M-O-A-cation
Happy spring! We just got back from our mini spring break trip to Minneapolis (MOA = Mall of America). We were supposed to go last year but decided to cancel at the last minute due to COVID. So thankful we got to make up for it this year!
The Mall of America is one of my favorite places. Our kids had been there once before, but they were too young to remember (I can’t believe how little they are in those pictures!). If you’ve never been to the Mall of America, it’s the largest shopping mall in America with hundreds of retail stores, restaurants, entertainment and attractions — including an amusement park in the middle!
DAY 1
MOA has two hotels attached to it. We arrived around 5:00 pm and got settled into our hotel room. Our kids haven’t been out much in the last year and turns out they would have been happy just riding the elevator and luggage cart.
Staying on-site was a new experience for me, and I highly recommend it if the mall is your main destination. It’s so nice to not have to deal with driving or parking. A minute after you leave your hotel room, you’re in the mall. I’d personally love to move in!
Shake Shack: First things first! We went straight to Shake Shack for dinner. (Pro tip: Order ahead on the app!) Afterward, we walked around the mall a little bit to get acclimated and show our kids a little of what the mall has to offer. They especially enjoyed browsing one of the toy stores.
DAY 2
Swimming: Our kids are still at the age where a hotel pool is the most exciting part of the trip. We stayed at the JW Marriott which currently allows you to reserve the pool for one hour per day, and the kids were thrilled to do that both mornings.
Rainforest Cafe: Kind of cheesy, and the food isn’t anything special, but we figured the kids would love it—and we most certainly enjoyed the look on their faces every time one of the animals moved.
FYI, we showed up a couple minutes before they opened for lunch at 11:00 am and got in no problem, but on our way out an hour later the wait time was 2.5 hours, so get a reservation if you can!
Shopping: It’s a mall first and foremost, so some shopping was done. We split up since the kids wanted to go different places. We gave them each some spending money and they also brought their chore money from home — this was one of the best things we did so they didn’t ask for every single thing they saw. They had a budget! Finch spent his money at The LEGO Store, and Rooney hit up Claire’s, a gift shop and a kiosk. Rooney and I also went to H&M where she picked out a couple cute things. Shopping for clothes with my best girl makes me so happy!
Nickelodeon Universe: When we planned the trip, this was sort of the main event. Things are constantly changing due to COVID, but currently about half the rides are open and they allow you to book a two-hour reservation in advance (250 people are let in at a time). We would have liked a little more time there, but it was also kind of nice to have an end time so it didn’t go on forever. Our kids went on about 9-12 rides over the course of the two hours. The employees sanitize the rides between each group, which takes a little extra time. Their favorite rides were Ghost Blasters and Brain Surge, where Finch surprised us by choosing to go upside down. Rooney also liked the Pepsi Orange Streak roller coaster. Eric says he thinks we can handle Disney now — ha!
Time with friends: Any trip to Minneapolis is not complete for us without spending time with my childhood friend, Joa, and her family. Our kids hadn’t been around each other for five years so it was absolutely magical to see and hear them playing like old friends. Rooney and Ida are now pen pals. We are so thankful for them and wish we lived closer!
DAY 3
IKEA: After swimming at the hotel one last time, we drove across the street to IKEA. It was kind of a last-minute decision (their inventory is so touch and go right now, we weren’t sure they’d have what we wanted), but we ended up being able to grab a few things for the house. And the kids got a couple new stuffed animals, of course. We ate lunch at the restaurant before driving the 3.5 hours home. Rooney says, “Rate IKEA 5 stars.” Done!
We had a great time and thought two nights was the perfect amount, but there’s still so much we didn’t do at the mall: miniature golf, mirror maze, movie theater, SEA LIFE aquarium and Crayola Experience, just to name a few! When we got home the kids immediately started playing “Mall of America.” They had a blast and asked if we could go back soon. I hope we do!