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Museum of Illusions at the Mall of America – Tips for Visiting!

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The Museum of Illusions is open at the Mall of America, and it’s a lot of fun! I visited with my family and took a lot of photos.

Here is my review and tips for visiting.

museum of illusions chair

About the Museum of Illusions

The Museum of Illusions is located in the Mall of America, on the 2nd floor of North Garden. It’s located directly under the Culinary on North food court, if you’re looking for an easy landmark.

museum of illusions

It just opened recently and is a 6,600 square foot museum with 60+ exhibits to explore and blow your mind.

Our Visit

[Read more…]

ClimbZone at Mall Of America DISCOUNTS

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Finally! I’ve been looking for a deal for ClimbZone at the Mall of America, which just opened in 2022. And here it is!

Right now – for a super limited time- you can save up to 25% on a 60-minute climbing package via Groupon.

climbzone wall

ClimbZone has over 40 climbing walls and an experience here includes equipment and orientation briefing that covers auto-belaying. And it’s gotten GREAT reviews!

About ClimbZone:

Climb up the rigging of a pirate’s ship, grapple your way up through a wall-sized game of Tetris, scale the face of Mount Rushmore—and then let gravity gently lower you to the ground. ClimbZone USA’s whimsical indoor climbs capture the imagination before the ascent even begins, but the big attraction isn’t the colorful trees, blocks, and stone-faced presidents. An auto-belay system puts even the youngest climbers in charge of their own journeys upward, carefully lowering them back to earth when they’ve reached their level. Spirits climb nearly as high as the guests themselves, thanks to the birthday parties, snacks on hand, and endorphins generated from the healthy workout a climb provides.

climbzone groupon

Save on a package right now (even more with their promo going on right now!):

Promotional value expires October 13, 2023. Paid amount never expires.

NOTE: After you get the deal, you must make a reservation.

climbzone attraction

Get the deal now while it lasts!

Are there other discounts?

YES – they have a Military and First Responders discount of 20%.

Also check out my guide, 15 FREE Things to Do with Kids at the Mall of America, with my FREE Printable Scavenger Hunt!

tcfm free things mall of america

(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that help support this site at no cost to you. All opinions are 100% mine.)

Nickelodeon Universe Explorer Annual Pass 30% Off Deal (& Other Ways to Save)

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Nickelodeon Universe

In honor of the Mall of America’s 30th Anniversary, you can save 30% off Nickelodeon Universe Explorer Annual Passes right now! This is only valid for a limited time – until August 11, 2022.

The regular price is $175, but you can get it right now for only $121.99!

Here’s what you get:

  • A year of unlimited ride wristbands
  • Discounts on select food and beverages
  • Savings on exclusive Nickelodeon merchandise + more

Learn more here!

Not sure you want an annual pass?

Here are other ways to save money on Nickelodeon Universe tickets and wristbands!

  • AAA members save on wristbands when available
  • Military Discount: $10 off an Unlimited Ride Wristband with Military I.D.
  • Discounted tickets/wristbands are often available at Costco (for members)

See all the info and more discounts for area attractions here in my Twin Cities Discount Guide for Families.

Twin Cities Discount Guide for Families

Nickelodeon Boo-niverse and Halloween Festivities at Mall of America

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Nickelodeon Booniverse 2021

Yay! Nickelodeon Boo-niverse is back with Halloween festivities for the whole family at Mall of America.

Nickelodeon Universe is being transformed into Nickelodeon Boo-niverse® in October and there are many free events!

Halloween festivities include:

Fright Lights Halloween Spectacular

How cool is this? The nightly light show at the South Entrance of Nickelodeon Universe has been taken over by a funky witch who commands the lights and music to groove and the people to move – all in the name of Spooky Halloween fun! Note: There are strobe lights and fog effects.

When?

Sunday – Thursday: Park Close
Fridays & Saturdays: 8 & 9 p.m.

Where?

South Entrance of Nickelodeon Universe (near LEGO)

[Read more…]

The M&M’s Store Is Now Open at the Mall of America

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Mall of America M&M Store

SWEET!!!!!!

The M&M’s Store opens today – Saturday, May 1st – at the Mall of America!!!!

It’s located at 5160 Center Court- right by the TCF Rotunda on level 1. It’s hard to miss – we’ve walked by it many times in the past year as it was getting built. It’s where the American Girl store used to be. We miss that store but are actually SUPER excited about this new store!

A number of years ago I visited the M&M Store in Las Vegas – now that was awesome. There are several stores worldwide – and I’m SUPER excited there’s one now here in the Twin Cities!

This new store is filled with immersive experiences so you can leave with memories and digital downloads to share with friends and family. Yay!

It’s totally FREE to enjoy all the interactive experiences in the store. For example, there’s “M&M’S Sweet Moves,” where you can express your personality “through color, sound and movement.” You can also visit “Peanut Peak,” a rooftop celebration of the local landscape inspired by the gorgeous Minnesota views.

In fact, I received a cool box full of samples of the Minnesota merchandise you can find in the store! Check these out! 

M&M Box

Of course there are also M&M’S fan favorites in the store, including the personalization station, signature M&M’S, “Wall of Chocolate” and exclusive merchandise.

[Read more…]

Discounted Admission to Michaelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Exhibition (50% off!)

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Michaelangelo's Sistine Chapel

A new exhibition is at the Mall of America and it’s called “Michaelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Exhibition.” It recreates one of the world’s greatest artistic achievements right here in Minnesota! And you can get DISCOUNTED admission right now through Groupon and save up to 50%!!!

