Endless Group Travel Activities at Mall of America

When you’re heading to the biggest mall in the United States, wear your walking shoes. At 4.2 million square feet, the Mall of America (MOA) — located just a short ride away from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn. — offers dozens of exciting group travel activities. There are hundreds of places to shop and endless ways to be a kid again. You can even swim with sharks.

The Mall of America has 520 stores, from every clothing store you can imagine to jewelry, shoe and toy stores — and did we mention there’s no clothing sales tax? You can keep your energy up with a quick stop at one of the five Caribou Coffee shops or indulge your sweet tooth at the many ice cream, cookie and other snack shops. In addition, there are more than 50 restaurant options throughout the Mall and at the South Street Dining area.

And when your group needs a break from all that shopping and eating, get a relaxing massage or have your nails done. You can even have your hair “blown out” like Hollywood stars at the Blast blow dry bar.

Whether your group has kids or not, the Mall’s entertainment options can make your head spin. Group travel activities include the largest indoor family amusement park, an aquarium and an 18-hole miniature golf course. In spring 2014, the interactive, life-size Barbie The Dreamhouse Experience opened.

Nickelodeon Universe has seven acres of attractions, including dozens of roller coasters and other rides for kids and adults of all ages, an adventure course and the longest indoor zip line in North America.

Entrance to Nickelodeon Universe is free; to go on the rides, you can choose to buy individual tickets or a wristband. Check here for special promotions and discounts.

The Mall’s all-new Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium includes more than 10,000 sea creatures and fun, interactive activities. SCUBA-certified divers can even swim with the sharks, an experience named “The World’s Best Shark Encounter” by travelchannel.com.

Whether your group travel activities tend to entail planning ahead and mapping out your mall route and activities, or winging it and wandering from floor to floor, you’re sure to have an exhilarating, rewarding day at the Mall of America.