I’m teaming up with the Museum of Illusions at Mall of America to share a sweet back-to-school deal — and to GIVE AWAY two family 4-packs of tickets to my readers!

If you’re a Twin Cities family who loves silly photos, hands-on fun, and a little brain-bending science, this one’s for you.

The deal (quick!)

Back-to-School Family Package — now through September 30

• 20% off a family set: two (2) adults + two (2) children

• $20 off select items in the Illusion Shop

Just go to their website and click on the deal at the top of the screen!

Our family has visited the museum a couple of times and it’s great! And I love that they’re offering this great back to school deal.

“We love seeing families explore, laugh, and learn together,” says Kimberly Nelson, General Manager at Museum of Illusions Mall of America. “With this back-to-school special, we’re giving families a reason to make new memories as the school year begins.”

Advanced tickets are encouraged — you can grab them at www.moimallofamerica.com.

Why we love it (my review + highlights from our visits)

Our family visited after the museum opened a couple years ago, and we left with so many awesome, weird photos that I went back with a friend soon after. It was that fun! As I shared in my review, the Museum of Illusions feels more like an interactive playground for perception than a traditional museum — and that’s exactly the point.

Quick facts:

• Located on the 2nd floor of North Garden at Mall of America (right under the Culinary on North food court — handy landmark!).

• About 6,600 sq ft with 60+ exhibits to explore.

• Recognized by STEM.org as a top 5% “Best in STEM” organization for 2024–2025 — so it’s playful and brainy.

Fan favorites we loved:

• Walk-in Kaleidoscope — get lost in color and patterns.

• Vortex Tunnel — a dizzy, sensory experience (you’ll wobble — but it’s so fun).

• Infinity Room — endless reflections = knockout family photos.

• Tilted Room and Ames Room — perfect for tricking perspective (make your kids look gigantic or tiny!).

• Novel photo ops: hanging-off-a-building illusions, the sideways room, RGB changing-light rooms, and the classic head-on-a-platter illusion.

Short version: it’s incredibly photogenic, playful, and a great outing! Plan for about an hour to really enjoy things.

Tickets & savings (my tips)

• Ticket range I’ve seen: around $24 for timed entry (buy in advance if you can) and $34 for non-timed entry.

• Discounts: military and MOI Insiders discounts are offered — MOI Insiders (the free sign-up option) gave us a better price when we visited.

• Right now the Museum is making it extra affordable for families to visit. 🎉
  
  Now through September 30th, you can grab the Back-to-School Family Package, which includes:
  ✔️ 20% off tickets for two adults + two kids
  ✔️ $20 off select goodies in the Illusion Shop (perfect for bringing a little magic home!)

Tips to make your visit magical

• Take your time. Read the exhibit notes and go through twice — we missed a couple rooms on our first excited run.

• Ask staff for photo help. They’ll line up the right angles so your pictures really pop.

• Dress for movement & photos. Some exhibits require climbing/posing on the floor — comfy clothes are ideal.

• Bring a few people. The more folks you have, the better the photo possibilities and laughs.

• Plan for a quick stop at the food court afterward — it’s right above the museum.

For more Mall of America ideas, check my guide: “15 Free Things to Do with Kids at the Mall of America (& FREE Printable Scavenger Hunt).”

GIVEAWAY — Win one of TWO family 4-packs!

I’m giving away two family 4-packs (each pack good through December) so two lucky families can experience the Museum of Illusions for themselves.

How to enter:

Fill out the RafflePress form below with your information by Tuesday, September 23rd at 9pm.

Rules & notes:

• Each family prize is a 4-pack of tickets (2 adults + 2 kids), valid through December. 

• Be sure to use an email address you check regularly! 

• I’ll choose two winners and announce them on social media. Their names will also be listed on the giveaway form below.