The reviews have been very positive – you can see for yourself!

I’ve been wanting to go to this exhibit with my kids and now is a great time!

Here are the deals:

  • $8 for One Single-Day General-Admission for Children (Ages 6–18) Ticket; Valid Monday–Friday
    (regularly $12)
  • $11 for One Single-Day General-Admission for Adult (Ages 19+) Ticket; Valid Monday–Friday 
    (regularly $19)
  • $19 for Two Single-Day General-Admission for Adult (Ages 19+) Tickets; Valid Monday–Friday
    (regularly $38)
  • $15 for Two Single-Day General-Admission for Children (Ages 6–18) Tickets; Valid Monday–Friday
    (regularly $24)

Plus through February 20th you can save an EXTRA 20% with code SAVE.

Check availability!

If you miss that extra 20% off deal, check the page anyway for current deals!

(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that help support this site at no cost to you. All opinions are 100% mine.)

Sugar Factory Mall of America Discounts: Candy and Food for Up to 40% Off

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Sugar Factory Mall of America

Got your sweet tooth ready?

The Sugar Factory at the Mall of America is part restaurant, part candy store – and they have all kinds of unique, fun concoctions for all ages. They have burgers, drinks and treats galore!

And right now you can save up to 40% on food and candy!

PLUS – on February 1st ONLY – you can save an EXTRA 25% off!!!!! Use code SALE3.

Sugar Factory Store Mall of America

Here are the deals:

  • $29 for $40 Worth of Food and Drink For Lunch; Valid Monday–Friday, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. (27% 0ff)
  • $12 for $20 Worth of Candy and Treats at the Retail Store; Valid Any Day (40% off)

Note that the lunch deal is only good Monday to Friday, not including federal holidays. The deal amount expires 90 days after purchase. (Be sure to read the fine print.)

Check availability now! (Be sure to use code SALE3 on February 1st to save an extra 25% off!)

(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that help support this site at no cost to you. All opinions are 100% mine.)

Free Flower Bouquets at Mall of America on Saturday, October 24th (Limited Number)

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Petal it forward flowers

Who doesn’t need some cheering up right now?

Well, Indulge & Bloom at the Mall of America are giving away 400 bouquets of flowers to celebrate Petal It Forward day this Saturday, October 24th!

Anyone who visits Indulge + Bloom at Mall of America on level 3, North Garden will receive two free flower bouquets! They are then encouraged to spread the happiness and give away their second bouquet, sharing their happiness on social media using #petalitforward.

For more information on this event, click here:

https://mallofamerica.com/events/view/27209

Great Wolf Lodge Bloomington & Wis Dells as Low as $109 a Night plus fees (October – December dates)

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Plan a fall getaway to the Great Wolf Lodge in Bloomington or Wisconsin Dells! They’re open! And Groupon is offering a great deal on stays right now!

In Bloomington, get a Deluxe Bunk Bed Suite (like the one my family stayed in before!) for as low as $109 a night, or a Family Suite for as low as $119 a night from Groupon! (Plus fees, as with any booking.) In the Wisconsin Dells, get a Double-Queen Sofa Suite for as low as $109 a night for a 2-night stay from Groupon.

[Read more…]

Nickelodeon Universe is opening again at the Mall of America on August 10th

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Nickelodeon Universe
Above: Nickelodeon Universe, closed during COVID-19.

After being closed for 5 months due to COVID-19, Nickelodeon Universe is opening again on Monday, August 10th!

The Mall of America is open again, and we went early in July. It was so weird seeing Nickelodeon Universe so quiet and empty!

I’m excited (and my kids are excited) that they’ll be opening again. However, there will be significant changes to maintain a safe, healthy, and comfortable environment for everyone.

For example, not all rides are open – in my opinion, the list of open rides is actually quite small. Plus, EVERYONE will need a ticket to enter – even if you’re not going on rides, though those tickets are only $4.99.

Here are some of the changes:

Significantly reduced capacity:

Only 250 people will be allowed in the park at any given time. There will be only one way to enter, and all other entries will be closed. You’ll only be able to get in if you have purchased a ticket.

Only one ticket option – 2-hour ticket:

There will only be one ticket option which is a two-hour ticket that allows you to enjoy unlimited attractions during that time. Tickets are $19.99 plus tax for riders, plus $4.99 plus tax for non-riders. These tickets can only be purchased onsite – no advance ticket reservations can be made. 

They expect capacity to be reached early in the day, so if you arrive when it’s at capacity, you can join a virtual queue and you’ll be notified when you can enter.

New safety requirements for all guests:

Everyone ages 3 and up will have to wear a face mask at all times including while on the ride. Children ages two and under and people with special medical conditions are exempt from this requirement.

You can remove your face mask when actively eating or drinking but must be stationary and maintain appropriate social distancing.

You must sanitize your hands before entering each attraction. Sanitizing stations have been added to the entrance and exit of each attraction.

Limited attractions:

Some attractions will not be open due to limited staffing and reduced capacity levels, as well as the inability to social distance safely. (I think a lot of the best ones are closed.) A list of the available attractions that will be running can be found at nickelodeonuniverse.com.

Limited hours

Nickelodeon Universe will be open from 11:00am – 7:00pm daily.

Questions?

What about discounted tickets? What about tickets you bought before COVID? These will be good after Nickelodeon Universe is open normally again (whenever that is!). 

Check out their website for more information.