center Court

Bloomington, MN 55425 

Mahalo to the sponsor for the complimentary tickets.

 

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